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Road Test: 2004.5 Passat TDI by rpaller
June 29, 2004

Could it be Déjà vu?
It has been 8 years since Volkswagen offered the Passat TDI in North America. Clinton was elected President, the Macarena was the latest dance craze to sweep the nation, the Ford Taurus was the most best selling car and a gallon of cast cost $1.29. Late in the lifecycle of the B4 Passat, the 1996 Passat TDI was released midyear with a 1.9L TDI motor generating 90 hp and 149 ft-lbs of torque. At a time when diesel fuel was not widely available and regular gasoline was still cheap, some wondered what VW was thinking by offering the TDI engine choice.

Much like the last TDI to grace our shores, the 2004.5 Passat TDI was released to the North American market as the B5-based Passat approaches the sunset of its life cycle. However, quite a few things have changed in the last 8 years. Most importantly, on average the price of gas in Michigan is hovering around $2.00, according to AAA. Other areas of the nation have seen gas prices around $2.25 and higher.

The re-entry of the Passat TDI in the North American market could not have come at a better time. VW has offered the TDI option in the Golf, Jetta, and New Beetle since the introduction of the MKIV platform in the United States. These MKIV based TDI cars commonly see gas mileage in the mid to upper 40’s and a range of 700+ miles. It appears that VWOA waited until the availability of its unique “Pumpe Düse” technology, or unit injection, to introduce the most fuel efficient family sedan available in the United States.

The 2004.5 Passat TDI consumes an EPA estimated fuel economy of 38 MPG on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. However, several Passat TDI owners have reported seeing their highway averages above 40 mpg. The new 2.0L TDI motor also boasts 134hp at 4000 rpm and an impressive 247 ft-lbs of torque at a low 1900 rpm. VWOA likes to brag that a single tank of gas will comfortably deliver you and your family from Detroit to Washington, DC.

Losing my religion
Having grown up in the 80’s I fondly remember the last attempt at diesel powered cars trying to quench the thirst American’s have for the open road. Needless to say, like many others, the dirty, foul smelling impression that was left on me and my clothes did not win me over on the thought of ever driving, let alone owning, a diesel powered car, even it was a fine European engineered beast.

However, with age bring wisdom and with kids I was introduced to the concept frugality. The third love of my life, after the wife and kids, is my 99 Passat GLS V6. While it consumes less gas then the wife’s SUV, it is not known for sipping the “good stuff” lightly and tasked to make the most of its 190 hp and 200 or so ft-lbs of torque on a regular basis. I am blessed to extract 24 mpg out of her.

Unable to resist the urge to take out a new car and try it on for size, I begin calling local VW dealers in search of a TDI Passat. I really wanted to spend some time with one and see what it would be like to drive in “real life’. I figured I would try and get one of my local dealers to agree to a 24 hour test drive. Much to my surprise, I find that the first dealer had sold through their allotment. I thought nothing of it as looked up the next dealer. They too were only taking orders for 2005 model year cars. This was harder then I thought. Good thing I let my fingers walking. As luck would have it, the third time was the charm. Someone backed out of their order and the third dealer, Crown Motors in Holland, MI, had one in stock.

Given that these turned out to be such hard to find item, I quickly realized my dreams of a 24 hour test drive were fading and my hopes for some quality time were endangered. However, after explaining my intentions the Floyd Badanish, he put me in contact with the sales manager Dave Pronk. Dave explained that they preferred to keep the mileage as low as possible on their lot cars, but agreed to allow me to take the test drive as long as I kept it to less than 20 miles.

As luck would have it, the day of the test drive was just like the last 20 out of 25 days in West Michigan, wet. But I would not be deterred, after work I came home to pick up my co-pilot, Ian. He and I headed out through the rain for our test drive. We arrived at the Crown Motors to find out test mule, a Northern Green sedan with wood leather package, Monsoon, ESP, and Tiptronic transmission with a mere 6 miles on the odometer.

After getting Ian settled in his car seat we on our way. My main goal was to learn if I could live with a TDI. Was it all that everyone made it out to be? Is all that torque as intoxicating as they say it is? I waited to find the answers to these questions until after my TDI was warmed up. While I waited for the engine to warm up I began to asses the non-tangibles. From the driver’s seat the TDI was extremely quiet at idle. I found the new aero wipers to be more obtrusive as they chattered across the window intermittently. Had the radio been on and at normal listening levels I would have never noticed the engine noise. Gradual acceleration introduced me to the whine of the turbo and the sound of the engine became more pronounced but it would never compete with the radio or idle conversation between me and my kids or wife. I also found that the new blinkers in the mirror provided a small illumination at the edge of the glass. When the blinkers were on there was enough light in my peripheral vision to remind me they were still on.

Driving through the residential neighborhoods of Zeeland was effortless and I couldn’t tell the difference between my gasser and the TDI. I turned out onto a four lane divided road and brought her up to speed. Again it was so effortless that I could barely tell the difference between the two cars. Acceleration from 30-50 was quick and the torque felt nice and strong. During the 10 miles I spent at a constant speed, gas mileage never dipped below the mid 30’s on the MFA and at 55-60mph it flirted with the low 40’s.

Driver Found.
When it comes time to retire one of the cars from our fleet, I will definitely consider the 2004.5 or 2005 TDI. It was certainly a pleasure to drive. The minor upgrades throughout the cabin from the soft leather wrapped steering wheel, to the dual DIN radio, the larger armrest, and added safety features make the 2004.5 Passat a winner in my books.

A short discussion with Floyd after the test drive I learned that Volkswagen of America may delay the release of the TDI motor by a year or two after the new Passat is released. While I have not heard corroborating stories on the Internet or automotive magazines, I hope the early success of the TDI Passat will convince VWOA to reconsider withholding the entry of the next generation TDI Passat.

I would like the thank Floyd Badanish, Dave Pronk, and Crown Motors VW in Holland, Michigan for allowing me the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their last 2004.5 TDI Passat.

Crown Motors VW
11260 Chicago Dr .
Holland , MI 49423
Phone (616) 393-0400
http://www.crownvolkswagen.com

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