Thinking about getting one of these in estate format. Is the 100PS diesel engine good enough for comfortably towing an average 4 berth single axle or does it struggle? Currently driving a 1.8 petrol Mondeo.
I am now onto my second Passat TDi. The first one was the 110BHP engine. This was far superior to my previous petrol engined Mondeo 1.8 that struggled to tow my Dalesman 4 berth. My second Passat is the 130BHP Sport model. This is even better thatn the first. There is no problem in pulling away & keeping up with stat/stop traffic. Having driven these cars, I would be hestant to go for the 100BHP model. If you do and then get the oportunity to drive the 130BHP model you may regret it
I tow an Elddis Avante 505 with my 100ps Passat (2002 model year). The caravan is loaded to 1300kg and I have absolutely no problems towing this, including over various mountain passes in Switzerland and Austria over the last 2 years. It will hold 60+mph without any trouble in 5th and is reasonably quick, although not as quick as a 130ps, getting there.
I am about to put a towbar on my Audi A4 1.9 TDi. This has the same engine as the passat and a similar vehicle weight so performance should be the same.
I have the 110 bhp version and I am very impressed with the power. Up until now we have pulled our 4 birth Baily Scorpio (1000kgs) with a 1.9 VW Golf none turbo which kicks out 89 bhp. It only just holds 60mph on the flat and I often have to drop down to 4th gear to hold it at 55mph. I am sure the A4 will be fine, but if not it is possible to up the power by simply buying a small electronic box for around
I used to use a 90bhp Peugeot 406 pulling a 1200kg four berth caravan (Coachman Mirage 480/4) with no problems. Obviously the more power, the better the acceleration, but the Peugeot was always acceptable.