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.

816 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

2L
85.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,200

Finance available £289 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG 360 Camera Sunroof VIRTUAL COCKPIT

£8,495

1.4L
129.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.4 TSI 150 SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.4L
46.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Premier Trade Centre

01492551487 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI 190 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Worlingham Motor Company

01502441250 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,695

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
21.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ingatestone Motors LTD

01277285906 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,390

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sour Motors

01613887661 *

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

£8,494

Finance available £167 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,799

Finance available £264 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,899

Finance available £633 pm

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£5,950

2L
121.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NW Kehoe & Sons

02830447169 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£51,490

1.5L
3.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.8 TSI GT Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (180 ps)

£10,000

1.8L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)+1 OWNER FROM

Reduced

£11,990

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - R-Line 2.0 TDI EVO 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£19,263

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Reduced

£35,200

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 *

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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