The Volkswagen Passat Estate is a well-equipped load-lugger and, with a good record of reliability, impressive residuals and more gadgets than ever it’s sure to be a favourite with buyers.

Looks can be deceiving

While the Passat in its saloon variant looks a little bland, the estate is sharper and the elegant styling disguises its size thanks to the subtle styling changes to both the exterior and interior. The front end is dominated by a new grille featuring prominent horizontal chrome fins. The headlights have also been changed and feature LEDs while the rear receives new tail-lights with subtle chrome highlights extending down the side of the car. It might not look it but every body panel apart from the roof is new and the car has been tweaked to ‘sharpen’ the driving dynamics against its competitors.

Engines and trims

There’s six engine choices. The petrols comprise 1.4 litre 120bhp engine, 1.8 litre with 158bhp and the top-of-the-range 2.0-litre engine with 207bhp. The diesel choice features a 1.6-litre with 104bhp, and a 2.0-litre that comes with power outputs of 138bhp or168bhp. All engines come with six-speed manual or twin-clutch DSG gearboxes (seven speeds for the smaller engines; six for the high-torque models). Three trims are available on the Volkswagen Passat Estate: S, SE and Sport but the diesel models come with BlueMotion fuel-saving technology including stop/start. It’s pretty well loaded even on the standard S model that includes alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, multi-function steering wheel, climate control air con and the radical automatic boot opening function.

In 2013 R-Line trim was added. This includes a body kit, sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Practically speaking

The Passat is a pretty strong option for buyers looking for a relatively affordable estate with a badge that might impress the neighbours. It has the load-carrying capacity that is among the best in class – 603 litres when the rears seats and 1,731 litres when the seats are folded flat, which is only eclipsed by the Skoda Superb Estate. So it has the looks, the badge, the engine range, the kit but is that enough to keep the rivals at bay. Read the full Volkswagen Passat Estate review to find out.

Parkers top buying tips

As with all used purchases, do remember to get a car history check. It might just save you from an unpleasant surprise later down the line. Also, don’t forget you can use our valuation tool to get an idea of how much you should be paying for a car. You can also check our reviews section for more information about the cars you are interested in.