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.

884 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MTM Car Sales LTD

01738501877 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr + 12 MONTHS MOT / SENSORS / CLIMATE / PRIVACY

Low Mileage

£3,975

£75/pm (HP)

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - Volkswagen Passat Estate 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£33,962

1.5L
3.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Bridgwater

01278555830 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

£1,990

1.6L
198.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Brierfield Car Sales

01282911257 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£26,449

1.5L
6.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£25,299

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£26,299

1.5L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£16,750

£323/pm (HP)

2L
60.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,990

£246/pm (HP)

2L
52.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

GKL DIRECT

01296327927 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - R-LINE TDI DSG 4-Door

£18,990

£278/pm (PCP)

2L
41.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

CSK Motors

01709288247 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,649

£319/pm (PCP)

1.5L
40.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£4,995

2L
163.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Stanley Motor Group

01924793235 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (110 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,495

£73/pm (HP)

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,449

£177/pm (HP)

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

INFINITY AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS LIMITED

02393267155 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps

Reduced

£1,295

1.6L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Stourbridge Autos

01384319439 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,370

2L
70.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£20,995

£317/pm (PCP)

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

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

Low Mileage

£32,590

1.5L
3.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Guildford Volkswagen

01483375945 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI GPF Highline Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 4 (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,995

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Braintree Van Sales

01376317546 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£14,250

£296/pm (HP)

2L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

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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