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.

750 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - R LINE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£14,975

Finance available £312 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

JMV

01634564263 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

£4,650

Finance available £82 pm

1.6L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Michael Fee Motors

02890024609 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (Z5) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.4L
53.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£37,335

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
99.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Phillips (Lisburn) Ltd

02892791480 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sean Kearney Cars

02890026883 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (09)

£9,895

Finance available £199 pm

3.6L
74.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE LIMITED TA ADC LTD

01158384507 *

3.9/5 Stars

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 Passat2020 - TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£24,800

Finance available £462 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£16,998

1.4L
58.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
110.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Car Today Ltd

01616946832 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

I H Vehicles

01494311318 *

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 Passat2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.4L
58.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Valley Cars and Classics Ltd

01488500852 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,995

1.6L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI Comfort Line Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Curley Cars

02890023216 *

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

£18,498

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Dundee Vauxhall / Fiat / Abarth

01382768498 *

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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