ACCORDING TO A 2023 survey of more than 2000 car drivers, one in four would consider changing their car because their neighbours had just done so. And these days, keeping up with the Joneses means turning to electric power. However, if the idea of going fully electric doesn’t appeal, what's an aspirational neighbour to do? Well, the answer might just have arrived in the form of the new Volkswagen Passat.
You'd be forgiven for assuming that this latest Passat, with its slim LED lights, aerodynamic alloy wheels depending on model) and a low rear bumper that prevents the exhaust pipe from being seen, is fully electric. Your neighbours might think so, too, particularly if you choose a plug-in hybrid version; it can travel for up to 62 miles without using a drop of petrol, so they might never hear its petrol engine running.
The Passat's plug-in hybrid power set-up comes in 201bhp and 268bhp variants, each combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery. Both can be rapid charged at a peak rate of 50kW, or 11kW if you're using a home wallbox.
This story is from the November 2023 edition of What Car? UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2023 edition of What Car? UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Vauxhall Mokka 1.2 Turbo 136 GS
The Mokka is hot stuff in the sales charts, but does it deserve to be everyone's cup of tea? Let's find out
MG 4 VS TESLA MODEL 3 DO YOU GET MORE FOR LESS?
The new MG 4 Extended Range costs thousands less than the cheapest Tesla Model 3, yet it has a longer official range. Is that game over for the Tesla?
SAVER OF THE MONTH
These plug-in hybrid SUVS can all save you money on running costs, especially if you're a company car driver But which one will net you the most interest in return?
VOLVO EX30
As the Swedish brand enters uncharted territory with its smallest electric SUV yet, we ask the members of our reader jury to issue their verdicts
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Small electric hatchback is brought up to date, gaining a slightly bigger battery option On sale Now Price from £32,445
Peugeot e-308
New electric family hatchback puts a French twist on the Vauxhall Astra Electric's recipe On sale Now Price from £40,050
BMW iX2
Electric coupé SUV promises up to 279 miles of range and will be joined by a new petrol-engined X2 On sale March 2024 Price from £56,540
Volkswagen ID Golf
Popular family hatchback gets electric power for an official range of up to 400 miles On sale 2027 Price from 33,000 est)
Citroën e-C3
Small hatchback is reinvented with electric power and an affordable price On sale Early 2024 Price from £22,000 (est)
BMW i5
Electric version of BMW's next 5 Series executive car guns for the Mercedes-Benz EQE On sale Now Price from £74,105