Waiting for the Volkswagen Passat TDI?

Posted By on March 2, 2007

Passat TDI Umbrella holderThe rain has been coming down and it almost looks like spring is here in southwestern Ohio. Yesterday I soaked my leather seats tossing the umbrella in the rear door as I made a quick escape from the cold rain, so when I read an Autobloggreen Australian two part review on the Volkswagen Passat TDI, the umbrella holder caught my eye. (photo right) Its a nice touch in a car many diesel lovers in the US would like to test drive.

The two part review (Part One | Part Two) is written from a real world buyers perspective, more of a “why I (or why my father) bought this car.” If you’re not up to reading a two part ‘personal’ review, do yourself a favor and check out the great photos in the gallery.

2007 Passat TDi
For my part, I’m just going to list a few of the features Dane Muldoon mentions and put them in my personal Pros and Cons columns.

Pros:
* TDI isn’t priced much more than gasser (in Australia anyway)
* Middle of the road styling; not ostentatious
* Passat comes with a full-sized spare on an alloy rim
* Removable ‘plastic’ key inside keyless remote
* Hill assist feature, but is it really needed in a automatic?
* Automatic windshield wiper feature
* Dimming rearview mirror
* Dual Climate controls
* Comfortable cabin and seating (leather is attractive)
* Chillable Glovebox, center cup holders and umbrella holder
* Computer controlled ESP, ABS, EBD, and ASR (read article)
* Tire pressure monitoring
* Five star safety rating
* 6 speed DSG – 3-4 milliseconds for each gear change
* 2.0 liter 138 HP/236 lb-ft of torque
* Combined city / highway mileage = 35.6 mpg.

Cons:
* Passat 2.0 TDI Sedan 6 Speed DSG = AUD$44,990 (US$35,641)
* Size and looks very similar to lower priced Jetta
* ‘Pricey’ Key Fob used with push button starting
* Required Electric Parking brake; no manual parking brake
* Highway noise is a “bit high and wearisome”
* Not available in the US; no BlueTec yet

VW Passat KeyFob

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