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.

842 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,195

2L
81.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
139.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

John Glasgow Car Sales

02893440751 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,895

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

N A Motor Co

01164785672 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.8 TSI R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£13,699

Finance available £284 pm

1.8L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr + 1 OWNER / VW HISTORY / ULEZ / SAT NAV

£10,000

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 4dr

£5,950

2L
169.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£8,989

Finance available £178 pm

1.6L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J & A Ferguson Cars

02887449707 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£12,174

Finance available £250 pm

1.4L
92.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG + 19' LEEDS ALLOYS + WINTER PACK 5-Door

£37,450

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,999

Finance available £635 pm

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - Estate GTE Advance 1.4 TSI 218PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£19,320

1.4L
51.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

Reduced

£6,495

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,998

1.5L
2.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£18,475

1.4L
44.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,888

Finance available £221 pm

2L
82.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£4,199

1.6L
190.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

F & F Car Sales

02038895253 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,999

Finance available £635 pm

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (8P) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 Estate 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 5 (300 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,995

3.6L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorhouse (Beds) Ltd

01234676818 *

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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