The vehicle is due to be replaced by an all-new model within the next year, so in an effort to sell off as many as possible before that time, Volkswagen has introduced the Executive and Executive Style trim levels in place of the previous Highline.

Both the saloon and the estate body styles can be ordered with the new specification.

The Executive model starts at £22,900, which is £200 more than the equivalent Highline, but Volkswagen claims to have added £1,700 of extra equipment.

Among its standard spec is a touch-screen satellite navigation system, leather upholstery and contact points, heated front seats with electric adjustment for the driver’s, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers and cruise control.

Parking nightmares can be minimised thanks to standard-fit parking sensors at both ends of the car, which help to make the Passat Executive look like extremely good value.

On top of all this, plus the otherwise standard DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, the Executive Style adds larger alloy wheels, suspension lowered by 15mm, bi-xenon headlights, front fog lights and tinted rear glass.

Prices for the Executive Style begin at £23,895 on the road, which is £995 more than the Executive.