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.

750 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£5,950

Finance available £111 pm

2L
162.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

JPM Motors Ltd

02890023665 *

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

Reduced

£38,642

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,694

Finance available £127 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£7,494

2L
133.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£45,190

1.5L
10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,945

Finance available £200 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sean O'Hara Cars

02890026918 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162160117 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£38,972

1.5L
900.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI 19.7kWh R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£49,989

Finance available £963 pm

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,850

Finance available £131 pm

2L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cotswolds Cars and Commercials Ltd

07860560059 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 4dr

Reduced

£3,775

Finance available £62 pm

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162160117 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£4,989

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
166.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£5,250

2L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

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 Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,400

Finance available £165 pm

2L
134.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mayfair Motors

01164029071 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TSI Sport 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
113.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Gloucester Motor Group

01452227252 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 DSG 4Motion 4dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

3.6L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£6,395

Finance available £121 pm

2L
118.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

JS Motors

07804653822 *

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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