Skip advert
Advertisement

New VW Passat Estate

Midlife facelift for the Passat brings plenty of improvements, but mild styling changes mean that it impresses rather than dazzles.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Passat
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Passat does plenty right –it’s comfortable, refined, good value and practical. But it faces the same problem that the model always has – it’s not especially desirable. This estate is certain to win many fans for its ability to carry children and bags, and travel long distances with ease. But it would be good if VW’s designers could convince you to buy one because you want it – and not because you need it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Passat is evolving! Rather than undergoing a complete overhaul, Volkswagen’s latest model has taken small steps towards improving an already winning formula. But are the changes enough to keep the Passat at the top of its game?

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69306","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Well, the looks certainly aren’t revolutionary. Every panel apart from the roof has been changed from the old model, but it’s still recognisable as a Passat. That’s not such a bad thing – the VW’s family face is sharp and new creases in the bodywork make for a stylish overall look.

Inside, the changes are also subtle. Soft-touch materials now cover the dash and lashings of brushed aluminium add some class. Practicality is boosted, too, with a massive 603 litres of space, rising to 1,731 litres with the rear seats down.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GV60

2022 Genesis

GV60

39,303 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,084
View GV60
A6

2018 Audi

A6

85,000 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £14,990
View A6
Niro

2022 Kia

Niro

20,534 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £15,408
View Niro
Ioniq 5

2022 Hyundai

Ioniq 5

27,580 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £19,700
View Ioniq 5

Our model was powered by a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine and it’s the pick of the range. Acceleration is brisk, with 0-62mph in 10 seconds, while improved sound-deadening makes it incredibly quiet on the move, even at high revs.

Carrying a Bluemotion badge – which means stop-start and brake-energy regeneration are standard – the engine is efficient, too. Combined economy stands at 61.4 mpg and CO2 emissions are only 120g/km, ensuring the first year of road tax is free, and only £30 thereafter.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As you’d expect, the Passat feels at home on the motorway, with the soft ride soaking up rough surfaces easily and the long sixth gear allowing for relaxed cruising. It’s just as good around town, too.

Twisty back roads aren’t a problem, but the body rolls in corners, and the fully electric steering set-up is well weighted but short on feedback. Optional adaptive dampers help, with a Sport mode that stiffens the suspension and steering.

The six-speed manual gearbox fitted to our model is a pleasure to use, with quick and accurate shifts, although VW’s semi-automatic DSG transmission is also excellent. The Passat is good value for money, too, with our mid-range SE model weighing in at £22,874. That includes cruise control with fatigue detection, hill hold, 17-inch alloys and automatic lights and wipers.

There’s a wide range of hi-tech extras too, such as a self-parking system, massage function and a boot that opens when you wave your foot under the rear bumper. 

Rival: Ford Mondeo Estate

Fresh from an update itself, the Mondeo is better than ever. Arguably the driver’s choice in this segment, the Ford trumps the VW for thrills on the road. The two cost about the same but the Passat boasts the classier cabin.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025