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.

931 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

£48,990

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Guildford Volkswagen

01483375945 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,995

£89/pm (HP)

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Northern Autos Ltd

01254457271 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4door

Low Mileage

£10,995

£223/pm (HP)

1.6L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Rydon Car Sales Exeter

01392342738 *

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 Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£9,895

£199/pm (HP)

2L
67.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CAR & CARS LTD

01506376863 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / 6 SERVICES ++

£8,975

£178/pm (HP)

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£7,995

£156/pm (HP)

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

2L
128.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£9,750

£196/pm (HP)

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,999

£424/pm (HP)

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£27,099

£390/pm (PCP)

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Manchester

01614139868 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Advance Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£14,990

1.4L
65.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

£10,500

£212/pm (HP)

2L
81.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Automotive GT Car Sales Ltd

01236802988 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG 5-Door

£14,497

£289/pm (HP)

1.6L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

CarSupermarket.com Scunthorpe

01724514202 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,950

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Car Shop 365 LTD

01274028208 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£8,795

1.4L
150.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

I H Vehicles

01494311318 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 Passat Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion 4WD 5dr

£5,620

2L
121.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Autopoint York

01904236198 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (110 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,495

£78/pm (HP)

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

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 Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Reduced

£36,970

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Preston

01772965524 *

0/5 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.

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