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 Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £187 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Canvey Carriage Company

01268203836 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (G3) - 2.0 GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

£5,490

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Compact Car Centre Ltd

01216615579 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Coleshill Car Sales

01675623133 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2002 (52) - 2.0 SE 130 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,250

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

M40 Motors Limited

01494413800 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav 4-Door

£15,000

Finance available £259 pm

2L
50.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,629

Finance available £360 pm

1.6L
40.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,395

Finance available £165 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TMD Motors

01432809479 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI Comfort Line Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£7,995

23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI 150 GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£11,740

1.4L
59.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Bedford

01234987593 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£5,995

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Brothers Car Lot

01726219474 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£4,250

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

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

£30,990

1.5L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,099

Finance available £370 pm

1.4L
39.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

Reduced

£16,245

Finance available £291 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

George O'Hara Motors

02877440245 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Elegance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£35,980

Finance available £748 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
99.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

KF Cars Supermaket

01416118777 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£17,998

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£6,590

Finance available £125 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 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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