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.

826 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£4,495

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Polesworth Garage Tamworth

01827213852 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG Estate

£37,022

1.5L
514.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate

01423396103 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 GT TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

£1,790

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 5dr DSG Diesel Estate

£15,571

1.6L
45.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Peugeot Exeter

01392537059 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - TDI SE Business 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,990

Finance available £315 pm

2L
39.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

LS Autos

01306774216 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£10,899

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,880

Finance available £243 pm

1.4L
99.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
118.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

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

£5,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£17,712

2L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Volkswagen Teeside

01642573413 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr

£17,295

Finance available £379 pm

2L
35.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£16,295

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
54.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Weybridge Vehicle Consultants Ltd

01932687804 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

£19,149

Finance available £397 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr

£750

2L
174.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

NJH Car Sales

01792345025 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
80.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE+2015 VW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT+AUTO+LONG MOT+INSUR ARRANGED 4-Door

Reduced

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.8L
107.3K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Saloon

UK LEFT HAND DRIVE

01494326588 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance DSG 4-Door

Low Mileage

£20,497

Finance available £418 pm

1.4L
12.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - MAKE US AN OFFER!!2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Estate 5dr Diesel Ma

£1,795

2L
140.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

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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