Volkswagen Passat Saloon (05-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
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

Other Volkswagen reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Although the Passat is no cheaper than its mainstream alternatives to buy new, its future residual values will be class leading and closer to cars like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 than the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia. It means the Passat will be a sound investment. About 80% of Passats sold will be diesel-powered. They will hold their value better, despite used petrol models being harder to find.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,461 - £2,192 *

Diesel

£1,002 - £1,526 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable servicing (up to approximately 18,000 miles or two years) or fixed servicing (at every 10,000 miles or 12 months) can be chosen when new. It is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle’s life, but it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £460.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    114
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    240
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Passat scores quite well on the eco front and with an average of 167g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are fairly low for a family saloon. The best model for the eco-conscious is the 1.9 TDI Bluemotion which emits 136g/km of CO2 and returns 55mpg. This was replaced in late 2008 by the Bluemotion 2 - this uses a smoother and quieter 2.0 TDI common rail engine with 110bhp. Thanks to longer gearing, aerodynamic tweaks and a Stop/Start function it is capable of 58mpg and emits 128g/km of CO2.

Find the exact engine and CO2