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.

776 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Drew Baxter Car Sales

02890023131 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr DSG

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Exclusive Motors Of GB LTD

02038978672 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Auto

£39,700

1.5L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI S Euro 5 4dr

£1,995

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GGS Motors Ltd

02382148539 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG 360 Camera Sunroof VIRTUAL COCKPIT

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.4L
129.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG Estate

£36,532

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

£4,690

Finance available £82 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jenson Cars

01733794308 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
84.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Duman Autos

01506376796 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Exclusive Motors Of GB LTD

02038978672 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colliss Motors

01985807078 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.4L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Extra Mile Motors Ltd

01761250725 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 4dr DSG

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gormley Motors Ltd

02887448026 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Karhouse

01494291900 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr + 12 MONTHS MOT / SENSORS / CLIMATE / PRIVACY

Low Mileage

£3,975

Finance available £66 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Knightsbridge Cars NI

02890023756 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (69) - SEL TDI DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,950

Finance available £428 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

THE CAR SOURCE

01416118631 *

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

£8,195

1.6L
86.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

EMG Motor Group Spalding

01775661268 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

£39,398

1.5L
900.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 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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