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.

761 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2025 - Highline Tdi

£22,995

2L
6.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 Passat Highline TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £87 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
121.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Paul Cupit Cars

01773303809 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£13,099

Finance available £262 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£3,350

Finance available £53 pm

2L
129.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

2k Motor Group

01733797035 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (60) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drivers Choice Limited

01217288652 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,400

Finance available £378 pm

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - TDI GT 5-Door

£10,800

Finance available £219 pm

2L
107.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Walters Motor Group Loddon

01603937289 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rory Gaffney Cars

02838298749 *

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

£39,217

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
96.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Polesworth Garage Tamworth

01827213852 *

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

Reduced

£1,985

1.6L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,799

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

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

£12,650

Finance available £260 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

WYNFORD SPECIALIST MOTORS LIMITED

01217288702 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
91.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - Se Business Tdi Bluemotion Tech Dsg 5-Door

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

G R Carter Motors

01493807078 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr

£5,950

Finance available £111 pm

2L
216.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£14,295

2L
77.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

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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