Volkswagen has announced that its new ninth-generation Passat estate-only family car can now be ordered in the UK, with either petrol mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid power (eventually) available across three different trim levels.
Rivalling the Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate and BMW 3 Series Touring, the new Passat sits alongside the cheaper Golf estate and more expensive Arteon Shooting Brake. The previous Passat generation was available as a saloon when it first launched in 2015, but this saloon version was discontinued, and this next-generation range follows suit.
The estate made its public debut at the Munich motor show last September, with sharper body contours, slimmer LED headlights and taillights that stretch across the boot lid in the rear. It is reportedly more aerodynamic – which will marginally improve the estate’s fuel efficiency – and it is bigger too.
When compared to the recently-retired eighth-generation Passat, there is an extra five centimetres of length between the front and rear wheels, which increases legroom for passengers in the back. There is also an additional 40 litres of boot space when compared to the current eighth-generation – 690 litres in total.
The range begins with a new 150hp 2.0-litre petrol mild-hybrid option which allows the car to coast without using the combustion engine.
This will be followed by two plug-in hybrid models that use the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 20kW battery pairing, providing an output of 204hp and 272hp respectively. Both plug-in hybrids reportedly offer an all-electric range of up to 62 miles. All models are fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Inside, a 13-inch central touchscreen running Volkswagen’s latest infotainment software is paired with a ten-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. A larger 15-inch infotainment console is also available on the options list.
The drive selector has been moved to the steering wheel column, freeing up more space for storage cubbies on the centre console. Matrix LED headlights and a semi-autonomous parking assistance feature that can park the car using the driver’s smartphone are also offered for an additional fee.
Key trim level features
Entry-level ‘Life’ (from £38,480)
- 17-inch graphite alloy wheels
- Rear-view camera
- Volkswagen’s navigation software
- Ten-inch digital instrument cluster
- 13-inch infotainment display
- LED headlights
- Front massage seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles
- Three-zone climate control with rear air conditioning control panel
- Adaptive cruise control
- Electrically heated, adjustable and folding door mirrors
- Keyless locking and starting system
- Motorised tailgate
Mid-range ‘Elegance’ (from £41,580)
- All ‘Life’ features that are not replaced
- 17-inch metallic alloy wheels
- Front sports comfort seats
- Aluminium decorative inserts
- Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
Top-spec ‘R-Line’ (from £42,830)
- All lower trim features that are not replaced
- 18-inch diamond turned alloy wheels
- Black Styling pack
- ‘Karoso’ R-Line fabric seat inserts
- Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC)
- Interior Ambient lighting with 30 colour options
- LED Matrix headlamps
- Stainless steel pedals
Prices for the range start at over £38k for the mild-hybrid Passat in the lead-in ‘life’ guise. The mild-hybrid versions are now available to order, while the plug-in hybrid variants will join the range later this year.
