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.

761 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

Reduced

£14,290

1.4L
67.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£4,500

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,299

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI (150ps) GT (s/s) Saloon Manual 4-Door

Low Mileage

£14,500

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 19.7kWh Elegance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro

£37,700

Finance available £699 pm

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,650

Finance available £260 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

WYNFORD SPECIALIST MOTORS LIMITED

01217288702 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr + SAT NAV / 18 INCH ALLOYS / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH

£9,475

Finance available £189 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.6L
109.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Pattersons Portadown

02890023709 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG

£40,250

Finance available £806 pm

1.5L
367.0
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

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 Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr - Heated Front Seats - Fron

Low Mileage

£17,899

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Invicta Bolton

01204324450 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr - 12 month mot -

Reduced

£2,195

2L
180.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

2L
148.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.8 TSI 180 GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£18,499

Finance available £391 pm

1.8L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carite Ltd

01793224408 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£3,275

Finance available £51 pm

2L
131.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

VB CAR SALES LTD

01869221273 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr DSG

£2,995

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£9,200

Finance available £183 pm

1.4L
96.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

CAR NATION GROUP LTD

01733979117 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 4-Door

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Heartlands Trade Centre Ltd

01212721981 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 Passat GT TDI 5dr

£11,390

Finance available £232 pm

2L
100.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 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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