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.

787 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2019 - TSI EVO GT 5-Door

£13,495

1.5L
77.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

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

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
105.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£7,990

2L
89.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£12,450

Finance available £256 pm

1.4L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

William Coates Cars

01262410927 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,149

Finance available £372 pm

1.4L
44.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

01273121210 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£30,790

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 1.9 BlueMotion TDI DPF 5dr

£695

1.9L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Bs5 Autosales

01174286084 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

OVC LTD

01691880346 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,000

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Atlas Autos Ltd

01206987248 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr DSG

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,979

Finance available £245 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Autopoint

01436647028 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£45,190

1.5L
10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 5dr DSGONE COMPANY OWNER FROM NEW

£14,430

Finance available £300 pm

1.5L
76.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

HAMPDEN PARK MOTORING CENTRE

01424231316 *

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 Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,395

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Prestige Cars Ireland

02890026873 *

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 Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Brant Road Motor Centre

01522303031 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

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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