##Passat Estate--right##I WAS particularly eager to take over the wheel of our long-term Volkswagen Passat estate because I wanted to see how it compared to a much-loved Passat I owned a few years ago.

I remember a really comfortable ride with loads of space for two dogs, fishing gear and enough bedding to kit out the YMCA. First impression of the new model is that it looks solid and stylish. Green metallic paint may not reflect its environmental credentials perhaps, but it's worth repeating that this petrol version has lower emissions than other conventional petrol engines in the same class.

One problem I experienced with the old Passat was lack of seat height adjustment. This new model has easily accessible, manual adjustment for the seat height, giving excellent all-round visibility.

As with my old K-reg model, there is plenty of room in the back to take three adults comfortably and with large windows, there is less likelihood of travel sickness - a common criticism from back-seat passengers. Those windows are also helpful when parking in a tight spot in the office car park where spaces are always at a premium.

On the road, gear changes are smooth, easy and untroubled. 0-60mph comes in 9.2 seconds and top speed is 137mph, so there is no shortage of power both on the open roads and in queues of traffic trundling round the parkways of Peterborough during rush hour.

One problem I've encountered is the lack of space between the clutch pedal and centre console. There is no room for my diminutive size four foot, so heaven help those with size 12 plates!

The interior is very easy on the eye, especially at night where the complementary blue and red dashboard lights are some of the least distracting I've come across.

However, in daylight, the black dials with white configuration and red needles make reading the smaller clocks very difficult.

Several testers believe the measure of good dashboard controls is whether or not you can work them without consulting the manual.

Here the Passat scores highly, with heating, air conditioning and audio system all very straightforward - the volume level even increases and decreases automatically in relation to the speed.

So, smooth lines, smooth ride, a cabin that's a smooth sight for sore eyes - the evolution of the Passat estate is to be applauded and Volkswagen's reputation for building solid, safe vehicles shows no signs of diminishing.

I would expect this car to be high on the average fleet driver's top 10; but, with an average mpg of 32.8, will it be as high on the list of a fleet manager?

Those looking for greater economy should choose the 1.9TDi PD 100bhp, which, with its revolutionary pumpe duse powerplant, offers a creditable 51.5mpg on the combined cycle.