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.

902 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI S 4dr

£8,498

1.6L
77.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Executive Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (160 p

Low Mileage

£6,995

46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

IBRA CARS LTD

01163668353 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£18,999

£402/pm (HP)

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£17,475

1.4L
44.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 TDI Highline DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
137.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Yew Tree Motors LTD

01294442515 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£10,495

£199/pm (HP)

1.4L
84.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Perry Road Autos

01621734653 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr

£4,995

2L
121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Zamco Autos

01733915012 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 4dr

Reduced

£3,770

£58/pm (HP)

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162165692 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 Sel TDI Dsg 5DR Estate Diesel

Low Mileage

£18,489

£391/pm (HP)

1.6L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£33,416

1.5L
4.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£5,995

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AUTOVETTURA LTD

07506577555 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S 5-Door

Reduced

£4,150

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

B C S LTD

01162162529 *

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

Reduced

£12,985

£252/pm (HP)

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,995

2L
104.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

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

£34,904

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£5,795

1.6L
130.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

£126/pm (HP)

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,295

£342/pm (HP)

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wrights Motors

01366310748 *

Volkswagen Passat2003 (53) - 1.9 TDI PD Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.9L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Small Cars Online

01823217645 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 p

£12,290

£252/pm (HP)

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

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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