Euro-bland looks conceal an extremely impressive mechanical package in Volkswagen’s main fleet market contender. Buyer loyalties towards the model would be the envy of their rivals; drivers appreciate the clean handling, excellent ride, efficient ergonomics, and sturdy (if slightly austere) interior that still looks good despite a couple of years of hard use.

Engine choices are ideally suitable for the market – the business’s experience at building quiet and efficient diesel engines (including an excellent 2.5 litre V6TDi, available with 4-Motion 4×4) never been shown off more effectively compared to the Passat.

Just like many Volkswagen products exactly the same package can be obtained with other nameplates, and latterly the Passat has been confirmed up just a little by the Skoda Superb, that provides better rear seat space at discounted points. The next generation Passat will probably remedy that anomaly.