WITH a bit of coaxing it just may be possible to drive the length of Britain in a VW Passat.
Volkswagen's diesel engines have long had a reputation for being miserly but the latest version in the new Passat is outstanding.
Even the German company's own claims of 47 miles per gallon fell by the wayside on this test and - without trying - the car clocked up an incredible 56 to the gallon over some 600 miles.
Admittedly the figures came from the Passat's onboard trip computer but with a third of a tank still showing on the fuel gauge there's little reason to dispute them.
With a 15.4 gallon tank that's a range of 862 miles and makes this version of the latest Passat almost the ultimate long distance cruiser.
The new Passat is bigger and better in every aspect than its predecessor - and that was not exactly a poor car.
The flagship diesel Passat TDi Sport uses a 140bhp two-litre engine that gets the best out of VW's Pumpe Duise high pressure injection system.
It's capable of 0 to 62mph in less than ten seconds and has a kick like a mule in mid-range.
Not once was it driven for economy in this test but just following the flow of everyday motorway work produced amazing results.
For a diesel it is relatively quiet and makes the grade either as a family car or rep-mobile.
Automatic air conditioning, six speed gearbox, stability programmes and an auto-dim interior mirror are all standard features. The only extra is a satellite navigation and communications suite which adds almost £1,500 to the £19,810 list price.
The new Passat is also fitted with an electronic parking brake - a first for Volkswagen - but if anything it is this feature which causes a problem.
The brake switch - press to engage and it releases automatically when moving off - is mounted on the top right corner of the dash and that is not a natural location.
Starting up is a bit unusual as well. The "ignition key" is actually the remote control unit for the central locking and the whole fob has to be inserted into the dash where it then has to be pushed down with the clutch pedal depressed for the engine to fire.
The procedure takes some getting used to and coupled with the strange hand brake location it can be confusing at first.
However, comfort levels remain high. The front seats are electrically adjustable - the driver's seat has three memory settings - and room throughout the cabin is generous.
The lack of headroom in the rear on the previous Passat has been addressed and now five adults can be accommodated with ease.
The boot - at a huge 20 cubic feet - can take luggage for five as well and, if more cargo space is needed at the expense of the passengers, the rear seats fold forward.
Good sized door pockets, a large centre console which can be cooled from the air conditioning and plenty of cubby holes complete the family-friendly appointments.
From the outside the Passat is clearly a big machine - and guaranteed to have the desired effect when parked on your drive.
This Passat is probably the best all-rounder VW has ever produced. It is worthy of executive status and when combined with its incredible economy and low emissions it's quite an exceptional vehicle - almost unbeatable in terms of pence per mile.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDi Sport 4dr
Price: £19,810
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via a 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.8 secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust