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.

837 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr Automatic

£9,895

1.5L
116.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI High Line Estate Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£8,995

49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£11,191

2L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Huddersfield

01484501073 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,390

Finance available £277 pm

1.4L
57.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

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 Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI 190 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,995

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Wilsons Used

02037808195 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

Finance available £411 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
118.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps

Low Mileage

£6,990

2L
77.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr

£11,448

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£4,989

1.5L
166.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) One Previ

£14,150

Finance available £270 pm

1.5L
82.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,495

1.6L
132.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brundall Auto

01603567796 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MAX MOTOR CO

01138870789 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,500

2L
57.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

BINCA

01908953487 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

ALPINE MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01382238351 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,195

Finance available £183 pm

2L
112.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£6,975

Finance available £134 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£15,970

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

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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