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Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Jan 2011 Class: Large cars
New price: £20,365 - £28,195 Used price: From £13,695
On sale:
Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
Boot & Storage:
Safety:
★★★★
★★★★★
Reliability:
★★★
Total score:
81%
Extremely comfortable and practical.
First-in-class to offer automatic fatigue detection.
City safety crash avoidance option.
Unexciting to drive and look at.
VW has an average reliability record.
Auto parking option doesn’t always work well.
Recommended models
in the range
Which? Car Top Choice Model
2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr
New price: £22,445
Used price: £17,850
Fastest Model
2.0 TDI 177 BM Tech Executive Style 4dr
DSG
New price: £27,875
Used price: -
8.4 secs
0-62mph:
Most Efficient Model
1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 4dr
New price: £23,710
Used price: Combined fuel economy:
65.7 mpg
Cheapest Model to buy new
1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr
New price:
£20,365
Overview
There are no earth-shattering new styling or engine developments on the new VW Passat, but
the multitude of tweaks inside and out amount to a sizeable step forward over the old car. If
you’re looking for something to get excited about, though, you’ll have to look to some of the
new optional extras.
It’s a case of evolution rather than revolution with the latest Passat. While VW claims to
have significantly improved refinement, comfort and kit - and to have replaced every panel
except the roof - there’s an overriding feeling that the seventh generation of the VW Group’s
third biggest seller remains distinctly similar to the previous model.
It’s no surprise that VW doesn’t want to put off existing customers, as it seems to have hit
on a winning formula. More than 15 million Passats have been sold in 100 different countries
since the original saloon went on sale in 1973.
What VW has done is beef up the exterior styling and add a chrome grille and bumper
inserts that take their cue from the brand’s Phaeton limousine. We’re not sure it turns the
Passat into a luxury vehicle, but it does give both the saloon and estate a stronger, sturdier
look.
Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of three turbocharged petrol engines and three
BlueMotion diesel engines all with stop-start as standard. The most exciting things about the new Passat are the 30-plus new innovations. These
include two important safety features: City Emergency Braking, which claims to prevent
accidents at speeds up to 18mph, and automatic fatigue detection - a system that monitors the
driver and gives warnings if you start to nod off.
The Passat comes in three trim levels: S, SE and Sport. Want to save money and buy a second-hand Passat? Read our review of the previous
model.
Cheapest Model to buy used
1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr
Used price:
£13,695
Cheapest Model to Run (new)
1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr
New price: £21,170
Running costs: £16,362
(3 years/36,000 miles)
Owner’s View
The Passat is a
comfortable, reliable
car and the 1.6 engine is
incredibly efficient and still
provides plenty of power for
such a big car.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
On the road
How we test
The first thing you’ll notice when you start up the engine of any seventh generation Passat
is the lack of noise. In its quest to make its cars the most refined in each class, VW has
added extra soundproofing and introduced thicker windscreen glass, with an acoustic film
sandwiched between layers of glass, across the range.
Performance
★★★★
Passat buyers can choose from 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines, all turbocharged to
maximise performance and economy. We’ve tested the 160bhp 1.8 TSI and found it has a very
decent turn of speed.
There is also a trio of diesel engines: a 105bhp 1.6-litre and two 2.0-litre units with either
140bhp or 170bhp. All three have VW’s BlueMotion technology, which includes standard stopstart, improving efficiency. The most impressive figures come from the 1.6: claimed 65.7mpg
(62.8mpg in our test) and 114g/km CO2. However, both the 2.0 engines are also claimed to
exceed 60mpg. So all three are likely to figure pretty high up on the buying lists of company
fleet managers.
We’ve tried the 1.6 and both 2.0 diesels, and although they’re not inspiring they do offer
acceptable performance around town and at motorway speeds. The 2.0 we tested is also
pretty smooth and quiet, with just a little hum noticeable at low revs.
All engines can be ordered with VW’s slick DSG semi-automatic gearbox. In our testing
this worked well with both the 1.8 petrol and 2.0 (140) TDi, providing ample acceleration and
smooth changes in auto mode, and offering the flexibility of far more performance on tap if you
change gear manually using the steering wheel mounted shifters.
The six-speed DSG in our test car was very quick to change gear, but not entirely free of
jerking, especially if you treat it too cautiously. On the whole though, it’s still one of the best
gearboxes you’ll find in a mainstream car.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG
semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Performance
Acceleration (37-62mph)
7.5 secs
6.3 secs
6.3 secs
Ride comfort
Rating
★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
We’ve only tested Passats with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control system, which lets you
choose from sport, normal and comfort modes.
Unsurprisingly, normal is the best overall balance - it’s firm, but offers good damping. While
sport tightens the suspension to reduce swaying and body roll to practically zero, it’s a bit too
hard for UK roads. Comfort does what you’d expect - it’s great at smoothing out bumps, but it
can feel a little wobbly on winding roads and at motorway speeds.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Rating
★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
We use the sophisticated electronic timing
equipment to record standing-start and
in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test
several times.
Ride comfort
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
On the road continued...
How we test
Handling
★★★★★
Handling
The Passat feels stable and holds the road well. It performed well in our obstacle avoidance
test, only displaying a small amount of oversteer after avoiding our obstacle, but the electronic
stability control system reacts quickly to prevent skidding.
In normal driving, the Passat understeers slightly, which will suit most drivers, as it’s safe.
The steering is responsive and precise, conveying a good feel of the road.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Rating
Brakes
★★★★
The Passat 2.0 TDI took 37.5 metres to come to a standstill from 62mph in our test, while both
the 1.6 TDI and 1.8 TSI petrol took 37.0 metres. These are reasonable figures for a car of this
size.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG
semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Braking distance (62-0mph)
37.0m
37.3m
★★★★
★★★★
Rating
36.7m
★★★★
Brakes
The Which? Car braking test measures
stopping distance from 62-0mph and is
repeated ten times in quick succession to
highlight any brake fade issues.
Refinement and noise
★★★★
Refinement and noise
Interior noise levels are low throughout the rev range, but wind noise is noticeable. The Passat
is very refined and well-insulated.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr
(2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
On-the-limit handling is explored well
away from public roads to ensure a fair
test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of
the harshest tests in the industry..
Cruising noise
67dB
67dB
★★★★
★★★★★
Rating
67dB
★★★★★
The Which? Car experts use a decibel
meter to record interior sound levels
at common UK motorway speeds, and
combine this with subjective assessments
to arrive at an overall score.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
On the road continued...
How we test
Cabin and controls
★★★★★
Cabin and controls
In most respects, the Passat is functional and easy to operate. There are a plethora of powered
functions (windows, door mirrors, parking brake and optional powered front seats to name a
few).
Automatic washers/wipers and running lights are optional. It’s easy to position the height
and reach-adjustable steering wheel, and the gearstick is within easy reach.
The optional touch-screen navigation system is mostly intuitive and has a large display, but
we’ve found it a little confusing in other VW cars.
Storage is respectable and the glovebox is air-conditioned.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Rating
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Visibility and parking
★★★★
The Passat’s optional park assist feature steers your into a space - all you have to do is operate
the pedals. It’s a good idea, but we think it might be a little while off being an essential extra it’s rather expensive, and only helpful if you’re particularly nervous about your parking skills.
Visibility forwards is good, but the large B-pillars (between the front and rear doors)
hamper the view to the side. Seeing out of the back is tricky due to the non-retractable rear
headrests and the high rear shelf.
The standard lights are decent, and while the optional xenon units are superb, they’re very
expensive at £1,220 (as part of a package).
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr
(2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Turning circle
11.4m
11.4m
★★★★
★★★★
Rating
11.5m
★★★★
We penalise cars with difficult controls,
and we look for things like backlit light
switches and easy-to-use heating and
ventilation adjustments.
Visibility and parking
Visibility is a major issue for motorists
today, so each car gets a 360-degree
swivel view test to reproduce the driver’s
eye view and any obscured areas.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
Comfort and practicality
How we test
Although the seventh generation Passat is based on the same platform as its predecessor, VW
is keen to stress the differences – for starters, it’s replaced every panel aside from the roof,
and claims to have given its front-end the Phaeton limousine look. But this still isn’t a car that
will turn heads like a Vauxhall Insignia or send out status signals like a Merc C-class.
Getting in and out
★★★★
Although the Passat has large doors, they’re surprisingly low - making it trickier to get into than
you’d expect. The wide sills, high seats and slanting roofline don’t help either.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Seat space and comfort
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
We take measurements all around the
driver and passenger’s door apertures
and note the height of the seat, door sills
and step down onto the car floor. The
best cars don’t require too much bending
or stretching to get in and out.
Seat space and comfort
★★★★
The car’s interior feels spacious in the front, particularly in terms of headroom. The outboard
rear seats are fine, but people more than 1.83 metres (6ft) tall will find their head touches the
ceiling and three people will find the rear bench cramped.
The seats themselves are large, and have a good range of adjustment. Padding is
comfortable, with good side support and excellent support to the back. A pair of rear
passengers should find the rear seats comfortable enough for a long journey, although thigh
support could be better.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Getting in and out
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
We assess seat comfort subjectively,
using our road testers’ expert knowledge
and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to
see how well the car caters for people of
all shapes and sizes.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
Comfort and practicality continued...
How we test
Boot and storage
★★★★
Boot and storage
At 480 litres, the Passat’s boot is very spacious. This increases to 810 litres to the window-line
with the rear backrests folded.
The boot is easy to open and we really liked the optional auto-opening feature that works
when you point your foot below the rear bumper - great if you’ve got your hands full.
The boot opening is a bit narrow and the sill, at 73cm from the ground, is rather high. The
boot floor is also low, 19cm below the boot lip. That said, it’s pretty practical and offers a good
useable space.
There are a few problems - there is only one light and items can be hard to retrieve from
the far end. The Passat’s boot is also requires a fair bit of force to close.
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG
semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Boot space (seats up/down)
480 litres / 810 litres
480 litres / 810 litres
★★★★
★★★★
480 litres / 810 litres
★★★★
Heating and ventilation
Rating
Heating and ventilation
★★★★
The heating system in the 2.0-litre TDI Passat we tested proved to be highly adjustable,
although it took quite a long time to warm up from -10C.
The standard automatic air-con system lets the driver and passenger set their own
temperature, but not airflow (ie: over feet, body or face).
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr (2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Carmakers give official stats for boot
space, but our tests are more realistic. We
load the boot up with measuring blocks
only as far as the rear window line, so
that luggage is well secured and won’t
obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test
with the rear seats up, and folded down
(where possible).
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm
each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in
our climate chamber. Starting with a cold
engine, we measure how long it takes to
warm up the front and rear of the cabin.
Diesel cars usually take longer. We also
check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
Running costs and depreciation
How we test
The Passat represents pretty good value. It holds its value well, and if you opt for one of the
lower-powered diesels, then it compares well with rivals in terms of day-to-day running costs.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
We’ve tested the 1.8 TSI with manual transmission and averaged 41.5mpg - actually slightly
better than the claimed 40.9mpg.
In our hands, the 2.0-litre TDI BlueMotion averaged 50.4mpg, compared with an official
figure of 54.3mpg. That’s pretty good, but not the absolute best you’ll find for this type of car.
The smaller-engined 1.6 diesel is the most economical in the Passat range with its claimed
average of 65.7mpg. We managed 62.8mpg in our test.
Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)
40.4 mpg - 47.9 mpg
Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)
54.3 mpg - 65.7 mpg
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr
(2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Urban (claimed/tested)
54.3 mpg/56.5 mpg
44.8 mpg/43.5 mpg
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr
(2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Extra urban (claimed/tested)
74.3 mpg/72.4 mpg
62.8 mpg/62.8 mpg
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr
(2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Motorway (measured)
55.4 mpg
44.1 mpg
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr
(2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Combined (claimed/tested)
65.7 mpg/62.8 mpg
54.3 mpg/50.4 mpg
29.4 mpg/30.4 mpg
53.3 mpg/54.3 mpg
40.9 mpg
40.9 mpg/41.5 mpg
We test fuel economy under strict lab
conditions – using realistic test cycles – to
reveal the facts behind the figures. Our
figures rarely match manufacturer claims
as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold
engine, and on the motorway.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
Running costs and depreciation continued...
How we test
Emissions
Emissions
Again, the 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion model is best for low CO2 emissions. Its official figure of
114g/km means you pay just £30 a year in vehicle excise duty (car tax) - although we saw 119g/
km in our test.
We measured CO2 emissions of 146g/km in the 2.0-litre TDI, but the official figure of 135g/
km means that annual tax costs £115.
Petrol (CO2, claimed)
135g per km - 183g per km
Diesel (CO2, claimed)
109g per km - 139g per km
Model tested
diesel 1.6 TDI (105bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
diesel 2.0TDI BlueMotion (140bhp) DSG semi-suto 4dr
(2011)
petrol 1.8 TSI (160bhp) manual 4dr (2011)
Emissions (claimed/tested)
109g per km/119g per km
135g per km/146g per km
The Passat has a good amount of safety equipment: electronic stability control (ESP), brake
assist and fatigue detection are standard. When the ESP kicks in if a potential skid is detected,
the steering wheel gives a little nudge in the right direction.
The car also has indirect tyre pressure monitors as standard, while a more accurate direct
system is optional. Likewise xenon headlights with a cornering function.
One key feature is the optional cruise control with stop-start function that comprises a
collision warning system and automatic low-speed emergency braking. Active lane assist is
also available.
Read our test of advanced car braking systems here
Which? safety rating
Active (crash avoidance)
Passive (crash safety)
Child
Pedestrian
Security
We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP
crash test scores (where available),
alongside our own comprehensive safety
checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results
from our accident avoidance test – after
all, it’s far better to steer around a crash
than rely on the airbags...
Security
★★★★★
The Passat was awarded a full five-star rating when tested by Euro NCAP.
Occupant safety is high - it scored 91% in this area. The passenger compartment is very
stable and front, side and curtain airbags are standard. The front headrests protect people up
to about 1.90 metres (6ft 3ins) tall, and they aren’t set too far back.
There are visual and acoustic seatbelt reminders in the front and a rear seatbelt status
indicator. The stable door handles can tolerate very high pulling forces if they need to be
opened from outside after a crash.
The rear headrests only provide good protection to people up to 1.70 metres (5ft 7ins).
However, the shape of the ceiling means it could provide a bit of cover itself. (Year tested:
2010)
Adult occupant
Child protection
Pedestrian protection
Safety assist
Safety
160g per km/159g per km
Safety and security
Euro NCAP score
While testing fuel economy, we also
collect exhaust gases to enable us to
measure the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emitted. We also check whether
particulate filters are effective at removing
sooty emissions from diesel engines.
91%
77%
54%
71%
★★★★★
86%
89%
87%
52%
Security scores come from the security
experts at Thatcham, who break into
hundreds of cars each year. Most modern
cars are very difficult to drive away, but
are still too easy to steal from.
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
Which? Car Survey results
About our survey
The Which? Car Survey is the UK’s biggest and best reliability and owner satisfaction survey.
In 2013, drivers told us about 57,182 cars, covering more than 450 million miles in the previous
12 months (that’s equivalent to driving 18,398 times around the world). This unique feedback
allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages shown
under ‘Most common faults’ indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem in the
past 12 months.
Brand
Sample size: 4,469 people
Volkswagen ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Servicing & repair
Model: Volkswagen Passat (2010-)Sample size:
44 people
Ownership ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
Ease of driving
Comfort
Dash layout and controls
In-car technology
Styling
Build quality
Practicality
Value for money
Everyone who takes part in the Which?
Car survey tells us about their car and
the dealers who sell and service it. We
analyse this feedback across all cars to
give top-level satisfaction ratings for each
brand, including the brand’s reliability
record over the last eight years. All star
ratings are out of five.
Model ownership ratings
★★★
★★★
Dealer Sales Service
Driving enjoyment
80%
Brand ratings
These show how owners score this car
in 12 different areas, from performance to
heating. Owners’ ratings are subjective –
so may differ from Which? Car test scores
– but they give a good idea of what the
car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars
are scored against other cars in the same
class (e.g. for space).
81%
★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★
Owner’s View
Well built car with good
handling and excellent
engine response. Stopstart facility excellent
coupled with very good fuel
economy.
Owner’s View
The lack of handbrake is
irritating. The automatic
brake is good at traffic
lights but will sometimes
decide to hang on a while
before releasing. Also,
when moving the car into
a different space or a tiny
distance, it’s annoying to
Which? Car review
Volkswagen Passat (2010-)
Large cars
Which? Car Survey results continued...
About our survey
Reliability ratings
Reliability ratings
Overall Reliability
Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
★★★★
Up to 3 years old
3-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
★★★★
-
£7
-
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five – the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months
Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12
months
Most common faults
Up to 3 years old
Interior - Other
Manual gearbox
Springs
Electronic braking
Fuel System
5%
3%
2%
2%
2%
3-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
Want to know what’s most likely to go
wrong as the car gets older? These are
the five most common faults reported by
owners, grouped by age into new, recent
and older cars. A score of 40% means
four out of 10 owners reported problems
with that part of the car over the previous
12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause
more headaches than mechanical parts in
most modern cars.