Families with more than...
Families with more than one car are being targeted in a scheme by an insurer. Seven million UK households own two or more vehicles, and Admiral Insurance has launched a new type of policy especially for them. Using its "MultiCar" scheme, households with several vehicles can insure them all on one policy and get a discount.
The sloping tailgate...
The sloping tailgate, raised window-line at the D-pillar and gaping chrome grille from the saloon show the newcomer"s styling hasn"t been compromised by practicality. Its sleek lines are coupled with a spacious cabin, which VW claims has unique standard features in the family class.
These include an electronic handbrake and dual-zone climate control on the Sport model. Adaptive headlights and LED bulbs at the rear also feature, while Bluetooth wireless phone kit and an upmarket Dynaudio stereo are among the optional extras. A VW spokesman said: "The features available on this car would normally be associated with luxury vehicles, and at around í‚á£1,000 more than the equivalent saloon, you"re getting a lot of car for your money."
Standing 1.9cm taller, 9.2cm longer and 7.4cm wider than the outgoing load-lugger, the Passat also has 131 litres of extra cargo space when the rear seats are folded flat. Engineers say drivers will be able to operate the chairs in one easy movement, too.
Buyers will get a choice of engines; petrol units include a 113bhp 1.6-litre, 147bhp and 196bhp 2.0-litres and a 245bhp 3.2-litre V6, which can be specified with a six-speed Tiptronic auto. There are also 103bhp 1.9-litre and 137bhp 2.0 diesels available with a DSG sequential manual gearbox. A 167bhp 2.0 litre oil-burner will follow later.
Prices are expected to start at í‚á£15,945, rising to í‚á£20,760 when the new estate hits the UK in November.