THERE'S a noticeable trend by designers to scallop off the angular tail of estate cars to make them look a tad sportier.

Understandable â¦it'll make them sexier and maybe put a spring in their owners' step, too! But there's a price to be paid, and that inevitably is a reduction in luggage space.

Volkswagen has, however, eschewed the fashion with its new Passat Estate, a long-time favourite of families and company-car driving middle executives alike.

The latest line-up has retained the squared-off lines and boasts the benefit of no less than 690litres of cargo space - that's enough for just about any family. Sling down the rear seats and the area expands to an enormous 1,920 litres. A six-footer could even stretch out and get a night's kip in it!

VW has finally axed the diesel version, positioning the mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI as the entry model and, along with a plug-in hybrid, the go-to choice for those looking for frugality and low running costs. It self-charges and will happily sip E10 at the rate of 50 miles a gallon.

Larger, roomier and with the ubiquitous rear light bar, it looks smart and fresh if somewhat conservatively styled. Incidentally, the saloon whose sales have been flagging has been dropped from the Passat range, so it's now an estate only.

You may worry that asking a 1.5-litre engine to haul a large five-seater is demanding a bit too much. But, in practice, the willing 148bhp turbo power unit coupled to a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic does a decent job and seldom feels either strained or lacking in pace.

With a nine second dash 62mph, it's by no means sluggish and mid-range shove is perfectly acceptable to most.

Engineers have reached a good balance between smooth ride and composed, roll-free cornering. The Passat handles neatly with the sort of assurance that VW drivers have become used to. Poor road surfaces are smoothed out yet there's nothing soggy about its handling.

It's a comfortable long-distance car with subdued noise levels and a easy gait for motorway cruising.

The cabin is distinctly minimalist with an absence of conventional knobs and switches and a huge central touchscreen. Many necessary functions are buried within its inner workings. The gear selector is now on a steering wheel arm which frees up space on the centre divider between the front seats.

In Elegance trim, as reviewed here, you get an opening panoramic sunroof, all-round electric windows, 3Zone air con, electric tailgate opening and rear sun blinds. Adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control are also included.

High grade plastic mouldings are used for the fascia and there's an impression of solidity and longevity about the furnishings generally.

Most owners will easily top our average fuel consumption of 47mpg with many probably exceeding the 50mpg mark. Emissions have been pegged at an efficient 124g/km.

The latest Passat may not get the blood racing but it leaves few of the vital boxes unticked. Good effort VW.

£41,696

1.5-litre, 4cyl, 147bhp mild hybrid engine driving two wheels via automatic gearbox

138mph

9.4sec

51.8

30

124g/km

30%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.5