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.

769 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£5,695

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Parley Car Centre

01202145670 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£15,300

2L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,195

2L
73.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

£16,070

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Darlington

01325521605 *

Volkswagen Passat1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

£40,000

1.5L
6.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£16,599

Finance available £348 pm

1.4L
57.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£12,540

Finance available £258 pm

1.4L
76.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

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

£13,096

Finance available £276 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,490

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 Passat Highline+ TDI DSG 140 5dr

Reduced

£4,490

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr - Fully loaded -

£1,595

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.4 TFSI DSG ESTATE

Reduced

£10,890

1.4L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£28,899

Finance available £611 pm

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,795

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

CARMAKEOVER BARNSLEY LTD

01226107448 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£16,500

1.4L
35.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Motorparks Warrington

01925875960 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate Full service history £20 Road Tax ULEZ EURO 6 Full MOT 5-Door

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

German Cars

01934319960 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG

£13,975

Finance available £290 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
96.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr DSG

£17,298

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

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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