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.

837 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 5dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

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 Passat2010 - 2.0 Passat Highline+ TDI DSG 140 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,290

2L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
104.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,899

Finance available £392 pm

1.4L
35.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

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

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Low Mileage

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Toccar

01652247128 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Coleshill Car Sales

01675623133 *

4/5 Stars

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 Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,995

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,490

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Imola Of Bristol

01174407192 *

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

£1,999

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 Passat GTe Advance Semi-Auto 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
61.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Clyde Cars Sales Limited

01414049868 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,849

Finance available £610 pm

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,399

Finance available £420 pm

1.5L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Windmill Autos Ltd

01767661305 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 5-Door

Reduced

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Andrew James Cars Ltd

01474556864 *

Volkswagen Passat2002 (52) - 2.0 SE 130 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,250

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

M40 Motors Limited

01494413800 *

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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