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.

868 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,350

1.8L
70.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

UM MOTORS LTD

02038934275 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 Passat Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£7,575

Finance available £147 pm

2L
99.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£23,845

Finance available £521 pm

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
58.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£38,590

Finance available £804 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

£1,395

1.6L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£8,299

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
82.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,498

2L
28.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2003 (53) - 2.0 Sport 130 5dr

Low Mileage

£995

2L
127.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Bucks Cars And Logistics Ltd

01494312078 *

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

Low Mileage

£36,853

1.5L
4.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,749

Finance available £607 pm

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

£995

2L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 5dr DSG

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.4L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Eric Ellis Jones Brynsiriol Garage

01970600366 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR ++ LEATHER HEATED SEATS / 12 MONTHS MOT ++ 4-Door

£2,475

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

Reduced

£15,990

Finance available £285 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

George O'Hara Motors

02877440245 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG Petrol Estate

£19,523

1.5L
33.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Vauxhall Macclesfield

01625462728 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2007 (57) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr

£1,995

2L
187.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ashtons Cars

02921676281 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£6,950

1.4L
149.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

KELEVRA HOLDINGS LIMITED TA Bay Pickups

01524938534 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,450

Finance available £358 pm

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,750

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

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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