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.

750 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG 360 Camera Sunroof VIRTUAL COCKPIT

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.4L
129.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Canvey Carriage Company

01268203836 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4d 119 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,990

1.6L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG Estate

£31,303

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
95.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

TRINITY MOTOR SALES LTD

01422411698 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - SE Nav 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£17,331

1.5L
41.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

ADAM G CARS

01302986312 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr FULL SERVICE HISTORY

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
134.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

2L
103.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,399

Finance available £269 pm

1.6L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Aspire Automotive Limited

01268219722 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
122.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Mike Fairbanks Ltd

01625461142 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£39,795

6.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

£53,990

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Reduced

£7,595

Finance available £147 pm

1.6L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr DSG

£2,995

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Car World Motors Ltd

01924668250 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,497

Finance available £123 pm

2L
66.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Beep Beep Cars Ltd

01913232953 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£18,799

1.4L
23.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

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

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
45.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£12,480

Finance available £256 pm

1.4L
40.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Premier Cars

01708932385 *

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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