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When we think about all wheel drive estate cars the Volkswagen Passat is not always the first car that springs to mind. All wheel drive is becoming much more popular on both saloon and estate cars and that’s not such a bad thing considering the rough weather conditions we have been experiencing of late. The thing about this Passat is, not only is it fitted with all wheel drive “4 Motion” to give it its correct term but its also got a bi-turbo 2.0 litre TDI engine that produces staggering performance. We are talking about nearly 240 horsepower with 500 Nm of torque, which is enough to pull tarmac off your local motorway. The 100kph dash comes up in just over 6 seconds and the speedometer wont stop until its reading nearly 240 km/h or 150mph in old money. This is the ultimate motorway cruiser and a car that sales reps and even members of the force should be driving.

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We have had the privilege of driving it for the last week and what a drivers car it is. The engine is mated to a DSG gearbox giving you 7 seamless gears that can be left to do their own thing or operated manually via the small paddles on the back of the steering wheel. As this is a Highline Business Edition Model you get a gaggle of standard spec that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Bluetooth Connectivity, Park Distance Control, 
Led Headlights, ‘Premium’ Led Rear Tail Lights, High Beam Control “Light Assist”, with Automatic switching Function, 
8″ Discover Pro Navigation System with CD Player & built in harddrive and Top Comfort seats with Alcantara/’Vienna’ leather. It really is a nice place to be wit h the usual VW quality feel.

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Since its launch we have loved the Volkswagen’s new eighth-generation Passat and in estate form we like it even more. As this car is based on the VW Group’s much-used MQB platform, which is the same underpinnings as the Golf, it feels composed and refined but offers amazing feel with sharp reactions when you turn in on that tight back road. In fact we would go as far as to say it feels somewhat Golf GTI like to drive but offers luggage space of 650 litres with the rear seats up and 1,750 with them down meaning space should never really be an issue.

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I think its safe to say we enjoyed our time with the Passat BiTDI. It is the ultimate sleeper in many respects because most cars with this sort of power and ability tend to shout about it with loud colours, sporty kits but the understated Passat will reward and surprise you in so many ways. This big question now is how much does it cost? Well in standard trim the Highline Business Edition starts at €38,825. If you would like this 4motion BiTDI you will pay €52,355 however factor extras like a detachable towbar, electric tailgate, 18-inch Dartford Alloys and a rear camera like our test car and you will pay €59,160. That’s a large chunk of change but trust us, it’s a lot of car to drive!

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Technical Specification

Engine Size – 2.0 BiTDI

Fuel Type – Diesel

Power – 240hp

Torque – 500Nm

Acceleration (0-100km/h) – 6.3 seconds

Top Speed – 240 km/h

Consumption (Combined) – 5.3L/100km

CO2 Emissions – 140g/km

Road Tax – €280 Tax Band B2

Base Price – €52,355

Price As Tested – €59,160