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.

789 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Discount Car Centre Ltd

01616969160 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.4 TFSI DSG ESTATE

Reduced

£10,890

1.4L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£5,993

2L
190.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

£3,495

1.6L
109.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TSI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] Auto

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £365 pm

2L
37.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Cars2 Wakefield SEAT

01274087621 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£35,980

Finance available £687 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

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 Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr DSG

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

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

Reduced

£3,295

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
33.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
91.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,295

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Northroute Cars

01143089078 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
50.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - Passat Se Bluemotion Technology Tdi 5-Door

£2,495

2L
180.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Atlantic Motorzone Ltd

01782986888 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG ADAPTIVE CRUISE SAT NAV timing belt done

£5,995

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Automad Ltd

01922664517 *

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 Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Aspire Automotive Limited

01268219722 *

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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