We say A practical, reliable solution to your motoring needs without ever getting the pulse racing.Performance 1.6-litre unit is pointless, there are torquey 2.0-litre petrols and diesel models that cruise well and the range-topping 3.2-litre V6 is very fast with a 0-60mph sprint time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 151mph if you want a pointlessly fast, conservative estate, that is.Emissions Emissions and fuel economy figures are generally good across the Passat Estate’s engine range but the leading units are those that come with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion eco-technology. The leading engine in terms of emissions and economy is the 1.6-litre TDI 103bhp BlueMotion unit that returns 64mpg and emits 114g/km – excellent for an estate.Driving The Passat handles really well for such a big estate. Around corners it stays poised and taut thanks to a well weighted set-up. The only downside is vague steering which leaves you guessing about lock at times. There's a Sport suspension, but you probably don't need it. The V6 gets 4WD.Feel Hushed and smooth in the cabin, though the smaller engines strain a little. Suspension is soft rather than firm but it never becomes overly wobbly over bumps, settling down quickly.Space The Passat Estate has plenty of room for passengers and a well sized boot at the rear as well with 513-litres available with all the seats in use.Equipment Climate control, alloys, CD player, cooled glovebox and electric windows are standard.Price Running costs should be good, especially with the diesels, and residuals should hold up well - that VW badge will see to that. Should be good BCH rates but list prices will start from £17,000 and can rise to as much as £29,000.Quality The Passat’s interior is well built, solidly put together and looks good when compared to the German manufacturer’s more stagnant interior designs which have too much grey and not enough of anything else. There is a bit too much hard plastic to make it challenge some of its more illustrious rivals though.Safety The Passat estate has loads of active safety features plus active head restraints, six airbags and rear parking brake are standard.Pros The Passat Estate provides plenty of room for passengers in the front and rear as well as a large amount of load space at the rear as well. It’s also extremely reliable and handles well, despite its size.Cons The Passat Estate doesn’t come cheap and remains boring. There’s also a bit too much plastic inside considering the amount of money you could realistically spend on it.Alternatives Mazda6 Estate, Vauxhall Insignia Estate, Ford Mondeo Estate
