Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 2006 Review

With the introduction the Passat turbodiesel Volkswagen realised its commitment to offer a diesel engine across its entire model range and the entry-level 2.0-litre unit in the Passat is a welcome addition. The car is specced to a similar level as the 2.0 TFSI petrol engine and like that car offers a very good compromise between firm ride comfort and solid, stable and predictable handling.

But the big news is obviously under the bonnet where there resides a 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel mated to VW's excellent electronically controlled twin-clutch sequential six-speed manual gearbox that drives through the front wheels.

This engine will be replaced by a new 125kW350Nm 2.0-litre TDI later this year with increased power and torque courtesy of a piezo pump high pressure jet injection system. But along with the extra grunt comes increased cost with the entry-level diesel expected to be priced the same as the 2.0-litre turbo petrol model at $44,990.

However, despite the short life of the current turbodiesel, it certainly gets the job done in a very convincing manner. With only 103kW, it is not overly endowed with top-end power -- especially when you consider the car tips the scales at just over 1500kg -- but the abundance of torque -- 40Nm more than the turbo petrol four and on tap from just 1750rpm -- gets the car off the line in a strong and enthusiastic manner.

Despite being an older generation engine, it is quiet and refined with little noise penetrating the cabin at idle or on the move. The strong mid-range torque means it is very flexible and while the DSG transmission does a superb job of matching driving style with the right gear, you can manually select gears to keep the engine revving between about 2000rpm and 4000rpm for the strongest urge. It does tend to run out of puff a bit above this but by that time you are well and truly into the red zone as far as Australian speed limits are concerned.

Apart from the more than generous mid-range torque, a diesel engine's other big plus is its fuel consumption and the Passat certainly hit the mark. Official ADR 81/01 tests give the Passat diesel a combined fuel consumption figure of just 6.6l/100km and over our 330km, we managed to achieve a very commendable 7.5l/100km though a mix of urban and country driving and without being particularly conscious about throttle input.

The diesel Passat might not have quite the strength across the full rev band as the turbo petrol four but if you are concerned about environmental impact or the bottom-line hit on your wallet, then the diesel is well worth investigating. With the increase in power and torque and potentially even greater refinement from the forthcoming new diesel powerplant, it should make the decision even clearer in favour of the turbodiesel.