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.

747 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

1.6L
127.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Halesowen Trade Centre Ltd

01217288685 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (06) - 1.9 SE TDI 5dr + 9 SERVICES / AIR CON / CRUISE

Low Mileage

£2,775

1.9L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,495

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,995

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

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

£37,335

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
99.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Phillips (Lisburn) Ltd

02892791480 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 1.6S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£4,995

1.6L
124.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

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

Reduced

£9,495

2L
121.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Paul Cupit Cars

01773303809 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT 5-Door

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 R-Line TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,990

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Autopoint

02893447250 *

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

£4,995

2L
126.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Swift Car Sales Lillyhall

01900511074 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£6,290

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
116.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - Volkswagen Passat 1.6 S 5drs

£6,750

1.6L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Blackpole Trade and Save

01905672183 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,130

Finance available £182 pm

2L
110.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Car Today Ltd

01616946832 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 4dr

£3,795

1.6L
134.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Avante Cars

01698674599 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£38,980

Finance available £746 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

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 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH, Used Cars Ely, Cambridge 4-Door

£9,999

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Criteria Cars (UK) Ltd

01353881708 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

£1,750

1.6L
212.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

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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