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.

762 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,750

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£12,649

Finance available £252 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifby Motor Centre

01422410533 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£7,150

Finance available £137 pm

1.6L
108.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204PS 6-speed DSG 5-Door

£37,874

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Passat2003 (52) - 2.0 SE 130 4dr

Reduced

£1,695

2L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Brian Baker Cars

02382025710 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
31.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£8,395

Finance available £165 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TMD Motors

01432809479 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
118.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
98.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Gloucester Motor Group

01452227252 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£3,495

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Trade Centre Yorkshire Ltd

01904917547 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£4,500

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

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

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Days Cardiff

02920021261 *

4.4/5 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 Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£17,998

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr

£16,495

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£12,540

Finance available £258 pm

1.4L
76.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

£16,070

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Darlington

01325521605 *

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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