New Passat TDI confirmed for U.S.

[abctdi]

Originally Posted by atc98002

Also, the Passat isn't decontented like the Jetta. Even the base model will have 4 wheel disc brakes & IRS, and there looks like a lot of options (or standard on SE and SEL) that the Jetta doesn't even offer anymore, such as dual zone AC, leather, more radio/nav options, power seats (both sides), etc.

So there are differences beyond size...

[abctdi]

"admittedly B5.5 steering was especially heavy and made my arms sore as well"

If power steering is too hard for some of the gals here, hit the weights and build some muscle.
I can't imagine what my stang's unpowered steering would do to you.
Signed, Sally.

[740GLE]

Originally Posted by abctdi

So there are differences beyond size...

I'll be interested in comparing the out going passat to the new passat and a list of what features remain and what features were cut to knock the price down.

My guess if the 2012 Passat TDI is priced similarly to the current 2011 Passat, the new passat will have a few things missing.

[wainair]

Originally Posted by PlaneCrazy

I also see that taillights appear to be non-LED. That's good. In our climate, when driving in a snowstorm, LED tails are a major fail. They don't generate any heat, and the snow sticks to them essentially making them barely visible. When I drive my B6 on a snow-covered road or in a snowstorm, I always turn on my incandescent rear fog which keeps warm enough to not have snow stick to it.

That was something I had never considered. I guess it's a good thing there is the rear fog in there. But is that on both sides or just one?

[blaz]

I imagine the TDI engine is now transverse on the new Passat?

[leicaman]

Originally Posted by blaz

I imagine the TDI engine is now transverse on the new Passat?

Yes that would be the case, but I suspect that there are fewer issues with vibrations and the like as a result.

[PlaneCrazy]

Originally Posted by wainair

That was something I had never considered. I guess it's a good thing there is the rear fog in there. But is that on both sides or just one?

One side only, and I had to add it in myself, N. American models don't come with a rear fog.

[PlaneCrazy]

Originally Posted by abctdi

"admittedly B5.5 steering was especially heavy and made my arms sore as well"
If power steering is too hard for some of the gals here, hit the weights and build some muscle.
I can't imagine what my stang's unpowered steering would do to you.
Signed, Sally.

My workouts are road cycling and snowshoeing in mountainous country. If I could steer with my legs, I'd be all set

[bhtooefr]

Originally Posted by blaz

I imagine the TDI engine is now transverse on the new Passat?

Yep.

The only Passats that were longitudinal were the B1 (Dasher,) B2 (Quantum,) and B5. As a stretched Golf is cheaper for VW, and provided better product segmentation from Audi, it works.

[donDavide]

Originally Posted by TDIMeister

Someone at VWoA reads this forum...

Did I miss something?

[chittychittybangbang]

Originally Posted by bhtooefr

Hmm.
The nose structure actually does look very, very similar. (To the point that I suspect the Euro headlights will swap right in.)

Most if not all the exterior is different. The head-taillights are also different. Almost all of the interior is different. The Euro-NA Passat are different cars.

I made a few comparison pictures but got tired of adding arrows, too many differences http://www.myturbodiesel.com/forum/f...trim-car-5142/ see my forum for the full list. Here is a sample.

Edit, made pic smaller

[snakeye]

I'll have the Euro Passat with the NA tail lights.

[740GLE]

both look pretty damn good IMO

[atc98002]

I have to say from the profile pics I actually prefer the NA Passat. Want to see it in person, and I want an option list!

[leicaman]

That is interesting, but I don't think we've probably lost out that much overall. We've gained diesel which is great.