Volkswagen has the distinction of producing arguably the best family car on the market in terms of roominess, build quality and value for money.
The Volkswagen Passat is not just a class act in terms of quality, safety and equipment but as far as the space it offers inside is concerned it is probably unsurpassed in its sector.
The Passat is, therefore, the ideal family model in both saloon and estate formats, with the latter being reviewed separately.
It is also a favourite company car because in addition to its low tax liability, the combination of competitive price, reasonable running costs and high residual values endow it with attractive leasing packages.
All Volkswagen Passat’s have alloy wheels, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, CD player and split-folding rear seats. Several have automatic climate control, cruise control, four electric windows, multi-disc CD players, electric memory adjustment for the driver’s seat and even leather upholstery. Virtually all of these features are also optional extras on almost all models on which they are not standard, plus automatic transmission, which is generally available from £1,320.
Safety is synonymous with the Volkswagen badge and the Volkswagen Passat is no exception, having anti-lock brakes, ESP electronic stability programme, traction control, front, side and curtain air bags plus three-point seat belts all-round and ISOFIX child seat mountings. It gets the highest five-star EuroNCAP crash test safety rating for adult protection plus four stars for child protection. The remarkable durability of the car is testament to its inherent build quality too.
The 1.4 TSI petrol models have a CO2 figure of 157g/km. The 2.0 TDI 140bhp CR models are rated at 153g/km, rising to 160g/km for the 170bhp versions. The petrol-powered 1.8 and 2.0 TSI and TFSI models get ratings of 180g/km and 193g/km whilst the high-performance 153mph 3.2 4MOTION SEL is rated at 233g/km and escapes the highest band for company car tax liability.
The 1.4 TSI produces 120bhp of power and 155lb/ft of torque, or pulling power. This combination results in a 0-60mph acceleration time of 11.4 seconds, a top speed of 124mph and economy of 42.8mpg. Equivalent figures for the 1.8 TSI Highline are 158bhp, 185lb/ft, 9.9 seconds, 132mph and 37.2mpg, whilst those for the 2.0 TFSI are 197bhp, 207lb/ft, 7.7 seconds and 34.9mpg.
The 3.2-litre V6 4MOTION generates 247bhp of power, 236lb/ft of torque, zooms to 60mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 153mph and average economy of 28.8. Diesel power starts with the 140bhp 2.0 TDI CR which has a torque figure of 236lb/ft, a 0-60mph time of 9.9 seconds and economy of 48.7mpg. The more powerful 170bhp version generates pulling power of 258lb/ft to give a 0-60mph acceleration time of 8.6 seconds, a top speed of 138mph and economy of 46.3mpg.
The entry-level Volkswagen Passat is the 1.4 TSI 122ps model costs just £17,750, which is surprisingly low for a large family saloon of such quality. Next up is the 1.8 litre version at £19,330 followed by the range-topping petrol model in R36 FSi V6 4motion guise with four wheel drive at £34,375. The entry-level diesel is the 2.0-litre TDI ranging from £18,855 to £19,455 for the R-Line version. Then there is a 2.0 TDI Highline model with a higher power output of 170bhp at £22,220.
The range now also features the economical Passat Bluemotion 1.6 TDi at £19,365.
Volkswagen Passat S 1.4 TSI 122ps From £17750
3 Years 0% APR typical finance
Specification includes
- 42.2 mpg combined
- 155 g/km CO2 emissions
- Climatic air conditioning
- 16" Milwaukee alloy wheels
- Curtain airbag system
- Multifunction computer
- Electronic parking brake
- Alarm with interior protection
- ESP
CO2 emissions for the Passat range 136-249g/km. Fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100 km) Urban 18.7-42.2 (6.7-15.1) extra urban 37.7-67.3 (4.2-7.5) combined 28-55.4 (5.1-10.1). Finance is subject to status.
| Cash price | £17750 |
|---|---|
| Deposit | £8426 |
| Followed by 36 monthly payments of |
£259.0 |
| Total amount payable | £17750 |
0.0% APR typical