There’s an argument that if you can’t reverse the thing, you shouldn’t be towing a trailer at all. Without doubt, it is an acquired skill which many find a challenge just to tackle, far less master. Now VW have come up with a helping hand in the latest 8th generation version of their top selling Passat.
Trailer Assist automatically controls the steering to send the trailer in the right pre-determined direction. It’s the latest development of park assist but still requires input from the driver through the mirror adjustment button on their door to set the angle. After that they just operate the brake and accelerator. VW are the first carmaker to come up with the system and it’ll no doubt be welcomed by a host of caravanners, boating enthusiasts – or petrolheads with car trailers who would hate to admit that they find reversing a touch tricky. The system comes as an almost-£500 option when you have the tow hitch fitted.
It’s just one of a host of optional features in the new car including in-car connection to the internet for online traffic data, news and weather; predictive pedestrian protection which uses radar behind the rear view mirror to brake the car if someone steps out in front; traffic jam assist which brakes, steers and accelerates the car automatically in stop-and-go traffic and emergency assist which keeps the car in the lane and brakes automatically to a full stop if there’s a medical emergency.
It’s the most advanced version of the Passat ever and it’s an impressive piece of kit which builds on the 22 million which have been sold since it was launched in 1973, originally badged as a Santana.
It’s 85 kgs lighter than the outgoing model but has a longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs, and is wider and lower. While it looks longer it is actually slightly shorter but with more interior space especially in the back where there’s more headroom.
Deliveries will begin early in 2015 with brand-new diesel-only engines to begin with. There’s be a 1.6 litre 120PS, a 2.0 litre with 150 or 190PS, plus a range-topping 2.0 litre bi-turbo with 240PS, DSG and 4Motion four-wheel-drive.
A plug-in hybrid GTE version with a 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine and electric motor will follow at the end of 2015.
Externally the car is clearly a Volkswagen and obviously a Passat but the lines are much sharper and cleaner. Because the new engines are much flatter than before, the bonnet has been lowered and along with a strong shoulder-line crease, it has a muscular look on the road.
It doesn’t just look good there, it drives pretty well too. The test car had 18” alloys and even in the ‘comfort’ setting, it had a lively performance with great road manners. Hit the ‘sport’ selection and everything tightens up to return great feedback and secure handling. Even the larger estate was happy to be thrown round bends with vigour, performing with the same enthusiasm as many a sportscar.
Build quality is first class as you’d expect from VW and will certainly give Ford’s new Mondeo plenty to think about – not to mention Audi’s A4, Vauxhall’s Insignia and BMW’s 3 Series.
CAR: Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0 litre TDI 150PS 6 speed manual
PRICE: £24,435
ENGINE: 1968cc diesel, 150 PS, 340 Nm
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 137 mph. 0-62 mph 8.7 secs
ECONOMY: 70 mpg combined
CO2 EMISSIONS: 106 g/km
