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 Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,299

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,899

Finance available £633 pm

1.5L
3.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,100

Finance available £203 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (66) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£8,250

1.4L
125.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

ARK RIGHT CAR SALES

01332982310 *

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

£36,375

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£11,100

Finance available £226 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Red Lion Motors

01992367334 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 Sel TDI Dsg 5DR Estate Diesel

Low Mileage

£18,489

Finance available £359 pm

1.6L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

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

£3,995

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BREDBURY CARS

01612417052 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Professional Car Agent

01752973682 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Life TSi Ehybrid 204PS DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,447

1.5L
1.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Scunthorpe

01724708058 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.4L
21.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Middleton Garage

01243215996 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 1 Owner FSH 5-Door

£6,495

1.6L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Littlemoor Motor Company

01278555744 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,749

Finance available £629 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR 110 5dr, Towbar, Run and drives fine

£775

2L
280.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Charlie's Cars

01206355519 *

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

£4,250

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

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

£40,250

Finance available £806 pm

1.5L
367.0
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

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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