Review: VW Passat

While it has never been 'cutting edge' in terms of its looks, the Passat is a car which has truly stood the test of time writes Peter Carroll.

Since its launch in 1973 it has racked up sales of more than 15 million, spread over seven generations.

Nor has VW allowed it to rest on its laurels: it doesn't take much time behind the wheel to realise that the latest version is the best yet, as is the case with its fellow VW stablemate, the Golf.

The Passat may not be blessed with a design to set passions racing but its lines are clean and smart. There's more than a hint of the Phaeton about its looks, giving it a more upmarket executive feel.

VW sensibly concentrated on improving comfort and refinement, which should considerably enhance the Passat's appeal to company car drivers who regularly cover large distances.

It has always been a popular fleet car anyway with some 80 per cent of sales coming from the company car market.

Slightly larger than the outgoing car, the Passat has a distinctive grille at the front flanked by angular headlamps, while the back end is less wedge-shaped than before.

The saloon version seats five and has a decent sized boot of 485 litres. The back seats can usefully be folded down from the boot for awkward-shaped loads.

The interior has been updated and now features a notably more premium, uncluttered look. The dials of the dashboard have been revised and touches like the chrome effect trim and analogue clock work well.

The cabin now offers high levels of comfort and refinement. External noise is kept to a minimum due to the use of more sound-deadening material on the front bulkhead and thicker glass for the windows.

The seats are good and ride quality is excellent. The premium feel of the car is enhanced by slicker and sportier gearshift, while the electro-mechanical power steering has a lovely smooth action too.

The Passat benefits from one of the most rigid structure in its class, which not only aids refinement by reducing vibration but also enhances safety.

The vehicle also offers a comprehensive range of safety features and electronic drivers aids, which means that it has

retained its five star Euro NCAP award.

The most popular model is expected to be the SE 2.0 litre TDI 140PS but I tested the entry level 1.6 litre diesel, which is capable of returning over 70mpg on a run.

Its output is just 105PS but the car never felt underpowered. You can hit 60mph in around 12 seconds and the car is happy cruising at motorway speeds all day.

Emissions are just 114g/km of CO2 which means annual vehicle excise duty will be minimal.

VW bosses believe the Passat is good enough to tempt buyers out of more premium brands – and I think they could be right.

Because while there plenty of car manufacturers snapping at the heels of the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, I suspect none has made such a decent job of it as VW with its latest Passat.