2012 Volkswagen Beetle
It's hard to approach the status of the Beetle. Only a couple of cars on the road have similar lifetime sales numbers and few have the instantly recognizable shape of the Beetle. Introduced in 2012, the third generation is longer, wider and has an overall more aggressive look. Modern Beetles are front wheel drive with the engine in front. A large hatchback and fold-down rear seat fill the space where the engine used to be. Beetle powertrains include an inline five-cylinder engine and a turbocharged four cylinder. The turbocharged Beetle with 200-horsepower and a six-speed dual clutch transmission should be quick enough to turn some heads. In today's market, Scion, Hyundai, and Kia provide the kind of value that the original Beetle was known for, but a unique combination of heritage, style, utility, and fuel economy should help keep the Beetle on some shopping lists.
2012 Volkswagen CC
The CC is a stylish four-door serving as Volkswagen's top car model in the United States. The CC is related to the 2006-2010 Passat so it is roughly equivalent to a midsize sedan. By comparison, the sleek roofline of the CC is 2-3 inches lower than that of Passat. The interior has seating for only four passengers. CC is offered in four trim levels, three of which are front-wheel-drive with a 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The top model includes Volkswagen's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and their narrow-angle V6 engine. With prices starting at around $30,000, the CC is an interesting alternative to the usual conservative mid-sized sedan.
2012 Volkswagen Eos
The Eos is a sleek four-passenger convertible with a retractable hard top. The hardtop can be raised or lowered in 25 seconds, transforming the convertible Eos into a secure coupe. With the top up the Eos has a remarkable integrated panoramic sunroof. Even with the top stowed, the Eos retains over 6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Eos is related to the Golf and shares its compact proportions. Compared to the Golf, the Eos loses about 2.5 inches of legroom. Volkswagen offers the Eos in three trim levels priced from about $35,000.
2012 Volkswagen Golf 3d
The Golf is Volkswagen's long running compact car series which has at times been sold as the Rabbit in the United States. The Golf range consists of 3-door and 5-door models with high performance versions sold as the GTI or Golf R. The two body styles are nearly identical in size; the 5-door model simply has two extra doors. Compared to other popular compact cars, the Golf is at the larger end of the segment. Legroom is somewhat lacking, but the squared off rear styling adds utility by increasing the cargo area. Standard Golf models are powered by a choice of unusual engines. The base engine is an inline five-cylinder engine. The optional 2.0l turbo-diesel increases fuel economy to 30/42 (city/highway). Golf models are well equipped with the exception of standard steel wheels and wheel covers. Golf TDI models are premium priced from $25,000 and up.
2012 Volkswagen Golf 5d
The Golf is Volkswagen's long running compact car series which has at times been sold as the Rabbit in the United States. The Golf range consists of 3-door and 5-door models with high performance versions sold as the GTI or Golf R. The two body styles are nearly identical in size; the 5-door model simply has two extra doors. Compared to other popular compact cars, the Golf is at the larger end of the segment. Legroom is somewhat lacking, but the squared off rear styling adds utility by increasing the cargo area. Standard Golf models are powered by a choice of unusual engines. The base engine is an inline five-cylinder engine. The optional 2.0l turbo-diesel increases fuel economy to 30/42 (city/highway). Golf models are well equipped with the exception of standard steel wheels and wheel covers. Golf TDI models are premium priced from $25,000 and up.
2012 Volkswagen GTI 3d
The Golf is Volkswagen's long running compact car series which has at times been sold as the Rabbit in the United States. The Golf range consists of 3-door and 5-door models with high performance versions sold as the GTI or Golf R. The two body styles are nearly identical in size; the 5-door model simply has two extra doors. Compared to other popular compact cars, the Golf is at the larger end of the segment. Legroom is somewhat lacking, but the squared off rear styling adds utility by increasing the cargo area. The high performance GTI model has been an icon of sporty compact cars since 1983. The current model equips a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. GTI models equip either a six-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. All Golfs have an independent rear suspension for improved handling. The ultimate Golf/GTI is the Golf R which has 256 horsepower and includes all-wheel-drive for traction. The GTI 3d is a unique ride, but with prices topping $30,000 there are many alternatives including the BMW 1-Series, Nissan Z and muscle cars like the Camaro and Mustang.
2012 Volkswagen GTI 5d
The Golf is Volkswagen's long running compact car series which has at times been sold as the Rabbit in the United States. The Golf range consists of 3-door and 5-door models with high performance versions sold as the GTI or Golf R. The two body styles are nearly identical in size; the 5-door model simply has two extra doors. Compared to other popular compact cars, the Golf is at the larger end of the segment. Legroom is somewhat lacking, but the squared off rear styling adds utility by increasing the cargo area. The high performance GTI model has been an icon of sporty compact cars since 1983. The current model equips a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. GTI models equip either a six-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. All Golfs have an independent rear suspension for improved handling. The ultimate Golf/GTI is the Golf R which has 256 horsepower and includes all-wheel-drive for traction. The GTI 5d is a unique ride, but with prices topping $30,000 there are many alternatives including the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mazda Mazdaspeed3.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta is Volkswagen's compact sedan that competes with top sellers like the Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cruze. Volkswagen offers the Jetta in a range of models from the budget friendly S to the GLI performance model and unique TDI. Like other entry-level models, the Jetta S cuts corners by including drum brakes in the rear and using steel rims in place of alloy wheels. As you climb the trim levels and options, the Jetta is priced competitively with its Japanese rivals. However, in the higher trim levels, there are roomier midsize cars available at the same price point. The high-performance GLI model equips a turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 200-bhp. One unique model in the Jetta range is the Jetta TDI. VW's turbodiesel model is rated at 30 MPG city, 42 MPG highway without the complexity of a hybrid powertrain. With twice the torque, the TDI is going to be more satisfying to drive than a complex hybrid or other high mileage alternative.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
The Jetta SportWagen replaces the trunk of the Jetta with a large cargo area accessible through a hatch. With over 32 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up, the cargo area is large enough to rival a small SUV for utility. A cleanly styled interior features a simple and comfortable layout. The standard engine is a 170hp, 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual and optional six-speed automatic transmission. The SportWagen also offers a rare diesel engine option. The TDI model has an impressive EPA rating of 30 / 41 (city/hwy), which is hard to match in any other car with similar utility. The only downside to the Jetta SportWagen is the price. A reasonably equipped SE model starts at around $25,000.
2012 Volkswagen Passat
The long-running Passat is Volkswagen's midsized sedan. In 2012, Volkswagen developed an all-new Passat for the North American market that is larger than the model sold around the world. This mirrors the strategy employed by Honda with the Accord and Toyota with the Camry. The increased length and width have created one of the roomiest rear seats in the segment. Most Passat models are powered by Volkswagen's unusual 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine. Other choices include a more powerful 3.6l V6 engine in top-end models and a version of VW's 2.0l turbo diesel. The Passat TDI is rated by the EPA at an impressive 31/43 (city/highway). This is exceptional mileage for the class without the complexity of a hybrid powertrain. The only downside is price. A Passat with leather seats tops $30,000 which is thousands higher than others in the segment. The Passat is assembled in Chattanooga, TN.
2012 Volkswagen Routan
Volkswagen was an early pioneer in minivans with its Microbus in the late 1950s. However, the contemporary American minivan market has never had an entry from VW. The Routan, built by Chrysler, gives VW customers a mainstream minivan. VW tuned the suspension and steering for a sportier feel. Restyled front and rear fascias and an exclusive interior design ensure that the Routan is instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen. The Routan includes second row captain's chairs and almost 33 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row. A 3.6l V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic is standard across the range. Traction control and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) are standard. There are four trim levels, ranging from the entry-level S with manual doors and cloth seats, to the top of the line SEL Premium with leather upholstery, HID lights and all optional equipment.
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen's first compact SUV, the Tiguan takes on the segment popularized by the Honda CR-V. This four-door, five-passenger SUV is sized at the smaller end of the segment with proportions similar to the Kia Sportage. The standard engine is Volkswagen's, 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 200-bhp. This exceeds the output of other larger displacement four-cylinders in the segment, but falls short of the V6 power offered in some models. Fuel economy is average at 21/27 for AWD models. The Tiguan is offered in three trim levels ranging from the base S model to the top SEL model. The base S model is well equipped, but includes steel wheels with wheel covers on the least expensive model. The SE trim level adds simulated leather seating and a premium audio system. The top SEL trim level includes real leather seating, HID headlights, automatic climate control and keyless operation. All-wheel-drive is about a $2000 option on all trim levels. With pricing for the SE and SEL models in the low thirties, the Tiguan carries a premium price several thousand dollars higher than some of the alternatives.
2012 Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg is Volkswagen's entry in the premium SUV market. Developed in conjunction with the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg offers a luxurious interior paired with a chassis and drive system that is more than capable off-road as well as on-road. The Touareg starts at around $44,000 for the V6 powered model. A diesel-powered model is priced from $47,000 and adds more torque and improved mileage. A performance-oriented hybrid model is also available for over $62,000. On paper, the Touareg has a lot going for it, but its premium pricing places it in competition with models from brands that have more prestige than the one known for the "people's car".
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