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.

747 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - MK8 Facelift Estate 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Automat 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,499

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

1.6L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 (73) - MK8 Facelift Est 2.0TDI 150 SEL EVO SCR DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£31,491

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 5dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (06) - 2.0 TDI Sport DSG Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
109.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

JUST-MOTORS NW LTD

01615498399 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£20,999

Finance available £447 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (14) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

East Kilbride Used Cars

01412601336 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£4,250

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2006 (06) - 1.9 SE TDI 5dr + 9 SERVICES / AIR CON / CRUISE

Low Mileage

£2,775

1.9L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr ++ SAT NAV / 20 TAX / ULEZ / DAB / 7 SERVICES ++

£7,475

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,860

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Fleet Sales (Leicester) Limited

01455245180 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£7,494

2L
133.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£12,595

Finance available £259 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Die

£6,895

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

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 Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GT ESTATE 5dr DSG + LEATHER + PANROOF +,£20 YR TAX + 12 MONTH MOT

Reduced

£8,990

2L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Apex Auto Traders Ltd

01134689005 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£14,250

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 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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