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.

789 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£37,290

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Harlow

01279594532 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 Tsi Evo R Line Estate 5dr Petrol Dsg Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

£19,500

1.5L
37.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Pentagon Vauxhall (Loughborough)

01332414577 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 Passat Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£7,595

Finance available £147 pm

2L
99.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2006 (56) - 2.0 TDI SE DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Affordable Cars

01234230806 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,500

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Staffords Autos

01164646119 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£17,426

1.4L
57.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

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 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GF Cars

02890023191 *

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 Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
118.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

3 Bridge Car Sales

02871221749 *

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

Reduced

£37,530

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (59) - 1.6 BlueMotion TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£599

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hr reid ltd

01613887640 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,999

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,182

Finance available £278 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

58.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£5,993

2L
190.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£6,495

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.8 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,500

1.8L
83.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Star Cars London

02037726236 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - SPORT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£2,995

2L
182.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Staverton Cars Ltd

01242501515 *

4.5/5 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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