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.

841 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,500

2L
57.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

BINCA

01908953487 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,599

Finance available £276 pm

1.6L
26.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£14,595

Finance available £304 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£31,998

1.5L
2.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,695

1.6L
116.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,390

Finance available £277 pm

1.4L
57.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£13,680

1.5L
60.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Bedford

01234987593 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,000

Finance available £411 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Sam Jordan Cars ltd

01284338959 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£8,499

2L
131.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

DandLMotors

01777801098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,805

Finance available £315 pm

2L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat(03) - 1.9 TDI PD SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Bedford Cars

01234987608 *

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

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £187 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Canvey Carriage Company

01268203836 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,485

1.8L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HCS Motor Group

01733794293 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 - TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,700

2L
105.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Walters Motor Group Loddon

01603937289 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,295

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,849

Finance available £632 pm

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Manual

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.5L
115.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£15,970

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

1.6L
63.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

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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