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.

831 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£17,000

2L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Milton Keynes

01908062410 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI GTE [PAN ROOF] Petrol Plug-in Hybrid AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Reduced

£19,995

1.4L
20.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

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

Low Mileage

£36,990

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 5-Door

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2005 (55) - 1.9 SE TDI 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,990

1.9L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sway Road Car Sales

01792940350 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£6,975

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,895

Finance available £385 pm

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 Passat Highline TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Reduced

£4,790

Finance available £83 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 GT TDI 170 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£3,795

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motor Express

07305693901 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,450

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
98.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£8,890

Finance available £173 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

MSP (NW) Ltd

01706391368 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (G3) - 2.0 GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

£5,490

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Compact Car Centre Ltd

01216615579 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,299

Finance available £619 pm

1.5L
5.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
88.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Beadlow Motors Ltd

01462559053 *

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

£38,065

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,400

Finance available £210 pm

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

S AND T MOTOR CO LTD

01913002236 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
60.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Discount Car Centre Ltd

01616969160 *

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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