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.

843 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 104 BHP 4-Door

£3,995

1.6L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr DSG

£2,995

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Car World Motors Ltd

01924668250 *

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 Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,300

Finance available £252 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£40,698

100.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

1.4L
66.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Prime Carz Ltd

01162162528 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,499

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,990

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Harlow

01279594532 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,490

1.6L
68.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 SEL 5dr DSG

£9,995

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£8,790

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Autovillage

01242507315 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 SEL TSI EVO 5d 148 BHP 5-Door

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
111.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Roy Needham Cars

01226448496 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

Reduced

£16,245

Finance available £291 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

George O'Hara Motors

02877440245 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,489

Finance available £288 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Peter Reeves Ltd

01282501870 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,700

Finance available £300 pm

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,969

Finance available £368 pm

1.4L
37.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

Reduced

£5,550

1.6L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

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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