Nearly new buying guide: Volkswagen Passat Estate

After the facelift, Volkswagen simplified the trim range to just SE Nav, SEL and R-Line. SE Nav improved on the previous SE with an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav and voice control. SEL added roof rails, privacy glass and heated front seats, R-Line tri-zone climate control and keyless entry. 

Spaciousness and practicality are where the Passat Estate excels. It has a 650-litre boot, whose volume is beaten only by its Skoda sibling, the Skoda Superb Estate, and rear seats that accommodate six-footers with ease. 

But there’s more to the Passat Estate’s interior than its magnitude, because it features a range of soft-touch materials and solid-feeling switchgear, contributing to a feel-good, upmarket ambience, especially on post-facelift models. 

If you tow a trailer or caravan, the Passat Estate is certainly an attractive choice for you as well. Seek out a car fitted with the Trailer Assist option, which enables it to automatically reverse a trailer or caravan into a parking spot. 

Prices start at around £7000 for an early car. Spend between £9000 and £12,000 on 2016-2017 examples, £12,000 to £14,000 on 2018 cars and upwards of £16,000 on post-facelift Passats. The PHEV is rare and was pricier, so set aside at least £15,000 or more likely £20,000.

Need to know

The Passat’s Skoda Superb sibling is the roomier of the two estates, thanks to a 50mm-longer wheelbase, and usually costs less to buy used, the compromise being a slightly cheaper-feeling interior.

The 1.5 is the most frugal petrol, at 45.6mpg, while the diesels should reach the high-50s. 

The Passat came out well in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, ranked fifth of 26 executive cars, although Volkswagen overall was 22nd of 32 manufacturers.

Buyer beware

ESP failure: Some earlier models suffered electronic stability control failure, potentially imperilling occupants. Contact your local VW dealer. 

Welding issues: There have been two recalls relating to the rear-seat backrest. A small number of Passats built between 1 May and 31 August 2018 may have been fitted with seats where the welds on the backrest head restraint mounting could fail in an accident. A further recall was issued for cars made between 12 and 22 February 2019, again for faulty frame welds. 

Not enough torque: A software update was required on cars made between 9 October 2018 and 28 May 2019 in order to increase the amount of torque produced at low speeds to improve drivability.