Volkswagen Passat Estate SE 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £21,990
Tax Band: F
Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 46.3
CO2: 142
0-62 Mph: 10.6 secs
BHP: 120 BHP
Range: 713 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The Passat Estate SE 1.4 TSI BlueMotion is as practical as any of its rivals. With a roomy cabin and classy image, this BlueMotion version also has good fuel economy, very low emissions and its residual value is hard to beat in this class. It offers a comfortable ride, huge practical load carrying capacity and decent performance all round for a large family sized estate car.

PROS:  Strong and economical 1.4-litre engine, huge load carrying capacity, low emissions, loaded with safety kit, excellent residual values.

CONS:  There are diesel engines in the range which are even more frugal, the cabin interior is a little uninspiring.

Behind the Wheel

Inside the cabin, finding the perfect driving position is easy thanks to extensive adjustment available on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The dash has a traditional design and is well laid out and all the controls are easy to use. Visibility is good all round.

The 1.4-litre TSI is the entry-level petrol engine and produces maximum power of 120bhp and 148lb-ft of torque low down in the rev range. It has a top speed of 126mph and will go from 0-62mph in a respectable 10.6 seconds. Average fuel economy of 46.3mpg is quite good for a large family estate car and its CO2 emissions of 142g/km are better than average in its class. The six-speed manual gearbox works well, although it needs to be worked hard to coax the best out of the engine when overtaking.

The Passat Estate has light steering and supple suspension which makes it easy to drive everywhere. It’s most at home munching up the miles on the motorway which it does with ease. On twisty roads it’s not as well composed, with some body roll in bends and the steering lacks feedback for the driver. It does not offer the same driving experience as the Ford Mondeo which handles much better.

The engine is relatively hushed unless you work it hard, and road noise is well suppressed inside the cabin, so the ride is comfortable and relaxing overall.

Looks & Equipment

The Passat Estate looks classy from the outside and will cut a dash in any corporate car park. The interior is also well designed, if somewhat uninspiring.

The SE trim version is well equipped with power steering, central locking, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, alarm immobiliser, digital radio, CD+MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and driver fatigue detection system.

Volkswagen also offer a range of optional extras such as climate control £495, metallic paint £465, rear parking sensor £425, leather seats £1,735 and satellite navigation £705.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Passat Estate has one of the largest boots in its class, although it’s still not as large as that of the Ford Mondeo. There are 603–litres of load space available with the rear seats in position and that can be extended to 1,731-litres for carrying larger loads by folding the rear seats down. It’s roomy for passengers with ample room for legs in the rear – so it makes a great long distance family cruiser.

EuroNCAP awarded the Passat Estate its maximum rating of five-stars overall for safety in its crash-tests. Standard safety kit includes ABS, electronic stability control, City Brake Assist, automatic distance control, driver fatigue detection and the usual front, side and curtain airbags. It also comes with front head restraints designed to minimise injuries from whiplash.

Anti-theft measures include remote central locking, an alarm, engine immobiliser, locking wheel nuts and visible VIN. Keyless entry and start function is also available as an option.

Volkswagen’s reputation for quality is enviable and the Passat Estate in no exception. It appears well built and trim materials used are of good quality and feel durable. The Passat

Estate came fourth in its class in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
The Passat Estate is covered by Volkswagen’s three-year 60,000 mile warranty.

Value for Money

At £21,695 the Passat Estate is a little pricier than some of its rivals, however you should be able to get a good discount and its residual value is above average for this class of car. It’s well equipped, practical, has decent performance and handling and is good value for anyone looking for a reliable and refined large family estate.

Insurance is in group 17, while Road Tax is in VED band F.

The Passat’s popularity as a used buy means you should have no problem when it’s time to sell it on, and this particular BlueMotion Technology version has the highest residual value and lowest CO2 emissions in the range – it will hold it’s value better than its main competitor, the Ford Mondeo, so it’s bound to be sought after.

Volkswagen Passat Estate SE 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology 5dr Car Review - by 
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