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 Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

£19,149

Finance available £397 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£16,449

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
51.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - R Line 2.0 TDI 110BHP White Low Mileage Manual Diesel R36 4-Door

Low Mileage

£3,499

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (58) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£3,400

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Trade Car Sales

01217288898 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr Estate DSG Low Mileage

Low Mileage

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.6L
42.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Coleshill Car Sales

01675623133 *

3.9/5 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 SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£17,712

2L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Volkswagen Teeside

01642573413 *

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

Reduced

£37,400

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

£10,990

1.4L
68.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£38,890

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

1.6L
63.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,700

Finance available £300 pm

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,790

Finance available £241 pm

2L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Central Car Sales Ltd

01733977746 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 4d 148 BHP 4-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

2L
24.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
67.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CAR & CARS LTD

01506376863 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £131 pm

2L
125.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

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

£15,499

1.5L
43.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£4,975

2L
172.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Lodge Car Sales LTD

01217525796 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI Alltrack DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £263 pm

2L
92.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - SE NAV TSI EVO 5-Door

£12,900

Finance available £217 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

JD Motor Company

01325526906 *

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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