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.

764 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 Turbo Diesel (TDI), GT Edition, Estate, Manual, Euro 6. 5-Door

£11,499

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

Reduced

£17,998

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£33,945

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
85.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

William Coates Cars

01262410927 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Manual

Reduced

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
41.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Days Motorpark Swansea

01792739768 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£29,999

Finance available £635 pm

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 Passat SE Business TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,595

Finance available £259 pm

2L
75.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
88.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - SE Nav 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£17,331

1.5L
41.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive AUTO 5-Door

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
128.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Fine Motors Ltd

01162165628 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£3,299

Finance available £51 pm

1.6L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cars 4 Trade

02890021463 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Reduced

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

1.6L
22.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

webuycarsformore com

01918144196 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
95.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

TRINITY MOTOR SALES LTD

01422411698 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,259

1.6L
178.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI SE DSG ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Eden Car Sales Ltd

02893447216 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4x4 F.S.H 5-Door

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

2L
114.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Godden Motor Company

02392006095 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

East Kilbride Used Cars

01412601336 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£31,808

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,497

Finance available £123 pm

2L
66.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Beep Beep Cars Ltd

01913232953 *

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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