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 Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £188 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Northern Autos Ltd

01254457271 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,699

Finance available £428 pm

1.5L
3.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AW Car House Ltd

01827213842 *

Volkswagen Passat1 960 CC VOLKS W PASSAT VARIANT TDI

Low Mileage

£11,990

45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£16,498

2L
29.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill MS / Fiat / Abarth / BYD

01313702482 *

4.7/5 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 Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

100

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

D N Trade Motors Ltd

01145537267 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Shop For Cars

01582344808 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

£2,450

1.6L
166.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,420

1.4L
48.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Preston

01772595651 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG [7 Speed]

£10,195

2L
95.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG 5-Door

£14,697

Finance available £294 pm

1.6L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 4dr

Reduced

£3,770

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162165692 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,595

Finance available £237 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

H2 Autos Ltd

01782917254 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,780

Finance available £219 pm

1.4L
103.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

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 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,995

1.6L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (71) - 1.4 TSI GTE Petrol Plug-in Hybrid AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

£17,995

1.4L
41.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£38,990

1.5L
1.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

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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