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.

766 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr 1 OWNER / 8 VW SERVICES / ULEZ / SAT NAV / H/SEATS

£9,475

Finance available £189 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,845

2L
82.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

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

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,195

1.6L
52.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

DFN

02392006047 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 Passat Sport TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£2,495

2L
167.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ripon Auto Centre

01765530144 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1.4L
72.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

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 Passat2009 - TSI Highline 4-Door

Reduced

£2,490

1.8L
101.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

DVP Car Sales Ltd

02039484651 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr

£6,650

Finance available £126 pm

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 4dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
103.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Throston Motors

01917315132 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,893

Finance available £109 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AM Car Solutions Limited

01543229540 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
117.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MMK AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED

01524237300 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,498

1.5L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (Z8) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Reduced

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durham Cars 4 U

01915945586 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Curley Cars

02890023216 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£2,495

2L
141.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Motorize LTD

01274028108 *

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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