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.

787 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Discount Car Centre Ltd

01616969160 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,990

1.6L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

365 MOTORS LTD

01204968071 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 5-Door

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Andrew James Cars Ltd

01474556864 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 1.8 TSI 4dr

Reduced

£2,795

1.8L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£14,000

Finance available £239 pm

2L
67.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,500

Finance available £241 pm

2L
54.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£5,500

2L
148.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£17,899

Finance available £347 pm

1.4L
62.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£13,499

2L
62.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2L
64.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

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

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
104.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£13,299

Finance available £275 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AW Car House Ltd

01827213842 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,200

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

1.6L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,699

Finance available £366 pm

1.4L
40.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

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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