REVIEW: 2024 Volkswagen Passat Estate -Does Default Estate Herald a Comeback?

September 25, 2024

In the past whenever a family was in need of a vehicle that could carry them and all their ‘stuff’ or which could double as a business vehicle, or if you had dogs, then you’d get yourself an estate car, or a station wagon as it’s known across the pond.
Then the SUV came along, and apart from a few stragglers from Audi and one or two others (even estate stalwarts, Volvo have killed them off now sadly), car manufacturers have seemingly abandoned them.
Except that the all-new 2024 Volkswagen Passat Estate is an all-new, ninth-generation model that stands out by being available only in a distinct estate body style. Is Volkswagen’s decision to offer the Passat solely as an estate, actually a bold move that heralds a return for saloons with big booties?
This latest iteration of the Passat boasts a longer wheelbase, offering increased passenger space, especially for rear passengers. The car measures 4917mm in length and 1849mm in width, and an impressive 0.25 coefficient of drag is quite an achievement for a vehicle of this type. The design at the front is notably reminiscent of the Golf, with its sleek, aerodynamic lines and the characteristic gills beneath the headlights, giving it a pumped-up Golf aesthetic.
Under the bonnet, the Passat Life model features a 1.5-litre EVO2 Turbo 4-cylinder petrol mild hybrid engine. This engine produces 150bhp and 250Nm of torque from 1500 to 3500rpm, paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. This setup allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 9.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 138mph. While these numbers might not seem particularly sporty, the car offers plenty of performance for everyday driving, feeling quick and responsive on the road.
Inside, the Passat Estate impresses with its spacious and practical layout. The luggage capacity is a notable 690 litres with the seats up, expanding to a colossal 1920 litres with the seats down. The interior is well thought out, with clever storage solutions like the wheel well turned into an extra storage compartment.
The cabin is equipped with a wealth of standard features, enhancing both comfort and convenience. These include: driver alert system, keyless entry and start, auto-dimming interior mirror, heated and dimming door mirrors, 3 Zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, auto braking and lane assist, rear-view camera, remote control park assist, 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-speaker sound system, wireless phone charger, LED front and rear lights, ArtVelours ECO microfleece upholstery, and heated massage function front seats with power tilt adjustment.
The model I tested included several options, such as IQ.Light LED Matrix Headlights, high-beam assist, cornering lights, a light mode for poor weather, an illuminated light line between the headlights, rear heated seats, and Mariposit Green metallic paint with Pure Grey ArtVelours upholstery.
Enough of the fancy bits, how does it go? Driving the Passat Estate is a pleasure, thanks to its well-balanced handling and smooth performance. The lower centre of gravity compared to SUVs immediately makes it feel more planted and stable on the road. Despite being longer, the car is easy to manoeuvre, with excellent visibility and responsive steering.
The ride quality is comfortable, absorbing most road imperfections with ease. The interior remains quiet, with minimal wind and road noise, contributing to a serene driving experience. The 7-speed DSG gearbox is smooth and efficient, and making manual changes via paddle shifters is quick and satisfying.
Of course, practicality is a key strength of the Passat Estate, it would have to be. The boot space is not only large but also versatile, there are levers to drop the rear seats, additional storage pockets, and a power supply for convenience. Rear passengers enjoy ample legroom, headroom, and comfort, making long journeys more than tolerable.
The new Passat is a good blend of space, performance, and modern technology, making it well worth putting on the shortlist for families on the go that like to carry kit. A thoroughly competent and acceptable vehicle, but does it prove there is still a significant market for estate cars? Time will tell.