Now in its ninth generation, the Volkswagen Passat is one of only a few traditional large family cars left standing. Initially, the latest model (exclusively an estate) was only available with a 150hp mild hybrid powertrain, but the range now also includes two plug-in hybrids (badged eHybrid), which pair a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to offer either 204hp or 272hp. VW says it expects the eHybrids to have particular appeal for fleet and business drivers, and with good reason, since impressive official EV-only ranges of over 70 miles (80 miles with the spec tested here) place them in the 5% BIK company car tax bracket. The eHybrids come with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox – the mild hybrid gets a seven-speed version.
Performance and drive
We’re concentrating on the 204hp model here, since as the cheaper of the two eHybrids it’s likely to be the one that attracts fleet interest. It offers more than acceptable acceleration for a large family car, though engine noise can be somewhat conspicuous with heavy throttle use.
The Passat’s handling is safe and reliable, but despite the presence of a Golf GTI-style electronic differential there’s no sense of sportiness here. The car almost seems to tell the driver that there’s no point trying to enjoy a twisty back road from a dynamic point of view, so instead they’d be far better off simply wafting along in peace and comfort, enjoying the Passat’s impressive refinement, high-quality ride, and nicely padded (and massaging) seats. It might be a cliché for this model line, but this really is a car designed around making long journeys – especially those via motorway – as effortless as possible.
Interior and tech
As you might expect, the Passat’s interior features good quality materials (while a patterned dashboard panel adds some visual interest), and everything feels very solidly put together. Standard throughout the range are a 12.9in infotainment screen, running VW’s latest MIB4 system, and a 10.25in Digital Cockpit Pro display.
Rear-seat passengers in the Passat benefit from an enormous amount of legroom, as well as their own dedicated climate controls and USB ports. However, headroom is at best decent with the panoramic sunroof fitted as standard with the mid-range Elegance equipment grade tested here (R-Line spec is pictured).
With an estate car, you of course expect a big boot, and the Passat eHybrid’s 520 litres looks impressive in isolation. This impression would fade, however, in comparison with a mild hybrid Passat, which offers an extra 160 litres of room thanks to the eHybrid’s PHEV battery space requirements.
Following the widespread model axings that have plagued the upper-medium segment over the past few years, and discounting cars from premium brands, the Passat really has only one direct plug-in hybrid rival – its VW Group cousin, the Skoda Superb. The equivalent Superb to the Passat tested here is cheaper on P11D, and therefore a couple a pounds a month cheaper in BIK payments since it shares the VW’s 5% rating; however less robust residual values mean it’s slightly more expensive on a cost-per-mile basis. Overall, then – and as we might well have expected – the Passat looks pretty good as an all-round proposition.
Positives: Comfort, perceived quality, attractive tax rate
Negatives: PHEV battery robs boot space, uninvolving drive
Standard equipment: 17in alloy wheels, LED headlights, electrically heated adjustable and folding door mirrors, electric tailgate, keyless locking and start, three-zone climate control, front massaging seats, 12.9in infotainment screen with sat-nav, 10.25in Digital Cockpit Pro display, reversing camera, high beam assist, adaptive cruise control.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 150hp 1.5; Plug-in hybrid: 204hp 1.5, 272hp 1.5
Equipment grades: Life, Elegance, R-Line
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, seven-speed automatic
| Model | Volkswagen Passat Elegance 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204 PS 6spd DSG |
| P11D | £47,375 |
| Residual value | 42.1% |
| Depreciation | £27,411 |
| Fuel | £4,812 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,760 |
| Cost per mile | 58.30p |
| Fuel consumption | 731mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 9g/km (5%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £39/£79 |
| Luggage capacity | 530 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc + electric motor/204hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
