New Passat TDI confirmed for U.S.

[oxford_guy]

Well, a lot of people don't live in places where that's an issue. In Canada, the Passat comes with a block heater. For people living in places like North Dakota, the lack of a block heater is a problem.

Heated lenses is another layer of complexity, like so many other things including sunroofs, navigation, backup cameras, airbags, seat belts, CD changers, ad infinitum.

LED lighting is more efficient than incandescent, unless the waste heat from incandescent bulbs is needed for heating purposes. So, for those who don't live in cold climates, LED is more attractive -- just like not having to pay for a block heater.

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Originally Posted by oxford_guy

In Canada, the Passat comes with a block heater.

Is this true? I saw this posted about the '11 Jetta in Canada, too. Thought it was another myth like the glow plugs that come on when you open the driver's door. Remember that?

[kjclow]

Or the fuel pump starting when you hit the unlock button?

[oxford_guy]

Originally Posted by IndigoBlueWagon

Is this true? I saw this posted about the '11 Jetta in Canada, too. Thought it was another myth like the glow plugs that come on when you open the driver's door. Remember that?

I read somewhere that a block heater is standard for the Canadian 2012 Passat. What people in North Dakota are supposed to do remains to be seen, because I haven't seen any evidence that VW is allowing buyers to add this as an option.

Edit: This is odd. A listing in Texas shows a block heater.

Originally Posted by myturbodiesel

The VW Passat TDI SE ($25,995) comes with:

-17" "Sonoma" alloy wheels
-6 speed manual transmission
-fog lamps
-8 way driver power seat with power lumbar function (front-back only, not up-down) and 6 way manual passenger seat
-leatherette (vinyl) interior
-leather steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake handle
-full multifunction steering wheel and display
-rear multilink suspension
-electric power assist steering (saves energy)
-premium 8 RCD 510 touchscreen 6cd changer radio
-bluetooth
-dual zone auto climate control
-cold weather pack (heated front seats and windshield washer nozzles)
-soft touch dashboard (higher quality plastic)
-engine block heater (standard in Canada)
-auto headlights / wipers and auto dimming interior rear mirror
-diversity antenna (gives a stronger radio signal)
-3 years/ 36,000 miles free scheduled service

If those specs are correct, it looks like all the TDIs have a block heater. Hmm...

link

Here is a Canadian specs listing.

[IndigoBlueWagon]

I wonder where myturbodiesel.com got that list. If it's from a VW web site I'd call it suspect. Lots of misinformation there. Also, this may be early data that doesn't play out in production. I'm betting there won't be a factory-installed block heater. To my knowledge no VW diesel car has had one.

[atc98002]

Originally Posted by kjclow

Or the fuel pump starting when you hit the unlock button?

Can't speak for the TDI models, but the 2006 Jetta 2.5 I just traded in would power the fuel pump when the driver's door was unlocked and opened. The sound was pretty obvious. Only ran for a second or so to pressurize the lines.

[WVU TDI]

Originally Posted by IndigoBlueWagon

I wonder where myturbodiesel.com got that list. If it's from a VW web site I'd call it suspect. Lots of misinformation there. Also, this may be early data that doesn't play out in production. I'm betting there won't be a factory-installed block heater. To my knowledge no VW diesel car has had one.

I've been wrong before, but I'm fairly certain the CRs are block heater equipped in Canuck land.

[Derrel H Green]

Here's one in Manitoba.

See: http://forums.tdiclub.com/member.php?u=70344

Unless Jack had it added as an option?



D

[PlaneCrazy]

Originally Posted by WVU TDI

I've been wrong before, but I'm fairly certain the CRs are block heater equipped in Canuck land.

I can definitely confirm that my Golf TDI came with a factory block heater, and an extension cord that plugs into a receptacle in the lower grille.

You can see the cord in my trunk just to the lower left in this picture, I keep it in the little storage cubbyhole there:

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Is it a block heater or a coolant heater? Where does it live? Curious because since the days of my '78 Rabbit VW has been reluctant to say they would provide or approve of block heaters. If they now have them that's great. But it seems to be a significant change in direction. I'm also wondering why they think the common rail cars need them.

[WVU TDI]

Oh. It may be a coolant heater, probably is in fact, I just went generic with block heater.

[bhtooefr]

It's a coolant heater, along the lines of a Frostheater, although ETKA uses the terms interchangeably.

The hose between the thermostat-oil cooler-heater core pipe and the oil cooler is replaced by the heater hardware.

[PlaneCrazy]

Originally Posted by bhtooefr

It's a coolant heater, along the lines of a Frostheater, although ETKA uses the terms interchangeably.
The hose between the thermostat-oil cooler-heater core pipe and the oil cooler is replaced by the heater hardware.

I haven't a clue what it heats, but the VW.ca website says this on its Golf TDI specifications page:
2.0 TDI, 140 horsepower engine with 6-speed manual
2.0 TDI, 140 horsepower, 6-speed DSG automatic engine with Tiptronic®
16” alloy wheels
Heatable front seats and washer nozzles
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Fog Lights
Engine block heater

Golf TDI Features & Specs

I had a look under the hood but with all the shrouds, wiring harnesses and equipment I can't see where the power line goes to.

On the grille though, this is where it plugs in, under a little spring loaded cover near the left foglight.

Cover closed:



Cover opened:

[GraniteRooster]

That is cool - I want that!! The fogs would be nice too while I am at it. Can we order the heater, harness & plug here in US??

I did not have issues last winter which was cold, but insurance never hurts....

[bhtooefr]

As far as the VW parts distribution network is concerned, the US and Canada are the same region, so yes.