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.

788 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 1.9 SE TDI 4dr

Low Mileage

£999

1.9L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Elite Cars

01216618574 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,537

1.5L
41.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Audi Oxford

01865597492 *

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

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1.4L
72.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£3,295

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE DSG 5-Door

£17,187

Finance available £347 pm

1.4L
41.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
115.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 5dr

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

2L
111.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mcmullin Motors

01752973034 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£7,990

2L
89.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£7,995

1.6L
134.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (58) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£3,400

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Trade Car Sales

01217288898 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2L
64.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£6,491

1.6L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cwmavon Car Sales

01639501142 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.8 TSI R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£14,399

Finance available £299 pm

1.8L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£6,395

Finance available £121 pm

2L
118.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

JS Motors

07804653822 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£31,995

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£16,995

Finance available £299 pm

1.4L
55.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Radius Vehicle Solutions

02890023225 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.5 TSI 150 Evo DSG 5-Door

£19,750

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Dales SEAT at Scorrier

01209704144 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S 5-Door

Reduced

£4,350

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

B C S LTD

01162162529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 5-Door

£2,692

2L
222.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

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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