High-mileage drivers and families rejoice, writes because the eerily quiet new Passat is finally here
Matt Kimberley,
All-new doesn’t translate as unfamiliar in Volks-speak. So while most of the new Passat’s parts are genuinely original, the controls and layout are as familiar as your pillow.
Big improvements have been made in sound insulation and refinement, but petrol power has been kicked to the kerb. This Passat is diesel-only, whether you like it or not. Judging by minuscule past sales, that shouldn’t be a problem. probably still look as middlemanagement handsome in 10 years as it does today. Strong lines but restrained shapes are like a face that’s grown more defined and distinguished with age. The Passat has always maintained a solid image centred on quality, space and comfort. It’s never dramatic, but it’s done the job.
This time, there’s something to get a bit more excited about, because the new sound deadening makes the milemuncher’s cabin one of the quietest places anywhere on the road network. It’s exceptionally, eerily quiet. gargantuan 650 for the estate with the rear seats in place – there’s now 40mm more rear legroom and a good deal more width for shoulder room. Three kids will find the bench seat surprisingly spacious. The car itself is a gnat’s wing lower and shorter than the old model, but it’s a little bit wider. There’s an almost comical amount of automated and semi-automated parking aids, though, should you wish to delve into the options list. On a practicality note, avoid the cream interior like the plague. After only a few hundred miles, the test car’s already started to look grubby. The eery quietness turns your thoughts to the high-quality interior materials. There’s little or no wind noise, and not even the wide tyres make much racket. Adjustable driving modes make loads of difference to the ride, but Comfort mode suits the Passat best. The others are too unforgiving over bumps. engine, and you can get a lot of car for your cash. SE Business trim, with its satnav and treasure chest of trinkets, is the one to go for, linked to the 148bhp engine.
Low emissions and that supreme refinement make the Passat not just tax-friendly, but a tempting alternative to the likes of the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class.