VW Passat is 50 not out: we test the new estate version on British roads

The first Volkswagen Passat was launched over fifty years ago, in 1973 – a year full of platform shoes and flared jeans, when Slade, Sweet and T.Rex topped the charts along with David Bowie’s Life On Mars.

Just in time for summer and flaming June, I’m driving the latest version on British roads, a few weeks after This is Money first tested the new ninth-generation VW Passat at its international launch in France.

The big – or ‘long’ – news is that for the first time it will only be available as a family variant with five seats and a large flexible boot, and not as a traditional sedan.

The launch model is the economical 150 PS 1.5-litre TSi mild-hybrid petrol with turbocharger and a six- or seven-speed automatic transmission. With prices starting from £38,490 there are three trim levels: Life; Elegance; and R-Line specification, which I drove, costs £42,850.

Mine came well stocked – including heated front sports massage seats, voice control, LED matrix lighting and heated windshield washers – but the added ‘extras’ pushed the price up by more than £5,000 to £48,265.

These include: a panoramic sunroof (£1,200); a Driving Assistance package including lane departure and emergency assist and an electronically operated child safety lock (£620); a Harmon Kardon sound system (£800); a larger infotainment package with a 15-inch screen including head-up display (£850); metallic paint and upgraded upholstery (£745); and a folding towbar with trailer support (£1,050).

My front-wheel drive Passat estate, which sat on 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, proved to be a comfortable ride with decent performance – although you don’t expect a sports car – with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, a top speed of 138 km/h. km/h and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

There are four driving settings: sport, comfort, normal and individual.

The British spec car loaned to us was well stocked, including heated front sports massage seats, voice control, LED matrix lighting and heated windshield washers

The launch model we tried isn’t exactly fast. Expect more spice from two new plug-in eHybrid petrol-electric models

Expect more oomph from two new plug-in eHybrid petrol-electric models (with 204bhp and 272bhp) from £44,090, combining the 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor, a 19.7kWh battery and a range of a maximum of 123 km only electric.

Both can be ordered before mid-summer delivery.

Sleek, aerodynamic and 15cm longer than the previous model, it has five centimeters of extra rear legroom and plenty of space in the boot, which expands from 690 liters (an increase of 40 litres) to 1,920 liters (an increase of 140 litres). ). liter).

The new estate-exclusive Passat has arrived in UK showrooms just in time for summer – and for Ray to try it out before his holiday

The front-wheel drive Passat estate we tried, riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, proved a comfortable ride with decent performance

Sleek, aerodynamic and 6 inches longer than the previous model, with five inches of extra rear legroom and plenty of room in the trunk

The new Passat also promises quieter driving thanks to effective sound insulation, including a standard acoustic windscreen and double glazing with acoustic film on the side windows.

The Elegance and R-Line versions have new ‘ergoActive’ front seats with adjustable lumbar support and pneumatic massage in the backrests.

Buttons on the steering wheel can be used for various dashboard images: classic (round dials); progressive (square); navigation (shows maps) and R-Line with gear indicator and speed display.

Time to put some Bowie on the turntable.

British Motown celebrates the 10th MotoFest

This weekend’s free event is dedicated to the automotive heritage of Coventry – the spiritual home of Jaguar and now the UK headquarters of Stellantis, which also includes Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Fiat and Jeep.

In the fast lane: After attracting more than 200,000 visitors last year, this time promises a turbo program

After attracting more than 200,000 visitors last year, this time promises a turbocharged program inside and outside the high-octane sprint circuit created from the city’s ring road, including live motorsport demonstrations, classic cars, manufacturer displays, live music, art, film and fairground attractions. See coventrymotofest.com.

Fancy a car summer garden party in the heart of the capital?

Visit the London Concours, which takes place from 4 to 6 June on the grounds of the Honorable Artillery Company, with supercars and classics from McLaren and Ferrari to Jaguar.

For more information, visit londonconcours.co.uk.