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.

742 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Discount Car Centre Ltd

01616969160 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - PADDLE SHIFT

£16,362

Finance available £322 pm

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps

£3,499

2L
117.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT 2.0 TDI BMT SCR 190PS 6-speed DSG 4 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£14,912

2L
55.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£5,250

2L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG Auto

£17,604

1.5L
52.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£5,995

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MERIT MOTORS LTD

01204324385 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
105.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Redpath & Mclean Motor Ltd

01316036539 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£29,299

Finance available £619 pm

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
104.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£38,890

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG ++ ULEZ / DAB / SAT NAV / FULL VW HISTORY ++

£17,470

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI S 5dr DSG Estate Metallic Silver £35 Tax

£7,395

2L
107.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Autodeals of Stroud

01453703567 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5-Door

Reduced

£11,295

Finance available £230 pm

1.4L
89.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Opus Automotive Cars Ltd

01422411402 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

£6,995

1.6L
105.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£5,750

1.6L
131.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cam Cars

02890026874 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (Z8) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Reduced

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durham Cars 4 U

01915945586 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£15,795

Finance available £344 pm

1.4L
54.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£13,399

Finance available £277 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr

£7,999

2L
92.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

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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