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.

816 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

£37,593

1.5L
4.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

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

£9,995

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RSS AUTOS LIMITED

02380017784 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps) ONL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

2L
54.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sandford Garage

01779401060 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£3,395

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

DFN

02392006047 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,849

Finance available £632 pm

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£5,795

1.6L
130.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,795

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifby Motor Centre

01422410533 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr + 12 MONTHS MOT / SENSORS / CLIMATE / PRIVACY

Low Mileage

£3,975

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £131 pm

2L
125.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,350

1.8L
70.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

UM MOTORS LTD

02038934275 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 Passat Highline TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Reduced

£4,790

Finance available £83 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Low Mileage

£16,000

Finance available £342 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

£2,000

2L
188.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,449

Finance available £378 pm

1.4L
38.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£14,217

1.5L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£8,695

Finance available £172 pm

1.6L
80.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

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

£3,295

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG [Pan Rf] [7 Speed]

Low Mileage

£19,990

2L
47.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Perrys Barnsley Vauxhall

01226449228 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH, Used Cars Ely, Cambridge 4-Door

£9,999

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Criteria Cars (UK) Ltd

01353881708 *

4.9/5 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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