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 Passat2016 - GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 5-Door

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 Tdi Scr 190 R-Line 4Dr Dsg

£18,999

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Darlington Volkswagen

01325525219 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£39,950

1.5L
28.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£39,000

1.5L
6.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Automatic

£12,695

1.4L
83.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,250

2L
112.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carex Car Sales

01243978025 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Reduced

£5,750

1.6L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.4L
107.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Reduced

£14,395

Finance available £305 pm

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

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 Passat2012 - 2.0L Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel

Reduced

£5,995

2L
78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG Estate

£37,022

1.5L
514.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate

01423396103 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 - HIGHLINE TDI 4-Door

£2,295

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

365 MOTORS LTD

01204968071 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (66) - 1.4 TSI GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,495

1.4L
35.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Nottinghamcar com

01156848096 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 2.0 TSI Sport 4dr Tip Auto

Low Mileage

£2,450

2L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Staffordshire Motor Group Ltd

01785569196 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG + 19' LEEDS ALLOYS + WINTER PACK 5-Door

£37,450

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 GT TDI 170 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,999

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NJ Vehicle Solutions

01172331369 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Automatic

£10,395

1.5L
127.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

4.1/5 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.

View guides

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