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.

779 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colliss Motors

01985807078 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Audenshaw Motor Company Ltd TA Audenshaw Motors

01614139877 *

4/5 Stars

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

£4,690

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jenson Cars

01733794308 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
65.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Vehicle Vault

01325522660 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI (272ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG + CLICK AND COLLECT Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£37,748

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BMT DIESEL 150 BHP ESTATE 5 DR , F.S.H , £20 ROAD TAX

£6,995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

G5 Autos Ltd (Appointment Only)

01482947637 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,295

2L
189.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

S A motors

01158222427 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 Passat GT TDI 5dr

£11,295

Finance available £230 pm

2L
100.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£10,600

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Newton & Lee Automotive Ltd

01207263738 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
94.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J&M Cars Magherafelt

02879441918 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,494

Finance available £167 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£8,990

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Autovillage

01242507315 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr

£7,999

2L
92.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
79.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
117.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MMK AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED

01524237300 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 (73) - MK8 Facelift Est 2.0TDI 150 SEL EVO SCR DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£31,491

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

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 Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,395

2L
73.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

West Midlands Cars Ltd

01212721955 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

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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