With the car a favourite for UK fleets, a high list of safety equipment could be important to seal any deals. VW has not disappointed as it has added a host of new kit as optional extras. This includes fatigue detection, front assist with city emergency detection, traffic sign detection, park assist second generation, light assist and side assist lane-changing warning system.

The optional new city emergency braking function (a part of the Automatic Distance Control (ADC) system) automatically engages the brakes at speeds below 18mph should an unavoidable collision be sensed by the vehicle so Volkswagen Passat Estate safety is pretty imperious. The system is also able to accelerate the vehicle automatically should it detect an imminent rear end collision providing the vehicle sees a clear space ahead.

The automatic fatigue detection system adds to the complement of safety system and it monitors the driver’s inputs and automatically emits an audible and visual warning to recommend a break if required. The traffic sign detection detects speed limit signs and no-passing zones and up to three of these signs are shown on the driver information cluster.

As with previous Passat models, the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) incorporates Trailer Stabilisation when a factory fitted towbar is specified.

Practicality is excellent on this car as is interior and load space. It can seat four adults and comes with 603 litres with the seats in place. Fold the rear seats flat and the loadspace expands to 1,731 litres. In the competition of storage space the Passat gets a big thumbs-up. Rivals such as the Ford Mondeo has a loadspace of 542/1733, the Audi A4 Avant has 490/1430 while the 3-Series Touring has 460/1385 of load-lugging ability.

The Passat estate also has the edge on its rivals for flexibility. Volkswagen has came up with a great solution to aid you open the boot of the Passat when your hands are full. On vehicles specified with keyless entry, so long as you have the key fob on you, a simple foot waggle at the back of the car opens the boot automatically. It’s a brilliant feature and sure to make loading the car much easier.

There’s plenty of interior storage space for things like mobile phones and loose change and the door pockets are a good size and depth. Unfortunately there is a downside. Select a car with a manual gearbox and your arm clashes with any bottles placed in the central drinks holder.