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 Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £187 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Canvey Carriage Company

01268203836 *

4.3/5 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 Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,400

Finance available £359 pm

1.4L
44.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.4L
46.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Premier Trade Centre

01492551487 *

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

£4,750

2L
158.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,585

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£36,967

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - R-Line 2.0 TDI EVO 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£19,263

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr DSG AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
111.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Bennets Car Sales

02922672909 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 Passat2012 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

NJH Car Sales

01792345025 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 R-Line [Panoramic Roof] 4-Door

Reduced

£14,490

1.4L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

John McGregor Broty

01382214143 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG*HEATED SEATS - POWER TAILGATE - FRONT & REAR

£17,995

2L
66.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

TrustFord Lisburn

02890026043 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 BiTDI R-Line Edition DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,400

Finance available £460 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£36,990

1.5L
7.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 4dr DSG

Reduced

£17,298

2L
51.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,699

Finance available £628 pm

1.5L
6.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Edinburgh

01312028747 *

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

£3,595

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - HIGHLINE TSI +ULEZ COMPLAINT+FULL HISTORY+3M WARRANTY+08/2026 MOT NO ADVISO 4-Door

Reduced

£5,610

1.4L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

GL1 Car Sales

01452224639 *

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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