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.

764 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2010 - HIGHLINE TDI 5-Door

Reduced

£1,693

2L
210.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cjs autos ltd

01454803082 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,266

Finance available £257 pm

2L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 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 Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport AUTO 5-Door

£2,740

2L
171.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Midlands Trade Centre Limited

01217288666 *

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

£13,448

Finance available £284 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cars Direct Stockport

01613887691 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
121.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Paul Cupit Cars

01773303809 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£34,990

1.5L
6.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Elegance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£35,980

Finance available £687 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£32,995

Finance available £657 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Tdi Bluemotion Tech Se Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 s/s 120

£7,995

1.6L
86.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

EMG Motor Group Spalding

01775661268 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£38,490

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,969

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Cambridge Motorworks Ltd

01763290962 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 1.8 R-Line TSI 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.8L
101.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

R&D Motors

01460201373 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,799

Finance available £264 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£39,950

1.5L
28.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

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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