B8 Passat

Timing is everything, and the launch timing of the eighth-generation Passat was far from ideal, coming just three weeks after the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal broke.

The scandal overshadowed the launch of the mid-sizer which was a shame given the positive reviews it garnered.

Volkswagen said it made improvements to the Passat in virtually every area, and it showed. Offered in sedan and striking wagin guise, the Passat was available with just two powertrains from launch and in three specifications – base 132TSI, 132TSI Comfortline and 140TDI Highline.

The 132s used a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol unit producing 132kW and 250Nm, which was a 14kW increase over the previous petrol-powered model.

The top-spec Highline was only available with the new 2.0-litre turbocharged TDI diesel engine that pumped out 140kW and 400Nm – a 10kW/20Nm increase.