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.

867 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr Estate DSG Low Mileage

Low Mileage

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.6L
42.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Coleshill Car Sales

01675623133 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£13,229

2L
77.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - SPORT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£2,995

2L
182.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Staverton Cars Ltd

01242501515 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 5dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (57) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr

£1,995

2L
187.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ashtons Cars

02921676281 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI GPF Highline Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 4 (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,794

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Braintree Van Sales

01376317546 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - TSI R-Line 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Abberton Car Sales

01206879441 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,390

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr - Heated Front Seats - Fron

Reduced

£16,592

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Invicta Bolton

01204324450 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,999

Finance available £613 pm

1.5L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,250

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,300

Finance available £379 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

£8,100

Finance available £159 pm

1.6L
84.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,695

2L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,999

Finance available £380 pm

1.4L
47.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,300

2L
57.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

BINCA

01908953487 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,498

2L
28.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Carlisle Motorstore / Vanstore

01228276696 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£37,998

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Silverlink

01916077583 *

0/5 Stars

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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