No gas. Fuel economy, please. I saw the Passat at the Detroit Auto show: It actually posts a higher highway MPG than the Jetta, probably because it uses urea injection instead of the Jetta's more complex, but urea-free, emissions system. However, I'd expect overall MPG would be slightly lower since it's a larger, heavier car. The Passat has several features that have been left out of the Jetta by VW's cost cutting efforts:
- Independent rear suspension
- Electric power steering
- A real fuel gauge and a temperature gauge
- Soft-touch interior plastic
The Passat appears (to me, anyway) to be nicer car than the Jetta, less of a feel of being built to a price. And although pricing isn't final yet, I suspect the Passat will cost 4-7K more than the Jetta. Both are available with 6-speed manual and DSG transmissions.
If I were looking for a TDI sedan I'd get the Passat, no contest. I'm unfortunately one of the many people who wish they'd make a wagon for this market.