The best big estate car? 2024 VW Passat review

The latest VW Passat may look like a lovely posh thing, but it's actually been developed by Skoda alongside the new Superb. Now I've already driven and fallen in love with the new Superb, so join me for an in-depth Passat review with the Skoda in mind. Is the VW better? How big's the boot? Does it drive well? Do my Iraqi oil baron sunglasses mess with the head-up display? Find out all this and more.
------

[gerrri]

Thanks.. informative and entertaining, loved it.

[ianelliott]

Your right about the engine. I have an Ateca with the same drive train; economical but no load lugger

[RoscoeColtrane]

This looks quite satisfying, but I'd like it in blue or white.

[logiclee]

I've had new Passat's and new Skoda's. Currently have a 23 Karoq. Looking at this Passat, I'd take the Superb.

[mra]

The price is high, yes, but remember that’s not as important these days due to mass manufacturing and lease deals etc. You’ll soon be seeing this for like £3k down and £300-400 a month, which is decent value for such a good all-rounder.

[zminski]

The "big, 690 liter trunk" tested by climbing in to showcase that more than 1 adult will fit, is the same "smaller" one you get on the PHEV. The extra space usable only in the petrol/diesel versions is what you get underneath the floor. So the trunk is big anyway.

[albertlira]

Price is crazy but that's such a great looking car. I like the euro market Passat

[Swiss.]

Looks good in R-Line trim but the standard Passat has a very Peugoet like grille which I don't like. Also whilst the interior is nice and high quality I think the design is very lazy, they've just plopped a big infotainment screen onto the dash and given it some digital dials and called it a day; the previous Passat had a much classier interior. I think the only real reason to buy this over the Superb is the better refinement and noise insulation the Passat gives you, I don't know about this generation of cars but the previous Passat was much quieter than the equivalent Superb and also had a better suspension setup.

[interceptor-sskb]

Funny enough Ive ordered a diesel superb estate for the very reason I couldn't get a diesel or 2.0tsi in the passat. I've been a long time passat owner but family holidays 2 adults and 3 kids and boot full of luggage that poor little 1.5 would be strained. So decided to go for the Skoda I'm not a badge snob so it doesn't bother me and the bigger 2.0L makes more sense in a car of this size and weight.

[lupislune]

Great review Rodie, although it needs more buttons. Looking like a Tesla on the interior is not a good look.

[pigeonpoo]

Im the early 2000s i really liked this car. Seemed to be driven by people who stuck 2 fingers up to badge snobbery and just wanted to get somewhere in comfort.
I'm not sure who buys them now. No-one, i guess. Crying shame. Better than a crappy faux suv in every way

[pbwmanagement]

No clock, stick shift or diesel.
I get over 1300 miles on a full tank and easily over 55mpg plus its paid for.
I'll let progress pass me by and stick with my Passat wagon 2.0 TDI

[jimj]

Could you make a head-to-head video of this and the Superb? Are there any differences in sound insulation or ride quality? Which infotainment system and interface did you prefer?

[kaigordon]

Skoda superb is the same car with a better interior for less money
No brainer

[nstarmore]

I really want to like this as I like the last Passat a lot, however the uk spec options (limitations) are baffling so they'll sell about 5 and then bin it and use those sales figures to bolster the argument that SUV's are the only thing anyone wants anymore 🙄

[jimj]

Do you prefer sitting in the rear of this or the Tiguan?

[oliverlondon]

Your VPL suggests you’re massive. Congratulations 👍🏽

[abrahamgeorge]

Hello Tim - good review and couldn’t agree more on the lack of a diesel option when Skoda will offer two. I have a 2019 Passat AllTrack 4motion with the 190bhp engine and it’s great car - spacious, practical, great for carrying stuff and a very good fuel range plus a punchy engine with loads of torque. When I emailed VW to ask why no diesel option, I didn’t get a reply. Yes pricing is on the high side but cars are generally so expensive now and as mentioned by someone else, many people are only bothered by the monthly cost via PCP or lease. Thank goodness it’s not a SUV. Not convinced by the Passat’s large touchscreen and I suspect the styling will look better in the flesh than on screen. Red looks nice and will complement my red Mk2 Golf GTI😊

[MiniEggs]

It’s less obvious with SUVs but why do modern cars look like a duvet on wheels from the side. Is there some regulation that says they have to be really thick these days?

[jennymyles]

Kids sharing an iPad.... You make me laugh. :)