Hatchbacks and estates
Estate-only Passat is longer and wider than before
SUMMER
Volkswagen Passat
German brand proves that estate cars are here to stay
Claire Evans claire.evans@haymarket.com
IF THE RECENT news that Volvo will no longer sell estate cars caused you to panic, don’t worry. Not every manufacturer has lost faith in the format; indeed, Volkswagen has done exactly the opposite, with its new Passat being available exclusively as an estate.
What’s more, the new car offers more engine choice than before. The range opens with a 148bhp 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol, and this forms the basis of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) set-up in conjunction with an electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery. The PHEV will be available in 201bhp and 268bhp forms, both offering an official electric range of 62 miles. Alternatively, a 2.0-litre petrol engine is available in 201 and 261bhp forms.