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.

760 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO SEL 4-Door

Low Mileage

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£3,350

Finance available £53 pm

2L
129.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

2k Motor Group

01733797035 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

Low Mileage

£20,263

Finance available £439 pm

1.4L
19.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£14,295

2L
77.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MH Motors

02890021687 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

Reduced

£11,250

Finance available £229 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Frank Wray Cars Ltd

02890023624 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£2,495

2L
141.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Motorize LTD

01274028108 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

One Stop Motors Dewsbury

01924665170 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,965

1.6L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carite Ltd

01793224408 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr DSG

£2,995

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Elegance DSG Automatic 5-Door

£35,998

1.5L
4.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 Passat S TDI 4dr

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car Quay

01283244020 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£32,500

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI Highline Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,000

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

JMY Car Sales Ltd

01245202308 *

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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