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.

762 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr DSG

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Exclusive Motors Of GB LTD

02038978672 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - TDI SE Business 4-Door

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
109.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
139.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

John Glasgow Car Sales

02893440751 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£19,742

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Perrys Bolton Cupra

01204584566 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(65) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG Estate

£35,913

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MF Motors Norwich Ltd

01603337394 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 TDI Highline DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 Passat SE Business TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,595

2L
75.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Polesworth Garage Tamworth

01827213852 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - MK8 Facelift Saloon 1.5 TSI 150 SE Nav EVO Manual 4-Door

Reduced

£15,999

1.5L
23.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£31,808

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

2L
107.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO S Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,150

Finance available £204 pm

1.5L
58.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motorology

01515417934 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
65.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Strategic Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01205332561 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

£7,195

Finance available £138 pm

2L
88.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Gloucester Motor Group

01452227252 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
45.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO SEL 4-Door

Low Mileage

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 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.

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