Skip advert
Advertisement

4. VW Passat Estate

The Volkswagen Passat Estate can’t quite match the practicality of its VW Group cousin, the Skoda Superb, but it still impresses with its boot size.

Volkswagen Passat Estate

The Volkswagen Passat Estate can’t quite match the practicality of its VW Group cousin, the Skoda Superb, but it still impresses with its boot size.

The load bay can be increased from 603 litres to 1,731 litres, while it’s easier to access than in many rivals as it features a clever automatic tailgate. This means it trumps cars like the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer and Hyundai i40 Tourer.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you have the keys in your pocket, you can wave your foot under the rear bumper, and the bootlid will lift open on its own – perfect for when your hands are full of shopping.

All models come with air-con, electric windows all-round and a USB input, as well as safety kit like ESP and a host of airbags, but options like sat-nav are expensive.

And while there’s a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, the most economical – the 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI, which promises 65.7mpg fuel consumption in BlueMotion eco guise – can feel underpowered. Better to go for the 138bhp version, which is more suitable for those carrying big loads on a regular basis, and still manages 54.3mpg

The Passat has variable service intervals, and VW offers a three-year package to keep maintenance bills down. While a five-star rating from Euro NCAP proves the Passat Estate is one of the safest cars in this class.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat

RRP £39,950Avg. savings £3,161 off RRP*Used from £8,349
Volvo V60

Volvo V60

RRP £32,745Avg. savings £2,333 off RRP*Used from £12,299
Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb

RRP £35,925Avg. savings £2,890 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia

RRP £21,750Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025