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.

908 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG

£14,999

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£26,599

£383/pm (PCP)

1.5L
7.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

Volkswagen Passat2003 (52) - 1.8T 20V Sport 5dr Tip Auto

Low Mileage

£2,990

1.8L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Q-assured Cars

01234230856 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,699

£328/pm (HP)

1.6L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

£6,495

£133/pm (HP)

2L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

K & K Car Sales Ltd

01613887659 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

£6,250

£117/pm (HP)

100.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Uniche Motor Company

01622234837 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
121.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£11,495

£234/pm (HP)

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hazelton Motors

02890023654 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

Low Mileage

£18,989

£347/pm (PCP)

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,799

£264/pm (HP)

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

CarScene Ltd

01603337277 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£3,490

£117/pm (HP)

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark James Car Sales

01212721207 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 Tdi Scr 190 R-Line 4Dr Dsg

£15,223

2L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Volkswagen Teeside

01642573413 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

£268/pm (HP)

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Badger Automotive Ltd

01825703134 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

2L
24.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£795

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

KP Motors

01143086507 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,880

£259/pm (PCP)

1.4L
53.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI 190 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,990

2L
36.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Newbury

01635959578 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

£6,995

1.4L
138.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Motorzone Durham

01916071133 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0L SE Nav TDI Semi-Auto Saloon 4dr Diesel Euro 6 (148 bhp)

£14,995

£261/pm (PCP)

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Pick A Car

01482429234 *

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

£6,489

£123/pm (HP)

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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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