The new Passat is now available to order in the UK, providing more space and longer-range plug-in hybrids.

The ninth-gen Passat arrives more than 50 years since the covers came off the first generation in 1973

Priced from £38,400, the ninth-generation model launches over half a century since the covers came off the first generation in 1973.

Featuring a more aerodynamic design and larger proportions, it’s the first generation of the premium family car to be sold exclusively in estate guise after production of the saloon stopped in January 2022.

It’s built on a revamped version of VW’s MQB Evo platform, also being used for the new Tiguan and mechanically identical Škoda Superb. This enables a host of upgrades while also delivering extra space thanks to a 50mm longer wheelbase and a 20mm boost to width. Legroom grows by 50mm in the rear and boot room rises by 40 litres to 690 litres (when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests), and by 140 litres to 1,920 litres with the rear bench seat folded down.

The Passat also debuts a revised interior with a completely redesigned digital cockpit that incorporates the latest-generation (MIB4) infotainment matrix. Many system settings can be controlled using the new IDA voice control, and the large display in front of the driver has a new surface coating to reduce reflections and glare.

The head-up driver display has been improved, while the Passat also features newly developed ergoActive seats with massage, ventilation and heating functions.

Comfort is enhanced further by high-grade materials and the DCC Pro adaptive chassis control. The Passat also now comes with a Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which controls the electronic differential locks (XDS) and shock absorbers in the DCC Pro system to optimise handling.

A new acoustic package introduces double glazing and an acoustic film laminated on to the side windows, reducing noise levels inside the new Passat Estate.

It’s available in three trims: Life, Elegance and R-Line, and all derivatives come with a six- or seven-speed automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG) as standard.

Versions with the 150hp 1.5 TSI mild hybrid engine are available immediately, while the new plug-in eHybrids with outputs of 204 and 272hp will join the line-up later in 2024.

The plug-in hybrids have been completely reworked and now use a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol, instead of the previous 1.4-litre unit, along with a new 19.7kWh battery, giving expected EV-only ranges of up to 62 miles. The new battery can now also be charged at AC charging points with 11kW instead of the previous 3.6kW, and eHybrid models can also be charged at up to 50kW at DC fast charging stations.