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.

761 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£10,990

1.4L
109.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,195

Finance available £183 pm

2L
112.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (24) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG 5Door Estate

Low Mileage

£34,795

1.5L
5.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT 2.0 TDI BMT SCR 190PS 6-speed DSG 4 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£15,033

2L
55.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat(65) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,450

Finance available £144 pm

2L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£39,857

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4x4 F.S.H 5-Door

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

2L
114.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Godden Motor Company

02392006095 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen PassatW8 4 MOTION 4.0 FULL LEATHER * LOW MILES * TOP GRADE Auto

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

4L
67.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

The Car Warehouse

01642937563 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.6L
109.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Pattersons Portadown

02890023709 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

East Kilbride Used Cars

01412601336 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,800

Finance available £292 pm

1.4L
52.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

£7,675

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
91.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£7,150

Finance available £137 pm

1.6L
108.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

£11,995

2L
79.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MCR Specialist Cars

01453701527 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,863

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Fleet Sales (Leicester) Limited

01455245180 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£6,290

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
116.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£37,740

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

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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