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Mike

I have a new Passat saloon. My van, see outfit, has the same MTPLM. There are only two of us and this year when we went to France it weighed 1445. The car towed superbly and returned 29 MPG when towing. There was always extra power when needed and at know time was I ever worried about its capabilities.

harryb

I know the Passat has had a good name for years now, but we have an 06 plate 2.2 Mondeo estate 155bhp and WOW, as I said on other threads it pulls like a bloody train, just the two of us, just returned from 3 weeks in France and getting 30.5 when towing at a steady 65-70mph, I dont think you could go wrong with either of them, if you go for the Mondeo bear in mind a six or nine month old one and you will save thousands off the new price. which ever one you go for happy caravanning,

Stu

The Passat and Mondeo estate are both on my shortist. 

I am going for the Passat for two reasons.  First, I can't get a test drive of the Mondeo (LeasePlan tell me they can't get demo vehicles at the moment).  Second, the Mondeo is very new.  I had a car before that had just been launched.  It was nothing but trouble - always in the garage for a recall, having something replaced or a software update.  Following that experience  I'd rather let somebody else fix the problems and have a car when it's been around for at least a year and the manufacturer has had time to sort it out.

Quote: Originally posted by mikeje999 on 10/7/2007

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If I go for the Mondeo I'm divided between going for the Zetec with the sport pack option (lower suspension and much nicer alloys) or the self levelling suspension option. I know in my heart I should probably go for the latter but then I'm stuck with horrible alloys. Yes I know I'm being far to picky.

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Definitely the suspension before the alloys.

Will you notice the suspension when towing. Definitely. Will you notice the alloys. No. The only time you will see the alloys is when you wash them.

harryb

I'll add another satisfied vote for the Passat estate.  See my thread on Trailer Stabilisation for a bit more info..

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=20&TopicID=108482&PagePosition=10

Also, I find that the Auto-hold feature invaluable, saves you having to faff about with the electronic pakring brake when towing...

I also specced the self levelling rear suspension, but as I've not towed with a Passat without this I can't say if its worth it!