Volkswagen Passat
Style is as important as storage in the ultra-competitive estate sector, which is why VW says it's expecting big things from the load-lugging version of its new Passat. And with good reason - Auto Express was so impressed by the saloon, it won the best family car title in our recent New Car Honours 2005
Retaining the desirability of the award-winning saloon, the Passat estate is a convincing package. While it doesn't have the biggest boot, few cars can rival its looks, image and driver appeal. There is also a huge choice of engines and gearboxes - but anyone opting for the DSG set-up should add the steering wheel paddles. Subaru should watch out, too, as a 4WD 3.2-litre V6 estate is on the way.
Style is as important as storage in the ultra-competitive estate sector, which is why VW says it's expecting big things from the load-lugging version of its new Passat. And with good reason - Auto Express was so impressed by the saloon, it won the best family car title in our recent New Car Honours 2005.
We tried the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI estate, which will be the range's biggest seller when it goes on sale in November. Our model featured the optional £1,500 DSG sequential transmission, but a six-speed manual box will be standard.
The saloon's stylish lines haven't been harmed by the extended roofline of the estate. Neat rear lights and the gentle crease along the flanks make the Passat look as though it was always meant to be a load-lugger. Inside, a clever Luggage Management Package is included as standard on higher-spec variants. This comprises a pair of metal rails running the length of the load area, along which slide a series of tie-loops, bars and retaining straps. Designed to prevent small objects from moving around, the set-up is a great idea, even though the fixings are fiddly to use, and feel a little fragile.
As you would expect from a car that's 92mm longer and 74mm wider than its predecessor, there's more load space - 41 litres up on the old model to a maximum of 1,641 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That's less than in the Honda Accord Tourer (which has a maximum capacity of 1,707 litres), but more than the all-new BMW 3-Series Touring (1,285 litres). And although the VW doesn't share the BMW's useful opening tailgate glass, buyers will be pleased to learn all Passats come with a full-sized spare wheel as standard.
The suspension has been tuned to take account of the additional 30kg kerbweight, and out on the road, the ride is firm when unladen - not surprising from a machine capable of carrying a 638kg payload. That said, on the smooth German surfaces of our test route, it was always comfortable. Refinement is top class, too, with wind noise from the door mirrors only noticeable at high motorway speeds.
We also tested the 197bhp 2.0T FSI model, which uses the same powerplant as the Golf GTI. This variant comes with a robust-feeling six-speed gearbox and predictably strong pace. The 0-62mph sprint takes only 7.8 seconds, and there is always more in reserve. However, if relaxed performance is what you want, the most powerful diesel Passat should be well worth a look. And although the 167bhp 2.0-litre TDI wasn't available for us to try at the launch, it's based on the 138bhp oil-burner we tested - but adds more advanced injectors and a diesel particulate filter.
As in the saloon, the Passat estate's cabin is typical VW, with high-quality design and materials throughout. However, we did encounter problems with an ineffective climate control system in one of our test cars. It won't be long before the part-suede trim becomes grubby, either, which is an oversight on a such a potentially hard-working vehicle.
Still, those niggles aside, the Passat estate looks set for success. With such a broad range of engine and trim levels to choose from, it will provide stiff competition for everything from Ford's Mondeo to the new 3-Series.
