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.

769 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 5-Door

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Andrew James Cars Ltd

01474556864 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140

Low Mileage

£3,700

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

£31,875

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

£13,390

Finance available £277 pm

1.4L
57.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr DSG

£6,995

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£4,490

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Sr Motor Group

01753379107 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,895

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG AUTOMATIC! 13 SERVICE STAMPS!

£4,699

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gordon Fielder Cars Ltd

01527368645 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,999

1.6L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lakeside Car Sales Ltd

01527911363 *

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 Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
107.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Saver Motors

01919333978 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£5,450

Finance available £99 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GF Cars

02890023191 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
65.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Starrett 4x4

02871220960 *

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

£13,295

Finance available £275 pm

1.4L
86.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Surecar Direct

01172447335 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

ALPINE MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01382238351 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 - 2.0 TDI SE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
114.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parkland Motor Company

01913008510 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

1.6L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

B A 1 LTD

01135186150 *

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI Comfort Line Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£7,995

23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
86.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Archvale Car Sales

02890022125 *

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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