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 Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 Tsi Evo Sel Estate 5dr Petrol Dsg Euro 6 (s/s) (150 Ps)

£17,799

Finance available £250 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Drayton Motors Kia Grantham

01476851852 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,499

Finance available £426 pm

1.5L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,499

Finance available £428 pm

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,949

Finance available £237 pm

1.4L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
101.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Sherwood Car Centre

01156977779 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,499

Finance available £271 pm

1.5L
39.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifby Motor Centre

01422410533 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

£2,995

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AMD AUTOS

01778300647 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)+1 OWNER FROM

Reduced

£11,690

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£38,290

50.0
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£37,985

Finance available £561 pm

1.5L
5.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

SERE Belfast

02895908111 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,698

1.5L
66.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leyland)

01772283744 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,750

Finance available £274 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drew Baxter Cars

02866330744 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £94 pm

2L
60.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TAYLORS HILL MOTORS LTD

01767661737 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 Se Nav Evo TDI 4DR Saloon Diesel

Low Mileage

£18,989

Finance available £282 pm

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

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

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

2L
85.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,995

Finance available £307 pm

2L
56.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pollock Car Sales

02870440584 *

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

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mac Motors

02890023774 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

Low Mileage

£17,923

2L
26.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

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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