Volkswagen Passat

03/08/2008 07:12. Traditionally the Volkswagen Passat has combined good looks with an upmarket feel, but at the sort of price that’s more Chester than Chelsea: Audi quality for Ford money.

It was originally launched in 1973, but the latest, sixth-generation version, which appeared in June 2005, has proved the most popular of all.

Does it retain its appeal on the used-car market, though? There was a time when buying a new Passat guaranteed best-in-class residual values - not ideal for the used buyer - but as secondhand sales slow and pressure builds to move stock on, you can pick up a three-year-old diesel example with 60,000 miles on the clock for half its price new.

Cosmetically, at least, the Passat continues to look the part, its clean lines and simple profile giving it a prestige feel... // Times Online