VW's in general have safe predictable handling. Good grip and fairly solid. Lots of people like that. I do myself. But they don't really flow like a really good handling car, there isn't the same feel. With the exception of the current GTI, which I haven't driven. Fords are meant to be better. The only recent ford I've driven is a focus and I didn't feel there was a night and day difference in terms of handling myself. Nice enough to drive.
I'd say if you find a VW MPV with the same performance/engine as your Passat, you'd be happy enough. The Touran is more car like, and the Sharan more Van like.