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.

762 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

Reduced

£39,857

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.4L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Extra Mile Motors Ltd

01761250725 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£33,990

1.5L
51.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
190.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cr motors

01274028307 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,800

Finance available £292 pm

1.4L
52.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

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

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifby Motor Centre

01422410533 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Northroute Cars

01143089078 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£13,498

2L
44.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Preston)

01772957336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£14,950

Finance available £312 pm

2L
49.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Ballinderry Car Sales Limited

02892441046 *

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 Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)+1 OWNER FROM

£12,990

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (G3) - 2.0 GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Compact Car Centre Ltd

01216615579 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£6,495

1.6L
89.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£34,363

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,590

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
67.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
91.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2005 - 1.9 TDI PD Highline Saloon 4dr Diesel Automatic (194 g/km, 130 bhp)

Low Mileage

£2,498

1.9L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Chepstow Trade Centre Ltd

01291440715 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
82.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 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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