The Passat has achieved a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test and scored four stars for child protection. ESP (an electronic stability programme) is standard as are front, side and curtain airbags, automatic pedal retraction, seatbelt reminder and active head restraints.
The estate version of the Passat offers almost 30 litres more luggage space than the saloon with the rear seats in place. However, the ability to fold the chairs down flat means it's possible to carry larger and longer loads. It also increases the total available load capacity to 1,641 litres. This is big enough for most things you can throw at the Passat but it's still smaller than the maximum boot space of alternatives like the Honda Accord, Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6.
There's an optional luggage organiser (like the one offered in the Audi A6 Avant) which uses belts and rigid bars to keep items of luggage secure while you are driving.
Euro NCAP Rating
The Volkswagen Passat Estate (05-11) was tested by Euro NCAP in and received the following safety ratings:
Euro NCAP provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. The safety ratings are determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users.