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.

770 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,395

2L
121.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Derby Motors Limited

01283907027 *

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 Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Brant Road Motor Centre

01522303031 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

2L
24.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 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 Passat2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,490

2L
24.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mercedes-Benz of Hamilton

01698674602 *

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 Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,800

Finance available £302 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - TSI Highline 4-Door

Reduced

£2,490

1.8L
101.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

DVP Car Sales Ltd

02039484651 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£34,995

1.5L
5.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£28,599

Finance available £604 pm

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI Highline Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,000

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

JMY Car Sales Ltd

01245202308 *

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

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
83.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
33.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

1.6L
127.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Halesowen Trade Centre Ltd

01217288685 *

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 Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,490

2L
123.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sutton Trade Carz

01216615497 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£13,499

2L
62.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£11,739

Finance available £233 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 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.

View guides

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