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.

797 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 BiTDI SCR 240 R-Line 4MOTION 4dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Belt Motor Group

01384881241 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr ++ SAT NAV / 20 TAX / ULEZ / DAB / 9 SERVICES

£9,275

Finance available £185 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£12,480

Finance available £256 pm

1.4L
40.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Premier Cars

01708932385 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,490

1.6L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Chesterton Motor Group Ltd

01709223124 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - R Line 2.0 TDI 110BHP White Low Mileage Manual Diesel R36 4-Door

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

1.5L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

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 Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£20,364

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Perrys Bolton Cupra

01204584566 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG [7 Speed]

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Royale Autos Ltd

01280733607 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,150

Finance available £271 pm

1.4L
72.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,500

Finance available £252 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

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

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Junction 7 Motor Village

01254919227 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£11,199

Finance available £228 pm

1.6L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£6,694

Finance available £127 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Ms Car Sales Cuper

01334800426 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Reduced

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Cottage Cars

02038731429 *

4.5/5 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

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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Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros