bdjohns1
Mar 24, 08, 3:20 pm
Got this as a YC class rental two consecutive weeks at PHL. Two different vehicles - one with <1000 on the odometer, one around 5000.
Performance - the car came equipped with a 2.5L 5-cylinder, rated for 170 hp according to VW's website. Engine is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission (with semi-automatic capability). First time I've seen a 6-speed transmission in a non-premium type vehicle. Rated to go 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. Acceleration at cruising speed is some of the best I've seen in a mid-size rental vehicle - it drops from 6 -> 4 and leaps forward. The car had a sporty ride without feeling too rough - a good balance between comfort and performance in the suspension.
Mileage: EPA rated 21/29 using the new standards. Sounds right to me. It's got at least 40 miles of wiggle room before the needle drops below F.
Interior: One of the nicer interiors in the C class. Noise was well-controlled. VW-standard blue/red dashboard. CD audio system, but did not include an AUX jack or the optional satellite radio. Interior space was acceptable - you wouldn't want someone much over 6'0" in the back seat, like any midsize, but it got the job done.
Keys - the usual VW switchblade key. Kind of annoying on one of the two rentals to have both keys + the valet key. Made for a rather large mass in my jacket pocket.
Overall, one of the better choices in a C class rental in terms of "fun to drive", albeit one you probably won't come across too often.
Performance - the car came equipped with a 2.5L 5-cylinder, rated for 170 hp according to VW's website. Engine is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission (with semi-automatic capability). First time I've seen a 6-speed transmission in a non-premium type vehicle. Rated to go 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. Acceleration at cruising speed is some of the best I've seen in a mid-size rental vehicle - it drops from 6 -> 4 and leaps forward. The car had a sporty ride without feeling too rough - a good balance between comfort and performance in the suspension.
Mileage: EPA rated 21/29 using the new standards. Sounds right to me. It's got at least 40 miles of wiggle room before the needle drops below F.
Interior: One of the nicer interiors in the C class. Noise was well-controlled. VW-standard blue/red dashboard. CD audio system, but did not include an AUX jack or the optional satellite radio. Interior space was acceptable - you wouldn't want someone much over 6'0" in the back seat, like any midsize, but it got the job done.
Keys - the usual VW switchblade key. Kind of annoying on one of the two rentals to have both keys + the valet key. Made for a rather large mass in my jacket pocket.
Overall, one of the better choices in a C class rental in terms of "fun to drive", albeit one you probably won't come across too often.