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.

808 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,900

Finance available £244 pm

1.4L
94.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£7,950

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sharon Woodside Motors

02890026919 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£36,456

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£38,499

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Battersea Volkswagen

02037636641 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

£9,199

Finance available £183 pm

2L
77.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Ka Car Sales

01913002344 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£38,998

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (2G) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 150 bhp

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Carjoy UK Limited

01224019779 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line 5dr, Euro 6

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Express

07305693901 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,990

2L
145.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Exclusive Motor Group

01733978045 *

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 Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,995

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£13,699

2L
77.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr -FULL SERVICE HISTORY-

£5,990

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Glasshoughton Car Sales

01977803305 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 BiTDI 240 R-Line Edition 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£31,357

2L
23.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Audi Bexley

02038895332 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Low Mileage

£15,616

Finance available £333 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 Passat Highline TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £87 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

Low Mileage

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£1,895

1.6L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

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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