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.

808 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - Passat Se Bluemotion Technology Tdi 5-Door

£2,495

2L
180.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Atlantic Motorzone Ltd

01782986888 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£16,899

Finance available £344 pm

1.4L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr

£6,995

1.4L
122.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Mike Fairbanks Ltd

01625461142 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (59) - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus Euro 5 4dr

£1,399

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Z a motors

01785336152 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,295

Finance available £208 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13KWH GTE DSG 4dr DSG (APPLE CAR PLAY, FULL LEATHER)

Reduced

£19,988

1.4L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£19,014

1.5L
41.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Audi Oxford

01865597492 *

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

£15,940

1.6L
45.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Peugeot Exeter

01392537059 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG ONLY 55K MILES F.S.H/ULEZ FREE

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Valley Trade centre

01494312062 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr TIMING BELT DONE

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

2L
88.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

£4,995

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£15,749

Finance available £320 pm

1.6L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

02037808144 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,295

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Northroute Cars

01143089078 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£9,050

Finance available £180 pm

1.6L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Shop For Cars

01582344808 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,450

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Audenshaw Motor Company Ltd TA Audenshaw Motors

01614139877 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,437

Finance available £352 pm

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0TDI Bluemotion Executive Edition -Full Service History 2 Keys 5-Door

£4,990

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SHIREMOOR CARS & COMMERCIAL LIMITED

01913002423 *

Volkswagen Passat1988 (E) - GL5 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Classic & Sports Cars

01765532620 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Elite Vehicle sales

01612416638 *

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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