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 Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

Low Mileage

£8,795

2L
69.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,549

Finance available £362 pm

1.5L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,499

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Brothers Car Lot

01726219474 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

WMGB

01278550715 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) Life eHybrid DSG 5-Door

£32,990

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

£1,895

2L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed] ESTATE

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
214.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Hi Spec Motors Limited

01282506563 *

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 Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
102.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£27,950

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
73.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (56) - 2.0 S FSI 4dr

£1,095

2L
160.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Innosource Cars Ltd

02039577445 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive AUTO 5-Door

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
128.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Fine Motors Ltd

01162165628 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 2007 Volkswagen Passat 3.2 v6 petrol automatic leather ulez compliant 4-Door

Low Mileage

£1,890

3.2L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

GPS Transporters

01280730894 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG Auto

£17,604

1.5L
52.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,845

Finance available £270 pm

2L
82.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

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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