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.

810 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2009 - BLUEMOTION TDI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.6L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Staverton Cars Ltd

01242501515 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,223

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof] Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£21,503

2L
19.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,750

2L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Lamberts Used Car Sales ltd

01392344504 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI GT 4dr (Panoramic Roof)

Reduced

£8,950

1.6L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Listers Honda Northampton

01604343516 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.4 TFSI DSG ESTATE

Reduced

£10,890

1.4L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£36,490

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

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

Reduced

£28,500

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business 5dr ULEZ Hpi One Owner

Reduced

£6,699

1.5L
147.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Simply Motors

02081500946 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,998

2L
28.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Reduced

£8,695

Finance available £172 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£33,990

1.5L
51.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£5,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Reduced

£2,599

1.6L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Fairfield Car Centre

01615196713 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,995

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr DSG

£16,990

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

MSP (NW) Ltd

01706391368 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,953

Finance available £272 pm

2L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,990

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 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.

View guides

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