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 Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG Estate

£20,987

1.4L
32.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Huddersfield

01484501073 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,995

2L
56.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Stoneacre Grantham

01476855117 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£10,899

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£6,495

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport estate 5 door Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (170

£3,999

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

S B Cars

01784776677 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

£3,895

1.6L
115.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Spear Auto Services Ltd

01443812491 *

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 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 Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

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

£37,982

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Blackpool Volkswagen

01253542216 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218

Low Mileage

£16,390

1.4L
28.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid 272 R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£44,590

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Guildford Volkswagen

01483375945 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,700

Finance available £300 pm

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Taylors Of Skegness

01754808552 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,999

Finance available £635 pm

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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

£12,490

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Imola Of Bristol

01174407192 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,995

1.6L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£17,200

Finance available £355 pm

1.4L
39.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - Volkswagen Estate 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

£36,650

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Bridgwater

01278555830 *

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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