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.

816 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI GT 4dr

£7,645

1.6L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOD Motors

02890026872 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£14,499

1.4L
75.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

ABC Auto Sales

02838298014 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£13,519

Finance available £271 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BMT Executive 5dr DSG + LEATHER / NAV / 1 OWNER / 6 SERVICES

Low Mileage

£10,475

Finance available £212 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 R-Line [Panoramic Roof] 4-Door

Reduced

£14,490

1.4L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

John McGregor Broty

01382214143 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£11,199

Finance available £221 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,497

2L
66.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Beep Beep Cars Ltd

01913232953 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£33,490

1.5L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 Highline Plus TDI CR DPF 5dr DSG

£2,495

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

KLA Motors

01924668202 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI 190 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,970

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Tdi Bluemotion Tech Se Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 s/s 120

£7,895

1.6L
86.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

EMG Motor Group Spalding

01775661268 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,490

1.6L
68.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

£18,016

1.5L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,799

1.6L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Starlight Motors Limited

01525308845 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
104.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Elite Autos NI

02890023616 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - GTE Advance 1.4 TSI 218PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£14,782

1.4L
73.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr £35 TAX - TIMING BELT DONE

Low Mileage

£5,499

2L
84.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,992

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
67.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CAR & CARS LTD

01506376863 *

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.

View guides

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