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.

750 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

£16,498

2L
40.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Armadale Citroen / Vanstore

01501640622 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£11,595

1.4L
115.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£20,999

Finance available £447 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Diesels Direct

01502441258 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 R-Line [Panoramic Roof] 4-Door

Reduced

£14,490

1.4L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

John McGregor Broty

01382214143 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
73.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£23,495

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,500

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Parley Car Centre

01202145670 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SEL 190PS DSG Estate Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,750

Finance available £307 pm

2L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG

£18,798

1.5L
40.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Kilmarnock)

01563591754 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,699

Finance available £328 pm

1.6L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

£50,990

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

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 Passat2017 - R LINE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£14,975

Finance available £312 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

JMV

01634564263 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£5,490

Finance available £100 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NORTON GRANGE TRADE CARS

01642929060 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

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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