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.

878 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance DSG 4-Door

Low Mileage

£20,197

Finance available £351 pm

1.4L
12.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,990

1.6L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

Reduced

£9,995

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grampian Cars

01261450003 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£16,195

1.6L
52.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 Passat GTe Semi-Auto 5dr

£9,888

Finance available £199 pm

1.4L
90.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

GT Centre

01234237109 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,698

1.4L
53.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Peugeot/SEAT/Cupra/Skoda (Edinburgh)

01312025128 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,995

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Alpha Cars

01748900791 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

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

£3,495

Finance available £66 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BREDBURY CARS

01612417052 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 GT TDI 170 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£5,495

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Farran Auto Sales Ltd

02895908570 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 Highline Plus TDI CR DPF 170 5dr

£2,495

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Central Motor Centre

01316036527 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£44,570

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Guildford Volkswagen

01483375945 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr ++ PANROOF / SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB ++

£13,675

Finance available £283 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£9,820

Finance available £201 pm

2L
110.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 4dr

£15,850

Finance available £332 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£6,850

Finance available £131 pm

1.6L
93.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MotorZone

01536211985 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - TSI R-Line 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Abberton Car Sales

01206879441 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Elegance DSG + 18' NAPOLI ALLOYS + SPARE WHEEL 5-Door

Reduced

£32,450

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

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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