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.

780 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - SEL TSI EVO DSG Petrol Manual 5 Door Estate 2020(70 Plate) [147BHP]

£16,295

Finance available £284 pm

1.5L
52.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

M J Wearing

01993463430 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,495

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Oasis Vehicle Sales

01795503962 *

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 Passat2017 - R LINE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£14,975

Finance available £312 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

JMV

01634564263 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr

£9,499

2L
119.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Ask Motors

01922665493 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£12,649

Finance available £252 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

£37,942

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Mercedes-Benz of Winchester

01962676278 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

1.5L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,490

2L
24.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mercedes-Benz of Hamilton

01698674602 *

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

£13,499

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 1.6S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£4,995

1.6L
124.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,498

1.5L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI GTE [PAN ROOF] Petrol Plug-in Hybrid AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Reduced

£19,995

1.4L
20.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,695

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£13,749

2L
77.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Rydon Car Sales Exeter

01392342738 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,895

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,985

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (13) - 1.4TSI SE Automatic

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Linkwood Motors Limited

01343614531 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,250

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
64.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 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.

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