| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Recommended. Probably the smartest and most classy family car you can buy. The estates are a dream and the PD diesel engines a cut above the rest. |
| Handling |
 |
| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Best Models |
| 1.9S TDI 130PD estate - fast and sensible |
| Worst Models |
| 4.0 W8 4Motion - way too pricey |
| Replacement |
| 2005 |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| The Passat oozes quality from all angles. Every button, switch and handle feels like it has been built to last and puts cars costing much more to shame. Not only that, but VW offers a wide and varied range of engines, from the frugal but fast PD diesels to the over-the-top W8 4.0-litre petrol. In between, you should find the family saloon or estate for you. If you want safety and build quality without a Mercedes price-tag, this is the car to go for. It holds its value well in the secondhand market too. |
| Positive Points |
- Unrivalled in class for build quality
- Superb TDi PD turbodiesels, especially the 130
- Spacious, comfortable and safe
|
| Negative Points |
- Firm ride on Sport versions
- Much higher used prices than other mainstream rivals
- W8 is a misplaced executive wannabe
|
|
