It's always a bold step to price a Mondeo-sized car at around £26,000. Even so, such is the quality of Volkswagen's Passat that the 3.2-litre FSI version's price tag doesn't seem to represent as much of a risk as it normally might. Borrowed from the current Audi range, this car's potent petrol V6 offers serious performance, whether under the bonnet of saloon or estate variants. In doing so, it hopes to question buyers' need to fork out more and apparently get less for equivalent BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz rivals. Fitted with the 4MOTION four-wheel drive system and the clever six-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox as standard, this car claims to offer serious value for the money.

The Passat's established safe looks of previous generations have been blown away by the current model's styling and with a smooth, powerful V6 beneath the bonnet, it takes on a much more aggressive and purposeful stature. A Passat owner was once percieved as one who was comfortably off, sensible and could be trusted to look after the shop without blowing the takings on an all night bender. The 3.2-litre FSI model, however, should reveal a whole new side to such a person's personality.

The looks of the Passat seem to have been universally well received, featuring as it does the same sculpted rear buttresses and fluted flanks as the luxury Phaeton saloon. That raked back windscreen looks good too, giving the shape a dynamic stance, and the low roofline combines with a wedge-shaped profile that seems to store the car's energy up in its chunky haunches.

"The most exciting feature of the Passat 3.2-litre V6 is the revolutionary DSG gearbox."

The 250PS 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine features innovative direct injection technology, where the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber under high pressure, resulting in increased power and economy at very low revs. This gives a sprint time of 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds for the saloon version and 7.2 seconds for the estate model. The saloon reaches a top speed of 153mph, with the estate only lagging 2mph behind on 151mph. Economy of the 3.2-litre engined-models comes in at a reasonable 28mpg on the combined cycle for both saloon and estate versions, but the CO2 output is relatively high at 240g/km and 242g/km repectively.

The 4MOTION drive system ensures that this Passat is sure footed in the worst of conditions and always working to your benefit. Even when the road's dry, the system deploys its power evenly, which is helpful when you have a large throttle opening and a good deal of steering wound on. 4MOTION also means that this car will be able to tow things like trailers more effectively, as the unweighted front wheels will no longer be an issue. Despite the way that dealers will try and sell the estate version of this model against Discoverys and Land Cruisers, the Passat is resolutely not an off roader but on muddy tracks, wet grass or snow, the car is a whole lot more sure footed than it has a right to be.

To our mind, the most exciting feature of this flagship Passat the revolutionary DSG gearbox that is fitted as standard. This uses a sequential manual gearbox in order to ensure efficiency and rapid responses, but it also uses a clever twin clutch system to ensure creamy smoothness. Engage first gear and the gearbox will pre-engage second gear in advance, the second clutch engaging as soon as you flick up to fire the Volkswagen instantly into second gear. This means a seamless flow of power. The electronics predict what gear you're about to engage, depending on whether you're accelerating or braking, and the result is astonishing, making every other gearbox look distinctly clunky. The other option is to slip it into 'D' and drive it like a normal automatic. Even in this mode it's butter smooth. One comes away with the impression that some day all gearboxes will be made this way.

Both the saloon and estate versions are available in one trim level - SEL. This includes 16-inch Adelaide alloy wheels, heated front seats, an RCD500 radio and dash mounted 6-CD player, 2Zone Climatronic air-conditioning and leather upholstery. Prices start at £26,365.

The Passat's cabin might come as a surprise to those expecting the Phaeton-esque styling influences to continue indoors. In fact, it's rather functional, albeit in a clean, uncluttered fashion. Somewhat unusually for a Volkswagen, this could be where rivals will seek solace. There is a good deal more use of light tones than in the unremittingly dark dashboard of the previous generation Passat, but those looking for something that signally moves the game on in terms of design philosophy may well come away disappointed. There are a number of technical highlights featured, however, such as Bluetooth connectivity for the telephone unit and an electronic handbrake.

Fortunately, the more streamlined appearance of the estate version has not been achieved at the expense of luggage capacity. Maximum volume in the cargo area is 1,731 litres, compared with the 1,600 litres of this car's predecessor. The latest version is 1.9cm taller than before (at 1.52m), 9.2cm longer (at 4.77m) and 7.4cm wider (at 1.82m). Adding to the practical character of this model is optional self-leveling hydro pneumatic rear suspension, while a rail system in the boot floor allows more flexible securing of heavy items.

The Passat 3.2-litre V6 FSI is an intriguing statement by Volkswagen. Is this simply a token flagship for the Passat range or are they really mounting a challenge to the established German executive brands? Whatever the answer is, this Passat is worth a try.

TOP 2 PASSAT DEALS

The results below show the top PASSAT deals on buyacar

	Volkswagen Passat 3.2 V6 SEL FSI 4MOTION 5dr DSG Estate
	ETR	Mthly £508	Saving £3,431	Price £24,311
	Volkswagen Passat 3.2 V6 SEL FSI 4MOTION 4dr DSG Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £489	Saving £3,283	Price £23,387

typical 11.49% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000