TSI Wagon vs 125 TDI Wagon

[geoffp]

ooopps, double post

[apom]

Yep, the auto tailgate closes from the fully open position. you can press the button at any point and stop it also. You can also program it to not open fully so if you are in a restricted space it wont hit something.

It does not however work with the parking sensors, ie if you park hard up against a wall and open it, it will still open until it hits something. A rare event but worth noting.

As far the GPS function is.... its just OK and only just..... not brilliant and certainly not close to a Garmin Nuvi. for example... This morning I had to drop my wife into the city in Brisbane. We didn't know which end of Adelaide street to go to. so we dial in Brisbane, the Adelaide street, but no, there is no Adelaide street, only Adelaide street East (never heard of it) and then the number wasn't available. After several attempts we worked out the Brisbane is not Brisbane city, for that you need to chooses "Brisbane CBD" to find Adelaide Street and then the number becomes available. Last week we went to look at something outside of Brisbane on the way to Toowoomba. The GPS couldnt locate it FULLSTOP. Ended up using google maps on the iphone instead.

Whats the point on having a GPS if you need to be so exact!!!! AAAARGH The Garmin leave this type of GPS (including Tom Tom) where you need to know the exact suburb, for dead. You simply type in the street number, then the street and it will tell you EVERY instance of that address in Australia. Easy!

If you are going to rely on it... save the $3K (that what mine cost) and get something that works correctly just about every time.

[Lams]

we have the 2.0TFSI, with 18s, bixenon, leather and metallic
the autobox sucks, and it really has an effect on performance and fuel economy

If 125TDI was available we would have chosen that instead.

It goes pretty well (with a software upgrade as well) in manual mode, but sometimes it doesn't let you shift to the gear that you want. It can get a little frustrating..

[drbass]

Bit late to the party but here goes:

Which ever way I go, I'll be adding the following options:

1. Metallic Paint (I like Icelandic Grey best)
2. Sunroof
3. Leather
4. Chicago 18 inch wheels and suspension (dont see many on road with these wheels)
5. Bluetooth
6. MDI

General points:
Engine. Haven't driven any VW petrols - biased opinion follows. My 125 TDI is still the PD (pumpe-duese) version which may develop some issues. However, it's a lot of fun to drive, once the turbo spools up it's rather spritely (nothing like an R36 though, I suppose). Somewhat tractor at times but not as bad as people might think.
The Eos generally driven by my wife has the CR (common rail) 103 kW, and it's rather sweet. It does not sound like a petrol, but it rarely sounds like a diesel either. Very smooth power/torque delivery, not as peaky as the PD.
Both with good fuel economy.

Gearbox. DSG in Passat. Jerky at times, like others have done before I'm currently going through the motions regarding mechatronic/gearbox replacement. Once on the move it's pretty good though.
6-speed manual in Eos. Very nice, would have been my choice if available for Passat.

Your specific points:
1) Passat Deep Pearl Black. Nice when clean, impossible (nearly) to keep clean and scratch/swirl-free. Eos Candy White. Best non-metallic white, full stop. Personally I wouldn't choose anything grey, but the Icelandic seems nice.

2) Sunroof. Not a fan initially, I wouldn't miss it now. Very convenient for increased air circulation, and adds more ambience through more light. Doesn't contribute much to heating up (I believe).

3) Leather. The leather seats in the Eos are great (heated!) but they're more "sports-seat like". I believe the Passat leather seats are a little flat (I stuck with cloth). In my opinion, cloth is better for me since I sweat quite a bit.

4) Chicagos on Eos look great, and the (ever so slightly) lowered suspension adds firmness whilst maintaining a supple ride. I have seen the wagon with the Chicagos, and it doesn't work for me, can't comment on the ride.

5) Bluetooth. Don't have it, don't need it.

6) MDI. I have the iPod connector in the Passat. Shocking interface, good sound (RCD3100 or 310, not 100% sure). Didn't bother in the Eos, came with AUX IN in the armrest, and RCD510 comes with SD card slot.

I'm sure nothing of the above will be helpful at all, very subjective, and ultimately you'll have to make the decision.

Another personal statement: The wagon looks better than the sedan. Sorry, guys .

Seeya,
Michael

[VWR36Fan]

Passatpout, thanks for the offer re Passat drive, I've got a few dealers Im dealing with who are happy to supply cars for test drive...the more I hear about the TDi the more I'm liking the sound of 6-7L per 100km economy, pretty incredible for such a big car.

Dr Bass, you just proved that we all have different tastes in cars, white is becoming such a popular colour..good stuff.

Hey does anyone know if the current 125kw diesel engine in the Passat is the same spec as the current Golf Mark6 125kw diesel variant, in terms of common rail injection system (to be available in Aus 2010)? I see VW have also put the 125kw diesel engine into the 2010 Jetta. I drove the the Golf mark6 103kw diesel and couldn't believe how quiet it was.

[drbass]

VWR36Fan,

All new VW diesels are CR, as far as I know.

I LOVE the grunt (I believe the CR is smoother than the PD, not as peaky) of the 125 kW diesel, and the penalty in terms economy is minimal.

Let us know what you think after your test drives.

Seeya,
Michael

P.S.: Candy White could be a pseudonym in the adult film industry but it's definitely a fantastic colour option for VWs!!

[Dave8878]

Hi GeoffP,

The MDI is a Media Device Interface which allows you to connect your USB stick or Ipod to it to play music files. It is usually fitted under the armrest in the centre console. It's a really nice piece of kit and works really well.

Cheers

[Swallowtail]

Hi GeoffP,

The MDI is a Media Device Interface which allows you to connect your USB stick or Ipod to it to play music files. It is usually fitted under the armrest in the centre console. It's a really nice piece of kit and works really well.

Cheers

Fitted inside the glovebox on a Passat when selected as a factory fit option.