Topic: Day-by-Day Review: 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

Volkswagen Passat delivers on first impressions.
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[Ex-airbalancer]

It is brown , but not a wagon :-(
With a new dealership opening up in Port Hope next year, this could be on the list of vehicles to replace the Prius in a couple of years

[Noto]

Am I detecting a lack of HIDs on a $37k mid-large-sizer with 150hp?

This TDI would make for a great base engine, and even with the urea-treatment tank, that trunk is cavernous.  I really like this car, save and except for two things:
1) The Price.  In the Camry last tested, you get 118 more horsepower (and more torque, too - certainly at the expense of some fuel economy, offset by the differential prices of the respective fuels) - all for $2,000 less, and there you did not, IIRC, complain about the steering (though the Brakes, you did).
2) That fake wood.  It looks AWFUL in pictures, and you cannot option any other material (no brushed aluminium, or even a dark-lacquered wood).  Is it any better in person?

How are the seats?  They've never been a plus for me on VW models - they tend to be well-bolstered, but the seat back and bottom are too flat for my ageing back and (surprisingly perky) buttocks.

[greengs]

To people who are indifferent about what they drive, which is most Canadians, not doubt a Camry is a much better choice for a family sedan.  I myself would gladly pay 2k more for the Passat over a Camry in this segment but I would either go for the 3.6 VR6 (280hp one) or the 1.8T (170hp).

You have to go with Comfortline to avoid the fake wood and you can get it with fake carbon trim that way with sport pack I believe.

The one quirk this car has is the slightly off center steering rack. 

[wing]

The one quirk this car has is the slightly off center steering rack. 

Yes, yes it does and I noticed it right away.

I'm not sure it's any more exciting than a Camry though.

[Noto]

I'm not sure it's any more exciting than a Camry though.

That's what I loveeeee your realism.

Are you coming to the Karting event?

[wing]

No, I'm in Ottawa.  A little far

[Noto]

No, I'm in Ottawa.  A little far

I'll contribute $40 to your expenses (plane, train, automobile) if you come.

[wing]

I have a day job man. 

Plus karting is better in quebec they have no rules.  LOL

[Ex-airbalancer]

The one quirk this car has is the slightly off center steering rack. 

Yes, yes it does and I noticed it right away.

Been driving GMs most of my life so I do notice little things like that 

[micha]

Am I detecting a lack of HIDs on a $37k mid-large-sizer with 150hp?

This. It needs HIDs. Would be a dealbreaker for me, if I would be looking for a sedan.

[Serniter]

As a coincidence, my wife leased a Passat TDI last evening. I haven't spent much time with it, but it seems to be a nice car.

[Minou]

LOL, between a 35K Encore and any similarly priced fully equiped mid/large-ish size, I'll take the latter in a heartbeat.  Accord, Sonata, Camry, etc. Even hybrid versions would compare more than favourably.

[Ex-airbalancer]

LOL, between a 35K Encore and any similarly priced fully equiped mid/large-ish size, I'll take the latter in a heartbeat.  Accord, Sonata, Camry, etc. Even hybrid versions would compare more than favourably.

A person who living in a major city may like the size of the Encore better then the Passat, I glad that is only thing I do not have worry
The bigger the better 

[Fobroader]

LOL, between a 35K Encore and any similarly priced fully equiped mid/large-ish size, I'll take the latter in a heartbeat.  Accord, Sonata, Camry, etc. Even hybrid versions would compare more than favourably.

A person who living in a major city may like the size of the Encore better then the Passat, I glad that is only thing I do not have worry
The bigger the better 

Crew cab truck FTW 

[Minou]

LOL, between a 35K Encore and any similarly priced fully equiped mid/large-ish size, I'll take the latter in a heartbeat.  Accord, Sonata, Camry, etc. Even hybrid versions would compare more than favourably.

A person who living in a major city may like the size of the Encore better then the Passat, I glad that is only thing I do not have worry
The bigger the better 

Crew cab truck FTW 

And put the Encore in the bed!

[Fobroader]

LOL, between a 35K Encore and any similarly priced fully equiped mid/large-ish size, I'll take the latter in a heartbeat.  Accord, Sonata, Camry, etc. Even hybrid versions would compare more than favourably.

A person who living in a major city may like the size of the Encore better then the Passat, I glad that is only thing I do not have worry
The bigger the better 

Crew cab truck FTW 

And put the Encore in the bed!

There you go, perfect, keep the kids back there so they dont bother you, it can be like the Homer car!!!

[JRM]

I have a Trendline TSI, which does not have the electric steering.  I find steering to be responsive and it has good feed back.   I see no reason to go with the TDI, which is more trouble prone, and the TSI has better accelleration.  I have averaged 7.7 l/100 km. over 16,000 kms.  So with the extra cost of diesel fuel, it about averages out.  And the TDI costs $2,500 plus tax more. 

[EV-Light]

that's a lot of coin for a Passat with no HIDs, Blind Spot Monitoring, etc! VW desperately needs to update this (...and bring back AWD)

[Noto]

I have a day job man. 

Plus karting is better in quebec they have no rules.  LOL

Ok, you pulled my arm.  $60.