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.

872 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,750

1.6L
153.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

ROBIN LEE WILLIS

01633742359 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

1.6L
55.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cathedral Road Car Sales

02837440625 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 4dr

Reduced

£3,770

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162165692 *

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

£3,999

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Karhouse

01494291900 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,695

2L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Elegance DSG + 18' NAPOLI ALLOYS + SPARE WHEEL 5-Door

Reduced

£32,450

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£19,895

Finance available £431 pm

1.4L
29.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,700

Finance available £214 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,199

Finance available £206 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Nova Motor Group

01915005812 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Rydon Car Sales Exeter

01392342738 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,979

Finance available £238 pm

2L
67.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

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 Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£39,988

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

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 Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI GT 5DR DSG [Panoramic Roof] MEGA SPEC LOW MILES FULL HISTORY PX

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

1.6L
70.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Car Centre Stoke Ltd

01782389387 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£39,750

1.5L
200.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Preston

01772965524 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - TDI SE Business 4-Door

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
109.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,390

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

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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