Review of the new Volkswagen Passat Highline Range

It's a fact that Volkswagen has increasing railed against, but the Passat has never been very sexy. Think of a Passat buyer and you'd probably come up with forty or fifty-something male with older kids, a decent job, who likes quality but is savvy enough not to be ripped off by 'aspirational' marketing tactics and who keeps his car for longer than average. It's not exactly the thrusting image that many of the Passat's rivals aim to project but it's a niche that Volkswagen has quietly profited from for many years.

Only fairly recently have we seen a sporty variant of the Passat, the range majoring instead on low key refinement. The Highline variants don't stray from the theme too much. In adding more equipment but keeping prices manageable, they offer keener value and are aimed at private buyers. This is key. If the Passat's sales mix starts to get too canted towards business users, residual values suffer and sales quickly tail off. The Highline has quite some responsibility.

As you might expect for a model campaigning on value for money, Volkswagen has wisely fitted the Passat Highline with the more fuel efficient engines in its line up. For the relatively few buyers looking for petrol power, there's a 160PS 1.8-litre TSI unit offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed semi-automatic DSG transmission. Otherwise, it's diesel all the way, specifically a 2.0-litre TDI developing either 110, 140 or 170PS. Buyers of the 2.0 TDI 110 get a 5-speed manual gearbox, but otherwise, the choice is between 6-speed manual or 6-speed semi-automatic DSG transmission. Go for the 2.0 TDI 140 variant and there's the option of a 'BlueMotion Technology' version which can substantially improve both fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

"The Highline looks quietly elegant."

The Passat never feels anything less than a big car which is why the 1.9-litre engine struggles a little in cut and thrust traffic. Choose either the 1.8-litre petrol with its 0-60mph in 8.3s and a top speed of 137mph or the 2.0-litre TDI 140 (9.8s, 130mph) and you'll enjoy your Highline a whole lot more. Refinement from wind and road noise are excellent and although the Passat's handling is never particularly involving, it always feels safe and extremely capable. Be aware that specifying larger wheels does detract from ride comfort quite noticeably.

The Highline looks quietly elegant, sitting on its 17-inch alloy wheels with plenty of chrome around the front grille and window surrounds. The Passat's cabin, though smart, is rather functional, albeit in a clean, uncluttered fashion. Somewhat unusually for a Volkswagen, this could be where rivals will seek solace. There's 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 a superior quality stereo, an electronic handbrake and a 2Zone Climatronic air conditioning system.

The estate version of this car keeps the latest generation Passat's sharp looks, 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. 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.

The Passat range is quite extensive with the budget S model, the fuel-conscious BlueMotion version, the more aggressively styled R Line variant and the unashamedly fiery R36 model available. Into this mix slots the Highline, adding a whole host of extras for a nominal mark up over the R Line. As well as the 17-inch alloy rims, the Highline also gets full Vienna leather upholstery with heated front seats. Better quality carpeting and a multifunction steering wheel are also fitted. If you want satellite navigation or Bluetooth 'phone compatibility, you've to stretch to the Highline Plus model for another £750 more.

The Highline's kit tally is on top of the usual Passat fitments such as air conditioning, an eight-speaker stereo and cruise control. Suddenly the Highline looks very keen value for money. Taking the 1.8-litre TSI saloon model as an example, its asking price compares well with the current Ford Mondeo, and in order to land a Mondeo that is as powerful and well equipped, you'd need to pay about the same money.

All the engines in the Passat Highline range are renowned for their fuel efficiency. The petrol engine manages a creditable 37.2mpg on the combined cycle. Opt for the 2.0-litre TDI 110 diesel and you'll see 51.4mpg while the 2.0-litre TDI 140 model is barely any less economical at 50.4mpg. Emissions are kept well in check for such a sizeable car, the saloon model recording 172g/km for a manual 1.8 TSI, 143g/km for a manual 2.0-litre TDI 110 and 146g/km for a manual 2.0-litre TDI 140. Go for the TDI 140 in 'BlueMotion Technology' form and emissions fall to just 124g/km.

Opt for the DSG semi-automatic gearbox and emissions figures are actually better than those of the equivalent manual model. Couple the competitive fuel economy and emissions with reasonable upfront asking prices, modest insurance ratings and excellent residual values and you have a car that manages to mix the best aspects of mass market and prestige models into one package.

With its abundant equipment and sharp pricing, the Passat Highline represents a very smart response so a competitive market sector. Think about it for a moment. For the price of an equivalently powerful Mondeo, you'll get a car that will be more fuel efficient, will hold its value better and which features a markedly better engine.

The Passat isn't the most thrilling car in the world to drive, but that's not a priority for many in this sector who are instead looking for something well built and unobtrusively tasteful. The Highline may not bring too many radically different customers to the Passat fold but as a tool for converting those who are wavering, it's hard to fault.

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