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.

898 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - PASSAT 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£16,904

2L
52.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall BYD Northampton

01604343549 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

£168/pm (HP)

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PH Cars Arundel

01903947593 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£25,499

£368/pm (PCP)

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

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

£2,745

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RAF-Cars

01494413879 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£9,495

£190/pm (HP)

1.6L
74.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Maguire's Belfast

02890023126 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,450

£338/pm (HP)

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 - PASSAT 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£23,836

1.4L
25.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volvo Grantham

01476859720 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,791

2L
50.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

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

Low Mileage

£4,495

£78/pm (HP)

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

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 Passat2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
15.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Fiat (Dunfermline)

01383660626 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,099

£262/pm (HP)

1.4L
40.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

£2,395

1.6L
147.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hankins Car Sales

01480273261 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£13,399

1.4L
76.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

£168/pm (HP)

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

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

Low Mileage

£2,550

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Buy It Now Auctions

01698539316 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB ++

£10,475

£199/pm (HP)

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

Reduced

£5,495

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Brothers Car Lot

01726219474 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,998

1.6L
71.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield Motorstore / Vanstore

01316034404 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£26,749

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

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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