Hi. I bought my 2011 TDI Sportwagen in December, and my only disappointment is with the tire noise. My previous vehicle was an Audi Allroad, so this probably is skewing my perceptions as the two are hardly comparable. Anyhow, if you're driving on asphalt roads, it's acceptable (though our '07 Prius **seems** quieter). However, when I drive on the concrete paved interstates in Pennsylvania, it's deafening. It drowns out the radio, and people who call on my cell say they cannot hear me on the built in microphone in the bluetooth system. Don't get me wrong; I love the car; it's a smash to drive. It's comfortable, and the mileage is great. Noise is totally subjective. Some people are as deaf as a door knob; others hear each and every little thing. Drive them both, in town and on the highway and determine for yourself. That's the only true measure.