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.

860 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr Petrol Saloon

£14,417

1.5L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£24,100

Finance available £506 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Liverpool Motorstore / MG

01513179472 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.6L
42.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Coleshill Car Sales

01675623133 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

Low Mileage

£17,895

2L
26.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI 177 Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£7,250

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

M40 Motors Limited

01494413800 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)+1 OWNER FROM

Reduced

£12,190

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Passat1 960 CC VOLKS W PASSAT VARIANT TDI

Low Mileage

£11,990

45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,999

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
104.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Elite Autos NI

02890023616 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
65.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Starrett 4x4

02871220960 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

Finance available £411 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

£37,985

Finance available £760 pm

1.5L
5.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

SERE Belfast

02895908111 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG ++ ULEZ / DAB / SAT NAV / FULL VW HISTORY ++

£17,470

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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 Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£15,749

Finance available £320 pm

1.4L
45.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2001 (51) - 1.9 SE TDI 130 4dr

£1,150

1.9L
255.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr DSG AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
111.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Bennets Car Sales

02922672909 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (58) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£3,400

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Trade Car Sales

01217288898 *

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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