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.

806 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£39,795

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

2L
85.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

1.6L
23.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,576

Finance available £355 pm

1.4L
45.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr - Fully loaded -

Reduced

£1,499

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr SERVICE HISTORY PARK SENSORS

£10,295

2L
120.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

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 Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

£13,390

Finance available £277 pm

1.4L
57.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

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 Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£40,997

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Preston

01772965524 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,290

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£12,399

Finance available £247 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£3,495

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Trade Centre Yorkshire Ltd

01904917547 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

58.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£38,998

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Silverlink

01916077583 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
94.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Monarch Car Sales

01905673241 *

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

£12,512

1.5L
94.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

A30 Car Sales of Hook

01256634773 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£40,499

1.5L
30.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Battersea Volkswagen

02037636641 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,200

1.5L
81.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,497

2L
66.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Beep Beep Cars Ltd

01913232953 *

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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