Ari O. stated:

>Reading the "new Beetle" specs, I noticed that the TDI is
>90HP and a whopping 140ft/lb torque... This would seem to be
>a wonderful replacement engine for the Vanagon.

I drove an A3 Jetta TDI earlier this week, and it does indeed
have the response of a gas-engined vehicle.  No perceptible
lag, no smoke, no stink...but also no doubt (audibly) that
you're driving a diesel.  The low end torque of this motor
(at something like 2200rpm, or so) is a real wonder.

I can see why it's a hit in Europe.

Norman