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.

758 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

1.6L
178.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 Passat Highline+ TDI DSG 140 5dr

Reduced

£4,490

Finance available £78 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (69) - SEL TDI DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,950

Finance available £428 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

THE CAR SOURCE

01416118631 *

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

£29,750

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
105.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cattedown Trade Centre

01752426030 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,400

1.5L
89.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cardiff Cars Sales

02920028847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - R LINE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£14,975

Finance available £312 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

JMV

01634564263 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,195

Finance available £183 pm

2L
112.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£10,499

2L
49.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Swindon Car Sales Ltd

01793680986 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£15,495

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Harding Motor Company Ltd

01513174813 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Oasis Vehicle Sales

01795503962 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,425

Finance available £233 pm

2L
88.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£4,989

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
166.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£40,669

1.5L
1.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Birmingham Motors Ltd

01217525226 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Brook Williams Prestige

01215165545 *

0/5 Stars

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

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

BAV Motors

01935311742 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - Passat R-line Tdi Bluemotion Technology 5-Door

Reduced

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

THE HOUSE OF CARS STOKE LTD

01782307837 *

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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