Diesel engines are a marvel to me. They mix extremely old science with modern technology. Did you know that the early diesels could run on peanut oil? Today they are powerful, clean and quiet. Yes, it's true!
In this video, Roman and I show some of the basic advantages to living with mid-sized sedan with a diesel engine. In fact: it’s the ONLY front-wheel drive sedan in the U.S. that has an optional diesel.
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI is a conundrum for me. On one hand, it is an easy to drive economy vehicle capable of 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. Power is good at Denver, Colo. altitude, thanks to the turbocharger and ride comfort is good too. The 2.0-liter, four-banger diesel makes 140 horsepower and 236 lbs-feet of torque. On the other hand, it’s a bit boring.
Volkswagen watered down the Passat to keep the price competitive and to make the Passat a Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion (among others) alternative. As such, the overall design is simple and some of the components have a cheap feel.
Still, with a base price of $19,995 for the gas model and $25,995 for the base 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI – you get a lot of car for the money.
In the video, we compare this new diesel Passat with the diesels we Americans suffered with decades past. We tested the 2012 Volkswagen Passat in and around the hills of Boulder, Colorado. Despite heavy traffic, my heavy right foot and blasting through mountain back-roads, we were surprised at our over 30 mpg average. That’s better than the damn-good 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
I’m beginning to believe independent claims that the 2012 Passat TDI can go up to 800 miles on one tank.
Have a peek at the video and enjoy The Fast Lane Car’s attempt at bringing you a serious review.
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