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.

921 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Reduced

£11,500

£235/pm (HP)

2L
96.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£3,995

£67/pm (HP)

1.6L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J C Motors

02890023666 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (Z4) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,677

£350/pm (HP)

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Liverpool Car Centre

01515417928 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£30,990

£430/pm (PCP)

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£11,990

2L
76.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£27,099

£391/pm (PCP)

1.5L
4.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,895

1.5L
37.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Balmer Lawn SsangYong

02382543845 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SE Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
92.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Parkside Motors Ltd

02039475180 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 GT TDI BlueMotion Tech 170 4dr [5 seat]

£2,695

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RAF-Cars

01494413879 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 170 5dr DSG

£2,495

2L
155.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Walters Motor Group Loddon

01603937289 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr

£12,995

2L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

The Motor Family Ltd

01924979089 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

2L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sherwood Car Centre

01156977779 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,999

£226/pm (PCP)

2L
70.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£18,450

£328/pm (PCP)

2L
30.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,995

£179/pm (HP)

2L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

ANDOVER CAR SALES LIMITED

01722445409 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - TSI EVO SEL 4-Door

£11,995

£246/pm (HP)

1.5L
89.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£27,199

£392/pm (PCP)

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,990

£298/pm (PCP)

1.5L
31.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Chandlers Vehicles Grantham

01476851570 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£38,980

£812/pm (HP)

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£7,395

2L
109.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Switching Cars Ltd

01942365162 *

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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