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.

883 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line 4-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
67.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MUGIEMOSS AUTO CENTRE LTD

01224453658 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,075

Finance available £243 pm

2L
67.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (55) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £325 pm

1.6L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Paul Williamson Cars Ltd

01343612230 *

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 Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

£36,019

1.5L
4.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£5,495

1.6L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MN Vehicles LTD

01743648773 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 4-Door

£5,999

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 Highline Plus BlueMotion - Top Spec - Sat nav / Full leather - 5-Door

£1,795

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,700

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav 4-Door

£14,995

Finance available £263 pm

2L
50.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 5-Door

£5,999

1.6L
193.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

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 Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£4,250

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£8,295

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

I H Vehicles

01494311318 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BMT Executive 5dr ++ SAT NAV / LEATHER / 35 TAX / DAB ++

£5,775

Finance available £107 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

1.6L
55.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cathedral Road Car Sales

02837440625 *

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

Low Mileage

£42,457

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Blackburn

01254457286 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

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.

View guides

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