VOLKSWAGEN have latched on to a successful Business model with the latest generation of the Passat.

Just back from holiday I needed a bit of a pick me up after two weeks of idyllic sun and scenery in the south-west of France with the only cloud the occasional storm and stroppy children.

The return to work was brightened considerably as the 2.0-litre TDI saloon rolled into the office car park looking a million dollars with sleek exterior lines and manicured cabin making a mockery of the fact the model is more than 40 years old.

The eighth generation of the Passat launched this year looks dynamic thanks to a low road-hugging stance and a sporty nose while an upmarket grille and natty headlights all shout quality.

The confident face is backed up the perfect profile and neat rear end as well as splashes of chrome and eye-catching alloy wheels.

Step inside and you feel immediately at home thanks to a thoughtfully designed dashboard and 6.5-inch colour digital touchscreen that provides simple access to the car's audio and sat nav systems.

The dual-zone climate control can be synchronised so you don't have to adjust each individual temperature dial when on your own. A striking horizontal air vent and brushed chrome inserts dominate the dash.

A decent position behind the wheel - imperative for the company reps who will be clocking up the miles in the SE Business model - is easy to find as the Ergo Comfort seats include powered backrest adjustment for the driver. The multi-function steering wheel can also be moved to suit.

There's plenty of room front and rear while the boot - featuring a powered lid - swallows a decent amount of shopping or luggage.

The build quality is first rate as all the doors close with a reassuring thunk and soft-touch plastics are indicative of a commitment to top-notch materials and a thoroughly modern feel.

In the four decades since the Passat first appeared 22 million have been sold with more than 400,000 of those to British buyers.

The latest version doesn't include a petrol-driven model for the first time although there will be a hybrid combining a petrol engine and electric motor coming on board later this year.

All the engines - ranging from a 1.6-litre model to a 2.0-litre bi-turbo GT with all-wheel drive - have been put on a diet so weigh less and sip fuel even more frugally than before while emitting less carbon dioxide.

The 148bhp oil burner beneath the bonnet of the SE Business edition proves the point - no surprise bearing in mind it is aimed at the fleet market where fuel economy and tax-reducing emissions are the top priorities.

Official figures claim 70mpg and, while not at that level during a week of motoring in town and on the motorway, the fuel gauge still makes for impressive reading.

The diesel is also no slouch. Linked to a slick six-speed manual transmission, it powers the Passat from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds on to a top speed of 136mph.

This performance is nicely handled thanks to decent driving characteristics including a smooth ride and sharp steering, while body control is excellent through corners and there is a confidence-inspiring amount of grip.

Plenty of goodies are thrown at the Passat by Volkswagen so the five trim grades all include the likes of a digital radio and Bluetooth. SE Business models also add mod cons such as parking sensors and Discover Navigation.

For those who like to know the time there are three clocks dotted about - which is perhaps a little excessive but at least you'll know how long you've been stuck in that traffic jam.

A commitment to safety sees the Passat boast a maximum five-star crash test score from Euro NCAP as nine airbags and a state-of-the-art stability control system make their presence felt.

The SE Business model is also fitted with a city emergency braking system to avoid low-speed crashes and adaptive cruise control that keeps you a set distance from the car in front.