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.

769 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£9,695

Finance available £194 pm

1.4L
107.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

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 Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
81.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rhondda Motor Company

01443803258 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£2,999

1.6L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cars 4 Trade

02890021463 *

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 Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£28,899

Finance available £611 pm

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

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

£13,499

1.5L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - MK8 Facelift Est 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£11,980

1.5L
127.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Trans City Car Centre

02039095475 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr + SAT NAV / DAB / BLUETOOTH / ULEZ / 6 SERVICES

£11,975

Finance available £245 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 Passat GT TDI 5dr

£11,295

Finance available £230 pm

2L
100.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

£16,495

Finance available £292 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Leeds Motor Company (Burley place)

01134675316 *

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 Passat2015 - 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 Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG Petrol Estate

£19,939

1.5L
33.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Vauxhall Macclesfield

01625462728 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (14) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 DSG 4Motion 4dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

3.6L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,695

2L
90.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£19,499

1.4L
36.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£13,499

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

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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