Volkswagen enjoyed lots of success at this year’s What Car? Awards, winning seven different accolades across various categories.
The Passat won Estate of the Year, Tow Car of the Year and won the Safety Award, following extensive testing by Thatcham Research. What Car? also handed awards to the Volkswagen T-Roc, ID. Tourer, Golf GTI and ID.Buzz with Long Wheel Base.
The Passat has quickly accumulated awards since the launch of the ninth generation last January. In June it was crowned overall winner in the What Car? Tow Car Awards, followed by a top five-star Euro NCAP rating. It was also named Best Hybrid Estate at the What Car? Electric Car Awards. Since the first-generation Passat was introduced in 1973, more than 34 million models have been sold worldwide.
“The Passat has always been a great family estate, and the latest version is the best yet. It's a comfortable, refined and hugely practical choice with a smart interior, plus it can make a cheap company car if you go for one of the plug-in hybrid versions. In fact, the Passat is such a superb all-rounder that it's not only the best estate on sale, but also the best tow car and one of the safest cars Euro NCAP has ever crash tested.”
- Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor
The latest Passat is impressively aerodynamic, offering a coefficient drag of just 0.25 – lower than many sports cars. The model is a economical and cost-effective choice for drivers looking for a modern estate car. Built on the latest version of Volkswagen’s MQB evo platform, it allows for a host of new systems to be included, much like the new Tiguan.
Aside from the Passat, the T-Roc, ID.7 Tourer, Golf GTI and ID.Buzz LWB were also presented with awards. Find out what Steven Huntingford, What Car? Editor thinks of each model below.
T-Roc named Best Small SUV for Comfort
“Comfort is something the T-Roc does better than any other small SUV. It's among the quietest and most spacious cars of its kind, and has a plush ride that's brilliant at soaking up bumps. What's more, its elevated seating provides easy access and a great view, and finding an ideal driving position is a doddle.”
ID.7 Tourer named Beat Electric Estate
“Not so long ago, estate buyers after pure electric power had few prospects to pick from, but that's all changed in the past couple of years, making the ID.7 Tourer's win all the more impressive. It is composed and reassuring to drive, offers a longer range than rivals and, of course, delivers all the space and practicality you’d expect.”
Golf GTI named Best Hot Hatch FOR Everyday Usability
“The Golf GTI flows beautifully with bumps and undulations in the road, so is exceptionally comfortable by hot hatch standards. Yet, it still offers the sort of driving fun that will tempt you to take the twisty way home. Combine all this with a practical interior and it's a pleasure to live with day to day.”
Buzz LWB named Best Electric Seven-seater
“No rival can match the ID. Buzz LWB for sheer roominess; it's a vehicle that can take seven people and their luggage with ease. And because it uses the same mechanicals as Volkswagen’s other electric vehicles, it has a comfortable ride and handles with real aplomb. It even makes financial sense, thanks to strong predicted resale values.”
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