2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Long-Term Road Test

We take a look at our Volkswagen Passat TDI's fuel economy for the month of December.

Read the full story here

fordson1

Big, roomy, quiet, 3500-lb. sedan that puts 'em down and picks 'em up with the best, and it's averaging over 36 mpg while based in LA and dealing with LA traffic. Fast? No, at 9.1 seconds 0-60, but compare this with a Corolla that is also doing 9.1 seconds, but packing 100 lb/ft less torque. Take both cars and try to pick holes in commuting traffic and you'll see why the numbers don't tell the whole story.

reminder

Still not that much better than a gas motor that averages in the low 30's. Especially when you factor in the price premium diesel fuel still commands around here.
That said, it's a great combo for long road trips in terms of comfort range & efficiency.

fordson1

Well, except that there are no 3500-lb. gas motor sedans that can GET low 30's average. I just went through all the LT cars listed off to the right, just as a cross-section, and the 2012 Skyactiv Mazda3 came close to low 30's, or maybe the 2009 Honda Fit or the 2011 Mazda2 dd - ? So never mind large sedans...is there ONE gas-engine car made today, however small, that would average low 30's as an Edmunds long-term car? I think we're talking dodo birds here.