Volkswagen Passat GT 2.0-litre TDI SCR 190 PS 6spd DSG

And given that it’s a diesel with 400Nm (295 ft/lb) of torque going through those front wheels the lack of shimmy is impressive. The control is well tied down, but it’s not fun. Unlike the Fulvia you don’t welcome every opportunity to drive the Passat, nor want to take the long way home. In extremis the body control can struggle; negative camber on a medium sized roundabout caused a distinct wallow. It may share the Golf’s MBQ platform but it feels its size. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, as there is a reassurance to it.

All this makes a very sensible daily drive. The numbers are good. Thanks to putting out 187 bhp the listed top speed of 146mph means it will happily cruise motorways, the 0-62 of 7.7 is more than decent and fuel consumption at 52.3 urban / 68.9 extra-urban / and 61.4 combined (mpg) is something you’ll actually see if you set the cruise control for the M4 schlep, the six speed DSG gearbox helping it stay in the optimum rev range. If you lust after something more sporty there is a 237 bhp bi-turbo all wheel drive version.

That would of course add to the price, and the Passat is significantly more than you would expect. The range starts a little above Mondeo pricing at £22,215, and this model at £29,310 but the options laden test car is a couple of rounds of drinks short of £35k. That’s on a par with a 520, but then this car can probably, badge snobbery aside, hold its head up against a five series or an Audi A4.

Plenty of room in the back

The Passat has good electric front seats

Standard features include a brake assist system and electronic brake-pressure distribution, electronic differential lock) and traction control, engine drag torque control) and - probably with a nod to the fact that around half the Passats sold will be estates - trailer stabilisation. There are heaps of airbags, automatic post collision braking system and seat belt tensioners which tighten the belts to one of two levels if sensors predict a crash.

The Passat however is an accountant's car. There is little which will make you give it a loving glance as you walk away from it, nor is it something where you’ll treasure a long hard drive.

Sorry VW, but we have to call it like we see it. ®