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.

839 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 1.8 R-Line TSI 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

1.8L
101.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

R&D Motors

01460201373 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.8 TSI R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£13,699

Finance available £284 pm

1.8L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

£9,998

2L
82.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Blackwood Used Car Ltd

02890021467 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,750

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TSI 190 SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,807

2L
32.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Marshall MINI Hampshire

01256268336 *

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

Reduced

£17,666

Finance available £342 pm

1.4L
62.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI S 4dr

£4,995

1.6L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Clinic

01414040093 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr DSG

£16,990

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

MSP (NW) Ltd

01706391368 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 CC GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 139 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,595

2L
40.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SPIRIT MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01204968919 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£13,199

Finance available £272 pm

2L
45.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - GTE Advance 1.4 TSI 218PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£14,782

1.4L
73.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 4dr DSG

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gormley Motors Ltd

02887448026 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£45,070

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Guildford Volkswagen

01483375945 *

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 Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£37,990

Finance available £727 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

2L
85.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PRO AUTOCARS LTD

01256587054 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£19,498

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus DSG Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

GGS Motors Ltd

02382148539 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG 360 Camera Sunroof VIRTUAL COCKPIT

£8,495

1.4L
129.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

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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