LARGE FAMILY CARS:You would tend to automatically associate this car with high quality, and the last Passat certainly gained a reputation for just that.
Price:€26,760 - €50,420
NCAP Crash Test:
Seats:5
Doors:4/5
Engines:1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 1.9D and 2.0D litre
Trim levels:Base, Comfortline, Sportline, Highline / Sport
Quality and reliability:
You would tend to automatically associate this car with high quality, and the last Passat certainly gained a reputation for just that. The new one feels well put together but when you really inspect the interior you will find some cheaper plastics in places.
However, the engines are well proven and should give no trouble. The Passat CC is a stunning car and beautifully finished.
Performance:
The 1.4-litre TSI engine might sound as if it would be swamped in such a vast car, but it has 122bhp and this is impressive performance and more than the 115bhp provided by the 1.6-litre. Move up the range and there is a 180bhp 1.8 TSI, then a 200bhp 2.0-litre petrol and three diesels, a 105bhp 1.9-litre and 140bhp and 170bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which is a real cracker.
At the wheel:
The cabin is very well constructed and clearly laid out and it is easy to get a good driving position. The Passat is not a bad handling car, with decent feel through the steering and composed handling.
Space and comfort:
With a vast 565 litres of boot space and generous room in both front and rear the Passat has more than enough space and unless you choose the largest of the alloy wheel options then you will find the ride good too. Engine noise in all models is well muted, thanks to good soundproofing. Luggage space in the Passat CC is 532 litres, with more restricted headroom for those two in the rear.
Safety:
Scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test, and is well sorted with safety kit. Driver, passenger and side airbags are standard on all models and side rear airbags are an option on base models, but you do get traction control and ESP as standard fit.
Running costs and depreciation:
The 1.4-litre petrol and the diesels are very frugal yet powerful, and for holding its value there are few better cars than the Passat. They command very good values for the first three years of their life.
"The 1.4-litre petrol and the diesels are very frugal yet powerful, and for holding its value there are few better cars than the Passat. They command very good values for the first three years of their life.
THE CONCLUSIONS:
For:upmarket look and feel, high quality, safety kit, clever engines
Against:rear visibility not great, some plastics could be better
Irish Times verdict:looks and feels like an upmarket choice in the segment.
Best buy:1.4 Highline TSI