05/23/2012 (press release: CambridgePRGroup) // Manchester, N.H., USA // Quirk Volkswagen NH
Technically, the driving range of a 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel sedan is set at 795 miles, but an Australian couple recently took their model a whole lot farther. So far, in fact, that they set a world record for longest distance traveled on a single tank of diesel fuel, covering 1626.1 miles with a 2012 Passat model that can be found at any Volkswagen dealership.
Already holding a host of fuel-economy and mileage records, hypermilers John and Helen Taylor took a stock 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI from Houston, Texas to Sterling, Va. on a single tank of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel earlier this month. To keep conditions more realistic on their three-day trip, the couple drove during daylight to encounter normal traffic patterns and traveled with 120 pounds of luggage. The Passat TDI averaged 84.1 mpg during the voyage, well above the car’s EPA rating of 43 mpg on the highway.
“The number of miles that the Taylors squeezed out of their tank is astounding, but our customers tell us that they frequently get better mileage than the Passat TDI’s EPA rating, so we’re not completely surprised,” said Frank Carnucci, general manager of Manchester, New Hampshire VW dealer Quirk Volkswagen. “In fact, we expect this record to be broken again by a future Passat, because the old record was set with a European diesel model of the car.”
The Taylors’ long trip was likely a bit more comfortable than the one taken by the previous record-holders in the European Passat model, as the 2012 Passat was redesigned to create a more accommodating interior for the American market. Offering increased passenger room like all new Passats, the SE TDI trim driven by the Taylors also features heated V-Tex leatherette front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a premium touchscreen radio.
Volkswagen has made a point to maintain a high level of material quality in its vehicles, even after lowering the starting prices of redesigned models like the Passat and Volkswagen Jetta. The Detroit Free Press recently reported that the automaker did not reduce its investment in the two vehicles’ interior features when the prices were cut. Following its redesign for the 2011 model year, the Jetta’s starting price decreased by close to $2,000, while the standard 2012 Passat was priced around $7,000 less than its predecessor.
By appealing to Americans’ tastes as well as their wallets, Volkswagen’s new strategy appears to be paying off in the showroom. Year-over-year, the automaker increased its U.S. market share more than any other European auto brand last month, rising to 3.2 percent from 2.5 percent in April 2011. Though the Jetta sedan led all VW sales in April, moving 13,754 units, the Passat saw its best month ever, selling 10,096 units in the United States.
“It helps that Volkswagen’s sedans now feature everything that Americans have come to expect, but sales are really being driven by the Passat and Jetta surpassing those expectations,” added Carnucci. “Their interiors may be tailor-made to improve comfort and convenience, but they also have the performance that comes with German engineering. Buyers are getting the best of both sides of the Atlantic.”
About Quirk Volkswagen NH:
As the newest Quirk auto dealership, Quirk Volkswagen NH has quickly emerged as the destination for New Hampshire VW lovers. They have a fantastic selection of new and used Volkswagens ranging from the Jetta to the Tiguan, and the friendly, experienced sales and service staff to back them up. New Hampshire Volkswagen shoppers can browse Quirk Volkswagen’s inventory online at www.quirkvwnh.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenNH, call them at 866-308-5124 or visit their dealership at 1100 S. Willow Street in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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