Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 20:37:52 GMT From: krhodesnopsamam.maine.rr.com (Kevin Rhodes) Subject: Re: import 9.3 tdi into US?
>I was always wondering why VW still uses the 90hp TDI in the US, >whereas we in Europe have the 130hp and 150hp PD versions, which would >suit the power hungry US much better. It's probably the combination of >certification costs and low sales numbers. I VW still uses the 90hp TDI in the States because the higher HP versions will not pass our diesel emissions standards when running on our crappy quality diesel fuel. The PD diesels (130hp & 150hp) will not run AT ALL on our diesel - it clogs the injectors and the high sulfer content poisons the catalyst. When VW brought one of the 3l Polos over for a Magazine test, they had to bring a truckload of diesel with it too. My understanding is that if we had decent diesel fuel here, VW would sell the higher hp engines and we would also get diesel Passats - there is a quite decent market for them here. There is good demand for the TDIs we do get here - most dealers have a waiting list, and it is pretty much impossible to get any sort of discounted price on them. In fact, diesel Jetta station wagons often go for more than list price. However, with all that said, I drive a 2002 Golf TDI and it is a great car even with only 90hp! Afterall, it may have only 90hp but it has 155lbs-ft of torque, which is nearly the same as my 1985 Saab 900 Turbo. Through the gears it is no match for the Saab, but in gear performance is the same - actually better at low speeds. And I get DOUBLE the gas mileage. ~50mpg overall. Even at US prices that makes a difference - don't forget the distances here are much longer and there are few options for public transportation in most areas. It's a chicken and egg situation for diesels over here - nobody sells diesels in the US so no one buys diesels in the US. Everyone I have let drive or ride in my Golf is utterly amazed by it. I would buy a Saab diesel in a heartbeat. Kevin Rhodes Westbrook, Maine USA
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