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 Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,945

Finance available £200 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sean O'Hara Cars

02890026918 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Rydon Car Sales Exeter

01392342738 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - ESTATE TDI 150HP EURO 6/ULEZ EVO R-Line 5-Door

£17,995

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Auto Solutions

01252415030 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus DSG Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

GGS Motors Ltd

02382148539 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
79.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Leeds Motor Company (Burley place)

01134675316 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 BiTDI R-Line Edition DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,400

Finance available £460 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

£2,000

2L
188.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,780

Finance available £219 pm

1.4L
103.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£6,699

Finance available £127 pm

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Gouldings Car Sales (North Hykeham)

01522449057 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG Estate

£20,987

1.4L
32.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Huddersfield

01484501073 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

Reduced

£2,500

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

EH Traders Ltd

01274059188 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Adaptive

Low Mileage

£16,601

Finance available £320 pm

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,250

2L
112.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carex Car Sales

01243978025 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (24) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG 5Door Estate

Reduced

£33,995

1.5L
5.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,330

Finance available £231 pm

1.4L
92.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

£9,998

2L
82.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Blackwood Used Car Ltd

02890021467 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,486

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

£4,500

1.6L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£6,491

1.6L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cwmavon Car Sales

01639501142 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,850

1.6L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

S Rafferty Car Sales Ltd

02841330081 *

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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