A couple of things jump out from the poll so far.
1. Quite surprisingly, wagons are surpassing sedans by a good margin. Demographically, this says that those polled either have a growing family, or need the extra cargo capacity and practicality of a wagon.
2. Not surprisingly, at least for this enthusiast crowd, VWoA badly miscalculated the potential demand for the Passat TDI equipped with manual transmission. Even with the option to make two top choices, people chose one form of manual transmission or another (5-speed or 6) over the automatic by a whopping 3-to-1 margin (DSG excepted for this comparison). DSG was one of my options (the 6-speed manual was the other), but my selection was not wholly based on the merit of being able to shift by itself. Keep in mind that DSG is currently only available on VW Group's transverse engine layout. On the other hand, the Multitronic CVT is currently only available for the longitudinal engine layout and front wheel drive. It also bears to keep in mind that the current iteration of the B5.5 Passat is nearing the end of it's production cycle, and the next generation Passat, to be introduced in Europe for the 2005 model year, will revert to a transverse engine layout. VWAG has already hinted that DSG will be available on the new Passat, although North American availability is another matter entirely.
3. The poll also suggests that 4-cylinder TDI power is still most popular, even if the option exists for a 5- or 6-cylinder TDI. Very unusual of the North American market, IMHO. Fuel economy is apparently still paramount, and correspondingly to this end, the top choice for a 4-cylinder TDI probably mirrors the top choice for a manual transmission. Overwhelmingly, however, those polled want a 4-cylinder that is more up with the times technologically speaking (with a 16V head), and with higher power output. I guess we want to be able to have our cake and eat it, too! However, it should not be dismissed that there are significant votes for the inline-5 and V6 TDI as well. Again, bear in mind that with a transverse layout of the next generation Passat, a 90-degree V6 will not likely fit in the engine bay, making this option in the poll largely academic anyway. However, what it does illustrate is that customers want an available option for greater power.
4. Those polled WANT 4Motion!!! Fully 3/4s of responses ranged from giving 4Motion SOME consideration, to considering it ESSENTIAL. More than HALF said 4Motion was essential or that they would give SERIOUS consideration.
5. Most people want ESP! Only less than 15% said flatly that they did not want ESP or did not know. I think ABS gets those kinds of numbers... /images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
6. Navigation system is not a popular option.
7. Customers also overwhelmingly want an MFA (multi function indicator). At the time of this writing, less than 10% either flatly did not want an MFA or did not know.
8. Surprisingly, over 60% said they considered a Sport Package essential or would give it serious consideration. Only 17% said "No" or did not know. In keeping with the "Have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too" attitude, as practical and economy-minded as prospective Passat TDI buyers are, they want a vehicle that can also be fun and have a sporting character.
Summary: I left discussing the two remaining poll questions to the end, because this is where I see VW can either make right with the Passat TDI or blow it. About half of the respondents said they would be shopping for a Passat TDI WITHIN one year. But the other half said they will be considering the purchase of a Passat TDI after OVER one year, or have no fixed plan. This may not sound like what a company's market study wants to hear. However, IMO, this is time that VW is given, and MUST USE to the fullest possible extent, to get the product right with respect to giving customers what they want!!! More than 3/4 of respondents said either that they will ONLY consider buying a Passat TDI -- or their purchasing decision is greatly greatly influenced -- IF it has the equipment and options they desire. Well, the poll so far speaks volumes about what they (we) want.
