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.

769 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 Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,999

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£4,495

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Polesworth Garage Tamworth

01827213852 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Saloon 4dr

£12,799

1.5L
58.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

£4,995

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 BiTDI 240 R-Line Edition 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£30,968

2L
23.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Audi Bexley

02038895332 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£2,999

1.6L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cars 4 Trade

02890021463 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£17,340

1.4L
57.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 4-Door

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Heartlands Trade Centre Ltd

01212721981 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£4,295

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J26 Vans & Trucks Limited

01156977778 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 5dr

£3,495

2L
167.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Quality Used Car Sales Group

01216618712 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£15,199

Finance available £317 pm

1.4L
83.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£17,998

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

365 MOTORS LTD

01204968071 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Select A Car

01163668383 *

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

£3,990

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,945

Finance available £263 pm

2L
63.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 Passat Highline+ TDI DSG 140 5dr

Reduced

£4,490

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£23,250

Finance available £457 pm

1.5L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

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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