what model shall i go for (passat)

[bpet]

Hi, I am about to order a brand new passat from my local showroom, however I just can't decide between the 1.4 petrol model or the 2.0 Turbo diesel.
I am a bit old school and only ever driven petrol cars, most people are advising me to opt for the diesel model. I know the fuel economy aspect is better, but I am thinking after only ever driven petrol models, would I be able to cope with the extra noise coming from the diesel. The guys in the showroom arn't being very helpful. so I would appreciate someone telling me about the pros and cons of both models. most of my driving is around town.
Although I am keen to go for the petrol model, I am looking at the size of the car and thinking is a 1.4 engine going to be sluggish pulling that large body.
would appreciate some replies to help me make my mind up:beerchug:

[sooty]

Hi and welcome to the site!

Personally I would opt for the diesel version. I always use to be a petrol owner and thought that diesels were sluggish ETC however I was proven wrong with my old Passat.

I came from owning a BMW 3 Series 2.0 & 5 Series 2.5 petrol models to a 1.9TDi Passat (130) and will never go back to petrol again. You dont get the same pulling power or torque from a petrol engine than you do from a diesel. Not only will it be cheaper to run a diesel will actually hold its value better than a petrol especially a Passat as they are very sought after. As for noise you can only really tell when your standing outside and starting it on a cold winters day. In the summer they are quiet on the outside and well and when the engine is warm they only murmur, inside you dont really get a lot of noise from the diesel or petrol engines.

Also if your opting for the long life servicing then the diesel will only have to be serviced every 20,000 miles or so.

The 1.4FSi produces 120/122BHP where as the diesels range are 105/115/130 for the 1.9TDi's. If you look at the figures for the 1.4FSi they are impressive compared to other cars in its class:
• VW Passat 1.4FSi 122 S model is £15,752. 157CO2, 120BHP, 0-62MPH in 10.5 & 42.8MPG
• Citroen C5 1.8i SX is £15,995. 188CO2, 125BHP, 0-62MPH in 12.2 & 35.8MPG

Is there anyone else on the forum that could give some better pro's for a petrol over a diesel?

[MalcQV]

I own a B5.5 and it is a 2.0 petrol so probably not really qualified to answer this but hey who cares.

I don't like the noise most diesels (with the exception of Honda) make on tick over but that is really where it ends. When driving they are very good and plenty of power without stirring gear sticks.

So why petrol for me? Well Mrs QV can't stand the smell of diesel when filling up. I was not really looking for a Passat and this one came up from a main dealer at a good price. I do about 30 miles a day to and from work and about 100 maybe at weekends. Even second hand the diesel would of took sometime to pay itself off and it was a petrol car on this dealer's forecourt.

I do prefer petrol and when giving it some the 2.0 sounds pretty good for a four pot.

I would test drive both and see which you like. If the dealer can't do that then go elsewhere.

[Hex69]

As far as costs go unless you're doing over 15k miles a year, the diesel will be more expensive.

Petrol Vs Diesel tests here (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/226905/petrol_vs_diesel.html)

In the end, I'd say drive both then make your mind up. It's your money after all. :D

HTH.

[sooty]

I would test drive both and see which you like. If the dealer can't do that then go elsewhere.

I totally agree, your parting with a good £15/£16k of your own hard worked money so get to drive them both.

If the dealer does not help then just walk away, there are plenty of dealers that will be willing to help you especially in this climate.

Where abouts in the UK have you been look?

[sooty]

As far as costs go unless you're doing over 15k miles a year, the diesel will be more expensive.

Petrol Vs Diesel tests here (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/226905/petrol_vs_diesel.html)

In the end, I'd say drive both then make your mind up. It's your money after all. :D

HTH.

Thanks for this it is quite helpful.

The new 1.4FSi that your looking at is designed to be a "diesel beater" hence the low emissions and high MPG for a 1.4 litre