Tested: Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion

Passat(with Car DVD) stirs the memories

VOLKSWAGEN Passat BlueMotion 1.6 litre TDI (Price, as tested, £26,655)

ON THE ROAD:

WE had a Passat when I was a kid so I have something of a soft-spot for the model.

My memories of it are fond and if you buy one of the latest ones I’d imagine a few years down the line you might feel the same.

It’s not going to set your heart a flutter, but name me a VW that does. They are just very good at doing what they are designed for.

Our BlueMotion car was powered by a 1.6 litre TDI engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

It’s not the biggest of powerplants, and admittedly you have to work it hard to get the best from it, but that said, it was more than powerful enough for my daily commute.

It’s fitted with low rolling resistance tyres and its suspension has been lowered by 15mm.

ON THE INSIDE:

THE BlueMotion is based on the entry level S-model, but the cabin does not feel bargain basement.

It’s typically VW – pleasant, neat, tidy, without any unnecessary excitement.

The seats are comfortable, the views are good, in short there’s a lot to like and not a lot to moan about.

WHAT DO YOU GET:

STANDARD features include ABS, electronic brake-press distribution, keyless start, stop-start engine function, battery regeneration, hill hold function, multi-function trip computer, electronic parking brake, manual air conditioning, electric windows and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors. What about install a Car DVD Player

In addition, there was split-folding 60:40 seating, Bluetooth, 6.5ins touchscreen, USB, 17ins alloys, sports suspension, BlueMotion styling pack, chrome trim, LED lighting.

Our test car added parking sensors, Convenience pack including rain sensor, tyre pressure monitoring system, carpet mats, adaptive cruise control and voice activation.

HOW PRACTICAL IS IT:

THE Passat feels a particularly spacious car. There should be no complaints if there’s four people onboard. Add a fifth and you might get a few quibbles from the person in the middle, but they should just appreciate the lift and keep quiet.

The boot is large and incorporates a ski-hatch to allow bulky items to be carried, while still enabling you to carry passengers.

The seats fold almost flat, but not quite.

RUNNING COSTS:

THE Passat BlueMotion is capable of returning more than 76mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 95g/km.

There’s three year/60,000 mile warranty, three years paint and 12 years’ body protection. In addition, you get a year’s Volkswagen Assistance. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!