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.

781 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£7,795

1.6L
134.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) One Previ

£14,150

Finance available £270 pm

1.5L
82.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,192

Finance available £392 pm

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline 4-Door

Low Mileage

£5,490

2L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Auto Barn Approved Used Cars

01568601127 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,000

Finance available £241 pm

1.6L
59.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

£2,995

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AMD AUTOS

01778300647 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£17,279

Finance available £353 pm

1.4L
36.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£1,499

1.6L
0.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Z a motors

01785336152 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Reduced

£4,495

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Exclusive Motors Of GB LTD

02038978672 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,500

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Staffords Autos

01164646119 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,999

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£38,890

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,300

Finance available £252 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PRO AUTOCARS LTD

01256587054 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

£50,990

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI GT 4dr

£7,645

1.6L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOD Motors

02890026872 *

Volkswagen Passat1988 (E) - GL5 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Classic & Sports Cars

01765532620 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140

Low Mileage

£4,695

2L
90.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,999

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr DSG

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

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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