While You Were Sleeping: January 29th, 2015

Besides, I don't want fancy gizmos like power windows, a back-up camera, etc. Just more things to break down and add weight.

Driving a 2012 5 door Golf TDi....yes, I'd buy this in a heartbeat. I'd have bought a regular GTD too if they'd let me. 8.1 seconds isn't fast in 2015 but in 99% of your normal, not on a racetrack or internet-style driving, it will get you away from a stoplight way faster than the pack. Driving a diesel car is like driving the old big blocks. Many were sold to mass market buyers with only two barrel carbs. These engines had massive torque but got wheezy up high. They lived in big four door sedans and moms (Turnpike Cruiser Vista Brougham XL) wagon. The modern turbodiesels have the exact same torque curve. I hope the price drop for gas (not diesel) won't kill this car in the US.. I bought regular gas for 1.95 recently. D'oh !

Volkswagen, you idiots. I said GTI, not GTD. D doesn't look anything like an I. If I wanted a diesel wagon, I'd buy what is already over here instead of a lukewarm version of it for god-knows-how-much. Put the 2.0T and GTI suspension under it.

You have to put up with different things whether you go diesel or gasser. My TDI may not be painted in a lovely shade of brown, but I like the fuel range a lot. It's quiet enough and smooth once cruising speed is reached. Would I still get another one? Maybe. I really don't know. You really should only go diesel if your driving fits the character of the diesel. If VW's new 1.8T is light on the front axle and charismatic as Saab's B207, I could be tempted by the gasser again. The boost build up, the wooshing, you get none of that in the TDI. But I would miss the TDI's strength. When it comes to driving fun, I still miss the 9-3...