Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI Highline BlueMotion

What is it?

Highline is a new trim level for the Volkswagen Passat or, more specifically, it’s a replacement for the best-selling SE variants.

It’s not just a straight swap, though, with extra equipment like sat-nav, 17-inch alloys and parking sensors now included as standard.

It’s available on both saloon and estate variants, and here we’re testing it as an estate with the 2.0 TDI 138bhp engine and Volkswagen’s dual-clutch DSG gearbox underneath the bonnet.

What’s hot?

• For company car buyers the Highline is very good news. VW says the extras over SE add up to £1680, but it commands just a £500 premium. That helps to keep the P11D value nice and low.
• The Highline seems to have all the gadgets you could ever want. Dual-zone climate control, DAB, Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, alloys and sat-nav are all standard.
• That long list of kit only serves to complement the Passat’s luxurious cabin, which also boasts impeccable build quality.
• Thankfully, the Passat still remains one of the smoothest riding and quietest cars in this class, helping to make long motorway journeys as relaxing as possible.
• You can keep your company car costs down, too, with CO₂ emissions of 135g/km allowing the Passat to sit in a relatively low company car tax band.

What’s not?

• You couldn’t call the Passat’s looks exciting. It’s classy but compared with something like the new Mazda 6, it’s a little plain.
• And while the Passat’s engines are efficient, the new Mazda now has units to outclass them. You can get an auto variant of the 6, which is not only quicker but more efficient, too.
• The Passat is certainly capable and safe in the corners but you could hardly call it fun. If you want driving thrills, then a Ford Mondeo or – again – the new Mazda 6 are both better choices.
• Around town this powertrain combination (2.0 TDI and DSG) does occasionally feel jerky and hesitant. Once up to speed it is far smoother, though.

Business Car Manager Verdict

The Volkswagen Passat has always been a company car favourite and this new Highline trim model makes more sense than ever for business buyers. You get huge amounts of extra standard equipment for only an additional £500.

And the Passat is just as fantastic on long motorway journeys as it’s always been thanks to its comfortable ride, luxurious cabin and  impressive levels of refinement.

But the Passat has been around for a while and is beginning to look outclassed by newer rivals like the Mazda 6, at least in terms of looks and handling.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI Highline BlueMotion – the low down