Volkswagen Passat (2015 to 2023)

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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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The VW Passat Estate is a refined, comfortable and hugely versatile family car.”
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Model reviewed: GTE Estate
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 Estate
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 2.0 TSI R-Line Edition Estate
Score: 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: 2.0 TSI R-Line Edition Estate
Score: 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 Advance
Score: 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 DSG
Score: 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 Estate
Score: 8 / 10
“Plug-in hybrid Passat gets extra electric range and a lower price.”
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Model reviewed: GTE saloon
Score: 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 Edition
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 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 range
Score: 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 estate
Score: 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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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid GTE estate
Score: 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 saloon
Score: 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 range
Score: 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 estate
Score: 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 range
Score: 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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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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Model reviewed: Estate GT
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic GTE estate
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 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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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid estate GTE
Score: 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 estate
Score: 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 saloon
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 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 range
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Passat is an accomplished, well-rounded four-door”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9.2 / 10
“Enormously practical, impressively high-tech and pleasingly comfortable.”
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Model reviewed: Alltrack estate
Score: 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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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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Model reviewed: GTE saloon
Score: 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 Business
Score: 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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Model reviewed: GTE saloon
Score: 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 range
Score: 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 range
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 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 range
Score: 7 / 10
“Volkswagen serves up more of the same and it’s now better than ever.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“Classy, comfortable, refined: the Passat is very recommendable.”
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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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