No doubt it did well on the hwy but around town (where most cars spend the vast majority of their time) the Echo would beat it by huge margin.
And to make a note that a 2008 Jetta is still running smoothly is nothing special. My 1998 Taurus runs smoothly too.
Equip that Passat with the available diesel and then see the Echo appeal all but disappear.
Then look at the competition. Pretty much all of them - Camry, Accord, Sonata, Optima come with 2 engine choices - 2,4 (2.5) I4 and 3.5 V6 or 2.0 turbo. None of them offer a diesel! 99% of you on this forum whine about lack of diesel options. VW gives you one (yet another) and now some forum members complain that it also needs a 6-speed and a wagon before they would consider it. Sheesh.
At least, walking into a VW showroom, you do have a choice like no other. I personally like and would be happy with the I5. You want power? There's the 3.6 for ya. You want range and fuel economy? There's the diesel for ya. And if they come up with a small displacement turbo a bit later in the game, this would become one of the most compelling overall packages on Canadian market bar none.
Looks are highly subjective, as we all agree. But conservative looks are less polarizing and tend to age better than bold designs. As much as I like the new Optima, I am now beginning to notice minor details that I overlooked at first encounter that tend to reduce its appeal. The Sonata doesn't stand out anymore and has turned into 'just another car' on the road which is expected. The Passat, on the other hand, has the potential to grow on me, unlike the DOA Regal
