Diesel engines
 

I've been looking to replace my car and thought I'd look at a VW Golf.
I was rather surprised to find that they're now 1.6 engines, as opposed to the 2.0 litre engines they used to be.
I had a go in one and it seemed ok on the smallish roads around where I work (and did the test drive) but am concerned that it wouldn't be great for long motorway journeys (my wifes family live 200 miles away and we regularly go to France).
For a 1.6 engine, it'd presumably need to do higher revs for a given speed and that would feel uncomfortable for long periods on motorways (tho I don't really understand why).

Anyone got one of these? Used one for long journeys? Or could explain why a 1.6 engine is less comfortable to drive for long distances than a larger capacity engine?

thanks

Re: Diesel engines
 

You can still get 2lt engines but they now do a 1.6lt that produces exactly the same amount of power as the old 2lt, but it uses less fuel and makes less co2. As it makes the same power as the old ones the rpm on the motorway will be very similar, but most of that comes down to gearing. The new 1.6 can do 120mph if required so crusing at 70-80 on the motorway should be fairly calm and relaxed.

Re: Diesel engines
 

Thanks for that.
So what are the benefits of the 2ltr version - given your reply, I can't see any at all.

Thanks

Re: Diesel engines
 

I have a Fabia 1.6 (105bhp) and it will cruise easily at 100mph without seeming like its pushing, this is due to the fact that the gearbox is annoyingly long ratio'd and power/torque is near enough the same as the old 1.9.

The 2.0l has 140/170 BHP, my dad used to have the 170 golf and it was fairly rapid however the 1.6 is no slouch but it does lack the off boost power of the bigger units.

Note that the 1.6 was designed to replace the 1.9, although the 1.6 is the quietest diesel I have ever heard and it doesn't mind revving compared with most oil burners

Re: Diesel engines
 

We've got two Passat Bluemotions at work, replacing two 2007 model Modeo 2.0's. To be honest there isn't a lot in it, yes they are less powerful, but still plenty able to overtake on single cabbageways and cruise at any speed you like on motorways. They're a lot more driveable than the Fords where zilch happened below 1900rpm. the guys at work were moaning about bhp figures before we got them, but you only get full bhp at the redline (ish) anyway. Cruising revs are about the same as the 2.0 ones.

Re: Diesel engines
 

I've a Skoda Octavia 1.9tdi. It's a vw engine and only puts out 110bhp. It took four adults and all our ski gear 800 miles down to Italy, right through France and Switzerland last chritmas. Cruising at 80-100mph snow permitting and still had plenty in reserve. The peak power figures come at high revs, something you'll seldom see it a diesel. Averaged about 55mpg to.

Re: Diesel engines
 

Consider the 1.4 turbo petrol unit too if you're looking at VW group cars. Personally I hate the nothing, nothing, nothing whoosh/redline, repeat of a diseaseal and the new generation small petrol lumps are a real alternative. Not quite the mpg but lower initial cost, lower insurance (in some cases), a wider spread of power and very quiet. Have tried the 1.6/150 unit in a Ford Focus and thought it was excellent in town and on the motorway - pickup was rapid at all revs so no need to be on the pipe the whole time with a tall top gear for long trips.

Re: Diesel engines
 

Dunno about the VWs but I had a Meriva hire car with 1.4 turbo petrol engine. It did drive well, power more spread out as you say, more at the very bottom, less at the top. Managed 40mpg without going bananas, the Passats we have do 50-60 depending on the load and hills/roads. Our Civic 1.8 petrol does 42mpg so maybe it's just a crap Vauxhall thing.

Re: Diesel engines
 

Thanks guys.
I currently have a 130Bhp Passat and I kind of like (and am used to) the pull it has at about 2000rpm; all the other cars seemed really sluggish in comparison.

I'm still puzzled why anyone would buy the 2ltr Golf now that the 1.6 is out but it (the 1.6) did almost seem a little strained but from how you've explained it to me, it must be purely psychological if it produces the same power.

I had a go in a Seat Exeo as well - rather liked them TBH.