Last year’s overall champion still makes a superb tow car.
Four-wheel-drive traction combines with sure-footed handling to make the Passat a superb drive in bad weather. Braking performance is strong, too. Even in the wet, the VW stopped from 30mph in just 11.46 metres. The electronic handbrake never failed to hold the outfit on the 1-in-6 test hill, and released smoothly and automatically when the driver pulled away.
Our test car was fitted with the old VW 2.0-litre diesel. The Passat is the quietest model fitted with this unit, although by the time you read this, the new engine from the Tiguan 4×4 will have made the Passat more refined.
The spacious boot swallowed almost the entire load of holiday gear, while the full-size spare wheel and 12V socket in the boot also contributed to the VW’s strong score for practicality.
Nonetheless, the Passat loses out to the Mondeo, which is even better to drive and rides bumps with more finesse.