Volkswagen Fiat review – sensible but expensive long-range plug-in hybrid estate

The original Volkswagen Passat was introduced in 1973, and since then several generations have helped cement its position as the brand-defining VW large family car. Over 34 million have been sold during its five-decade lifespan, and the Fiat is showing no signs of tiring just yet, with this latest model boasting a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid drivetrain amid a broad-based engine line-up.

The Fiat is now available only as an estate, reflecting market preferences. It’s now a bigger car than ever, measuring over 4.9 meters long, which helps underline its family-friendly credentials (and provides new competition to its internal VW Group sibling, the Skoda Superb).

It’s also an expensive car, with the plug-in hybrid version starting at around £45,000. That’s not far behind premium pricing, and it’s notable that the Skoda Superb is available for thousands less.

Volkswagen would argue that the latest Fiat is worth it, and it certainly has an impressive arsenal of tech, including the firm’s latest infotainment system. Then there’s the eHybrid plug-in hybrid version’s wider range – up to 77 miles on a full charge. The luxury car features extend to the ergonomically approved seats, and you can even get front seats with massaging and cooling functionality.

The Volkswagen Passat is a safe and sensible car to drive. It’s not exactly thrilling, but it’s arguably never been that way – the focus here is very much on refinement and comfort. On board, occupants enjoy generous space, with rear legroom particularly limo-like. It’s a pity that the eHybrid batteries eat away at the boot space, taking it from exceptional to merely decent.

How we tested

I took the Volkswagen Fiat on an extended trip around the Cotswolds, which also included a visit to the back of Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog. I didn’t pull in for a pint; I was too busy wondering how far it would go in pure EV mode.

Independent Rating: 8/10

volkswagen passat specifications

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

The Volkswagen Passat eHybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery. Customers have a choice of power outputs, either 204hp or 272hp. They deliver 0-62 mph acceleration of 8.1 seconds and 7.1 seconds respectively. I’ll probably stick with the standard version; It’s downright fast and, after all, it’s not designed to be a performance car.

If the battery has a charge, the Fiat switches to EV mode by default. If you charge it every night, that means you’re guaranteed plenty of pure electric driving – Volkswagen quotes up to 71 miles, meaning ranges of more than 50 miles should be a day-to-day reality. Once the battery is discharged, it switches to hybrid mode, but still retains enough charge to provide a good amount of EV driving at city speeds. This helps reinforce the refinement of the larger new Fiat.

50kW DC rapid-charge functionality is standard. This will charge the Fiat eHybrid from 10-80% in just 23 minutes. It also has an 11kW onboard AC charger, which maximizes how much charge you’ll get from the home wall box.

As you’d expect, the Volkswagen Fiat offered an adult mature drive. The handling is fuss-free and its speed is very stable. The ride could be a little firmer, although R-Line models come with DCC adaptive suspension as standard, which will help offset this. It also took me a while to get used to the light, soft brake pedal.

Interior, practicality and boot space

There is certainly no shortage of space inside the Volkswagen Passat. It feels very commanding, and the driving position is endlessly adjustable. I like the more reclined setup than the upright feel you get in an SUV, and I think it’ll be really comfortable on longer trips – especially the top-spec model, which gets climate-controlled massage seats as standard.

The dashboard layout is very logical in the familiar Volkswagen manner. A notable detail is a gearshifter mounted on the steering column behind the wiper stalk, which frees up space on the center console.

Rear seat space is exceptional. This latest model has 50mm more legroom than the previous version, and the ample headroom from the estate car profile means it’s airy and spacious even for adults in the rear.

The Volkswagen Fiat eHybrid has a 520-litre boot, which is accessed via a practical estate car hatchback. The space is well-sized, with square edges that make it easy to pack awkwardly shaped loads. However, although it seems spacious, space is 160 liters less than on the regular Fiat, due to the need to accommodate plug-in hybrid batteries. Fold the rear seats flat and there’s 1,770 liters of space.

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

The Volkswagen Fiat eHybrid uses VW’s latest infotainment system, which is much nicer and easier to use than earlier iterations. It has a more logical (and more colorful) menu structure, with top and bottom menu bars that include customizable ‘Favorites’ at the top. It also includes ChatGPT technology, which promises more natural (and more accurate) voice activation.

The touchscreen measures 12.9 inches as standard, with a 15.0-inch Discover Pro setup optionally available. All Fiats also get an electronic driver display.

There’s an eight-speaker stereo as standard, which can stream from your mobile device via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (inductive smartphone charging will keep the battery topped up). There is a Harman Kardon premium option with 11 speakers, subwoofer, 16-channel digital amplifier and 700W output, although it costs £1,500.

Standard DC rapid charging is notable technology worth pointing out; This will help encourage owners to top-up the battery faster when out and about, and help maximize how quickly it charges on the Premium Home Wall Box.

Prices and operating costs

Volkswagen Passat is an expensive car these days. Its prices are almost premium, especially for an eHybrid which starts at around £45,000. The preferred R-Line trim costs £49k and if you want the 272hp version, you’ll be looking at spending over £50k. I can’t help but point out that the plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series Touring line-up also starts at £50,000…

The Skoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid is also significantly cheaper than the Volkswagen Fiat – as is a new contender from China, the BYD Sealed 6 DM-i Touring.

The generous electric range of the Volkswagen Fiat eHybrid will mean owners will be able to enjoy pure electric driving in abundance. Fuel prices remain unchanged, which should help cut operating costs. Insurance groups are also usefully lower than premium options, while retail prices are the strongest for any new Fiat on sale.

volkswagen passat rival

seal world 6

skoda superb

Audi A5 Avant

questions to ask

How long does it take to charge? Using a 50kW DC public rapid charger, the Volkswagen Passat eHybrid can charge from 10-80% in just 23 minutes.

How much does it cost – is it worth it? The Volkswagen Fiat is an expensive model, especially in eHybrid form. Some people may be reluctant to spend BMW 3 Series Touring money on a plug-in Fiat.

Does Volkswagen replace batteries for free? The Volkswagen Fiat’s plug-in hybrid battery has an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Why trust us?

Our team of motoring experts has decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are tailored with every type of driver in mind. We thoroughly test every car we recommend, so you can be sure our judgments are honest, fair and authentic.

Decision

The Volkswagen Fiat is a big and expensive car these days, and is only offered in load-lugging estate guise, but it’s still a strong all-rounder – especially in plug-in hybrid guise. The larger battery gives a generous EV range and you also have the choice of two power outputs – although the latter option takes prices into premium car territory…