Passat is solid for its age, earning three stars in the Euro NCAP crash test; this sounds average now but was a good result at the time, when stars were awarded out of four rather than five. Coded transponder immobiliser; much better locks than the 1988-1997 Passat; fit extra Thatcham-approved kit to be sure.

A large load area, that can be extended with the split/folding seats. Up to the job of taking most loads. Easy to load, too. Large enough for dogs to travel comfortably in the back.