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.

770 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,990

1.5L
35.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Marshall SKODA Oxford

01865952020 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 5-Door

£2,692

2L
222.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,969

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Cambridge Motorworks Ltd

01763290962 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG Automatic 5-Door

£44,000

1.5L
6.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - HIGHLINE 2.0 TDI TURBO

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Albion Road Motor Co

01843441081 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£11,739

Finance available £233 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£37,990

Finance available £727 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
67.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CAR & CARS LTD

01506376863 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 Passat Highline TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £87 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - TDI SEL 5-Door

£14,995

1.6L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,489

Finance available £288 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Peter Reeves Ltd

01282501870 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BMT DIESEL 150 BHP ESTATE 5 DR , F.S.H , £20 ROAD TAX

£6,995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

G5 Autos Ltd (Appointment Only)

01482947637 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,450

Finance available £144 pm

2L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

Reduced

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr + 12 MONTHS MOT / SENSORS / CLIMATE / PRIVACY

Low Mileage

£3,975

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BMT Executive 5dr DSG + LEATHER / NAV / 1 OWNER / 6 SERVICES

Low Mileage

£10,475

Finance available £212 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13KWH GTE DSG 4dr DSG (APPLE CAR PLAY, FULL LEATHER)

Reduced

£19,988

1.4L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

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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