• Citroën C5 Tourer 2.0 HDi VTR+ Nav
• Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium estate
• Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi ST Ecoflex Exc.

P11D price

The Passat closely matches the three rivals on P11D price. The Citroen comes with standard sat-nav, explaining its higher P11D, while the Insignia is in low-medium grade Exclusiv.

1. Insignia £23,065
2. Mondeo £23,130
3. Passat £23,320
4. C5 £23,622

Emissions and tax

The Passat’s 120g/km is not only significantly lower than the rivals here, it also gives the car a five percentage point advantage in BIK tax bans, reducing the driver’s company car tax bill.

1. Passat 120g/km/13%
2. Insignia 134g/km/18%
3=. Mondeo 139g/km/19%
3=. C5 139g/km/19%

Fuel costs

Best fuel consumption in its class helps the Rav4 to a healthy advantage over the other three models here, although they aren’t that far behind each other.

1. Passat 9.29/£7,432
2. Insignia 10.30/£8,240
3=. C5 10.80/£8,650
3=. Mondeo 10.80/£8,650

Running costs

A combination of strong RVs and exceptionally low fuel costs help put the Passat at the top of this table, with a cost advantage ranging from £1,600 to more than £3,000 over its rivals.

1. Passat 31.80/£25,440
2. Insignia 33.91/£27,128
3. Mondeo 34.29/£27,432
4. C5 36.04/£28,832

Leasing rates

The Passat can’t match its two colume rivals on leasing rates, although it’s not far behind.Lowest contract hire rates from www.comparecontracthire.com (excluding VAT).

1. Insignia £336 (Arval)
2. Mondeo £361 (Days)
3. Passat £362 (Arval)
4. C5 £387 (Day’s)

Verdict

While it is arguably easier to discount the C5 Touring from this comparison, we are looking at estate cars, and for boot space the Mondeo is king.

The Insignia meanwhile is also fairly competitive. But a combination of the Passat’s lower costs, good equipment level and perceived image would give it victory here.

Winner: VW Passat 2.0 TDI SE estate