Volkswagen Passat review

• For: Interior space, ride comfort, decent image
• Against: Drab styling, can get expensive
• Verdict: Practical family car with a premium feel

The Volkswagen Passat is one of Europe’s most popular saloon and estate cars, bridging the gap between volume models and the premium players.

Prices start from around £27,000 for the saloon and £29,500 for the estate.

There are two petrol engines: a 150hp 1.5-litre turbocharged unit and a 2.0 developing 190hp. There’s also a trio of diesels: a 120hp 1.6, 150hp 2.0 and another 2.0 with twin turbos for 240hp.

It’s not particularly exciting to look at, but the Passat scores highly for its quality cabin, interior space and comfortable ride.

There are four trim levels: SE, SEL, R-Line and R-Line Edition (estate only).

In addition, both body styles are available as plug-in hybrids in the GTE and GTE Advance models. This pairs a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver the ultimate balance of performance and efficiency.

The off-road Passat Alltrack completes the range.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2015
• Facelifted: 2019
• Due for replacement: 2021