NEW Volkswagen Passat Review: Sensationally sensible

The 2024 Volkswagen Passat is something of a rarity in the new car market in that it's a large family car that isn't an SUV or crossover. Of course, VW has the (much more popular) Tiguan to fulfil that role, but that doesn't mean the Passat doesn't have a certain appeal of its own.

In this CarGurus UK review, Vicky Parrott tests the new-for-2024 Passat, which is available in estate form only and is offered initially with only one powertrain: a 1.5-litre eTSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, fitted with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. It produces 148bhp, which is sent to the front wheels via a standard seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox. Plug-in hybrid versions of the Passat (with the ability to run up to around 70 miles in EV mode) will follow, as will a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

But how does the Passat fare as a family wagon? Is it roomy enough? What's it like to drive? Is the infotainment better than some of VW's other recent efforts? Vicky's detailed review of the 2024 Passat covers all these areas and many more. Would you consider a Passat over a Tiguan?

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#cargurusUK #volkswagenpassat

[LegSpinna]

I also like the fact it's not an SUV. Long live the car. It does the job if you've got kids, dogs, crap.... to transport around.

[abrahamgeorge]

I own a 2019 AllTrack Passat with four wheel drive (4motion) and 190bhp from its diesel engine ( like the Golf GTD). Best car I’ve ever owned because it does everything I need- very practical, huge boot, comfortable ride with the additional security of four wheel drive. The engine is powerful with loads of torque so carrying a full load doesn’t affect its performance. Very economical too and on a long run it will get to 50-55mpg. Best thing has been its reliability and I’ve owned quite a few cars in the past ( Citroen, Audi, several Golfs, Mercedes). Don’t allow badge snobbery get in the way - yes it’s not the cheapest but cars are so expensive now that £30-£40 encompasses a lot of different types of cars - the new Mini Countryman is over £40k!

[allwheeldrive]

I would 100% buy this exceptionally good-looking family rig in mild hybrid form if it came to the US....which it sadly never will. I truly hope it sells well in Europe! Maybe someday we'll wake up here and start to embrace estates again. Thank you for another great review, Vicky. What would they do without you?!

[ajbdblin]

I have a Rline Passat and I absolutely love it. I've Goodyear vectors on it and the thing is so smooth because of it. Enjoy driving it and it's at home on a dual carriageway.

[timjenkins]

Cars are just too expensive right now. 35-40k for a Passat

[Leonfr_]

Love me an estate, my Leon ST has been written off, placed an order for a Kia Proceed!! Long live the estate! I'd love a new Passat, but ouch the price, not many under the £40k "luxury" car tax!

[shaywhelan]

I would be interested to see a comparison with the Superb estate. I prefer the look of the Skoda

[owenmcdonald]

The sister car to this, the Superb, is better looking and available with diesel. VW's half hearted attempt at this latest generation in the UK is sad, but sales figures are against it.

[Kazan]

Sedans and station wagons are way better than SUVs. 💫

It's annoying that car manufacturers are ending the production of sedans and station wagons because of SUVs.

[RogueDroid]

Since when did reviewers start liking gloss finish??

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the video review, one of the best Estate Cars 😊

[jamesmccormack]

Sadly I do think the new designed headlihhts make the front look MG5 ish. Although I am here for the no nonsense honesty car you review it to be.

[PhilHare-ernr]

Great car. The mild hybrid system never drives the car on its own.

[stuartback]

The Life trim does not come with Heated seats as standard. They are built in but not powered. You want them that'll be £8 a month!

[jamesmccormack]

I think we are just about to see i rise in the estate car again. Not in the millions mind u, It seems to be brands, bringing some more back, and I think people are starting to look for SUV alternatives as well.

[nobatteriesincluded]

2 kinds of cars in the world Volkswagen…..and the rest 💥💯cool review

[interceptor-sskb]

I would much rather have a Passat then a Tiguan. I think its sad people are brain washed into thinking suvs are better, the passat has more interior space and a bigger boot also far more efficient and better to drive then the Tiguan

[ciaradonnelly]

I have a Passat Estate great car, however when I am parked between two SUV's, reversing out is a lottery!

[conorcrowl]

They've not brought it to Ireland which is a shame!

[khalidlatif]

Shame they don't bring the hatchback also