2016 Volkswagen Passat
The Passat has always been a hugely popular car in the UK, with almost half a million sold since the original model first went on sale in 1973. We think the latest version might just be the best one yet!
It might always have had conservative styling but with a reputation for reliability, quality and comfort it’s as suited to families as it is to business drivers. Go for the BlueMotion model then you’ll also be getting the most economical in its history.
Ok, the BlueMotion model is by no means the most lavishly specced trim. However, you’ll get a feel for the lovely quality inside the Passat’s cabin. The brushed aluminium is very classy, and while not to everyone’s taste, the full-width vents help blend styling and functionality. Every Passat comes with an electric handbrake which has allowed the designers to free up more space around the centre console. This allows you to get two generously sized cup holders, a place to put your pens and a large cubby to place and charge all of your devices.
The Passat is well equipped with a standard 6.5 inch infotainment system with Bluetooth and DAB radio. If that’s not enough for you then you can also get a 12.3 inch digital display which replaces the standard gauges. You can also get a head-up display as an added option which is nice. The mid-level SE Business trim will give you sat-nav and if you want the car to have a sportier look then then top R-Line trim level adds a styling kits both inside and out.
Competing with the likes of the Ford Mondeo, the Passat is anything but a small car. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that we find loads of leg and head room at the back. Not only is there a lots of space but it’s comfortable too. With 560 litres, the Passat’s boot is certainly big enough for a family’s suitcases for a trip away. However, if you’re after something even bigger and with a hatchback style opening then you’re probably better off with a Passat estate which has 650 litres of space.
When you hop in the Passat BlueMotion you can definitely tell it’s been engineered for economy. There isn’t that slug of mid-range torque that you often get in a bigger diesel engine. With a 1.6 litre and 118 bhp you almost have to drive it a bit like a petrol, particularly because it’s long gearing means that when you hold it in second and third you need a few revs before you shift up to the next ratio. Saying that, it can actually get you from 0-60 in 10.8 seconds which is quicker than the equivalent Mondeo. That’s really not bad when you consider that this saloon can return 76mpg. With C02 emissions set at 95g/km means it’s also exempt from road tax.
If it’s more power you’re after then we would recommend then 2.0 litre diesel which will give you an improved 188 bhp. This is actually the UK’s biggest seller and for good reason – it’s simply the best all-rounder. There’s also a Bi-turbo diesel with 237 bhp. However, for the extra expense it’s probably not worth the outlay.
So, how does the Passat feel to drive? Well, it certainly won’t set your driving gloves on fire but as you’d probably expect from a Passat it does feel incredibly sure-footed and confidence inspiring. The steering is pretty much set up for motorway driving and the whole car is very relaxing at higher speeds. Chuck it into a few corners and you’ll not find too much body roll but push too hard and it’ll gently go into understeer.
As of typing, the standard Passat BlueMotion starts from around £23k which is quite impressive for a car of this size and such great economy. However, the Mondeo 1.5 TDCi Zetec is slightly cheaper with similar spec and performance. Whenever you drive a Passat the one word that springs to mind is “solid”. That’s because it pretty much sums up everything from the way it’s built to the way it drives. You might want something a bit more exciting in the garage for weekends but if it’s a car for commuting or driving long distances then the Volkswagen Passat is pretty much perfect.
