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.

788 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
82.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,900

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

£14,998

1.6L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Clydebank)

01389311152 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - SEL TSI EVO 1.5 Petrol Manual 4 Door Saloon 2020 [147 BHP]

Low Mileage

£14,595

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

M J Wearing

01993463430 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG + 19' LEEDS ALLOYS + WINTER PACK 5-Door

£37,450

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)+1 OWNER FROM

Reduced

£12,790

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

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 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
33.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

£3,295

2L
124.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

Finance available £411 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£13,099

Finance available £270 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (13) - 1.4TSI SE Automatic

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Linkwood Motors Limited

01343614531 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,490

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Castle 4 Cars

02382146222 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,850

1.4L
40.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£7,150

Finance available £137 pm

1.6L
108.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr TIMING BELT DONE

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

2L
88.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,990

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

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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