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.

837 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.8 TSI R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£13,699

Finance available £284 pm

1.8L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,450

2L
139.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RISHTON AUTO CARE LIMITED

01254919190 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Reduced

£35,200

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr DSG

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.4L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Eric Ellis Jones Brynsiriol Garage

01970600366 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 BiTDI 240 R-Line Edition 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£31,532

2L
23.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Audi Bexley

02038895332 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,395

Finance available £299 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
67.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

£3,295

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Amayr Car Sales

02920028833 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,499

Finance available £101 pm

1.6L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,795

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Clifby Motor Centre

01422410533 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG Estate

£20,987

1.4L
32.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Huddersfield

01484501073 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI GTE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.4L
21.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Middleton Garage

01243215996 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£17,449

Finance available £356 pm

2L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Reduced

£2,599

1.6L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Fairfield Car Centre

01615196713 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG

£40,250

Finance available £806 pm

1.5L
367.0
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI 150 R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£12,000

1.4L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£10,899

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£14,998

1.6L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.3/5 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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