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.

854 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
107.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Saver Motors

01919333978 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£12,349

Finance available £246 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,750

2L
158.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.6L
16.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

S M G Rover

01174286788 *

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 Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£38,998

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

1.4L
66.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Prime Carz Ltd

01162162528 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£19,099

Finance available £404 pm

1.4L
35.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£12,450

2L
31.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Marshall SEAT Oxford

01235420017 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,489

Finance available £288 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Peter Reeves Ltd

01282501870 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204PS 6-speed DSG 5-Door

£37,870

1.5L
6.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

Reduced

£4,490

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jenson Cars

01733794308 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

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 PassatW8 4 MOTION 4.0 FULL LEATHER * LOW MILES * TOP GRADE Auto

£6,495

4L
67.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

The Car Warehouse

01642937563 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.6L
95.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Car Sales Club

01616944299 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 CC GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 139 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,595

2L
40.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SPIRIT MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01204968919 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - TSI R-Line 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Abberton Car Sales

01206879441 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,994

2L
174.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI High Line Estate Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£8,995

49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

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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