Hire Car Report: VW Passat 2.0 BlueMotion diesel estate

[The Strat]

The S model is the bottom of the range. The engine is either the 105 bhp 1.6 diesel or the 140 bhp 2.0 diesel. I have the 2.0. On paper, the performance should be about the same as the little MX-5. It certainly doesn't feel like it!

There is a 170 bhp diesel, but only in the range-topping Sport. That also comes with harder suspension, so maybe that was the one you went in?

Sorry confused it was the Sport. Lowered suspension etc. Still a Passat though!

[syep2001]

I can confirm that the back seats are spot on for dogging!

[twoblacklines]

These sound just like any TDI, remap them however and you have 190hp, 300lb/ft of torque. I wouldnt spend 22k on one though I would just buy an a6 3.0tdi, the engine these passats should have come with.

My car is effing gutless and needs a remap but I cant afford it at the moment.

[Cloth-Ears]

Is it just my imagination, but is there not a downward protrusion under the Superb's steering column, compared to the Passat, which catches your knees as you slide in. I felt under the Passat collumn and it felt flusher, I think. Has anyone noticed this. It's actually quite serious if you're big, as getting in and out you really don't to be continually banging your kneecaps.