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.

747 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat1988 (E) - GL5 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Classic & Sports Cars

01765532620 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Reduced

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

1.6L
22.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

webuycarsformore com

01918144196 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI (150ps) GT (s/s) Saloon Manual 4-Door

Low Mileage

£14,500

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,495

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Oasis Vehicle Sales

01795503962 *

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 Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.4L
86.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Surecar Direct

01172447335 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BMT Executive Style 5dr ++ SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / LEATHER ++

Low Mileage

£8,375

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£13,399

Finance available £277 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SE Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£11,395

1.6L
91.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Parkside Motors Ltd

02039475180 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

All Right Autos

01482426475 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Low Mileage

£15,857

Finance available £339 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£4,495

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Exclusive Motors Of GB LTD

02038978672 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rory Gaffney Cars

02838298749 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - SPORT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£6,999

2L
95.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Chana Car Centre

02476936601 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,895

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Reduced

£5,400

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Juno Cars

01282501863 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
98.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 19.7kWh Elegance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro

£36,000

Finance available £660 pm

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI S Euro 5 4dr

£1,995

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GGS Motors Ltd

02382148539 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 Turbo Diesel (TDI), GT Edition, Estate, Manual, Euro 6. 5-Door

£11,499

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

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.

View guides

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