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.

839 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

1.6L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2003 (53) - 1.9 TDI PD Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.9L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Small Cars Online

01823217645 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Shop For Cars

01582344808 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI 19.7kWh R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£49,989

Finance available £963 pm

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£14,595

Finance available £304 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 S 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,895

Finance available £294 pm

1.5L
47.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.5 TSI 150 Evo DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£18,250

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Dales SEAT at Scorrier

01209704144 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 DSG 4Motion 4dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

3.6L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,500

2L
112.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carex Car Sales

01243978025 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.8 TSI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,590

Finance available £304 pm

1.8L
64.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Prestige Cars Agent Group Ltd

02039375221 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport estate 5 door Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (170

£3,999

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

S B Cars

01784776677 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£3,000

2L
123.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

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 Passat2020 - TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

£12,995

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,195

1.6L
52.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 4dr

£15,850

Finance available £278 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG HARMON KARDON SOUND SYSTEM

Low Mileage

£32,990

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

£10,990

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,800

Finance available £216 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr

£7,999

2L
92.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

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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