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.

827 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£12,174

Finance available £250 pm

1.4L
92.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£6,590

Finance available £125 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Professional Car Agent

01752973682 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£36,499

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Scotswood Road

01916077232 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,390

2L
83.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Parkhouse Autos Ltd

01414068752 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£4,995

2L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 R-Line [Panoramic Roof] 4-Door

Reduced

£14,490

1.4L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

John McGregor Broty

01382214143 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

Low Mileage

£8,850

Finance available £175 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car Firm Ltd

01733971202 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£35,990

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

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

£9,995

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RSS AUTOS LIMITED

02380017784 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr Manual

Reduced

£15,000

2L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,149

Finance available £372 pm

1.4L
31.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,840

Finance available £242 pm

1.4L
76.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,395

Finance available £299 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 TDI Highline Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 4 (140 ps)

£650

2L
155.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cheshire Motor Car Sales Ltd

01618042270 *

3.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 - BLUEMOTION TDI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,495

1.6L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Staverton Cars Ltd

01242501515 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.4L
107.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

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

Reduced

£3,395

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

DFN

02392006047 *

3.7/5 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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