Car reviews

Latest Passat is almost as big as a Mercedes-Benz E-Class but undercuts the base model by around £10,000. It competes against family favourites like the Ford Mondeo, as well as more upmarket models like the Honda Accord and the BMW 3-Series. Diesels will make up the bulk of sales with a choice of 105bhp 1.9 TDI and 140bhp 2.0 TDI from launch with a 170bhp 2.0 TDI arriving later. The petrol engines are all FSI units which VW claim are more economical than standard petrols, ranging from a 115bhp 1.6 or 150bhp 2.0 from launch, with a 200bhp 2.0T and 250bhp 3.2 V6 completing the range later. The Passat raises the bar for interior quality in the Mondeo-size sector and has an upmarket appeal absent from most mainstream manufacturers. The new Passat is more rewarding to drive and more comfortable than the old model.