VW Passat Estate, starting at 36500 £

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The VW Passat Estate impresses with 272 HP 135 km and an attractive starting price of 36500 £ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from about £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 8 L
  • Electric Range : 124 - 135 km

First Impression: Classic Looks, Modern Manners

The Passat Variant keeps VW's restrained elegance with clean lines and a purposeful stance that reads more executive than flashy. At just under 4.92 metres in length and 1.85 metres across, it sits between family estate and company-car territory and looks the part in both roles. Subtle chrome, a composed front end and sensible proportions mean it ages well and won’t demand upgrades every few years. The visual message is clear: understated competence rather than attention-seeking drama.

Cabin Comfort: Straightforward, No-Nonsense Luxury

Inside, the Passat favours ergonomics over gimmicks with logical switchgear, comfortable seats and an interior that feels solid rather than ostentatious. Material quality is generally good for the class, with soft-touch surfaces where they matter and a sensible dash layout that keeps distractions to a minimum. The digital instruments and touchscreen options modernise the experience without overwhelming the driver. Practical touches — generous cupholders, clear storage cubbies and supportive seats — make longer journeys easier on the body.

Room to Move: Big Practicality for Real Life

The Variant’s real strength is space: usable rear legroom and a wide load bay make it an excellent choice for family duties and weekend projects alike. Boot capacity starts high and stretches to almost 1,920 litres with the seats down, while everyday luggage space is typically in a range that swallows prams, sports equipment or several grocery runs without fuss. Payloads hover in the 500–580 kg area depending on spec, so heavier loads and a full complement of passengers remain feasible. That combination of volume and practicality keeps the Passat relevant where compact SUVs sometimes fall short.

On the Road: Comfortable Cruiser with a Sporty Edge

Driving the Passat is about composed highway miles and confident urban manners — the suspension soaks up imperfections while body control keeps the car planted through bends. Powertrains span from mild-hybrid 150 hp units to punchy options around 265–272 hp, so acceleration can be brisk when required (0–100 km/h figures dip into the mid-single seconds for the sportier variants). Heavier plug-in hybrids add weight — curb figures near 1,850 kg — which is felt in agility but rarely compromises comfort. Steering is tuned for predictability rather than razor-sharp feedback, which suits long-distance drivers and less aggressive commuters.

Fuel, Electric Range and Real-World Costs

Plug-in hybrids with a 19.7 kWh battery advertise electric ranges in the region of 124–133 km, and WLTP combined consumption figures can fall as low as 0.3–0.4 L/100 km when regularly charged — numbers that translate to genuine near-zero local fuel use for many daily commutes. Petrol and diesel variants are more conventional: expect around 5–5.8 L/100 km for efficient diesels and mid-5s for the 1.5 MHEV, while the sporty 2.0 TSI is closer to 8 L/100 km in mixed driving. In everyday terms, plug-in models suit those who can charge often and cover routine trips electrically, while diesel remains the pragmatic choice for long motorway workloads.

Tech & Safety: Modern Assistance with Familiar Controls

The Passat brings a suite of driver aids — adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and parking assistants — that ease motorway monotony and tight manoeuvres alike, with semi-autonomous functions available on higher-spec cars. Infotainment choices span mid- to large-size touchscreens and digital instrument clusters that integrate navigation and smartphone connectivity, though some menus can feel dense compared with simpler rivals. Over-the-air updates and connected services are increasingly part of the package, keeping software fresh between visits to the dealer. Overall the tech serves utility first: clear, capable and aimed at reducing daily friction rather than impressing with novelty.

Who Should Buy One: The Practical Executive

The Passat Variant suits buyers who need luggage capacity and comfort with a restrained, professional image — think families, company-car drivers and anyone who values practicality over trendiness. Multiple drivetrains are offered, including plug-in hybrid, petrol mild-hybrid and diesel, so specification can be tailored to low-emission urban commutes or long-distance efficiency without changing the basic package. The model range covers cost-conscious commuters through to performance-minded users, so choices reflect priorities between economy, electric range and outright pace. In short, the Passat is for those who prefer a sensible, well-built wagon that does everything competently.

Costs and Consumption

Price
36500 - 58500 £
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
28 - 181 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 66 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1573 - 1858 kg
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
4917 mm
Width
1849 mm
Height
1521 mm
Max trunk capacity
1770 - 1920 L
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
212 - 250 km/h
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D, E, B
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the VW Passat have?

The VW Passat is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.