Which is the most popular engine in the Volkswagen Passat?

Overwhelmingly, customers prefer the diesel engines in the Passat. These engines provide the absolute best compromise in terms of ample performance with excellent fuel economy.

What are the most popular trim levels?

With new Passat models, Volkswagen offers three trims: Life, Elegance and R-Line. Of these three, the R-Line has been among the most popular, likely because of its unique styling features and upgraded sportiness. These are very easy to find on the used market as a result. Older GT and SE models have also proved popular among Passat drivers.

What optional extras should I look out for?

The tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is a desirable option, giving a roomier feel to the cabin. There's also a Black Styling Pack available with the R-Line, giving it a sleek and unique appearance on the road.

Is the Volkswagen Passat a good family car?

With plenty of space, four doors and a big boot, the Passat is a great family car. It's comfortable, safe and packed full of technology features, too.

Is there a hybrid version of the Volkswagen Passat?

There is a hybrid version of the Passat, known as the GTE. It features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to create a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles, after which it automatically switches to petrol/electric hybrid power, allowing you to continue your journey.

Is the Volkswagen Passat available as an automatic?

Volkswagen has offered the Passat with a choice of an automatic or a manual gearbox, and both are plentiful on the used market.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Most Passat models have been built with front-wheel drive. There were some made with four-wheel drive, but they are difficult to find on the used market. Look for models badged as "4MOTION" - this is Volkswagen speak for all-wheel drive.

883 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £166 pm

2L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AUTOVETTURA LTD

07506577555 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£11,290

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Bedford Car Centre

01234987603 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG 360 Camera Sunroof VIRTUAL COCKPIT

£8,495

1.4L
129.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,900

Finance available £281 pm

2L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

McFadden Motors

02879440897 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,700

2L
24.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mercedes-Benz of Hamilton

01698674602 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£16,649

1.4L
59.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£11,300

1.4L
94.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£19,895

Finance available £361 pm

1.4L
29.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 5dr DSG

£23,990

25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SEAT Braintree

01376312248 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline 5-Door

£2,500

2L
135.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Trusted Motors Limited

01613887761 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - HIGHLINE TDI DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
105.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Regal Motors

02394319624 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE+2015 VW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT+AUTO+LONG MOT+INSUR ARRANGED 4-Door

Reduced

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.8L
107.3K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Saloon

UK LEFT HAND DRIVE

01494326588 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162165692 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Sport TDI 170 5dr DSG

£1,295

2L
145.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Ash Motors

01494977763 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr DSG AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
111.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Bennets Car Sales

02922672909 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
65.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Starrett 4x4

02871220960 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£13,099

Finance available £270 pm

2L
45.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£7,950

Finance available £168 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sharon Woodside Motors

02890026919 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Taylors Of Skegness

01754808552 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,698

1.4L
53.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Peugeot/SEAT/Cupra/Skoda (Edinburgh)

01312025128 *

4.7/5 Stars

Why buy a used Volkswagen Passat?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, comfortable on long drives and has a spacious interior, then a used Volkswagen Passat is a great choice. As one of the UK's top-selling cars, the Passat is an excellent motorway cruiser filled with modern technology and features. With several different bodystyles and efficient engines, it's not difficult to find a used Passat that meets your everyday motoring needs.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Excellent cruiser
Efficient diesel engines
Spacious design

Cons

Saloon can be impractical
Plain design
Rivals are better to drive

Read our Volkswagen Passat review

Volkswagen Passat video review

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Used Volkswagen Passat buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Volkswagen has built the Passat with petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid powerplants. These have been paired with an automatic or manual gearbox and front- or all-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5 eTSI outputs 147bhp for a 9.2-second 0-62mph time and an efficiency rating of 51.8mpg.
Older 1.4-litre turbocharged engine generates either 123bhp or 148bhp.
An older 1.8-litre turbocharged engine produces 177bhp, and there's also been a top-performing 2.0-litre outputting 217bhp.
Plug-in GTE version has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles.

Diesel

Older 1.6-litre engine produces 118bhp with an efficiency rating of 76.3mpg.
2.0-litre option increases output to 148bhp or 187bhp offering a rating of up to 67.3mpg. These are the most popular engine choices.
2.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine generates 237bhp.

Practicality

Bigger than the Golf and Beetle, the Volkswagen Passat is a practical family car with plenty of space for people and cargo.

Interior space

Adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat allow for the best position, while the massaging feature offers more comfort on long drives.
Rear seat headroom and legroom adequate for tall adults.
ISOFIX mounting points have flip-up covers over them for protection.

Boot space

690-litre boot is more than the average of 500 litres for most cars in this segment.
Putting down the rear seats increases space to 1,920 litres.
Bumper is low to the ground and there's no boot lip to contend with.

Bodystyles

Estate model is still available with a longer body for added space.
Saloon was recently discontinued.
Other variants were inspired by the Passat, including the four-door coupé known as the CC, and the rugged version known as the Alltrack.

Safety

2014 Euro NCAP rating gives the Passat five stars.
Child occupant rating sits at 87%, with adult occupant earning 85%.
Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control and automatic parking for more confidence.

Technology

Large 12.9-inch touchscreen display is the focal point of the dashboard.
High-resolution 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is easy to view.
Available Premium sound systems are available to provide more audio clarity and enjoyment.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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