Don't see how all these 'super cars' are even remotely in the same category as a Prius or Jetta. They shove a lithium traction battery in them and call them 'Hybrids'? Technically, they are, but no way intended for the same purpose as a Prius. If I can afford one of those, yeah, I would buy one, but not for the same purpose as a Jetta/Prius. Anyone who works for a living, such as me, will only have only the sub $30,000 hybrids within reach, and the limitations of these models, made for efficiency and not to win a drag race. GT-N7000 ? 2
Of course the Porsche, Ferrari, NSX and McLaren hybrids are not affordable for you or me or 99.99% of the people out there. But do they "drive like a hybrid"? (Your words). My point is, in 2013, it is better to say a given car "handles/performs better than a Prius" then it is to say "handles/performs better than a hybrid". You will offend fewer people. Now, let's use that fancy Google machine to find you a sub $30k hybrid that not only blows away the Golf TDI by 2 whole seconds 0-60, it handles better, has a lower MSRP and costs less to fuel (mainly since it use gas instead of more expensive diesel; MPG's are dead even). Oh, and it is also available in a manual: 2011 Honda CR-Z U.S. Spec First Drive - Motor Trend Compare Side-by-Side
Seriously, beats the Golf TDI by 2 seconds? 2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI - Comparison - Motor Trend MT seems to think the Golf handles better too.
I would guess MT is slightly biased towards the TDI (or biased/skeptical of hybrids), as are most car magazines. Handling is in the hands of the driver, others may disagree. As far as 0-60 times, this website clearly shows "2013 Volkswagen Golf TDI 1.6 S 0-60 mph 10.5" See for yourself: Volkswagen 0-60 Times & Volkswagen Quarter Mile Times | VW Golf GTI, Jetta, Passat, 2013 CC, Tourareg, New Beetle, 2014 XL1 and VW Cabrio 0 to 60 stats! Maybe they were wrong and MT was right. Who knows? What I do know is that for the $3k cheaper MSRP, I could easily take my CRZ to SF's Luscious Garage Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists | Modifications and get it moded with a plug, lighter, more powerful batteries, and a more powerful electric motor. The TDi wouldn't stand a chance!
The 1.6 TDI isn't sold here. We get the 2.0, which was what MT tested. According to your linked site, its 0-60 is faster than the CR-Z.
The Golf is a nice car to drive and is infinitely more practical. About the only thing I could say about the Honda is that it's cheap.
Looks like clogged and cracking DPFs are starting to pop up on the TDI forums. Up to $3000 replacement at the VW dealers.
Problems with DPFs have been known for years over here in Europe. People are not advised how to deal with/prevent problems with them at lower mileage and when they get to higher mileage, they;'re gone anyway If you can get away with it, we try to use a dpf delete here, but some tests wont allow that
Assuming the state tests for emissions to begin with. Of course, there are plenty of Sonics on a forum I check where owners have installed straight pipes and bypassed the catalytic convertor. It is likely so with any car model the attracts performance modders.
They do here in most Countries, though the specifications of these tests vary widely. The EU wanted to make the tests all the same, but there was an uproar here as our strict, annual test would be watered down to a weaker test every two years. Some Countries you can get away with removing emission equipment and others you can't. Guess it's the same as being able to drive with bald tyres whilst drunk. Some places lock you up, others you give a bribe to the local police.
What a bunch of hassle. How does this make the Golf "more practical"?? More like a major pain in the rear, IMHO. If you add in the $3000 lower MSRP, the $3000 saved in not having to replace a DPF, and the $1500 in gas savings over 5 years, the CR-Z comes out to $7500 cheaper. Do you know what kind of mods you could do to a CR-Z for $7500? 0-60 in the 6 second range should not be out of reach, and the irony is that (unlike the Golf) modding a CR-Z actually improves both performance and emissions.
I have a co-worker that purchased the CR-Z right before I bought my Prius. His mpg is </= 33 mpg. He also has only 2 seats. Is this practical? Well it is a choice. Pointing out mechanical discretions of past VW Golf TDIs and past Prius would make an interesting list. They both have had high dollars issues, especially for those that only do "minimum" suggested maintenance.
