It helps enough that the hydrocarbon capture system and excessive warm-up to hybrid mode was not needed in the NHW20 model. I have an NHW11, 2001-03, and it won't go into hybrid mode until the coolant is at 70C. This requires careful, neighborhood driving for the first 1-2 miles. BTW, the block heater is very popular with the NHW20 owners.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

One thing I fail to understand is the "My car is better than your car" attitude. A few years ago someone produced a "Smug" video, which highlighted a sterotypical hybrid driver driving with nose in the air.

There are a few, at least vocal anti-diesel people around. They mainly spew the old stereotype of yesteryear models, but largely uneducated regarding modern diesels.

I understand the rub with most VW diesel owners against hybrid ... to a point. Hybrids upon their release had a lot of press, and the federal rebates. I understand the rub for those reasons.

What I don't understand is the group's resistance, in general to the growing diversity of automotive technology. There are a few handful of open minded folks like MikeMarsUK, and those who own both diesel and hybrid who realize it's just another smart automotive choice.
But it seems that the vast majority of Diesel owners refuse to look at other technology objectively- and even work to blind others of competition.

Case in point.
I've been an active member over at the TDI club for two years. I've always been polite and respectful of members there, and tolerated many nasty, hateful PM's while some choose just to ignore my posts. I had also made a couple good friends there.

I participated in their mileage competition- and always came up within the top 5 or so of the list, along with some super-gasser hypermilers like Basjoos.
In order to win the competition (In my view), they have eliminated all gassers, including hybrid vehices.

I understand it is fully within thier right to ban us- after all it is a website for VW diesels. Still, I think it is kind of sad the majority carry that attitude.

Again, I don't mean to insult our diesel-driving friends. It's just too bad many (if not most) aren't as open minded.

-Steve

Efficient drivers do it better.
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT

At the end of the day, when people have spent many thousands of pounds / dollars / etc on a car, they've made a huge investment in it - both in terms of money and also emotionally. So it's natural to defend that choice.

If people with hybrids were to try out the modern diesels, I think they'd be impressed, and vice versa also - if the people in the TDIClub were to drive a hybrid for a year they'd also like them. While I have a TDi, I read the hybrid forums (here and cleanmpg) instead of the TDi forums since I think I can learn more from understanding a different type of car.

Most of us try to be open minded. At the end of the day we both drive cars that are doing the right thing, when so many other idiots are not. At least they're paying for it at the pump.

2006 Plat. Gray Jetta TDI 5M -- Bought new 5/01/06
Cut Factory Airbox | !Muffler(s) Mod | 5% tint | Beckhart ClearBra