VW Passat

Looking at alternatives to Octvia L&K 2.0TDi DSG, frustrated because I need auto (left knee problem) and Skoda will not do the 170ps engine with auto. I have put plusses and minuses compared to my Octy. I am not wishing to remap the engine and have all the hassle with an insurance company. Besides, more power should come with better brakes and perhaps suspension.

Clearly the Passat is from the same stable as the Skoda - many of the dials are familiar.

+ quality

+ engine

+ all the sensible bits, layout and cubby holes. A rest for my right foot.

+ electric parking brake - fabulous in the DSG format.

- boot, not hatch

- more expensive

- longer

Its a tough call. I think if they did the 170PS engine with the 4motion drive, i would have one now. With the 140PS engine it is quite slow at 10.2 compared to 9.6 for the Octy. That's more than 6% slower.