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.

784 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£2,495

1.6L
161.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Buccaneer Motor Company Ltd

01935319836 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Low Mileage

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Heartlands Trade Centre Ltd

01212721981 *

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 Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BMT Executive 5dr DSG + LEATHER / NAV / 1 OWNER / 6 SERVICES

Low Mileage

£10,475

Finance available £212 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£13,695

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

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

Reduced

£28,500

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£13,499

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,699

2L
169.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Audenshaw Motor Company Ltd TA Audenshaw Motors

01614139877 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£3,490

2L
129.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

2k Motor Group

01733797035 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£14,999

Finance available £303 pm

1.4L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

02037808144 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rory Gaffney Cars

02838298749 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£16,500

1.4L
35.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Motorparks Warrington

01925875960 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

£7,675

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
91.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen PassatR-Line Tsi Dsg

Low Mileage

£14,995

29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

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 Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr FULL SERVICE HISTORY

£5,995

2L
134.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Trade Centre Direct

01217288653 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,290

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

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.

View guides

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