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.

842 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,790

Finance available £241 pm

2L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Central Car Sales Ltd

01733977746 *

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

Reduced

£11,509

1.5L
89.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£14,998

1.6L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£36,400

1.5L
4.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Reduced

£35,200

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 4dr

Reduced

£3,775

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162165692 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£8,299

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
82.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£38,890

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,999

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

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

£14,100

1.5L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,990

1.6L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,795

2L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kshallcars

01663790355 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,700

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£1,985

1.6L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI 190 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Worlingham Motor Company

01502441250 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£14,700

Finance available £300 pm

1.4L
48.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,373

Finance available £232 pm

1.6L
61.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car City UK Catterick

01748900779 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£12,998

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Hyundai / OMODA / JAECOO

01224907796 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

Reduced

£16,245

Finance available £291 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

George O'Hara Motors

02877440245 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,499

Finance available £361 pm

1.5L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 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.

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