What's new here?
A turbo diesel engine option available in VW's popular Passat series.

What are its strong points?
Big time fuel economy. A Passat TDI is EPA rated at 27 mpg's city, 38 highway. The engine is the new addition, but that aside, Passats are roomy, well appointed and luggage friendly automobiles.

How about the shortcomings?
The Passat TDI is not available everywhere. The diesel model is not being sold in five states (New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and California). There are some telltale reminders that you're in a diesel, like a rougher than normal idle, but that goes away as you get rolling.