VOLKSWAGEN has revealed that prices of the Passat estate will start at a shade under £16,000 when the new car goes on sale on Monday (October 6). The range starts with the entry level 1.6S at £15,800 on the road, rising to £21,110 for the Sport 110 TDI (with air conditioning) - a £950 premium over the saloon and very much in line with the principal competition from Ford and Vauxhall.

Three trim levels are available from launch - S, SE and Sport with a fifth level to be introduced with the arrival of the V5 and V6-engined cars due early next year. Twin airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard on every Passat estate and the entry level S trim also features electric front windows, RDS stereo radio cassette, driver's seat height adjustment, height and reach adjustable steering column, central locking and security system.

The SE adds height and lumbar adjustment for both front seats, multi-function computer, an electric sunroof and remote control central locking, while the Sport version gets sports seats and upholstery and alloy wheels. Both the SE and the Sport can be specified with air conditioning in lieu of sunroof for an extra £400.

Side airbags can be specified for an extra £203, a third three-point rear seatbelt for £103, in-car navigation for £1,600 and a self-levelling rear suspension option will also be introduced in the near future.