WHILE there are many cars which provide plenty of space to warrant credentials as ideal family vehicles, my favourite still remains the good old estate car.
Despite a school of thought that the estate car was starting to live on borrowed time with the emergence of MPVs such as the Ford Galaxy, the car makers proved this concern to be somewhat premature.
In fact, they used the experience gleaned from the creation of these capable and versatile MPVs to improve the carrying capacity and family appeal of the estates, so much so, that ownership is still as high as it was a decade ago.
Jostling for position at the top of the family estate car line-up are the likes of the Vauxhall Vectra, Renault Laguna, Peugeot 407, Honda Accord, Volvo V50 and Toyota Avensis but, in recent times, I have had a personal yen among the mass wagon manufacturers for the Volkswagen Passat.
Launched last November, the sixth generation Passat Estate comes with seven direct injection engines each offering plenty of punch, four petrol in the 1.6-litre FSI 113bhp, two-litre FSI 148bhp, two-litre T-FSI 198bhp and the range-topping 3.2-litre FSI 248bhp and three diesel in the 1.9-litre TDI 103bhp, two-litre 138bhp TDI and two-litre 168bhp TDI.
The Wolfsburg car maker is looking towards UK sales in a full year of the Passat to level out at 19,000 for the saloon version and 13,000 for the estate with the two-litre 138bhp turbo diesel expected to be the biggest selling engine.
The new Passat Estate is also available in four progressively more generous trim levels, S, SE, Sport and SEL.
The generously-speced entry level S model includes semi auto climate control, multifunction computer, front electric windows, four-speaker radio/CD player, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, remote central locking, electronic parking brake, active head restraints and six airbags and some good standard security kit, while driver safety aids include ABS braking with stability and traction controls.
The range-topping SEL model which adds the likes of cruise control, six-way driver's seat electric adjustment, electric windows all round, eight-speaker radio/CD player with six-disc autochanger, rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear view mirrors, dusk sensor with automatic driving lights, heated windscreen washer jets, heated front seats and alcantra leather upholstery.
Overall dimensions exceed the outgoing model and translate into a large and very practical car which provides some decent occupant space within a stylish and classy cabin which is taller and wider than the previous version.
In addition to the increased space, VW has also provided more storage spaces including a large, air conditioned glovebox, a smaller glovebox on the driver's side, a practical roof storage console, storage in the centre armrest, cupholders in the centre console, front door compartments that can accommodate large bottles, two quite useful small drawers either side of the hazard warning switch while there is even space for an umbrella inside the driver's door.
The VW Passat's regular-shaped load bay is hugely accommodating, via a very user-friendly loading lip there are 513 cubic litres to take advantage of up to window height with all seats taken while - after removing the headrests - the rear seats fold flat to increase the maximum luggage space to 1,641 cubic litres.
In addition, the boot also provides two further luggage bay stowage areas and houses a full-size spare wheel.
The new Passat Estate also boasts a well planned, laid out and solidly put together cabin in which brushed aluminium decorative inserts have been tastefully used in the dash and centre console.
Volkswagen designers have also stuck with the straightforward approach to dashboard design, delivering a logical and clear layout plus well situated instrumentation including a press and drive system which replaces the ignition key to augment the electronic parking brake which is painless in operation and frees up more space in the front.
The seating is comfortably supportive and, powered by the two-litre 168bhp turbo diesel engine paired with a smooth-shifting manual transmission, there is sufficient power to satisfy both family and business driver alike.
The engine is capable of the 0-62mph dash in just under nine seconds and a top speed of 137mph with the added bonus of a highly acceptable 44mpg over a mixed driving route.
Courtesy of the significantly firmer body and chassis, the Passsat Estate handles in fine fashion.
Elements of the luxurious VW Phaeton flagship have been incorporated into the Passat with styling cues such as a bolder grille and distinctive circular LED tail lights all contributing to help the new Passat Estate rival the appearance of more expensive cars and make it one of the most agreeable estates around at the moment.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Passat Estate SEL 2.0 TDI DPF
Price: £22,855
Mechanical: 168bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 8.8 secs
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emission: 173g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust