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.

878 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

£35,756

1.5L
4.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
77.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AUTOTRADE BIRMINGHAM LTD

01217525773 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mac Motors

02890023774 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - PADDLE SHIFT

£15,989

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

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 Passat2005 (55) - 1.9 Highline TDI 100 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,500

1.9L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

4motion Cars

01733977717 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£9,473

Finance available £189 pm

2L
95.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Rose Motors LTD

07733642092 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

1.6L
38.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sam Creith Motors Ltd

02890026942 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,099

Finance available £423 pm

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - Estate 1.5 TSIe Life DSG | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System 5-Door

£29,490

Finance available £609 pm

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 - SPORT TDI-DAB Radio- AC-3 Previous Owners!! 5-Door

£1,499

2L
185.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Eco Motors

01270444032 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£35,990

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR ++ LEATHER HEATED SEATS / 12 MONTHS MOT ++ 4-Door

£2,475

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,000

1.5L
81.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808306 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£39,795

6.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

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 Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,550

Finance available £191 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FergusonMotorsNI.co.uk

02886273064 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr ONLY 50 000 MILES

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

0/5 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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