Volkswagen Passat Saloon (05-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on 13 August 2008

Last Updated: 26 May 2009

The Passat has built up a reputation as a reliable, robustly built and well engineered car. The current model is no exception and thanks to the Volkswagen badge on the grille it has an image of quality that few alternatives can match. It's certainly a classy offering with neat styling and the comfortable interior reflects this with high grade materials and precise switches - features like the standard electric handbrake further reinforce the upmarket image. On the road the Passat is comfortable and predictable, if not very exciting, but on the downside it's only available as a saloon or an estate - there's no hatchback version. Still the boot is a good size and there's decent rear passenger space too. There's also a low emission Bluemotion version available.

4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£15,675 - £27,905

Used price range:

£2,930 - £18,860

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Clean styling, upmarket image, good sized boot, classy interior, comfortable ride

No hatchback version, not particularly exciting to drive, older TDI engines are noisy

For the review of the latest Volkswagen Passat Saloon click here

Driving & Performance

Performance

4 out of 5
"A wide range of engines have been available in the Passat since it was launched so it can be easy to..."
Handling

3.5 out of 5
"Out on the road the Passat shows excellent road manners with composed cornering and plenty of grip."

Comfort

Comfort

4.5 out of 5
"The Passat's excellent ride and low noise levels mean occupants will feel well insulated from the..."
Practicality

3.5 out of 5
"Although there's no hatchback version, the Passat still makes the most of what it has. The rear..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"Basic S models have all the important features such as alloy wheels, six airbags, ESP, air..."
Behind the wheel

4.5 out of 5
"Volkswagen has taken upmarket features from the Phaeton and Touareg to help give the Passat a luxury..."

Costs

Running costs

4 out of 5
"Although the Passat is no cheaper than its mainstream alternatives to buy new, its future residual..."
Green credentials

4 out of 5
"The Passat scores quite well on the eco front and with an average of 167g/km CO2 across the line-up,..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4.5 out of 5
"The Passat gained a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test and scored four stars for..."
Reliability

4.5 out of 5
"The engines in the Passat range are all used in other Volkswagen cars and have proved incredibly..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2.5 out of 5
"Volkswagen dealers aren't known for their discounts but that shouldn't stop you from aiming for one..."
Buying used

3.5 out of 5
"The Passat is an excellent family car with an upmarket image and superb reliability, but it's worth..."
Selling

4 out of 5
"Thanks to its strong reputation the Passat will always be sought after on the second hand market and..."