While the Passat isn’t the best family car for comfort or handling – it loses out on both counts to the Ford Mondeo – it’s not far off. All the controls feel solidly built, plus there’s a positive gear change and steering that makes the car feel agile in tight car parks and built up areas. The Passat also feels stable and secure on the motorway. The Passat comes with VW’s latest diesel engines, which are far smoother than the engines they replaced, but still prove punchy and economical.