WITH an expected 80:20 corporate sales split for Volkswagen’s new executive saloon and estate range, it is easy to see why the latest Passat is so important to the German brand.

The new models are headed to dealers now, but if you haven’t got there yet and the Business Car Manager review isn’t enough help, we thought we’d ask those in the know six reasons why you should pick the new Passat as your next business car.

Who better to help us, than new Product Affairs Manager Simon Mc Bride, who we caught up with at the UK launch. He gave us his thoughts on what features of the new car are going to attract SME small fleet buyers.

Well, take it away Simon…

Trailer Assist

“Trailer Assist is available as a £465 option on all Passats and it is a world first.

It’s perfect for business drivers who tow regularly and those that have active hobbies at the weekend.

This system basically controls the lateral guidance of the car and trailer and then it gives you current and possible steering angles, which can be seen in the centre of the instrument cluster.

Basically you start the system after putting the car in reverse, by pressing the button on the centre console. Take your hands off the steering wheel, then you control the system via the joystick which also operates the door mirrors.

I’ve tried it without this system and it’s really difficult to park with a trailer.”