Volkswagen Passat - TopCarNews

Volkswagen Passat (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Volkswagen Passat is a large family car, available in both saloon and estate body styles. The current model is the eighth generation and was launched in the UK in early 2015. It was most recently updated in summer 2019.

Traditional saloon and estate cars have been struggling for years as buyers have increasingly favoured SUVs and crossovers. However, Volkswagen has continued to develop the Passat range. Not long after it was launched, a more rugged Passat Alltrack Estate model was added, as well as a GTE plug-in hybrid version.

The Passat has received universally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, with the estate version scoring slightly better than the saloon. The GTE model is also widely acclaimed. As of December 2021, the Passat has an Expert Rating of 72%, based on 50 media reviews.

The Volkswagen Passat has received particular praise for its refinement, comfort and space. Its driving dynamics are not as sharp as some similar vehicles, however, and it is more expensive than many of its rivals.

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon and estateEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £25,580 on-road

Launched: Winter 2014/15Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: (range review)“With a well-appointed cabin, powerful and economical engines and a premium appearance, the Volkswagen Passat provides an enticing alternative to an SUV.”
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“Ride comfort on the road is up to the standards one would expect, though choosing the sport chassis mode does stiffen matters up to a degree of choppiness.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: GTE EstateScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat is a fantastic family car, and this GTE version is among the most accomplished plug-in models currently on sale.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat will appeal to company car buyers keen on driver assistance technology and premium appeal, and it remains spacious, practical and easy to drive.”
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Model reviewed: GTE EstateScore: 9 / 10“As a proposition for the huge swathes of motorists who want a hardy family estate with the low tailpipe emissions and tax benefits of electric power, as well as the convenience of a petrol engine for longer journeys, nothing else is likely to better the classy yet efficient and practical Volkswagen Passat GTE.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The VW Passat has classy looks and a premium cabin that set it apart from the family car norm”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8.6 / 10“From conventional petrols and diesels through to a sporty plug-in hybrid the latest Volkswagen Passat stylishly combines cutting edge powertrains with the latest in-car and driver-assistance tech.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.0 TSI R-Line Edition EstateScore: 7 / 10“This is a top-of-the-line Volkswagen Passat with a sporty yet also quite stealthy styling kit, and pretty much all of the available technological trimmings lavished as standard.”
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Model reviewed: GTE AdvanceScore: 8 / 10“Not only do you get leather upholstery, heated seats, Volkswagen’s sharp 9.2in Discover Navigation Pro infotainment suite and more all thrown in as standard, but it’s usefully practical, too.”
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Model reviewed: Alltrack 2.0 TDI 190 4Motion DSGScore: 6 / 10“This is one of the more sophisticated-looking Passat wagons, and the optional green paint special to the Alltrack is a refreshing change from the endlessly silver cars we usually see.”
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Model reviewed: GTE EstateScore: 8 / 10“Plug-in hybrid Passat gets extra electric range and a lower price.”
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Car

Model reviewed: GTE saloonScore: 8 / 10“There is nothing wrong with anything the Passat does – far from it.”
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Model reviewed: Passat Estate 2.0-litre diesel automatic R-Line EditionScore: 8 / 10“The Passat is not an exciting car, and we’ve been a bit harsh with it on that basis. But, as is the case with most Volkswagens, it’s impossible to argue that the package of comfort, quality and refinement it provides aren’t appealing traits.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automaticScore: 9 / 10“With the Passat being such a huge sales success, it’s clear that Volkswagen is doing something right with the model in this market. If the latest Passat’s comfortable ride, spacious interior and range of great powertrains are anything to go by, it’s a very compelling option next to an SUV.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8.6 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat has a quality feel and offers lots of space, but the Mazda 6 is better to drive.”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 9 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat Estate is a consummate all-rounder. Refined, relaxing and with an upmarket interior, it also manages to be hugely practical.”
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Model reviewed: Alltrack estateScore: 8 / 10“It’ll be a niche choice, but as a classy, comfortably and high-quality family estate with a bit of off-road ability, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack makes sense.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid GTE estateScore: 8 / 10“The plug-in Hybrid Volkswagen Passat GTE Estate can travel 34 miles on electricity, is hugely spacious and comfortable to drive. Private buyers may be better off with a petrol or diesel, mind.”
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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid GTE saloonScore: 8 / 10“The plug-in Hybrid Volkswagen Passat GTE can travel 34 miles on electricity, is hugely spacious and comfortable to drive. Private buyers may be better off with a petrol or diesel, mind.”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat Estate is comfy, quiet and huge inside, but you’ll have more fun driving its alternatives if that’s more important to you.”
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Model reviewed: Alltrack estateScore: 7 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack offers genuinely improved off-road ability and a spacious cabin. It’ll be expensive next to other Passats, though, and you don’t get much choice.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“It’s easy to overlook the Volkswagen Passat in favour of its obvious German saloon rivals, but its great space, comfort and tech warrant attention. That said, it is fairly bland to drive.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic R-Line“Traditional saloons and estates, once the favourite of the company car market, are now on the wane, but the Volkswagen Passat retains enough support to continue. Based on a heavily updated version of the eighth-generation car the new Passat once again offers understated class in an increasingly tough sector.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic SE Business saloon“Petrol engine option not only gives more choice in the Passat range, but is also competitive on fuel and tax against the diesel versions. More so now than ever, it will pay to do the sums for your mileage needs before making a choice.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: Estate GTScore: 10 / 10“Passatisfaction guaranteed …until you put your foot down! You’ll be blown away by the VW estate’s size and looks. If only it had the speed to match.” (Chris Evans)
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SE Business estate“Used as much for work as for leisure and pleasure, these estates can take a pounding. This new version really does look and feel like the business.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic GTE estateScore: 6 / 10“The argument for the Passat GTE – and any PHEV – is heavily influenced by how we’ll be using them. If you are going to have difficulties charging the battery at home or nearby, then a plug-in hybrid is totally pointless. For now, you’d still be better off saving money and buying a petrol or diesel version.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automaticScore: 8 / 10“The Passat diesel is still the de facto estate car for fleets and the latest revisions only add to its appeal. New engine technology certainly helps and successfully garners more bang for buck. Likewise, SEL trim hits the sweet spot, although desirable options quickly mount up.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid estate GTEScore: 8 / 10“If you want a plug-in hybrid estate then you’re in luck – the Volkswagen Passat Estate GTE offers electric driving for up to 33 miles, with a petrol engine for longer journeys.”
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Model reviewed: GTE estateScore: 10 / 10“As well as being refined, and offering a sporty driving experience in GTE mode, it is also a large, practical car, and one that feels very high quality.”
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Model reviewed: BlueMotion saloonScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion scores highly for economy and for motorway manners, but loses out on marks as an all-rounder for not being any form of driver’s car.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“The latest Passat is impressive, with good levels of refinement and notable improvements in fuel economy and performance. However, in raising its game, Volkswagen has also raised the Passat’s prices and this will alienate some buyers, especially when you consider that cheaper rivals like Skoda, use the same platform, engines and running gear.”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat Estate is a very impressive car, offering plenty of space, good performance and high levels of comfort. It’s especially appealing as a tow car, particularly with the optional trailer assistance system installed. The Passat is fairly expensive, however.”
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Model reviewed: GTE estate“The updates for 2019 are minimal, but the Passat continues to be one of the best all-round estate cars on sale. Its interior feels well-made and premium, and it’s a comfortable long-distance cruiser. With a longer range for the plug-in hybrid model and added technology, it’s now easier than ever to recommend a Passat GTE.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat is one of Europe’s most popular saloon and estate cars, bridging the gap between volume models and the premium players.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8.4 / 10“Passat is an accomplished, well-rounded four-door”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 9.2 / 10“Enormously practical, impressively high-tech and pleasingly comfortable.”
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Model reviewed: Alltrack estateScore: 9 / 10“If you need a spacious estate with a luxurious interior that can hold its own when the going gets rough, this car should be on your radar.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“Chances are, if you buy a Passat, it will be the only car you buy for the rest of your life.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: GTE saloonScore: 7 / 10“The perfect family car – if you do a 20 mile daily commute.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SE BusinessScore: 6 / 10“It’s a very handsome car that handles nicely, uses little fuel and is extremely quiet and comfortable. Inside, everything is screwed together beautifully and everything is where you expect it to be. If ever I’m at an airport and the rental company gives me the keys to a car like this, I shall be very pleased.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: GTE saloonScore: 8 / 10“The GTE remains one of the best plug-in hybrids out there, with a useful boost in electric range. Yes, it’s a bit vanilla, but a Volkswagen Passat should slot into your life so inconspicuously you won’t mind.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“With its classy interior, upmarket image and low running costs, the Volkswagen Passat is not only a rival for the Ford Mondeo, but also a viable alternative the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, particularly for those who value space over driving thrills.”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Volkswagen Passat Estate is a great buy not only for its boot space, but also its classy image, sensible running costs and comfortable driving experience.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 6 / 10“Like your cars straightforward, fuss-free, and practical? You’ll really like this. (Very) quietly excellent without ever being memorable.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 7 / 10“Volkswagen serves up more of the same and it’s now better than ever.”
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What Car?

Score: 8 / 10“Classy, comfortable, refined: the Passat is very recommendable.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: GTE estate“Volkswagen has done a fantastic job of turning its Passat estate into a plug-in hybrid. It’s comfortable, practical and has loads of space for passengers. Despite the presence of the batteries, there’s still a reasonable amount of boot space, and the fuel economy is decent as long as you keep the batteries topped up. There are some minor foibles, but they’re not deal-breaking.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range“Comfortable, practical, anodyne.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range“Comfortable, capacious but anodyne.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2014

85%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

66%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

76%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Volkswagen Passat has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP, and only a few cars have do far been assessed. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If and when the Passat is tested by Green NCAP, we’ll publish the results here.

Security rating

Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass

Date: 2019

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen Passat has received

2021

What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Hybrid Estate

2019

What Car? Used Car Awards – Best Estate Car

2016

Tow Car Awards – Tow Car of the Year

2015

European Car of the Year
UK Car of the Year Awards – Estate Car of the Year
Fleet World Honours – Best Upper Middle Car
Tow Car Awards – Tow Car of the Year

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Keyword: Volkswagen Passat