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.

837 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,900

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

Reduced

£9,995

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grampian Cars

01261450003 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,490

Finance available £277 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£36,650

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Bridgwater

01278555830 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£10,000

2L
110.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

Low Mileage

£8,850

Finance available £175 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car Firm Ltd

01733971202 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
70.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,485

1.8L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HCS Motor Group

01733794293 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (06) - 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0 S TDI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£1,290

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RON WHITE TRADE CARS LIMITED

01134684652 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.8 TSI GT Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (180 ps)

£10,000

1.8L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

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 Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,699

Finance available £306 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
79.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Duman Autos

01506376796 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,258

Finance available £507 pm

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£12,855

2L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Marshall Volvo Derby

01332318472 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 BiTDI SCR R-Line 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£38,990

1.5L
1.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - Highline Tdi

£22,995

2L
6.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 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.

View guides

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