Yeah, the contis aren't terrible, but I won't be buying them again...I know there are better tires out there. As for the noise levels due to engine...I've driven my friend's 2010 Jetta TDI as well as my 2010 Golf TDI and the experience is virtually the same as far as engine and road noise goes. I haven't been in a new 2011 (Mk6) Jetta TDI, but I would think its gotta be at least as quiet as the '10