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Estate
There aren't many bad things to say about the Volkswagen Passat Estate, but we may as well get them out of the way first. To start with, despite its large exterior dimensions, there's not as much boot space as you might think.
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It isn't as roomy as a Honda Accord, for example, and doesn't have as many innovative features. Then there's the electric handbrake, which takes a lot of getting used to. There's still plenty to like about the Passat, though. It has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the cabin is large and comfortable with great seats, the driving position is fully adjustable and there's a logical, well laid out dashboard. All round visibility is impressive, too. Last, but not least, the Passat is an excellent drive. Unlike its predecessor, the chassis now feels nimble and alert, and the ride comfortable. Models fitted with the optional Sport suspension make for an even sharper drive.
Running Costs
If you want to buy a low-cost estate then go in search of a Vauxhall, Ford, Citroen or Peugeot - the Passat sits in a more exclusive club. Fellow members include the Volvo V50 and the Honda Accord Tourer, and all hold on to their value rather well, particularly the diesels. The Passat's 104bhp 1.9 TDI engine is the most economical of the range with an official 47.9mpg, but you should still be happy enough with the 46.3mpg of the 138bp 2.0 TDI, while the more powerful 168bhp version manages 44.1mpg. The V6 has the worst fuel consumption, returning a claimed 28mpg. Insurance is high on the V6, too, with a group 16 rating, but most of the rest of the range is in group 12. Despite the premium badge, servicing costs are reasonable, and only a little higher than you'll pay for the equivalent Mondeo or Vectra.
Saloon
The Passat is an excellent car; in fact, it's almost good enough to step out of the Ford Mondeo class and have a crack at rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. Even on standard suspension it feels nimble, alert and involving; Sport models give even sharper handling, although a little of the standard car's excellent ride comfort is sacrificed. It's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel - and in any of the seats for that matter - although a little more shoulder support wouldn't go amiss. There's plenty of room both front and rear, generous cabin stowage and a good-sized boot. While the interior quality may not be quite up to Audi standards, it's still well ahead of what the Vectra and the Mondeo offer. The Passat scored a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and all models get six airbags plus traction and stability control as standard.
Running Costs
While you can pick up a Ford Mondeo or a Vauxhall Vectra for little money, the Passat, like Honda's Accord and Volvo's S40, doesn't come quite so cheap. At least it is a little easier to insure than its predecessor. Cheapest of all is the 1.6-litre entry level car, which incurs no more than a group 7 rating. The 2.0 TDI 138bhp SE sits in group 9, and the V6 4Motion is the most expensive to insure with a group 16 rating. With an official 28.2mpg, the V6 is also the thirstiest engine in the range. The most economical is the 1.9 TDI with 47.9mpg, while the 138bhp 2.0 TDI manages 46.3mpg and the 168bhp version 47.1mpg. Service intervals are variable and costs are on a par with what you'll pay for a Honda Accord or a Volvo S40.