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.

864 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£15,199

Finance available £317 pm

1.4L
83.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (66) - AUTOMATIC 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
32.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Low Mileage

£15,469

Finance available £330 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

Reduced

£9,850

Finance available £198 pm

2L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Gheorghe Van Sales Ltd

01614700092 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,790

Finance available £241 pm

2L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Central Car Sales Ltd

01733977746 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,800

Finance available £197 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,899

Finance available £611 pm

1.5L
3.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,984

Finance available £245 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI SE DSG ESTATE 5-Door

Reduced

£9,450

29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Eden Car Sales Ltd

02893447216 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£4,989

1.5L
166.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Passat2005 (55) - 1.9 SE TDI 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,990

1.9L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sway Road Car Sales

01792940350 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£4,995

2L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£15,295

Finance available £267 pm

1.4L
62.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Bells Crossgar

02844330480 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Professional Car Agent

01752973682 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 4dr

£5,950

2L
172.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£8,695

Finance available £172 pm

1.6L
80.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£5,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,399

Finance available £622 pm

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

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.

View guides

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