Road Test - Volkswagen Passat Estate 2.0 SE TDI

Author: Ian Strachan

The Volkswagen Passat is now in its seventh iteration and just keeps getting better and better. Often overlooked in the past as “boring”, the latest Passat is anything but, setting new standards in the upper medium sector.

There is no doubt that the exterior design used to be a little staid and safe. But now, this bigger version has much better looks and is less wedge-like. With a deep grille, sleek profile and Phaeton-style trim details it is far more distinctive. In the estate version that I tested you also get bags of room.

And you only have to get in the car to realise that this Passat is all about understated refinement and quality.

That's not to mention performance. I test drove the excellent 140 horsepower 2.0 diesel powered version which has all the power you need while being quiet and economical. Its penny pinching fuel consumption is helped by a slick, nicely sprung six speed manual gearbox. An indicator on the dashboard tells you when to change gear for maximum economy.

The smooth and refined engine -one of the best diesels on the market for my money - lacks for nothing and delivers power pleasantly. This is an enjoyable car to drive, and it can still return more than 61 mpg in mixed driving.

Handling is excellent and the car feels rigid and stable even when being pushed hard around corners. There's no sign at all of the booming vibration you sometimes get in an estate car. Road holding is sure footed and the ride is comfortable in the extreme.

Inside, the car is roomy and well laid out, with extremely comfortable, easy to adjust partly-powered seats. My test car had black seats and black trim, making it feel a little functional and austere, but that apart there has been a lot of attention to detail, with well positioned grab handles, a centre driver's armrest and controls which fall easily to hand, including a neat, push button park brake.

The loadspace is huge, looking all of its 523 litres. There's a tailgate which opens fully and a low sill to make loading easier. Boot space can be increased to 1731 litres with the rear seats folded forward.

Standard features includes very nice 17" alloys, ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution, alarm and immobiliser, cruise control, semi-automatic air conditioning, stop/start function (which can be disabled), all round electric windows electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted controls, DAB radio and rain-sensing wipers. My test car also had park-assist with front and rear sensors (£610), heated front seats (£260), touch-screen satnav and up-rated radio/CD (£695) and a large panoramic sunroof with electric blinds (£870) 

This is a thoughtfully put together package. It looks great and will give you comfortable and effortless business travelling. And it's not bad value at £23,375 on the road. 

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv