Another fuel efficient car we can't buy in the US

[Sludgy]

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/10/04..._lnk3%7C175530

We can buy a VW Passat in the States, but not one with a 1.6 liter diesel. US spec Passats have a 2.0 liter gas engine.

It's a conspiracy, I tell you.

[kit352]

check out the vw polo froma few years back. it would get close to 70mpg.

[dieselbenz]

Its not a conspiracy. It just doesn't make sense to try to sell something that slow in this country.

[theholycow]

184 ft-lb at 1,500 rpm should make it pretty decent if they put in the right gears, relative to the NA 2.5 gasser they offer (or offered until recently).

[rgathright]

Originally Posted by Sludgy

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/10/04..._lnk3%7C175530

We can buy a VW Passat in the States, but not one with a 1.6 liter diesel. US spec Passats have a 2.0 liter gas engine.

It's a conspiracy, I tell you.

Thanks for sharing... I really wanted a diesel VW in 2009 when I was shopping for my next car. They look so cool, well from a geek perspective!

[imzjustplayin]

Originally Posted by Sludgy

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/10/04..._lnk3%7C175530

We can buy a VW Passat in the States, but not one with a 1.6 liter diesel. US spec Passats have a 2.0 liter gas engine.

It's a conspiracy, I tell you.

Judging by the route and speed, I'm really not surprised.. I'm pretty sure a CRX HF in prime condition or a Civic VX would be just as capable of this kind of mileage under the same conditions. Just remember, the '86 CRX HF got 74mpg highway on the CAFE MPG cycle and the Civic VX got 70-72mpg highway on the same test cycle. I think the only thing special about this test is that the Passat is a much more "comfortable" car than a CRX or a Civic, regardless of trim.

[trollbait]

It's also safer. The now required safety features, along the comfort ones, add weight. The VW Polo is probably a fairer comparison to the Honda's.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...sel-quick_spin

[GasSavers_Scott]

From 85 to 87 I drove two VW diesel pickups for deliveries, the 79 was a 4 speed that got 58 mpg average and the 81 5 speed got 62, hwy and city. Much like a VW bug, you drove them flat out, they were hilariously slow, 18 wheelers would pass me on hills. The only thing slower than me was the VW Vanagon diesel, with the same 1600 diesel in the pickup. I think as a city car, the 1600 diesel would be ok, but you are foot to the floor on the highway.
Now the 80's Turbo Jetta 1600 was a perfect car, the turbo got rid of all the slowness. I think thats why they give you the 2 litre in America.