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 Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
80.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Mcmullin Motors

01752973034 *

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

Low Mileage

£38,980

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

£5,995

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

HAMPTON CAR SALES LTD

01604340436 *

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 Passat(59) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 DSG 4Motion 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,290

77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£12,450

Finance available £256 pm

1.4L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

William Coates Cars

01262410927 *

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 Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate Full service history £20 Road Tax ULEZ EURO 6 Full MOT 5-Door

£9,295

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

German Cars

01934319960 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£7,950

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sharon Woodside Motors

02890026919 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

£3,295

2L
124.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 5dr

£5,295

2L
111.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mcmullin Motors

01752973034 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£3,195

1.6L
237.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Burton Car Centre

01134676319 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - VIENNA LEATHE

£19,584

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

£4,995

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 1.8 TSI 4dr

Reduced

£2,795

1.8L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,850

2L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cotswolds Cars and Commercials Ltd

07860560059 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£17,899

Finance available £347 pm

1.4L
62.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Prestige Cars Ireland

02890026873 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 TDI Highline Euro 4 5dr

£2,500

2L
190.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Trade UK

01246383671 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£31,790

1.5L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

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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