While in Portugal last week, we had a new Passat 130Pd estate as our hire car. I'm not normally a lover of burners of the oily stuff, but I was quite impressed. Lots of torque, and not too noisy. I might take a look at one of these next time I change.......

Phil

I'm not convinced - I had a Passat PD130 Auto about Xmas time when the Octy was in for a new sump. Compared to the gf's Golf PD130 I thought it was VERY slow and handled like a barge. Fair enough, the auto box didn't help but even when I was selecting the gears manually there wasn't much oomph ! My little brother got a Passat PD110 as a company car and added sports suspension which has sharpened up the handling, still not very quick but it feels faster than the PD130 Auto.

Yep, I suspect that an auto would be pretty sluggish. the manual needed to be in the right gear to really move it along.

All the automatic diesels I've ever driven just felt wrong. And they moo like a cow when you floor 'em, too!

Phil

We've got a Passat 130PD in the house.....

Yes, it handles like a barge, far too softly sprung for the sort of driving that engine encourages....

Right gear is essential for "rapid" progress, but far too easy to overcome the traction control....1st and sometimes 2nd gear action can leave it scrabbling for grip.

But that torque........is simply delicous. 80mph in fifth, just press that pedal and it hitch up it's skirt and runs.........luvverly!!

Now just imagine that engine in a small, light, agile car

Now just imagine that engine in a small, light, agile car

Cue much derision from octavia vRS owners... Where's Geoff when you need him?

Cue much derision from octavia vRS owners... Where's Geoff when you need him?

Right here

The Fabia RS can never be described as light & agile. It's almost as heavy as an Octy and the standard suspension is woeful.

Happy now ?

Thats better - you were being conspicuous by your absence of a comment, Geoff!

Thats better - you were being conspicuous by your absence of a comment, Geoff!

Lots of posts to read today Jason

Now just imagine that engine in a small, light, agile car

I'm sure it's quick, but you wouldn't get four large adults and a similar number of suitcases in one of those, would you?

Phil -because sometimes size does matter........