The CotY 2015 winner is a typical VW in that it delivers quality and functionality in every aspect. It’s more lightweight than the outgoing model while at the same time improving in terms of body stiffness. It is more compact in terms of its footprint on the road than many competitors in its segment, yet it’s very roomy inside and offers the biggest luggage space in the class, especially when it comes to the Variant – or estate – version. A new Passat Alltrack version, based on the Variant, will soon arrive on the market as well. Excellent road behaviour combines with a comfortable ride to round off its fun-to-drive character.

In terms of powertrains, the Passat range features a wide array of impressive fuel efficient engines, exemplified in its range-topping diesel version, a twin turbo 2.0 TDCI with 240 hp combined with a new 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. It also boasts a selection of very efficient petrol engines starting with the economical 1.4 TSI.

And VW’s continual focus on innovation is exemplified in the new plug-in hybrid Passat, the GTE, due for market in the coming months. This car offers a range of 50km in electric mode with fully charged batteries alongside a combination of petrol-electric hybrid power when the batteries work together with the 156- hp 1.4 petrol engine, creating a overall power output of 218 hp and outstanding homologated fuel consumption.