New VW Passat

[Sonic1]

I'm considering buying a nearly new VW Passat 2.0TDI (140) Saloon to tow my Ace with. I'm impressed with the brochure stats, the car is heavy but still does good fuel consuption and have a respectable 85kgs noseweight. The car will be a rather nice 77% match for my van, but I want to know if anybody had actually towed with one, and is so what do you think? I'm a little concerned about the elctronic parking brake. Any comments?

 

[RichardS1]

Seem to remember a review of the new Passat in either Practical Caravan or the CC magazine where they stated that the electronic parking brake was a benefit when towing.

 

[ian_5041226]

Pretty as much as per richards comment the caravan club magazine did a review on the lateset passat if you can acquire a copy.

 

[tony_5104319]

Sonic, My advise would be to check the car weight with VW uk. I had a an '04 passat and the kerb weight was lower in the hand book than in the glossy books, however with 77% you should be well within but it's worth checking.

 

[Lutz]

Even VW won't be able to tell you the specific kerbweight of your particular car. Contrary to gross vehicle weights which have legal significance and are independent of kerbweight, kerbweight data is only approximate and for information only. It varies according to what options etc. are fitted. These variations can in some cases exceed 150kg so the only accurate way of establishing kerbweight is to weigh the actual car.

 

[RogerL]

Even VW won't be able to tell you the specific kerbweight of your particular car. Contrary to gross vehicle weights which have legal significance and are independent of kerbweight, kerbweight data is only approximate and for information only. It varies according to what options etc. are fitted. These variations can in some cases exceed 150kg so the only accurate way of establishing kerbweight is to weigh the actual car.

The EEC Certificate of Conformity will give the exact kerbweight as the build options are taken into account to give a unique figure for each vehicle. It won't of course include the weight of any dealer-fit or retro-fit items.

 

[Sonic1]

Thanks for the replies people! I have read the review in the Caravan Club magazine as suggested, but Clive (the reviewer) doesn't mention if the electronic handbreak is actually any good. Hence I was after somebody who owns one.

 

[Peter_5068900]

Hi there

I have had a couple of test drives in the estate. The handbrake takes some getting used to but I would imagine it would be useful when towing. There is also an auto function available which applies the handbrake when you stop. Both forms are released when you feed up and release the clutch. I was told to go and practice on some waste ground to get used to it (definely a good idea). In the end we have decided not to have one, not because of the handbrake, but because of the hard seats (my wife has had back surgery). Personally I prefer a normal handbrake. You feel more in control.

Hope this helps towards the handbrake issue.

Go to the dealers and try one.

Peter