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.

852 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,900

Finance available £268 pm

2L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

McFadden Motors

02879440897 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,299

Finance available £619 pm

1.5L
5.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£8,690

Finance available £172 pm

1.6L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 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 Passat2018 - 1.4 Passat GTe Advance Semi-Auto 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
61.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Clyde Cars Sales Limited

01414049868 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,394

Finance available £244 pm

1.5L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
83.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - R Line 2.0 TDI 110BHP White Low Mileage Manual Diesel R36 4-Door

Low Mileage

£3,499

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2005 (55) - 1.6 FSI S Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,950

1.6L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motorexe Ltd

02038934300 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 Tsi Evo Sel Estate 5dr Petrol Dsg Euro 6 (s/s) (150 Ps)

£17,799

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Drayton Motors Kia Grantham

01476851852 *

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

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,650

1.6L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

B A 1 LTD

01135186150 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,045

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wrights Motors

01366310748 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,399

Finance available £622 pm

1.5L
3.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,984

Finance available £245 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 4-Door

Low Mileage

£4,395

2L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

HESWALL CAR SALES LTD

01513057593 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,295

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£3,795

2L
164.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Van Master

01449700491 *

2.6/5 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.

View guides

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