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.

747 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218

Low Mileage

£16,995

1.4L
28.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

£31,875

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG Auto

£17,749

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Palmers Mitsubishi Hemel Hempsted

01442503952 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,850

Finance available £86 pm

2L
97.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Seabrook Cars LTD

01905672485 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 GT TDI BlueMotion Tech 170 4dr [5 seat]

£2,795

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RAF-Cars

01494413879 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.8 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,500

1.8L
83.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Star Cars London

02037726236 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (57) - 2.0 TDI SE 4d 138 BHP 4-Door

£995

2L
158.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Drive City Cars Ltd

01616696923 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,995

1.5L
17.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

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

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
103.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Throston Motors

01917315132 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

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 Passat2015 (2G) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 150 bhp

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Carjoy UK Limited

01224019779 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£9,250

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Macfadyen Motors

01324462915 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,590

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
67.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,448

Finance available £284 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI 177 Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Junction Motors

01246383489 *

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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