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.

764 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 BiTDI SCR GT 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Reduced

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
64.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

RB Cars

01989551050 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr + SAT NAV / VW HISTORY / 20 TAX / ULEZ / DAB

Low Mileage

£9,275

Finance available £185 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£2,495

1.6L
161.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Buccaneer Motor Company Ltd

01935319836 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - MK8 Facelift Est 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£11,980

1.5L
127.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Trans City Car Centre

02039095475 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,395

Finance available £322 pm

2L
64.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 5dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

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 - 2.0 Passat SE Business TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,595

Finance available £259 pm

2L
75.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,899

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SPORTS & PERFORMANCE CARS

01706572037 *

2.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 19.7kWh Elegance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro

£37,200

Finance available £687 pm

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4-Door

Low Mileage

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Heartlands Trade Centre Ltd

01212721981 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
81.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SM Cars Norwich

02039537466 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£11,195

Finance available £228 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,900

2L
145.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mayfair Motors

01164029071 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£19,649

Finance available £404 pm

1.4L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sharon Woodside Motors

02890026919 *

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

£50,990

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr DSG

£1,795

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AR Cars

01254947703 *

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

£35,913

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

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.

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