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.

888 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.4L
107.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

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 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.6L
116.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 Passat Highline+ TDI DSG 140 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,290

2L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£19,895

Finance available £361 pm

1.4L
29.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Reduced

£9,995

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

Low Mileage

£17,199

Finance available £263 pm

1.4L
24.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG*HEATED SEATS - POWER TAILGATE - FRONT & REAR

£17,995

2L
66.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

TrustFord Lisburn

02890026043 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH, Used Cars Ely, Cambridge 4-Door

£9,999

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Criteria Cars (UK) Ltd

01353881708 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,990

Finance available £270 pm

2L
36.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Thurlow Nunn Lowestoft

01502440235 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Black Edition 5dr DSG

£42,627

1.5L
8.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Scotswood Road

01916077232 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,795

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifby Motor Centre

01422410533 *

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 Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI S 5dr DSG

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
105.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£34,995

25.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,395

Finance available £165 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TMD Motors

01432809479 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG Estate

£33,895

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Lincoln

01522467379 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £227 pm

2L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

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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