Volkswagen Passat Estate 2018 in-depth review | Mat Watson Reviews 

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It's the car you buy when you become mature enough to appreciate the qualities it has, which are far deeper and more complex than most other cars in the segment that try to get you by being flashy and having an in your face approach. Passat is a car you start to love and appreciate fully after you live with it for a while, it's not a car that makes you fall in love with it when you see it for the first time. From personal experience I can tell you a Mazda 6 is a far nicer looking car outside and more attractive inside, until you live with it. It's like a really hot model girl that you fall for, but after a while realize there's not much behind her pretty face. Then you live with a Passat and realize it's better in every single fucking way, might look like a nerdy chick with glasses and average body, but you realize she can cook like nobody else, she has excellent taste in movies and music, she knows a lot about a lot of things, has interesting hobbies, etc. Just like a Passat is superior to a Mazda 6. Better sound proofing, better seats, better seating position for long trips, more relaxing to drive and travel in, better sound system, better climate control, better lights, better wipers, more solid interior, nicer materials, no reflection of the dashboard on the windshield when you drive towards sun, all the buttons have a satisfying action, etc. All these things that add up and make you realize that VW spent MUCH more time and money fine tuning every little detail on the car to be as good as they can possibly make it, instead of the "that will do" approach other cheaper cars have. Might not look exciting, but to me that's a plus. Especially the interior. There is something calming and satisfying about the design of VW interiors, they just feel "right" and "original", must be OCD personality where everything has to be perfect and in order, but to me this Passat interior feels like THE car interior standard in the class, while everyone else is just experimenting with changes and ultimately ending up with an inferior product.

This car may get some hate from certain people but I have to say it has a graceful design. I'd go as far to say this is one of the most understated and mature designs right now. Recently cars have become too 'loud' and fixated on making statements, probably because the target demographic is also keen on 'expressing themselves' through material possessions.

I bought the R Line estate diesel version 187bhp, always had beamers and i have to say the passat is a more refined all rounder, the comfort, power, space economy with my most recent run i got 71mpg, granted i drove like a grandma to get it but it did do it. Im averaging 1200km to a full tank and its a 2016 with 220k on the clock which you cant fault for an 8 year old car. The r line has the better body kit, flat bottom steering wheel, comfortable seats with electric lumbar support. Had it 2 months now and would def recommend to anyone looking for a nice wagon that caters for any need

I have just bought one of these, and cannot fault it in any way at all. A truly lovely car

Really enjoying your reviews. These days on the web there are loads of people reviewing cars, but, you cover all the vitals yet you are not too deadly serious, a sense of fun is necessary and amusement is always good. It's apparent you know cars and you always seem to highlight the aspects folks are generally interested in. cheers tony

my dad has this car and it's just such a great car. A bit dull, not an audi, but great value for money. quick too, the business r model is the best since the interior gets black headliner, which classes it up

The interior is perfect, why would I ever spend 10k more on an Audi.

Thanks a lot for this complete review.The greatest thing about Passat is that this car says nothing about the owner's social position and it offers a quite good level of quality and performaces. This is a car for those who want a trustable and practical vehicle without being in the center of attention. And this is why I like it so much.

Man, you're so hard working. Keep it up!

I got the saloon about half a year ago only the 1.6 and it's the standard model (I bought used) but on the whole it's impressed me massively, it's superb to drive around in day to day due to its massively comfortable ride and solid cabin insulation, the engine is punchy and frugal (but it does suffer from low rpm lag which can be annoying pulling away from junctions in a hurry) the space and build quality is brilliant the only thing that annoys me is the boot lip which obstructs loading and can make loading larger parcels or items a hassle, all in all I've done over 20K miles in it I get brilliant MPG, other people think it is a much more expensive car than what it was and even though mine is a basic model I have more than enough standard equipment to see me through in my day to day job (taxi driver I know haha typical taxi car but hey it works!) also compared to the vauxhall/opel insignia (the passat feels much better built and has smoother and quieter engines) and the mondeo (the only time the mondeo felt better was with a titanium model, but for that money you could get a business se passat which feels like a cheaper audi a6 and it feels much more premium than the ford) all in all I agree with pretty much everything you have said about the passat matt I just wish I bought one from new so I could spec a few more toys to mine and get a DSG Auto because this car deserves one!

I got the car for about 1week and i love it. Plenty of space, great fuel economy, extra comfort and premium feel for the price. Great car.

Just purchased my 3rd Passat and this is my 2nd Passat estate. The Passat is a great , cost effective family car and each iteration just gets better and better. Service charges are not too bad and the reliability of the car is just great. The car is comfortable and spacious.

Another good review, like always. I'd like to see the review of the new 2017 Vauxhall Insignia.

enjoyed your review Mat. About to get a VW Passat alltrack, so comfortable and understated, super practical and torquey

The passat Estate is a great car, mine is awesome, I had all kinds of cars as you do over the years. Then I just wanted a car for all occasions, for lugging, long hauls, buying that big item and bring it home your self, and yes the mpg on these cars are excellent. It's well kitted out for an estate car, now I'm hooked on estate cars, in future I, ll be getting R Line, the passat Estate in my view is a great car 👍👍👍👍👍👌

I just bought the VW Passat B8 today! Thanks for the review, Matt!

currently driving 2.0 TSI 206kw, totally awesome engine. lovin' it..! Too bad there seem to be no reviews of that model.. :(

Doesn't matter what you have, a transit van, truck, container ship... You'll always fit more in a passat! The room is never ending!!!

There are two of these cars parked on my street and I admire them as often as I pass by. Beautiful car!

my dads got one before Christmas and we love it!

'PERCEIVED' quality! Thank you Matt

I just bought one, and I’m getting it in a few days! I’m so excited

I own a 2015 VW Passat GT 2.0tdi manual and I love it, it looks awesome and im sorry I find it very fun to drive it doesnt feel its size and actually feels quite light for something so big.

My next car... Thanks for a great, informative, Vid...! Gordon

Ha ha! I love the 'Passat(a)' in the central cubby. Very subtle and clever!....

Hello! Could you make a video about Mazda3 2017 car? I really like your reviews and the car looks spectacular!

great review as allways

Front grill really looks good gives it nice wide look, car is overall good looking, if you look insignia its really pretty car so is mondeo or 508, but when you sit in passat there is quality feel that you dont get from competition, 2.0 tdi is so good, everything works perfect and thats why passat is best in class, its really just so good for its money, and best thing its really nice to drive in way that it feels much smaller than it is, and comfort is great and it will hold value after many years

Such a gorgeous car. I'm sure it's going to be a good looking car for a long time. Passats age very well!

Im really wanting a review of the new skoda superb se technology, keep hoping it will pop up on my feed!

carwow has the best car reviews on youtube

I wish they would bring this back to the States. I love the Passat wagons. I had to settle for the 17 Altrack. A very good car, I would've liked to have the Passat.

I just love the interiors.

Hey, this one for the production team. Lower the volume on music then Mat is talking about good and bad things about a car, because it kinda gets in a way of lisening to the man.

Quite like that though I'd like a look at the raised version they put out with extra ground clearance - always had manuals- old school.

What I love so much about Volkswagen is how much the new version look soooooo different and original compared with older versions. Exciting design, exciting colors.... Italians should take example on VW designers IMO

Do a combined review of passat alltrack and golf alltrack

The Passat is a very good car. My parents have one of them and I like it very much. There is a lot of space in it, it looks good and it have a really good quality. Very nice!

Haha I found it funny when you opened the centre cubby and it had tomato passat in there

Our family has this car and it's soooo good!

Oh, the towbar isn't fully automated? Damn, I move these things in and out several times every day, this flaw will severely shorten my lifetime!

Not a VW fan but this one is definitely growing on me! Looks smart with good residuals (uk)

I really miss the gas strut on the bonnet, I had it on a previous car and it made it much more easier to keep the bonnet open.

4:35 Hah! Mat said "dodo" XD

Such a great car! Such a shame that Volkswagen has stopped sending over the Passat wagon here to the states!

I did the same analogy with the golf when i drove a sedan

Do a review of the new golf 2017 as soon as you can, performance models too if possible.

I used to own a VW Passat B5 1.8T then Passat B5.5 1.9 TDI 130 BHP kept it for 5 years. I miss it very much.

Bloody hell what a great car, never realised how good these were, really underrated

Seems good on utility, I love estates, and manual transmission. Seems to be a stock car one can buy for family use.

Mat Watson, the second best cars reviewers on earth. the first one, still Jeremy Clarkson. (IMO)

Makes remember the old good times from Opel Omega State

Elegant and practical vehicle!

I enjoyed whizzing down the back roads in my old b6 Passat estate with Bilstein sports, eibach pro.kit springs and H&R rear sway bar

I own a previous model and I'm pretty happy with it despite having spent upwards of 4k EUR on its broken ass. My only problem with the new one is that I need more than 5 seats, otherwise it would've been the ideal family car.

Had a 2017 C class 220 cdi and returned it. So looking forward to the Passat, because virtually everything is better. No kidding, had the previous B7 which already beat the Mercer. More space, better entertainment, better sat nav, even the engine (both came with 170 hp) was better in the Passat. Only the 9 shift automatic gear box will be missed.

I own one and it's great.

you really need to use a better mic recording for those voice over

I am Impressed of the Passat Estate

Hi Mat , which car you think I should have a go ,passat bitdi rline 2015, or Audi A6 allroad 3.l 2012? Thanks

Hei, when are you going to do a review on passat saloon? I can not find it in your channel!

I've got the bitdi R line and it's miles better than my 330D was. It's the best part of a second slower to 60 than the 330 and the badge is not as good, but everything else is far better.

We quite recently bought a second hand 2.0 tdi 2017, executive, R-line with panorama roof. I really do like it, even thou the engine noise in the car is abit high compared to lets say a touareg.

I hope you review the 2017 mazda 3. interior looks beatiful.

After hiring one of these for a 1000 mile round trip to Glasgow In R trim I would say the road noise is considerable and the seats re not great for long distances. However good fuel economy and steady motorway cruiser. However active cruise control is prone to emergency braking on the motorway for no good reason.

How are the plastics inside, VWs have always had hard as nails plastics (normally on their lower end cars: Polo and Jetta)? And what do you get extra when going for a CC instead of a normal Passat?

"Percieved quality"... bit of a back-handed compliment there. ;)

I have the 2004 wagon and I love it

I actually whiz down back roads in my VW Passat Estate o_O Also the adaptive suspension has advantages over the normal suspension even if you always keep it in "normal" as it can adapt to all kinds of situations like adapting the rear shocks based on bumps the front felt or to reduce body roll while cornering (even in comfort mode there's usually shockingly little body roll even when cornering hard). The normal suspension can't do any of these things.

Mat one of your next videos you have to review that blue car seat chair of yours. it's everywhere!!! emails , TV ads, reviews,..

That's a nice coat Mat, will you review the new Phaeton/Phideon ?

Nice car, nice review! Love ya Matt ;-)

Somebody worked his back lat pull and biceps... :)) good boot closing.

Best car in it's class. Looks elegant and stylish, most practical and well-built. Btw it's not just diesel, there is also plug-in hybrid version available (GTE). And with the 2.0 biturbo diesel it's a true sleeper as well!

You dont get the passat estate in petrol in the uk ? in denmark you can get the passat in a 1,4 tsi , a 1,8 tsi and a 2.0 tsi petrol ? why cant you get them in the uk ?

I had the 2.0 GT in November 2016 as a company car for 4 years then bought it and have owned it for a further two years. Now has 61 k on the clock It needed a radio software update after 6 months, a software update on the electric handbrake after 3 years (message on dash - failure of electronic handbrake!) and a new battery at 5 years. Last week (after 6 years) the drains on the sunroof blocked and wet the front pillars and carpet. Cleared with a £3 Strimmer line. One of the best cars I have owned. Great car for distances - eats miles and doesnt tire you out Still get 60 mpg commuting 25 miles on A roads - 70 possible if you ease off the right foot. :-)

My men rocking these AJ4

Hi Mat, Would it be possible to do an Alfa Romeo Giulia review? Absolutely love that car!

My dad have a 2015 passat confortline bussines ,is a 2.0 tdi, its a great car

ooo Merrell MOAB :) Fantastic comfortable shoes!

I have the same problem with the volume knob in my Jetta it sends my OCD crazy when the on signal isn't pointing upwards so I only allow people to change the volume with the steering wheel buttons hahaha

I wish we had this in the US .. I am looking for a replacement for my 2005 TDi and I wish I could get this one

Hey Mat, is there a Alfa Romeo Giulia review coming up? Maybe a Quadrofoglio Verde version?

Good evening Mat, I have a one question about you. Which brand is your nice coat? Thanks for answering.

In NL you can get a 1.4 gasoline passat. 2019 model tho

Pause at 4:09! That ain't Matt driving?! What's going on ? LOL

0-60 time is quite good even now, my E46 330Ci was 6.8 xD

Matt please review the Subaru Forester XT not sure if I should get one :/

Mat make a review about the meredes x350d .

Skoda Superb far better, and more practical and cheaper! Just a different badge

Please make a video with all new vauxhall insignia.

4:09 - I didn't know Derren Brown was helping with the test drives ;p

Can you trust the cars mpg readout? I have a Alfa 156 2.4 20v and it tells me im getting average of 65mpg. Ive worked it out that im only getting a true 45mpg.

Is it me or is the interior camera facing matt a bit out of focus? nice review btw

got to have this car

You can (could) get the estate in petrol as a GTE hybrid model.

please make sure that the volume of voice is louder than volume of background music. Thanks!

Wich Color have the Passat in the Video ? Mangan grey ?

Doesnt the bottom of the rear seat not come up so the back of the seat fall completely flat? Or have they done away with that?