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.

749 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr Auto

£9,390

Finance available £187 pm

1.4L
74.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Riverside BYD

01924927456 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 - 2.0 TDI SE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
114.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parkland Motor Company

01913008510 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,450

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

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 Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

ANDOVER CAR SALES LIMITED

01722445409 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,259

1.6L
178.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (56) - 3.2 FSI V6 SEL DSG 4Motion Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,000

3.2L
137.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trade UK

01246383671 *

Volkswagen Passat(59) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 DSG 4Motion 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,290

77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£2,800

1.6L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 1.6S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£4,995

1.6L
124.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

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 Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

£10,990

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£37,990

Finance available £727 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SEL 190PS DSG Estate Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6L GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel Euro 6 (118 b

£11,995

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RSS AUTOS LIMITED

02380017752 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,619

Finance available £382 pm

1.4L
37.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

£3,000

2L
116.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 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.

View guides

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