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.

826 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr DSG ++ ULEZ / DAB / SAT NAV / FULL VW HISTORY ++

£17,470

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.4L
107.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.4L
62.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

BABAN MOTORS

01216618726 *

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

Reduced

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Audenshaw Motor Company Ltd TA Audenshaw Motors

01614139877 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mi-Next Car

01158384494 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,500

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Staffords Autos

01164646119 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,499

Finance available £271 pm

1.5L
39.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch

01482697731 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,912

Finance available £500 pm

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business 5dr ULEZ Hpi One Owner

Reduced

£6,499

1.5L
147.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Simply Motors

02081500946 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 2.0 TSI Sport 4dr Tip Auto

Low Mileage

£2,450

2L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Staffordshire Motor Group Ltd

01785569196 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) FULL SERVIC

£9,195

2L
79.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (66) - AUTOMATIC 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
32.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Business 5-Door

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.4L
112.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Wootton Motor Company

01553602430 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,690

Finance available £172 pm

1.6L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,749

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,349

Finance available £231 pm

1.5L
91.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG (FULL LEATHER, SAT NAV)

Low Mileage

£17,988

1.6L
20.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,200

1.5L
81.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

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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