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.

858 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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 Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,695

2L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

£18,082

1.5L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid Elegance 5Dr Dsg

£36,773

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Guildford Volkswagen

01483375945 *

0/5 Stars

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

£16,495

Finance available £292 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Leeds Motor Company (Burley place)

01134675316 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Reduced

£8,695

Finance available £172 pm

2L
94.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

J&M Cars Magherafelt

02879441918 *

Volkswagen Passat2002 (52) - 2.0 SE 130 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,250

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

M40 Motors Limited

01494413800 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,290

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr + 1 OWNER / VW HISTORY / ULEZ / SAT NAV

£10,000

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,290

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Bedford Car Centre

01234987603 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£19,299

Finance available £409 pm

1.4L
35.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Duncan Motors (Melmount LTD)

02890023183 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£28,500

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£5,995

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Brothers Car Lot

01726219474 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,446

Finance available £353 pm

1.4L
45.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£5,492

2L
190.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr - Heated Front Seats - Fron

Reduced

£17,299

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Invicta Bolton

01204324450 *

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 Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,395

Finance available £299 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£44,990

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Guildford Volkswagen

01483375945 *

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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