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 Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

£3,800

2L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Torque Motor Group Ltd

01484240503 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,489

Finance available £288 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Peter Reeves Ltd

01282501870 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6L SE TDI Semi-Auto Saloon 4dr Diesel Euro 6 (118 bhp)

£12,995

1.6L
74.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,350

1.8L
70.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

UM MOTORS LTD

02038934275 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,450

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

£13,390

Finance available £277 pm

1.4L
57.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,000

Finance available £241 pm

1.6L
59.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£16,998

1.4L
58.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 GT TDI BlueMotion Tech 170 4dr [5 seat]

Reduced

£2,895

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RAF-Cars

01494413879 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr £35 TAX - TIMING BELT DONE

Low Mileage

£5,499

2L
84.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,699

2L
169.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£5,495

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark Vickers Car Sales

01246381035 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 19.7kWh Elegance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro

£35,900

Finance available £764 pm

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,699

Finance available £328 pm

1.6L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,998

Finance available £246 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (Z5) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.4L
53.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr DSG

£3,995

1.8L
112.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Quality Autos

01708205279 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.8 TSI S 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

1.8L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

NJH Car Sales

01792940501 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 SEL TSI EVO 5d 148 BHP 5-Door

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
111.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Roy Needham Cars

01226448496 *

4.7/5 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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