Thoughts on "the most solulless car" - Passat query

[jingars]

Just completed probationary period for current job, so can now choose a new car. Allowance not an option - have to choose a vehicle from a list. In fairness to my employer the list has quite a decent variety of vehicles to choose from, but I have three 6 foot plus sons so most of list won't accommodate them. Have previously done the MPV thing and don't want to do that again if it can be avoided; Galaxy Titanium is on the list. Therefore, looking at the listed estates.

Anyone have any experience of the current Passat estate? The specific one on the list is the 2.0 Tdi SCR 190 R-Line DSG.

Have a 150 DSG estate on demo in a fortnight's time, but would appreciate any feedback. The word "competent" seems to be used a lot in regard to the Passat. In truth I am just after a quiet, refined, large estate with the ability to carry five full size adults.

[miniman]

Skoda Superb on the list?

[Defcon5]

190bhp? Thought the 2.0tdi topped out at 170?

I'd certainly have one over a mpv. Are there any equivalent a4/3 series/octavia on the list?

[martin mrt]

Nice cabin to sit in, comfortable and does exactly what you want if it.

[jingars]

Thanks for the replies. Shame that I cannot spell "soulless" correctly in the title

No Superb on the list. Only Skoda is "Octavia Diesel Hatchback 2.0 Tdi Cr Laurin + Klement 5dr"

VW website has a 190 power option for the Passat, so hopefully that isn't a typo.

Other estate-y options listed are;

Audi A4 Diesel Avant 2.0 Tdi 163 Ultra Se Technik 5dr manual
Audi Q3 Diesel Estate 2.0 Tdi Se 5dr manual
BMW 3 Series Diesel Touring 320d Se 5dr [Business Media] manual
BMW X1 Diesel Estate Sdrive 20d Efficientdynamics 5dr manual
Peugeot 3008 Diesel Estate 2.0 E-Hdi Active Hybrid4 5dr Egc auto
Toyota Avensis Diesel Tourer 2.0 D-4d Excel 5dr manual
Volvo V60 Diesel Sportswagon D4 [181] R Design 5dr manual
Volvo V70 Diesel Estate D3 [136] Business Edition 5dr manual
Volvo Xc60 Diesel Estate D4 [181] Se 5dr manual

I am not overly keen on the V70, whilst in terms of internal space the Passat seems to be the next best option, having more space for rear seat passengers over either the 3 series or A4.

The company lease is for 4 years / 90k miles.

[AudiSport]

If not long ago sold an E60 5-Series BMW 520d, and that was very big in the back. 45-50mpg on a run too. I can only imagine a newer 5-Series estate being a very good option.

[s111dpc]

Looking at your list I'd take the Passat, followed by the Ocatazia to be honest. Friend of mine has a Passat and it's a very nice to be.

[Dr G]

s111dpc said:

Looking at your list I'd take the Passat, followed by the Ocatazia to be honest. Friend of mine has a Passat and it's a very nice to be.

I agree but I'd swap the order; to my eye the Octavia is the nicer looking of the two and money for money the Skoda is generally better specified.

[Pints]

Of the options available, I'd be opting for the Volvo V60 in a heartbeat. Quick enough and it comes in the R trim.

[Witchfinder]

If you have three sons who are six footers, they won't thank you for cramming them onto a bench seat. Do the sensible thing and get the Galaxy, and buy yourself a weekend car, or soak it up until they are old enough to get their own cars.

I had an S-Max and it was a brilliant family car. If I still had three kids to ferry about, I'd pick a Galaxy or S-Max again.

Honestly, take your family to a VW dealer this weekend, and get them to sit in it. Uncomfortable for anything other than short journeys. Don't even think about the Octavia - it's based on the Golf platform and way too small for rear passengers. Same goes for the Audis.

Edited by Witchfinder on Saturday 4th April 10:51

[va1o]

I haven't tried the new Passat yet but the reviews for it have been very complimentary. It has literally just gone on sale in the last few weeks. Its the sort of car you could order without test driving under a high level of confidence it will be very competent and good at what it does, even if soul-less!

The Octavia and V60 etc were nice 2 years ago but they are going to feel dated and a bit rough round the edges compared to the Passat. VW seem to be using this model to debut all their latest technology and new engines.

[jingars]

Witchfinder is probably correct in the best approach, but I had an 07 plate Galaxy and all three boys want me to have something that isn't a van with windows. Apart from some tinkering I suspect that the current Galaxy is pretty much the same vehicle as I had seven years ago.

Sprog 1 has suggested that I sell off Sprog 3 for spare parts and take the Jag XE entry spec model that is on the list. I find his suggestions persuasive....

Will see just how competent/bland the Passat is and take a view from there.

Cheers all.

[J B L]

Defcon5 said:

190bhp? Thought the 2.0tdi topped out at 170?

I'd certainly have one over a mpv. Are there any equivalent a4/3 series/octavia on the list?

That'll be the all new Passat with the adblue scr etc.

Actually quite a big bigger at the rear than the previous one. Got to try it OP.

[Flibble]

Defcon5 said:

190bhp? Thought the 2.0tdi topped out at 170?

I'd certainly have one over a mpv. Are there any equivalent a4/3 series/octavia on the list?

Passat appears to have a 190 now, and a twin turbo 240 version as well.

[Helicopter123]

Passat is white goods. Achingly dull but functional. Man up and get the Beamer, best car on that list by a country mile.

[Witchfinder]

jingars said:

Witchfinder is probably correct in the best approach, but I had an 07 plate Galaxy and all three boys want me to have something that isn't a van with windows. Apart from some tinkering I suspect that the current Galaxy is pretty much the same vehicle as I had seven years ago.

Sprog 1 has suggested that I sell off Sprog 3 for spare parts and take the Jag XE entry spec model that is on the list. I find his suggestions persuasive....

Will see just how competent/bland the Passat is and take a view from there.

Cheers all.

I Sat in the back of the XF estate, and was shocked at how tight the legroom is. It's not uncomfortable, but its very very snug. I expect the XE will be tighter, given the size class.

The Galaxy is due for replacement this summer, so check if its the new model. In any case, I still think you should go and look at some before you choose, and get the family packed in.

[Dolf Stoppard]

Rear legroom is going to be a pain in the back of the BMW due to the transmission tunnel. Three six footers take up a lot of room so if their comfort is a priority I'd say this is perhaps going to be the deciding factor as to which car is best option - although it might not be the 'best' car.

[va1o]

Depends how you define 'best' anyway. BMW will be better to drive as its RWD, but in all other areas the Passat is likely to exceed. Certainly on the engine front the current VAG 2.0 TDI is much smoother (and in this case more powerful) than BMWs 2.0 diesel unit.

[HenrysDad]

The new Passat is a great cat to drive and is much nicer than the equivalent Merc or BMW. It feels very 'premium' and is also quite fun.

[Super Slo Mo]

Witchfinder said:

Don't even think about the Octavia - it's based on the Golf platform and way too small for rear passengers. Same goes for the Audis.

Edited by Witchfinder on Saturday 4th April 10:51

You're kidding? The Octavia is huge, and has loads of legroom in the back.
Anyway, the superb is also based on the golf platform and that has more legroom in the back than a 7 series BMW.
OP, make up your own mind, go take a look at the Skodas, they're remarkably impressive.