Hey guys,
Just thought it was worthwhile to post a quick report on a trip to the VW dealer today.
Well, actually, was taking the Civic for a routine checkup, and then had nothing to do afterwards. Had a look at the new Civic - but I wasn't entirely impressed. The A pillars are huge and sloping, and it feels like you're sitting really far back inside the car. I don't need to see the front to park - if it's your own car, you learn soon enough - but it just feels silly. Some plastics are cheapish, but it is a cheapish car. Overall, much nicer than my 2000 Civic though, in terms of plastics and general solidity. However, I can see why they can afford to make them cheaply and sell them cheaply. Didn't even go on a test drive - I'd rather get a Mazda 3 or something if I was in the market.
On to the main course. My dad and I then went to the VW dealer, Barloworld Botany, for those in Sydney. The salesman was quite polite, respectful and also helpful and knowledgeable - I was pleasantly surprised. Salespeople can be a mixed bag.
We've been interested in a 2.0TDI Jetta or Passat for a while now, having also sampled the Honda Accord Euro Luxury as an alternative. There's this colour called "wheat beige" that my dad really likes. I was skeptical - on the internet, it can either look too gold, or like tan, or some such. In the metal, it's quite subtle, which is good. It's gold in the sun and like darkish grey in the shade. It's not a common colour - of perhaps 5 Jettas and 10 Passats on the forecourt, none were that colour. We had to walk around to the service department to see a customer's car that was that colour.
The guy 'demonstrated' his idea that German cars use thicker, tougher metal by banging his fist on the door of a customer's Jetta waiting to be delivered. It was pretty funny, even though the customer was nowhere around. He also opened the door of another Jetta, and climbed onto it - to demonstrate that it wouldn't sag or creak; and also jumped into the boot of the Passat to show that the spare tyre covering was strong enough. Quite active for a salesperson!
Anyhow, we took a drive in a Golf 2.0TDI, since there was no diesel Jetta available. Pretty composed, nothing so exciting, but not bad. I didn't drive too long since I've driven it before. There's still a little turbo lag just off the line, but after that it's a powerful surge. The diesel engine note is pretty well hidden unless you're at idle, the windows are open, or you're outside. The brakes were a little sensitive, as new, but you'd get used to that.
Then, had a drive of the Passat. It was a good drive - quite a different experience. Strangely enough, the Passat 2.0TDI is 15kg lighter than the Jetta 2.0TDI, according to the brochure. The salesman says that it's not an error, but I still aren't completely convinced.
(anyone got any explanations?) Well, it certainly didn't feel any more sluggish than the Golf. I asked about the 125kW 2.0TDI available in Europe, but he said that it'd be a year off at best. Too bad - it would have been ideal, IMO. Anyhow, again with a little hesitation off the mark, it was still effortless. It's more composed on the road, although with our standard 17" wheels and tyres, there was also more tyre rumble. The ride was firmish, and I can see why testers have taken note, especially when the optional sports suspension with 18" wheels is specified, but I reckon the 17's are fine. The brakes were more progressive, too. The external sound insulation was better than the Golf's.
He was also nice enough to show us some of the safety features. There was the electronic parking brake's emergency stop feature - from 50-0km/h in perhaps 10 metres. Then, a swerve at 50km/h, and a swerve-and-brake at the same speed. Pretty violent - probably more so than I've ever had to do so far. The car remained composed enough to stay in control. I'm firmly of the opinion that our 2000 Civic would have lost it, though that's not saying too much - it's a cheapish car. Also did a bit of urban cornering at unusual speeds - and the ESP seemed to keep the car tidy quite well.
On getting back to the dealership, he said that there was a Wheat Beige Passat in VW Australia's lot, which is behind the Barloworld place. VW headquarters is only a few streets away. It certainly is a nice colour, IMO. There were also heaps of Golf R32s there.
Interestingly, there was a VW Phaeton there. The salesman said it was the only one in Australia, when they were thinking of bringing it in. Supposedly it's the director's car. Took a look through the window, and it's a nice car inside, from what I can see. Quite neat. Not a conclusive experience, I can see why some people are surprised why such a car isn't doing so well, concluding that it must be because of the VW brand.
There was also an A8 W12 there. Also looking through the window, the interior is simpler, more minimalist than the Phaeton's - sportier. Also nice, but in a different way. Looking at them both, I can see why people reckon they're built on the same platform - actually, even the salesman said that - since the midsection's side is very similar - but hey, can't argue with full aluminium construction versus steel being a decent differentiator.
Well, if you got this far, then thanks for reading! I'm really keen on the Passat - much more than the Accord Euro. They'd also be much the same price, although the Honda has discounts due to it already being here from around 2003. Still, we could always end up getting the Jetta, which is at least an improvement over the Civic. However, after having a nice drive in the Passat, it's a little harder when you know what the better car is.
