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.

764 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£36,998

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI (272ps) Elegance eHybrid DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£38,998

1.5L
1.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Cardiff)

02922672897 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
69.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

2L
59.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
164.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 4dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
103.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Throston Motors

01917315132 *

0/5 Stars

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

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

S B Cars

01784776677 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT 5-Door

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (09)

£9,895

Finance available £199 pm

3.6L
74.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE LIMITED TA ADC LTD

01158384507 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£5,250

2L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

All Right Autos

01482426475 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - VR32 4Motion DSG...Service and Mot 1st May... Only 42385 Miles

Reduced

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

3.2L
42.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Not Supplied

Four Crosses Garage

01743292166 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,650

Finance available £260 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

WYNFORD SPECIALIST MOTORS LIMITED

01217288702 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£19,649

Finance available £404 pm

1.4L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£23,495

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Trade Centre Yorkshire Ltd

01904917547 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG ADAPTIVE CRUISE SAT NAV timing belt done

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
56.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Witham Garage

01664497552 *

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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