B7 TDI DSG rave

[clip]

Thought I’d do this write up for those that might be sitting on the fence about a B7 Passat or getting a TDI. Also don't read many good news, happy customer stuff (although I'm the first to compalin, and if I don't like a car I'll get rid of real quick). Anyway, this is probably going to be long post because there's lots of good stuff to talk about with this car. But before I start raving, just need to set the context. This is about a family sized front wheel drive sedan, not a ‘sports’ car. So I’m not comparing it to a GTI, R or even a B7 V6 4Motion - in fact not really comparing it to anything, just what I think of it.

Car had done about 11000k’s before I took off from the S’shine Coast to Sydney - and back. Strange how I’d driven all these k’s in it prior, but never really been fussed over anything about it other than its quietness and smoothness, and that it gets great economy around town. It was a risk buying the TDI and also the DSG- the two things I never thought I’d ever go with. But got say I'm eating my words now.

After doing the run down to Sydney, I arrived at Manly with the fuel gauge still above the red having travelled 1202k's. So I would have got 1300k's out of the tank. The MFD was reading 5.1 when I last checked as I exited off the freeway at Hornsby. On the way back home, the MFD read 5.3 but then it's uphill Astounding economy for a large car and begs the question who in their right mind would buy a hybrid when you can get this economy and performance? But what blew me away was that it got that economy with ME driving it. Now I don't spare the horses - as anyone travelling with me, or was on the New England Highway the other day that came upon a black B7, would know. If the sign says 100k/h I'll be doing it, especially up hills and around corners (with all care of course). Still, I can’t imagine getting any better economy – and I doubt I’ll ever be able to actually drive for economy to find out!

I'm also loving the DSG, it's so bloody good on a trip and driving in those conditions with hills, corners etc. I had heaps of fun with it. I know you guys that have DSG's will be thinking what's the big deal? But having always opted for manuals, this is a new experience for me. Sport mode is awesome in the right conditions - responsive and almost intuitive. It continually astounded me by picking the right gear at the right time when really pushing hard. But it's the way it changes down gear/s when breaking before a turn. It's tuned perfectly to the diesel engine ensuring that when I plant my foot again it's all go - that really impressed me! So much not like an auto. The flappy paddles are also great when cruising and you just want to drop a gear for a moment – other than that, the DSG does it much better than me.

As for the engine, I don't how they get a little 4cyl 2 litre oil burner to perform like this. Given it's only 125kw with a bit more torque than an equivalent petrol, it's just awesome. My Tig in stock 125TSI tune wouldn’t have a hope keeping up with this. Seat of the pants feel is that it’s every bit as responsive as eqivalent sized petrol –amazing. It's so strong on hills and overtaking. Sure, it misses out in straight line speed (but that would involve way-above legal limits wouldn't it ), but on this sort of run I doubt you could get a better combination of performance and economy. Throwing it around corners was pretty impressive too given I’m running stock wheels. In fact I would go so far to say that the TDI can almost push the stock suspension and wheel combination to their limit. I was going to get it remapped, but to be honest I really don’t think I would get much more fun out of it than I already can. It’s that good.

Last two things that impressed me were the seats and road comfort. I didn’t think the seats were that comfortable (not like the Tig), but got to admit that getting out in Sydney after a straight 12 hour drive, I was fine- and that says a lot given my crap back! It’s also really quiet at speed even on the coarse road surfaces. The suspension works well, and surprisingly, seems to lose some of its harshness at speed. Of course it out handles all the other popular 6cyl family sedans and most of the smaller ones too.

All up, I’m so impressed with the car on a trip. For real world driving, I can’t think of another car this size for this money that comes anywhere near it. And as much I hate to admit, the TDI with DSG is quite possibly the best combination. Awesome match of economy and performance that puts hybrids and 6cyl's to shame, and all wrapped up in fairly good looking package.

Would I buy another one? If I need a larger sedan- in a heart beat. But couple of years time I should be right to go back into something smaller and a little more fun (R, M1?).

[FSI 220]

apologies for what? My thread is three pages deep (whoops)... this is just the introduction innit?

[MJW]

Not sure of any differences between v6 & tdi DSG but in the v6 in "D" mode changes gears way too early for my liking. However I am coming from a long list of turbo cars with manual gearboxes & I do agree that the DSG overall is a fantastic box.

[clip]

Not sure of any differences between v6 & tdi DSG but in the v6 in "D" mode changes gears way too early for my liking. However I am coming from a long list of turbo cars with manual gearboxes & I do agree that the DSG overall is a fantastic box.

Yes it does for my liking too -mine goes into 6th at around 62k/h! That's about 1100rpm from memory. But as soon as I squeeze the throttle a bit it soon drops down, or I just flick the flappies.

[Buzy_Robot]

Nice post Clip. I couldn't agree with you more - the power and fuel economy combo is really quite spectacular. Hyperbole perhaps, but when I can get 7.2l/100ks in stop-start city driving and 5.5l/100ks on the open road - and let's not mention all that delicious torque to play with - I'm laughing! Shame about some silly interior rattles and levers falling off the seats because overall this is one mighty fine car.

[clip]

To be honest Buzy - I tell it like I find it. Main reason for the write up is I now think this is very underrated vehicle and thought it needed the recognition it deserves. It's really exceeded my expectations hugely (no hyperbole ) Very similar to the Tig - it got mild response when released, but as we all now know, it is quite an exceptional bit of kit, capable of much more than the average joe will ever realise. I love cars and bikes with a passion, and if this was a crap car, or even one that just did what it was sold to do, I wouldn't have bothered writing this up.

Not had any of your problems Buzy, mine's tight and rattle free and no levers have fallen yet. Which ones have you had problems with?

[entice]

I'm wondering, hads anyone got their passenger mirror to dip upon reverse?

My GTI MK6 use to do this but the wife's Passat TDI (B7) doesnt seem to ...

[Buzy_Robot]

Entice, my understanding is that reverse dipping mirrors are only included on the 125TDI Passat when the electric seats have been optioned. This feature is standard on the V6 FSI Highline, but not on the other variants.

[Riker]

Yep, the dipping mirror & electric folding mirrors are part of the electric memory seats. Standard on B7 V6's, optional on the TDi & TSi...

I'm wondering, hads anyone got their passenger mirror to dip upon reverse?

My GTI MK6 use to do this but the wife's Passat TDI (B7) doesnt seem to ...

[Buzy_Robot]

Hi Clip - after a few uses, the height adjustment levers on the front seats work themselves loose and literally fall off. Last time I was at the dealer I handed them the driver's one and they purportedly fixed it, but it's fallen off again. Easy enough to clip back into the seats, but a nuisance nevertheless.