Aren't all B230F engines loud, turbo or not? I think this is especially the case at idle - the turbo is probably indeed louder at highway speed. Engine noise doesn't bother me - it keeps one's attention to the task at hand - actively driving a safe car among careless, distracted, detached drivers of 8,000 lb. SUVs, where quiet cabins facilitate long mobile phone calls, careful DVD viewing, or immersion into a 5 channel SACD.

The New Yorker had an excellent story on SUV safety a couple of issues ago. The basic conclusion was this: a Jetta is safe because it makes you feel unsafe; an SUV is unsafe precisely because it makes you feel safe - distracted from the risky task of driving (43,000 people killed on U.S. roads in 2002). It is a good article.

Engine noise reminds me that I am driving, and every little thing that encourages us to stay focused is welcome, in my opinion.

regards,
pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 93K)) ((1992 244, 105K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego