29 Jul 05
This new Passat Estate is a handsome brute. It wears the same chrome grille and chrome-edged indicators set low in the bumper as the saloon. The large LED rear lights are also as found on the saloon, but thanks to the extra sheet metal on the bootlid, they blend into the design rather than stand out like oversized pimples. The softly-sculpted flanks and gently-tapered corners create a much more rounded car than the boxy old Passat Estate. And more chrome accents running the length of the doors and edging the side windows create an upmarket look to the car.
The new Passat Estate is bigger in all dimensions than the outgoing model - some 92mm longer, 74mm wider and 19mm taller. This gives more space for cargo, as well as for front and rear passengers.
The Passat Estate shares its interior with the saloon, and is of higher quality and provides greater comfort than the old model. Some of the interior colour combinations are a bit naff - we'd stay away from the faux walnut and sandy-beige leather seats, for example. However, with black leather seats and aluminium flashes on the dashboard the Passat does feel quite special inside. Other highlights include the integrated Bluetooth hands-free kit with a keypad that pops out of the dashboard with a satisfyingly smooth movement. And the neat fluting on the seats is pure 1960s retro-chic.
