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.

788 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£7,995

1.6L
134.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

£1,750

1.6L
212.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

WMGB

01278550715 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,295

2L
189.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

S A motors

01158222427 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£11,739

Finance available £233 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
94.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J&M Cars Magherafelt

02879441918 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£34,900

1.5L
4.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,450

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,223

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£2,700

1.6L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rory Gaffney Cars

02838298749 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£17,340

1.4L
57.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5d 148 BHP 5-Door

£9,000

2L
76.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

£37,985

Finance available £760 pm

1.5L
5.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

SERE Belfast

02895908111 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - TSI EVO SEL 5-Door

£17,790

Finance available £352 pm

1.5L
46.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.5 TSI 150 Evo DSG 5-Door

£19,750

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Dales SEAT at Scorrier

01209704144 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - SEL TSI EVO 1.5 Petrol Manual 4 Door Saloon 2020 [147 BHP]

Low Mileage

£14,595

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

M J Wearing

01993463430 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,799

Finance available £264 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£37,390

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Harlow

01279594532 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,461

Finance available £346 pm

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

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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