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.

807 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2014 - TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,495

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Avenue Cars of Gloucester Ltd

01452227348 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,595

1.5L
76.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

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 Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,800

Finance available £197 pm

1.5L
97.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Star Cars London

02037726236 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£18,475

1.4L
44.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.6L
16.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

S M G Rover

01174286788 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,495

1.6L
90.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,099

Finance available £370 pm

1.4L
39.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£14,499

1.4L
75.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£15,700

1.4L
71.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

2L
24.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

1.6L
84.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

James Little Street Cars

01563591198 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,795

Finance available £353 pm

1.6L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.6L
22.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

webuycarsformore com

01918144196 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
89.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,500

Finance available £296 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 SEL 4dr DSG

£15,900

Finance available £283 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,799

Finance available £299 pm

2L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Store Manchester

01616944756 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£8,070

2L
99.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Evans Halshaw Ford Preston

01772595651 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.6L
109.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Pattersons Portadown

02890023709 *

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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