Volkswagen expanded the petrol line-up of their new generation Passat saloon and estate with the introduction of a 3.2 litre V6 engine that develops almost 250 horsepower earlier this year. What is now the most powerful engine in the range is coupled to a six-speed direct shift gearbox and features the 4MOTION four wheel drive system as standard.

The 3,189cc engine features innovative direct injection technology, where the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber under high pressure, resulting in impressive power and economy even at low revs.

We are talking here about 6.9 seconds for 60mph from standing in the saloon and only marginally more in the estate, with top speeds of 153 mph and 151 mph respectively.

The new models are available with SEL trim which includes a multi-function computer, sports seats, a dual zone climate control system, 17 inch alloy wheels, two 12 volt sockets and a tyre pressure monitor.

Prices range from £25,860 and each of the variants carries an insurance rating of 16. Larger in almost every dimension compared with its predecessor, the current Passat is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. Its appearance is typically Volkswagen – and instantly recognisable as a Passat – but it is designed to rival the appearance of more expensive cars.

Elements of the VW flagship Phaeton have been incorporated into the current Passat such as the distinctive circular LED tail lights, bolder grille and more coupé-like profile.

Standard Passat specification includes alloy wheels, heat insulating alloy wheels, heat insulating tinted glass, an electronic parking brake, a press and drive key and air conditioning.

The ESP system embraces ABS with brake assist and electronic brake-pressure distribution, an electronic differential lock and traction control. Twin front and curtain airbag systems are also fitted.

Like its saloon counterpart, the estate features four-link rear suspension and transversely-mounted engines. In addition to the 3.2 engine there are also petrol 1.6 and 2.0 litre units, the latter with 149 and 199 horsepower tunes. Diesel power using high pressure Pumpe Düse unit injection is provided by a 1.9 litre turbo with 104 hp and a 2.0 litre with 139. A 2.0 litre turbo diesel with 169hp is awaited.

DSG is also available on the TDI models with six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission reserved as an option with the 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre petrol engines.

Options on the estate include selflevelling hydropneumatic rear suspension, a cargo management system including a rail system in the boot floor, DVD navigation and electric tailgate closing which manages the full range of movement without any need for touching the tailgate.

Agreeably, the spare wheel is full-sized. A Bluetooth telephone unit and a 600 watt sound system are also offered as extras.

A quality built middleweight which is not inexpensive, but one of the few £20,000 plus cars that will maintain good residuals.