Car of the Month: Passat. What Car? Family Car of the Year … again

What Car? magazine has chosen the Passat as its Best Family Car for the second year running. The judges praised its class, space and great drive and said: "The Passat is in a league of its own".

Desirable details

Everything about the Passat reveals the thought that has gone into its powerful design, from the dynamic chrome grille to the distinctive LED rear lights. Even the V-shaped engine bonnet doesn't just look good, it was developed with pedestrian protection in mind.

Luxurious features

The standard specification is anything but standard, and includes:

• Press and drive ignition

• 16" alloy wheels

• Electronic parking brake

• 'Climatic' semi-automatic air conditioning

• Multi-function computer

• 6 airbags

• Cooled glovebox

The SE trim adds electric rear windows, 6-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and cruise control. The Sport gains 17" alloy wheels, sports seats and lowered sports suspension, while the range-topping SEL Alcantara leather heated front seats, 2Zone electronic climate control and 6 CD autochanger system.

Desirable options include a DVD entertainment package with Dynaudio 600w sound system, Bluetooth interface and iPod connectivity.

Refined comfort

However far you want the Passat to take you it will do so in comfort. There's plenty of room in the luxurious cabin for four adults to stretch out. And the huge 565-litre saloon boot will swallow their luggage with ease. Once on the road, you can relax into the superbly supportive seats and enjoy the smooth and quiet ride.

Unbeatable safety

One of the safest saloons in the world, the Passat's laser-welded solid steel shell makes the car 57 per cent more rigid than before. That's one reason why it gained the highest 5-star Euro NCAP crash rating, as well as 100 per cent side impact rating. Crumple zones, six airbags and crash-active head restraints protect occupants. The Passat's active safety systems include an Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) with Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Traction Control (ASR).

Exciting engines

The Passat is available with a range of advanced engines:

• 3 x FSI and 1 x TFSI petrol engines delivering impressive

performance, even at low revs. The range-topping 3.2-litre

V6 250PS engine, which is fitted with the 4MOTION four-

wheel drive system, achieves 0-62 mph in just 6.9

seconds.

• Three powerful and economical diesel engines, with

optional diesel particulate filter (DPF) which reduces

emission particles. The new 2-litre TDI 170PS gives super

btorque performance without sacrificing fuel economy.

The Passat offers a choice of gearbox technology, with Volkswagen's acclaimed DSG semi-automatic transmission available as an option on all 6-gear models.

The verdict

It's stylish, it's spacious and pure pleasure to drive - this beautifully built car has real substance with a reassuringly solid feel on the road. Starting from just £15,697 RRP, the elegant Passat offers premium driving with rewarding fuel economy at a very competitive price. And, as a bonus, its Volkswagen badge promises high residual values.

Test drive the Passat

Book a test drive online nowto experience the pure driving pleasure of the Passat. You can also order or download a brochure.

Finance offer

Volkswagen Finance has a great value finance offer on all Passat models until December 31, 2007. You can see here how affordable the 2.0-litre 4DR TDI Sport, for example, becomes:

Passat Saloon 2.0 TDI Sport
36 monthly payments of	£219.00
Optional final payment	£8,280.00
On the road retail cash price **	£18,967.00
Advance payment	£5,047.41
Amount of credit	£13,919.59
Fee payable with the first monthly payment	£95.00
Option to purchase fee payable with optional final payment	£60.00
Total amount payable	£21,147.41
Excess mileage (inc. VAT)	7.05p
Typical 6.9% APR

Model shown in top image is Passat Saloon Sport from £18,207. Model shown in bottom image is Passat Estate SEL from £23,427 including optional metallic paint.

*Payable with first payment. Payable with optional final payment. Further changes may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s from participating retailers only for registrations before June 30th 2007 (subject to availability). Volkswagen finance is a trading name of Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited, Freepost VWFS. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time.