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 Passat2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Eastwoods Ltd

01252916819 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TSI Sport 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
113.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - Gte Dsg 4-Door

£14,220

Finance available £295 pm

1.4L
63.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£15,350

Finance available £321 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark Vickers Car Sales

01246381035 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5-Door

Reduced

£11,295

Finance available £230 pm

1.4L
89.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Opus Automotive Cars Ltd

01422411402 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) Life eHybrid DSG 5-Door

£32,990

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,795

Finance available £353 pm

1.6L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr

£19,499

Finance available £413 pm

1.5L
29.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,860

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Fleet Sales (Leicester) Limited

01455245180 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG Petrol Estate

£20,706

1.5L
33.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Vauxhall Macclesfield

01625462728 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

58.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£33,990

1.5L
51.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.4L
127.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Car Galaxy UK

01923927529 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
80.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,800

Finance available £286 pm

2L
69.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Clydebank)

01389311152 *

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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