The sixth generation Passat estate is a car built for the long run. It's not the most exciting estate car this sort of money can buy but it's probably the most presence your money will afford if you're looking for a family-sized estate. The diesels are probably the most attractive bet if you're planning on hauling heavier loads or are running bigger mileages.

When most people think of a Volkswagen Passat, they'll bring to mind a rugged and dependable estate car, which is not surprising given that over 4.3 million Passat Estates have so far been produced over five generations. British buyers were once bored by the car in any other form but these days, things are very different. The post-2005 four-door was well received, rightly acclaimed as one of the best family saloons of its generation but the estate version proved, if anything, to be an even more appealing proposition. Used examples are now starting to turn up in meaningful numbers and they're well worth serious consideration. It's not hard to figure out why.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HISTORY

The MKVI Volkswagen Passat Estate lagged a few months behind its saloon sibling, launching in November 2005. The estate model had long been a key tool in Volkswagen's armoury. Whereas the saloon version of the Passat was routinely outgunned by the likes of the BMW 3 Series, the estate model offered a commodity the 3 Series couldn't match - sheer space. Couple that with a decent slug of badge equity and it was hardly surprising that by the time of the MK VI Passat Estate model's launch, Volkswagen had established a respectable foothold in the estate market. With this car, Volkswagen looked to offer buyers of estate versions of the Honda Accords, Mazda6s and lower order Saab 9-5s a real and very well built alternative. A powerful 170PS version of the 2.0 TDI diesel was added to the range in Summer 2006. Residual values are very strong. The petrol engine range began to embrace turbocharging more fully late in 2007. It was announced that the normally-aspirated 1.6 and 2.0 FSI units would be phased out in favour of 1.4 and 1.8-litre TSI turbo engines producing 122 and 160PS respectively. The Highline trim level replaced the SE in early 2008, just after the economical BlueMotion models arrived.

WHAT DO I GET FOR MY MONEY?

The Passat Estate of course, features all the latest generation model's improvements, including the saloon's distinctive front design, which means it has the same imposing 'V' shaped chrome grille. From the B-pillar back however, the body is very different. In profile, the car has a more dynamic design than we've seen with previous Passat Estates, with a window line that rises towards the D-pillar. The angle of the tailgate is also less vertical, while fast-acting LED bulbs are used for the rear lights. Fortunately, the more streamlined appearance 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 newcomer 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-levelling hydropneumatic rear suspension, while a rail system in the boot floor allows more flexible securing of heavy items. Like its saloon counterpart, this Passat Estate features four-link rear suspension and transversely-mounted engines. Technical highlights include a Bluetooth telephone unit and a benchmark 600W RMS Dynaudio sound system, plus, two firsts in this class: a standard-fit electronic handbrake, and a 2Zone Climatronic system.

WHAT PRICE AM I LOOKING AT?

Due to the fact that this is still a fairly new model and typical buyers don't go for rapid turnover of cars, it's not easy to find the perfect Passat Estate if you have a specific colour, engine and trim combination in mind. MK VI Passat Estate used prices tend to start at around £11,800 for an entry level 1.6-litre petrol model, although a better buy is probably the 2.0-litre FSI engine which kicks off at around £14,600 in S trim on an 55 plate. Step up to the SE and you'll tack another grand onto that asking price. The 1.9-litre TDI diesels open at just over £14,000 for an S but the 2.0-litre engine is so manifestly superior it's worth stretching for. Here values start at around £16,250 for an SE trim on a 55 plate. Insurance ranges from Group 7 to Group 16.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

Ask most people and they'll cite the Passat as a paragon of reliability although owners of the old MKV model may not share that opinion, the Volkswagen often doing only averagely in customer satisfaction and reliability surveys. The MKVI model tightened genuine as opposed to merely perceived quality up a good few notches. Most of the engines are tried and tested powerplants and the DSG gearbox is rugged. Look out for 1.6-litre models that have clocked up big mileages in a short space of time, as these can feel rather tired with CV boots a particular point worth checking. Instead, try to land a 2.0-litre diesel or a petrol 2.0-litre FSI that has been well looked after.

HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

As usual with Volkswagen, there's a wide variety of engines on offer, with four petrols and three diesels from which to choose over four trim levels (S, SE, Sport and SEL). The petrols comprise a 115PS 1.6-litre unit, 150 or 200PS 2.0-litre powerplants and a 250PS 3.2-litre FSI V6. If you'd rather plump for diesel, there's a 105PS 1.9-litre TDI or 140 or 170PS versions of the vastly superior 2.0-litre TDI engine. There's a 4MOTION four wheel drive option if you choose the 140PS 2.0-litre TDI variant, a system that comes as standard to buyers of the 3.2-litre petrol model. Team the 2.0-litre TDI with the revolutionary DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) and you'll have a very satisfying ride. 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 Passat 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. The petrol cars have to make do with the less special six-speed tiptronic automatic. Most cars these days are also a good deal more rigid in terms of torsional stiffness than their predecessors and this Volkswagen is no exception. Find a jolly green giant to attempt to twist this new Passat Estate and he'd have to use 57 per cent more strength compared to the old car. In real terms, this means that the body is torsionally 'quiet', allowing the suspension to do its work more effectively. The end result is a more cosseting ride and better performance through corners.

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

PARTS INFORMATION

(approx based on a 2006 1.6S) A clutch assembly retails at around £190, front brake pads are £75 a pair whilst rears are £40 a set. A new alternator is a fairly reasonable £280, and a new headlamp is a hefty £275. A new exhaust system including the front and down pipe is £1250.

TOP 3 PASSAT DEALS

The results below show the top PASSAT deals on buyacar

	Volkswagen Passat 2.0T Sport FSI 5dr Tip Auto Estate
	ETR	Mthly £424	Saving £2,867	Price £20,623
	Volkswagen Passat 3.2 V6 SEL FSI 4MOTION 5dr DSG Estate
	ETR	Mthly £508	Saving £3,431	Price £24,311
	Volkswagen Passat 2.0T Sport FSI 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £401	Saving £2,691	Price £19,532

typical 11.67% APR

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