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.

791 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 1.9 BlueMotion TDI DPF 5dr

£695

1.9L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Bs5 Autosales

01174286084 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£22,273

Finance available £485 pm

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£14,853

Finance available £291 pm

1.4L
52.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG AUTOMATIC! 13 SERVICE STAMPS!

£4,699

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gordon Fielder Cars Ltd

01527368645 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£8,499

2L
131.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - TSI EVO SEL 5-Door

£17,790

Finance available £352 pm

1.5L
46.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,995

1.6L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,945

Finance available £263 pm

2L
63.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (Z5) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£15,999

Finance available £282 pm

1.4L
53.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£3,295

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
25.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£39,998

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - VOLKSWAGEN Passat 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4M

Low Mileage

£17,095

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Wilsons Used

02037808195 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£12,480

Finance available £196 pm

1.4L
40.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Premier Cars

01708932385 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

£1,750

1.6L
212.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£11,739

Finance available £233 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG

£40,250

Finance available £806 pm

1.5L
367.0
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Business Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,499

1.4L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,512

1.5L
94.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

A30 Car Sales of Hook

01256634773 *

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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