2.0 TDI (VW Golf MK5) Driving Impressions
03-06-2008, 07:25 AM
#1
2.0 TDI (VW Golf MK5) Driving Impressions
I had the opportunity in Europe this week to drive a MK5 Golf (Rabbit here) with the new version of the 4-cylinder TDI motor.
All I can say is "WOW!" What an improvement even over the very good 1.9 TDI motor in the MK4.
Three words: Torque, torque, and torque. Merging off entrance ramps or out from behind a truck into the fast lane on the Autobahn is absolutely no problem, even with a pair of headlights fast approaching in the rearview mirror.
Top speed? Well... I am not sure, but around 180KM/h (112MPH) it did seem as though it was relatively close to being out of breath. I am sure it could do more (since I was a good 1000rpm off the 4500rpm beginning of redline), but the needle definitely slows down its climb as you round the 170ish mark.
Interior, as expected, is spectacular, especially in a car in this price range. Three colleagus and I plus some luggage fit nicely when I picked them up at the Eindhoven train station. The new radio is cool, sounds great (no not to you car audio nuts but definitely better than the basic system in the MK4) and includes satellite radio support. The basic seats were very comfy and the textured cloth design was stylish and functional in keeping me well planted. Dual climate control? I couldn't believe it.
I was sad to have to drop it off. But I was even more sad to find out we can't yet get that motor in anything here.
Needless to say, as the TT makes its tranformation into a track car, I have definitely found its replacement. For those who talked to me about this decision, I realize I've circled the wagon a few times looking mostly at big stuff with big motors. But, spending time in Germany and Holland made me realize something, which I had forgotten since 1999 when I lived for some time in France. We Americans are a tad silly with our big V8s and giant cars.
The Golf suits my needs perfectly.
(TT Content-- let's hope they bring the TT here with this motor)
Sorry, this is the only photo.... and sorry that it's blurry... hard to hold the camera steady while chasing a new Allroad (yeah he lost me big time) on the autobahn.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76421/pic-0015.jpg">
All I can say is "WOW!" What an improvement even over the very good 1.9 TDI motor in the MK4.
Three words: Torque, torque, and torque. Merging off entrance ramps or out from behind a truck into the fast lane on the Autobahn is absolutely no problem, even with a pair of headlights fast approaching in the rearview mirror.
Top speed? Well... I am not sure, but around 180KM/h (112MPH) it did seem as though it was relatively close to being out of breath. I am sure it could do more (since I was a good 1000rpm off the 4500rpm beginning of redline), but the needle definitely slows down its climb as you round the 170ish mark.
Interior, as expected, is spectacular, especially in a car in this price range. Three colleagus and I plus some luggage fit nicely when I picked them up at the Eindhoven train station. The new radio is cool, sounds great (no not to you car audio nuts but definitely better than the basic system in the MK4) and includes satellite radio support. The basic seats were very comfy and the textured cloth design was stylish and functional in keeping me well planted. Dual climate control? I couldn't believe it.
I was sad to have to drop it off. But I was even more sad to find out we can't yet get that motor in anything here.
Needless to say, as the TT makes its tranformation into a track car, I have definitely found its replacement. For those who talked to me about this decision, I realize I've circled the wagon a few times looking mostly at big stuff with big motors. But, spending time in Germany and Holland made me realize something, which I had forgotten since 1999 when I lived for some time in France. We Americans are a tad silly with our big V8s and giant cars.
The Golf suits my needs perfectly.
(TT Content-- let's hope they bring the TT here with this motor)
Sorry, this is the only photo.... and sorry that it's blurry... hard to hold the camera steady while chasing a new Allroad (yeah he lost me big time) on the autobahn.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76421/pic-0015.jpg">
03-06-2008, 08:10 AM
#4
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We really like our 2006 Jetta TDI 1.9...........
It has plenty of torque, lots of room, nice fit and finish, and great, great mileage.
I just do not understand why diesel is more expensive than gasoline.
I just do not understand why diesel is more expensive than gasoline.
03-06-2008, 08:36 AM
#5
yes, it is new. According to a C&D review power is:
140HP and 236 lb ft of torque. Yeah.. that's right. 236. You can definitely feel it. And it probably responds well to chipping, as Hans mentions.
Did I mention that I LOVE that motor? I can't wait to put one in my garage!!!
Did I mention that I LOVE that motor? I can't wait to put one in my garage!!!
