There are two turbocharged petrol engines – the lively 120bhp 1.4 TSI and a punchy 158bhp 1.8 TSI – or the 296bhp 3.6 V6 of the Tarmac-tearing R36. The three more sensible diesels, all 2.0-litre, deliver 109-, 138- and 168bhp, with the middle-powered model delivering the best compromise of price, pace and economy.

The Passat is impressively composed and it's as adept on a demanding country road as it on a motorway cruise. The steering is a little slow to react, but it provides reassuring weight and feel through corners and requires minimum effort on the motorway. The ride is generally comfortable, although there's an underlying firmness that's more pronounced on the R36 model because of its lowered sports suspension.

The Passat's diesel engines are smooth and quiet, while the four-cylinder petrol engines are easy on the ear unless they're worked hard. The V6 howl of the R36 is lively, but not always welcome. Road noise is well contained at speed, but wind noise is too noticeable on the motorway, so the Passat isn't as quiet a cruiser as some rivals.

The Passat is pricier than some of its rivals, but all but the entry-level models are very well equipped. Discounts are available, but they're not as generous as those you'll find on many big-name family cars. Residual values, however, are higher than average, while insurance and contract hire rates are par for the course and the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of most versions are better than average.

Volkswagen has a reputation for quality and the Passat mostly lives up to this. It looks appealing and the switchgear operates with a precise action, but some hard, flimsy-looking plastics on the lower dash let the side down a bit. The mechanical parts shouldn't give trouble, although we have heard of problems with the electronic parking brake.

Every Passat has a full set of electronic systems to help you avoid a crash. Unlike many rivals there's no driver's knee airbag, but there are front, side and curtain 'bags and the front headrests have anti-whiplash protection. The Passat scored a maximum five stars for occupant safety in Euro NCAP crash tests. A key that fits into the dashboard offers a degree of theft protection, and keyless entry and starting is optional.

An extensive range of seat and wheel adjustment means almost anyone can get comfortable at the wheel, although the optional sports seats don't offer enough shoulder support. The control layout is clear and logical, but the electronic parking brake and starter system seem like gimmicks and some drivers will find them unnecessarily fiddly.

The Passat can't match Ford's Mondeo for interior space, but it's still huge. There's ample leg, shoulder and headroom for four, although a hefty central tunnel does make life a little uncomfortable for a middle rear passenger. The 565-litre boot can easily cope with a family's holiday luggage.

S trim has most things you'd want, such as air-con, alloys and a stereo with an Aux-in socket. But, for a small premium, our favourite R Line trim gives you larger alloys, smarter looks and cruise control. Beyond that, Highline trim adds leather upholstery and electric driver’s seat adjustment; the R36 is a stand-alone, high-spec model; and, Bluemotion is a high-efficiency version of the least powerful diesel with a few extras over S trim, such as lowered suspension and a start-stop function.