The Passat and Passat Estate come as standard with a host of options to make driving safer and more comfortable, including a Driver Alert System that monitors for signs of fatigue, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth. The Passat Highline also features cruise control, a flat tyre indicator, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.

The RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, previously a £750 option, includes a full-colour screen and traffic monitoring. As with all media systems in the Passat, it also features a multi-device interface, to allow connection of MP3 players and iPods (there is also a built-in Bluetooth music streaming facility, for those who prefer wireless links).

Front and rear parking sensors, previously £430, offer both an audible and visual guide (via the screen of the RNS 315), and also mean that Volkswagen’s Park Assist system, which allows the Passat to park itself in spaces parallel or perpendicular to the road, is now available as a £195 option.

A 2Zone climate control system (worth £500) allows precise control of the temperature of each side of the cabin, down to half-degree increments. The driver and front seat passenger simply select the desired temperatures and the system automatically regulates the heating, air conditioning and air flow to achieve these.

The Passat Highline and Passat Estate Highline are available with a range of engines including 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS and 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS petrols, and 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS diesels. Gearboxes include five- and six-speed manuals and six- and seven-speed DSG units.

The Passat range starts at £20,970 on the road. For more details, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.