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.

905 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204PS Life 5dr DSG

£25,490

£524/pm (HP)

1.5L
12.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.8 TSI S 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

£115/pm (HP)

1.8L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

NJH Car Sales

01792345025 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

£13,995

£273/pm (HP)

2L
84.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

S&R Motors Greenbridge Ltd

01793684518 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,495

£234/pm (HP)

1.5L
98.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Coleshill Car Sales

01675623133 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,749

£407/pm (PCP)

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

Reduced

£1,795

2L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

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

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
72.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 4dr DSG

Reduced

£10,995

£210/pm (HP)

1.4L
46.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Premier Trade Centre

01492551487 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI 190 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,950

2L
36.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Newbury

01635959578 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£4,850

£86/pm (HP)

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MCT CARS LTD

02890023785 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£35,950

£553/pm (PCP)

1.5L
3.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI S 4dr

Low Mileage

£7,820

1.6L
65.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jacksons Motor Group

01905958963 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH ++

£11,975

£230/pm (HP)

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

£14,990

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Bury

01616967572 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£1,395

1.6L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,400

£197/pm (HP)

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

S AND T MOTOR CO LTD

01913002236 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£26,749

£383/pm (PCP)

1.5L
4.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

£10,500

1.4L
80.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Radley Motor Company

01217288665 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 BiTDI SCR R-Line 4MOTION 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,899

£310/pm (HP)

2L
42.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Reduced

£6,750

£128/pm (HP)

1.6L
93.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MotorZone

01536211985 *

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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