VOLKSWAGEN’S Passat - for several decades now - has been the go-to family car and having now entered its ninth generation, it’s absolutely better than it’s ever been before.

Like its smaller Golf stablemate, it’s something that can do everything, especially in its estate format.

VW’s never really produced an ugly duckling recently, but the Passat’s always been a handsome thing and the latest is no different: they just know how to produce a good-looking car. Estates can be somewhat gawky - just look at MG’s MG5 abomination - but the Passat is classy and elegant.

Whereas in previous generations you’d invariably plump for a diesel-powered variant, in 2026 the 1.5-litre hybrid is arguably the best choice given its exceptional fuel consumption. Its 148bhp might be slightly on the underpowered side, but the trade-off is genuine range and 50mpg-plus, which allows for long-distance jaunts to be completed with ease.

Inside, it’s typical VW fare: it’s nice to sit in, it’s made extraordinarily well and it’s about as perfect as it could be for families given the acres of room in the rear and the cavernous boot. However, one gripe: haptic controls on the steering wheel... VW, please just ditch them for good.

What’s it like to drive, then? Well, if you’ve driven a new VW recently, it’s very similar to its siblings - it’s smooth, seamless and supremely comfortable. It’s one of those cars that you could get in, complete a 200-mile journey and get out the other side absolutely fresh - that’s exactly what the Passat’s party piece is.

Its seven-speed DSG gearbox suits its character perfectly; as ever, it shuffles through its speeds with no issues and never, ever becomes flustered and although I slightly bemoaned its 148bhp, in truth - when you’re on the move - it’s perfectly admissible and allows the big Passat to get to 60mph in under nine seconds and go on to a top speed of 138mph.

But who, really, is bothered about dashes to 60mph and top speed claims when you’re sat in supreme comfort, your kids are happy in the back and you’re constantly achieving 400-mile ranges?

Sure, given it’s a VW, it comes with a larger price tag but for under £45,000, it truly is a family-favourite masterpiece.