Think of a Volkswagen Passat and you probably think of an 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 latest four-door is in demand, rightly acclaimed as one of the best family saloons there is. So what of the estate version?

Well, on paper at least, much the same ought to apply. The station wagon 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.

"If you're looking for quality in a volume marketplace, nobody does in better than this.."

Engine-wise, the units on offer reflect those available in the saloon. On the petrol side, that means a choice between the 1.4-litre (122 PS), 1.8-litre (160PS), 2.0-litre (150 PS), 2.0-litre Turbo (200 PS) and 3.2-litre V6 (250 PS) FSI units that are shared with Audi models. As are the diesel TDI engines, of 1.9-litres (105 PS) and 2.0-litres (140 or 170PS) in size. Go for the 105PS 1.9 TDI and there's the option of a frugal BlueMotion version. Volkswagen's clever DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) is available on TDI models, with six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission available on 2.0-litre FSI engines. 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. And as standard to the R36 performance flagship, a car that puts out 296bhp. Price-wise, you can expect to pay a premium of around £1,100, model-for-model on saloon prices, which means you'll need to budget for anything between £16,975 and £32,150.

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. Volkswagen promise 4MOTION all-wheel drive models in the not too distant future.

As with the saloon, this Passat Estate has a classy look, much of it borrowed from the larger Phaeton luxury saloon. The windscreen is raked back, 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. Whereas the old model always looked ready to accept a fare, this time round the Passat looks set to spring forward. Fit it with a big set of alloy wheels and it looks very special indeed.

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 suspenion to do its work more effectively. The end result is a more cossetting ride and better performance through corners.

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.

Standard equipment levels disprove the old myth about German cars being as lavishly appointed as a squash court. In addition to the recent specification tweaks, all models as a matter of course get ABS, climate controlled air-conditioning, an alarm/immobiliser and remote central locking. All cars also come fitted as standard with front, side and curtain airbags, plus Brake Assist and a third rear seatbelt.

So is the car worth the money ? On balance, we'd say yes. Volkswagen have confidence in this car. As do its dealers. And with good reason. If you're looking for quality in a volume marketplace, nobody does in better than this.

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