I will echo this post, while driving and changing the GOAT mode to Eco from Normal there is a distinct change in power to a noticeable amount. I am not sure how this is achieved, but the engine does alter itself for better mpg. In addition, I have a theory that this may also activate the grill shutters, but that may also occur in any drive mode at a certain speed and beyond.
You have to remember, your Golf TDI has a lot of torque, as does the 2.0, near 100 ft lbs more than the 1.5 and makes in more enjoyable to drive. We drove both a 1.5 and 2.0, the 1.5 reminds me of what we traded in, a mazda cx3 with a underpowered engine that always seemed like it was working, up-shifting and downshifting constantly to make of for the lack of torque.
The 1.5L is nowhere near underpowered at 181hp and 190TQ. In nearly 7,000 miles I have never once felt like I was underpowered at all.
Unfortunately, this is probably the case. I can't count how many times I've been cruising at 75 mph on the interstate and I get passed by someone doing 85-90+ in something like a Toyota Camry (LOL). Could I go 90 too? Sure. The 1.5L certainly has the capability to keep up without working too hard. However, I know I'm not driving a sports car (and neither are "they").
I drive a 15 Golf TDI about 1000 miles a week, I like it cuz it's got loads of torque. I typically drive 10mph above the speed limit when traffic allows. I"m not saying the 1.5 isn't peppy. We drove on before settling on the badlands. The 2.0 is just much quieter under load, has near 100 ft pounds more torque so it's enjoyable to drive. My wife drives mainly around town and side roads and her biggest compliment to her new Bronco is how smooth the engine is compared to her 17 Mazda CX3 she traded. It was very similar sounding to the 1.5 and very similar power to it as well.
Everyone has their own personal reasons for what they want and will enjoy.
All true; and even towing, the difference between the Badlands/First Edition (with the 2.0LT) and all the rest is only 200 lbs. towing capacity. Though I think there would be a larger difference if they had a conventional rear differential, or perhaps that and a conventional transfer case arrangement as well.
I don't like it at all....when I put my '22 BSBL in Sport mode that feature is disabled....
This is my first vehicle with the engine start/stop feature too. But I find it doesn't bother me much? So many people seem to really dislike it, but I was impressed with how well it all works, really. I mean, there's a lot of technology going into the thing (makes sure engine always stops with cylinders at top dead center for the fastest possible restart, etc.).
How so? The video you linked to was one I found on Road and Track's web page talking about this very topic, and they say, "A study by the Society of Automotive Engineers found that using start-stop can see a car's fuel economy improve by over eight percent in heavy traffic."
Just because an engine is stopped in a position that allows it to restart quickly, that doesn’t change the amount of fuel needed to restart that engine. There might be some very specific circumstances where it does require less fuel but those would be random and infrequent.
