I've Got a Silver Machine

[mrmitch]

SEL Estate TDi 170 DSG, Reflex Silver, 57-plate, 7k miles,


Have had my Silver Machine for a week now and have clocked up a few hundred miles so here are my first impressions -

The best bit by far is the engine/DSG combination - can be rapid off the line if need be but the mid-range accelaration from 50 upwards is really impressive i.e. motorway sliproads etc. Steady cruising is rock solid - it just feels like it would go on forever.

The economy is equally impressive particularly on the motorway with 49 mpg achieved on a 75-mile trip round M25 recently trying to keep it down to 70-75mph. Even a previously balls-aching 20-mile stop-start trip across south London managed 43mpg. I think the DSG really helps alot because it allows you to drive very smoothly and keep the revs down.

The car has felt really well screwed together (I road-tested the suspension over speed bumps - silent) although the dreaded glovebox has made the odd squeak. Have purchased some silicone spray to see if I can sort it.

All the toys seem to work fine - auto-hold/electronic handbrake is magic, but might confuse someone who has not driven a Passat before (the wife) so will be giveng her lessons this weekend to protect the No Claim Bonus. Cruise Control, Climate Control, auto lights and auto wipers all make for a very relaxing drive, and give you time to play with the computor.

I think I have the mid-line computor as I dont seem to be able to call up the full menu. If ever buying from new, I would always recommend ordering the multi-function steering wheel as I think this means you also get the highline computor with the extra functionality (it does not say this in the brochure/price list though) - shame it is probably so expensive to retrofit. For running a carphone (hard-wire or bluetooth) you need the buttons on the wheel and it avoids the long stretch to the radio volume control (on the wrong side for RHD).

I need to get hands-free for my phone and am thinking of going for the Parrot 3100. Have been quoted supply and fit by local ICE specialist for £200 which seems steep, but DIY car electrics is not my thing. Have also wondered about replacing the RCD500 with a Pioneer FH-P80BT (quoted £350 supply and fit) but it seems a bit soon to go changing things.

The ride is firm and IMHO tends to crash a bit over poor road surfaces (the state of many roads is criminal) ; I reckon my Astra has a better ride/handling, spring/damper compromise, but it is rightly aclaimed for this.
My tyres are Pirelli P7 (standard 16" 215/55's) which I will experiment on with pressures, but they have loads of mileage left in them so wont be changing them for a while. The Dunlop SP's(?) on an SE that I ran a year ago were better as I recall, and Goodyear Eagle are generally good on most cars I find.

I purchased from a main VW dealer but all I got with the car was a set of standard mats - no oil or triangle or umbrella or wheel bag etc, but I have noticed there is one bag-hook on the RHS of the boot - I never noticed one of these on my previous SE but I am now wondering should there be two, as there is an identical recess on the LHS but no bag-hook. They must only cost pence but they are very handy.

All in all I'm very pleased with the car so far and try to think of any excuse to go for a drive . Got a lot of business travel coming up over the next 2 weeks so am really looking forward to it. It has been very worthwhile using the forum to review peoples likes and dislikes, and the options for DIY upgrades - thanks to all and keep up the good work. VW ownership can be frustrating at times but at the moment I'm very pleased with my choice.

If anyone has any feedback on the Parrot 3100, or the Pioneer, or any other bluetooth CD-Tuner replacement unit I would be interested to hear from them - I need to get a hands-free soon, but might just get an earpiece for now while I look at the options.

Now where is that Hawkwind CD...?

SEL TDi 170 Est DSG, Reflex Silver, Parking Sensors, usual SEL Toys,
Astra 1.6 Club, Silver, Standard Spec, crackin' motor.

[GeoffW]

I have a Parrot 3200 (having previously had a 3100which is now in the wife's Golf).

Not a lot of difference between them, 3200 has colour display, 3100 hasn't.

I would certainly recommend them.

I fitted mine myself, it's not a big job. The trick is to buy the right wiring adapter! Got mine direct from Parrot and the only non plug and play connection was the ignition switched 12V which I got from the Cigarette lighter. It is just unplug, plug and go!

[james_tiger_woo]

I've got a 3100 - it's totally brilliant. However, I got it fitted by my ICE specialist who didn't use an adapter, but wired it direct - it's a top job, but - I'm not sure how I'm going to transfer it...

[james_tiger_woo]

Forgot to add - we need to see a photo of the Passat

[mrmitch]

[quote] Re: I've Got a Silver Machine
Forgot to add - we need to see a photo of the Passat



Apologies for the poor choice of background, and only managing to attach thumbnails - I need to work out how to attach larger images , - and take some better photos.

[james_tiger_woo]

Looks smart

(Cough cough, chrome grill plug )

[Quatrelle]

.....but I have noticed there is one bag-hook on the RHS of the boot - I never noticed one of these on my previous SE but I am now wondering should there be two, as there is an identical recess on the LHS but no bag-hook. They must only cost pence but they are very handy......

There's only one on mine, on the left looking into the boot. Never used it, or the tie-down anchors!

[james_tiger_woo]

I use the bag hook all the time...

Never used the tie downs though.

[ionic]

Looks nice mate.

I'll stick some pics of mine on when I get 5.

The 170 engine is very impressive. Silky smooth with a nice sporty note.

[ionic]

I use the bag hook all the time...

Never used the tie downs though.

I've used the bag hook loads, especially useful if you fetch a curry!

Never tried the tie downs either.