My observations in Germany, Austria, and Italy is that gas/diesel separates the upper middle class from the lower. Our friends are all upper. ;-) They are proud to point out their fast, gas cars. They admit the distinction--gas is for those with more money--and who want a sporty car. But their T4s and T5s are all TDI, of course. I drove a BMW 1600D, a little wagon or square-back for two weeks. Very quiet and lots of pep with a 6 speed tranny. I'd love to be able to drive one in the US, I don't think so--it doesn't fit the US image BMW promotes. http://www.bmw.de/de/de/newvehicles/1series/5door/2011/showroom/index.html I even loved the navigation system. It knew every little road in those 3 countries and had a wonderful woman with a British accent telling us what to do. And if you didn't do it, after a couple of reminders, she just took what you were doing and got right back on track. Of course, when she spoke German she might have been more controlling when you didn't turn as she ordered. ;-) I'd take a navigation system like that in my Syncro--but you'll still have to pry the paper maps out of my cold, dead hands.... Richard |
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