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 Passat2019 (19) - 20 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG 7 Speed]

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Royale Autos Ltd

01280733607 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£32,995

Finance available £496 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

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

£38,980

Finance available £812 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MSC MOTORS LTD

01782917198 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,999

Finance available £439 pm

1.5L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£11,100

Finance available £226 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Red Lion Motors

01992367334 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,269

Finance available £318 pm

1.4L
44.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£36,470

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,490

1.6L
116.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

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 Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,498

2L
28.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£10,250

Finance available £207 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Seabrook Cars LTD

01905672485 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,990

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,585

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01164785123 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

£36,998

1.5L
11.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

£12,995

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Low Mileage

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,295

2L
189.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

S A motors

01158222427 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,500

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Staffords Autos

01164646119 *

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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