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.

742 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - Gte Dsg 4-Door

£14,220

Finance available £295 pm

1.4L
63.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,489

Finance available £123 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (G3) - 2.0 GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

£5,990

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Compact Car Centre Ltd

01216615579 *

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

£15,395

Finance available £322 pm

2L
64.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,700

Finance available £150 pm

2L
94.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218

Low Mileage

£16,995

1.4L
28.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

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

£3,795

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Brook Williams Prestige

01215165545 *

0/5 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 Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£9,250

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Macfadyen Motors

01324462915 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218

£10,800

Finance available £219 pm

1.4L
85.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£4,995

2L
126.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Swift Car Sales Lillyhall

01900511074 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

1.6L
127.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Halesowen Trade Centre Ltd

01217288685 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

1.6L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

B A 1 LTD

01135186150 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£13,448

Finance available £284 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

£3,790

1.6L
115.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

KC KARS UK

01332418996 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.4 TSI R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

1.4L
49.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£9,499

Finance available £190 pm

2L
57.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

N K Motors Chilwell

01156977727 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

£2,350

2L
188.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.3/5 Stars

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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