Here are the trims:Maybe I missed something but the Passat does NOT come with the RNS-315...it comes with the RNS-510 if you get the NAV package.
The 2011 Toureg is getting 7L/100km hwy. The Audi gives you the same thing but bigger with the 3rd seats (and not as good mileage).The thing is, a crossover counts as a truck for them, and therefore affects their CAFE scores differently.
And, with the Touareg, they need a crossover to boost their truck scores, rather than a Passat Wagon to keep their car scores the same.
The rumors say that there'll be a three-row crossover based on the Amerissat, so...
Technically, IIRC, a carmaker can pick the classification they want... so a Jetta Sportwagen might be able to be classified as a truck. Hmm.Who classifies vehicles for the purposes of CAFE and how is it done?
Authority to establish vehicle classifications for the purposes of calculating CAFE was delegated to NHTSA. Specifically, the definitions are as follows:
1) Passenger Car – any 4-wheel vehicle not designed for off-road use that is manufactured primarily for use in transporting 10 people or less.
2) Truck – a 4-wheel vehicle which is designed for off-road operation (has 4-wheel drive or is more than 6,000 lbs. GVWR and has physical features consistent with those of a truck); or which is designed to perform at least one of the following functions: (1) transport more than 10 people; (2) provide temporary living quarters; (3) transport property in an open bed; (4) permit greater cargo-carrying capacity than passenger-carrying volume; or (5) can be converted to an open bed vehicle by removal of rear seats to form a flat continuous floor with the use of simple tools.
Ok here is mine, somewhat. On the American made thing vs the German made, My 1982 Rabbit and my 1986 GTi held up quite well thank you! My A5 (mexican made) vs my B6 (german made) has had far fewer recalls, actually just one to my knowlege, and it was a side airbag sensor (Passat had same recall). The Passat has had a host of other recalls. (nothing major but still had them) (My B5.5 had a minor one, Audi A6 none while I had it) My Jeep GC has had a few Mercedes related issue, the Altenator went bad at 26k, but out of Warranty (3mo after the 3 yrs ran out) and it was specific to the vehicle, one guy refuesed to work on it, I have an MB mechanic in Annapolis that did and he said it was a bizatch! I have an occasional shift sensor issues also. That is the MB related, not American. I speed sensor went bad bit was under warranty at that point. I am not getting the milage I expected either, though it has a tow package. ( still expect a little better)After seeing the issues with VW TDI's and specifically the 2005 Passats (Cam issues, Balance Shaft issues, glow plugs and overall engine metal wear issues) and being able to compare that with the MB 3.0L V6 in the Jeep I own, the MB engine and transmission is FAR SUPERIOR and better quality. The Used Oil Analysis has proven that to be the case.
Just my two cents....
Well I disagree, Besides a few recalls, I an very happy with my B6. I actually like much more the the Audi A4 and I like it as much as the A6 4.2 and my A5 is not the same as an Audi A4. The B5/5.5 was nice and would compare more to the A4 due the shared platform. I am actually displeased with the current line up. Jetta seems to big and Passat Not sporty enough. ( I guess there is the CC VR6 4motion) I do not think the Golf should be more expensive than a Jetta.Well, really, it's VW correcting their course after the product positioning nightmare that was the Mk4, B5, Mk5, and B6 era.
If you want a small luxury sedan, instead of a Jetta, there's the Audi A4.
If you want a midsize luxury sedan, instead of a Passat, there's the Audi A6.
Which is what VW should've done all along - VWs are supposed to be basic transportation.
Torque. nuff saidLet's face it, most cars are de-contented these days compared to 15-20 years ago. I was thinking today that my '96 Passat wagon was 21K new, sedan was similarly priced, and now you get a new one with many more features, much more complex mechanicals and electronics, and many more safety features for 24-26K. 1996 dollars were worth a bit more than 2011 dollars. And the new E-Class diesel is $52K with no options. My '93 300D was 46K new. The cost cutting has to be there somewhere.
Another thing: The Passat weighs 3,359 lbs., has 140 HP and 240 ft/lbs. torque. My '93 300D weighs 3,550 lbs, has 122 HP and 169 ft/lbs. Although it drives fine and cruises happily at 75-80 MPH on the highway, it's not quick. Even with 70 more ft/lbs and 18 more HP, I wonder if the Passat, especially with the DSG, will be kind of sluggish. The manual transmission may help overcome this. The new E-Class, on the other hand, weighs just over 4,000 lbs, but has 210 HP and 400 ft./lbs. And a 7-speed transmission. That car's probably pretty quick.
Just some food for thought.
In general, I agree. The pricing should be (from low to high): hatchback, sedan, wagon. We have to keep in mind that the base sedan is not lower equipped than the base hatch.I do not think the Golf should be more expensive than a Jetta.
In general, I agree. The pricing should be (from low to high): hatchback, sedan, wagon.
We have to keep in mind that the base sedan is not lower equipped than the base hatch.
What gets me though is as I look at new cars for my daughter,
the price of the Golf and the JSW is less than $1000 US.
I know she would rather have the Golf, but the wagen is and will be much more functional.
The lack of a price difference is due to the Golf being built in Germany while the Jetta is built in Mexico. The same problem exists with the Passat v Golf.In general, I agree. The pricing should be (from low to high): hatchback, sedan, wagon. We have to keep in mind that the base sedan is not lower equipped than the base hatch.
What gets me though is as I look at new cars for my daughter, the price of the Golf and the JSW is less than $1000 US. I'm know she would rather have the Golf but the wagen is and will be much more functional.
Or BrazilThe lack of a price difference is due to the Golf being built in Germany while the Jetta is built in Mexico. The same problem exists with the Passat v Golf.
The solution is obvious, Golfs need to be made in Mexico or USA.
No sun roof for me either. Only upgrade I went with was the DSG because my wife said she was told and her knees were too bad drive a manual. Of course in the two plus years of owning it, I think I have only let her put on about 15% of the miles. I guess that has to change now that school is starting back up and she will have the longer commute.
Exactly why we both bought JSWs Did you get yours sans S/R also?
If so, another $1300 retail saved plus taxes and additional license fees over the years also.
Hope she's not too disappointed when she winds up with a JSW? After all, who's paying the bill?
D
I was thinking the same thing. Most of the Mk IV Golfs were made in Brazil.Or Brazil