Volkswagen Passat Taxi Review 2024
The Volkswagen Passat is a reliable and stylish taxi option. It has an extremely comfortable interior and is equipped with an array of advanced safety features.
Models available from The Taxi Centre
| Powertrain | Diesel | Petrol or diesel | Petrol or diesel |
| Transmission | Manual or automatic | Manual or automatic | Automatic |
| Dimensions | 4,773 mm L x 1,832 mm W x 1,515 mm H | 4,773 mm L x 1,832 mm W x 1,515 mm H | 4,773 mm L x 1,832 mm W x 1,515 mm H |
| Boot space | 650 litres | 650 litres | 650 litres |
| Fuel economy | 7.1 - 7.7 mpp | 5.1 - 5.2 mpp | 6.4 - 6.7 mpp |
Design: Exterior and interior
The Passat is a fantastic-looking estate car, both on the inside and out.
With a sleek and aerodynamic profile, it exudes a sense of sophistication from the outset. A bold front grille, smart LED headlights, and large alloy wheels contribute to the Passat's contemporary look.
Inside, a spacious and well-designed cabin awaits. Comfort takes centre stage with supportive seating, and ample leg and headroom on offer. High-quality materials have been used throughout, creating a refined ambience for your passengers. This also means the interior can withstand the rigours of daily use while still looking great.
Plenty of in-car technology comes as standard too, to keep you connected while on the move.
Technology
The Passat boasts an advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Controlled through an intuitive 9.2-inch touchscreen, the system couldn't be easier to use.
Additionally, a 10.25-inch digital display delivers essential information to drivers in a clear format.
Intelligent voice control technology allows you to manage various settings with simple commands. You can even dictate text messages and have the car read texts aloud. Simply say "Hello Volkswagen", followed by your request to get started.
Performance and drive
A range of petrol and diesel engine options are available for the Passat, so you can choose the one most suited to your business needs. Whichever you select, you can expect to find a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine, offering 150hp, is impressive and provides plenty of power for your everyday trips. The 2.0-litre diesel is another excellent choice, particularly suitable if you'll be covering lots of motorway miles.
Responsive handling, smooth dynamics, and well-tuned suspension provide comfortable journeys during extended use.
Passenger and boot space
Offering ample room for passengers and all their luggage, the Passat is an extremely practical choice.
Passengers can relax and enjoy generous legroom and headroom, whether seated in the front or back. Storage compartments throughout the cabin are ideal for everyday items. Plus, all the door bins are lined - gone are the days of rattling bottles as you travel!
The boot capacity of the Passat is huge, offering up to 650 litres of carrying space. If you need to extend this further, you can do so by folding the rear seats, giving you a whopping 1,780 litres. The boot also has a wide opening, making loading and unloading extremely easy.
The spaciousness of the Passat, for both people and luggage, is what makes it one of the best taxi vehicles around.
Reliability
Volkswagen has an established reputation for manufacturing vehicles that will stand the test of time. The Passat, with its strong build quality, exemplifies this commitment. Its long-lasting performance is a testament to its advanced engineering.
VW's three-year, 60,000-mile warranty covers all new Passat models, providing peace of mind for owners.
As with all vehicles, it's recommended that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines for servicing to get the most out of your car. If you do require parts, these should be easy to source and reasonably priced.
Safety
Safety has been well-considered in the Volkswagen Passat. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of features.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems highlights include:
- Parking sensors and Park Assist: These features help you manoeuvre tight spots while maintaining control of your car.
- Front Assist: This system alerts you to pedestrians in the road and will brake automatically if you do not react.
- LED matrix headlights: These shine brightly for optimal vision at night without dazzling other road users.
Cost of ownership
The Volkswagen Passat boasts reasonable running costs for a car of its size. Both the petrol and diesel engine options deliver decent fuel economy. Ideal, for drivers who rack up the miles.
With regular servicing, the Passat is a cost-effective option for taxi operators. You should find minimal downtime and repair expenses with this dependable estate.
The Taxi Centre’s verdict
The Volkswagen Passat is a reliable, spacious, and cost-effective vehicle. You can depend on VW's quality engineering, which checks important boxes for safety and durability. This is a car that both you and your passengers will simply love.