2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Coupe
Volkswagen unveiled a sleek New Compact Coupe concept, with a 45-mpg hybrid powertrain and an off-white leather interior with bucket seats for four.
According to Volkswagen, “the New Compact Coupe (NCC) shows, both technically and visually, how Volkswagen envisions a front-wheel-drive hybrid for the compact class that would be implemented when the time is right.”
This is the second U.S. concept debut from Volkswagen focusing on fuel-efficiency. At the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, the automaker unveiled the Up! Lite, a lightweight, high-mileage model with numerous design details all emphasizing efficiency gains.
In the NCC, Volkswagen supplemented its 150-horsepower 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder engine—employing direct injection and intercooling—with a 20 kW electric motor. The motor is between the engine and seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission.
The electric motor is about the strength of those employed in mild-hybrid systems and functions mainly to boost the TSI engine and help it operate in its most efficient range, though Volkswagen says that this could be considered a full hybrid system as the NCC can operate in electric mode alone when cruising or coasting. When braking, the system recovers energy, storing it in the 1.1 kW-hour lithium-ion battery.
The concept gets a combined fuel economy of 45 mpg, according to VW, yet can reach a top speed of 141 mph or get to 60 mph in just 8.1 seconds—which looks to be a compelling compromise between efficiency and performance.
Inside, there's an eight-inch touch screen for the navigation system and audio, with chrome trim and bezels used throughout the dash, but the standout aspect of the interior is the Berry White leather used throughout, contrasted with slightly darker Quartz trim details. The interior is said to be good for four adults, while the trunk is a roomy (for a small coupe) 13.4 cubic feet. Overall, it's about 178 inches long, which puts it just slightly longer than the 2010 Kia Forte Koup.
The NCC, if produced, would likely be closely related to the all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, termed NCS (New Compact Sedan) within the company, that's expected late this year.
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2010 Volkswagen Touareg Bottom Line
To bring you the most useful review possible on the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg, TheCarConnection.com has looked to some of the most reputable review sources on the Web, handpicking highlights for a full review. The editors of TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Volkswagen Touareg—including the more fuel-efficient TDI—and give you observations along with comparisons to rival vehicles here in this Bottom Line.
Likes
Refinement and quiet
Premium-feel interior design and materials
Ride comfort
Top safety protection
Torque and drivability of TDI engine
Dislikes
Unimpressive backseat and cargo space
Not easy to park or maneuver in tight spaces
Low fuel economy (gasoline engines)
Looks are deceiving for the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg; it looks like a soft, carlike crossover, a bigger brother to the much leaner Tiguan, but despite its styling, the Touareg offers serious off-road capability and trail ruggedness, along with some measure of trailer-towing ability. But families simply seeking a conveyance for people and cargo on the road are likely to be a little disappointed, as the Touareg's design fails to emphasize space and efficiency.
For 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg was given a modest restyling, with a little more brightwork, new LED rear lamps, and some slight aerodynamic and interior improvements—plus a number of new tech features and improvements—but overall the Touareg has changed little since its introduction seven years ago. With a smooth, wagonlike profile, lifted with off-road-friendly ground clearance, bright side sills, and a grille not unlike those on VW's cars, the Touareg looks more soft than rugged. Inside, the Touareg's cabin is a drastic departure from VW's traditionally Spartan cabins.
Last year Volkswagen introduced a more fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine to the lineup. The new 3.0-liter TDI V-6 makes 221 horsepower and 407-lb-ft of torque—especially good for off-roading or towing—yet achieves EPA ratings of 18 mpg city, 25 highway. The engine is much cleaner than the previous diesel offered on the Touareg and meets 50-state emissions. For 2010, VW discontinues the V-8, leaving the TDI as a premium to the base engine on the Touareg, a 3.6-liter gasoline V-6. The V-6 is an updated version of VW's venerable narrow-angle VR6 engine. Output is a respectable 276 horsepower, but the V-6 doesn't have enough low-rev torque to move the heavy Touareg with much authority.
The four-wheel-drive system included with the Touareg has a low range for serious off-roading, along with the impressive approach and departure angles to conquer some precarious situations. Hill descent and climb assist, two electronic aids, also help with slippery situations. The available air suspension package brings the ability to adjust ride height and improves handling both on- and off-road, or when towing. When properly equipped, the Volkswagen Touareg can haul up to 7,716 pounds.
Seating is reasonably comfortable in the 2010 Touareg, though it lacks the impressive interior and cargo space that you might have come to expect from utility vehicles. The front seats are spectacular, managing to be both luxuriously soft yet firm enough for ache-free long drives—and the driving position is nice and upright—but the rear seats disappoint. The second-row bench is comfortable, but there's no third-row seat and surprisingly little room for either passengers or cargo in back. Throughout the interior, appointments feel premium, and this VW could easily carry an exclusive luxury badge. Fine leather, metal, and wood interior materials lift the mood, while soft-touch plastics round out the cabin design. Fit and finish is superb as well, and while most gauges are easy to read, there is a rather confusing array of buttons and controls. Ride quality is excellent in the Touareg. Thanks in part to its heft, the Touareg's ride is smooth, settled, and not nearly as bouncy as in other off-road-capable SUVs, with a tight, quiet cabin. It handles well for a vehicle that in some trims can approach three tons—although the weight can be felt in abrupt maneuvers.
Built like a fortress and appointed with all the expected safety features, the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg promises tremendous security and protection. Front side airbags, full-length side curtain bags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control are all standard. Sure enough, it's done very well in federal crash tests, with top five-star ratings in both frontal and side-impact tests. Maneuverability is a disappointment; despite the manageable length and width (at the small end of a mid-size car), the Touareg is somewhat difficult to park, and visibility is impaired—you'll need to rely on the now-standard rear sensors.
The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg includes a lot of standard features. Examples include a power rear liftgate, sonar parking sensors, and Sirius Satellite Radio, as well as heated seats, a sunroof, keyless entry, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. A Bluetooth hands-free interface is now standard on the Toureg, and major options include a high-end Dynaudio sound system, a navigation system, and adaptive cruise control, plus lavish interior materials upgrades with cricket leather and walnut trim.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg is a different type of vehicle than it appears. If toughness takes precedence over space and versatility, it might be right for you.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg, also consider:
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- Lexus RX
- BMW X5
- Audi Q7
- Acura MDX
Reason Why:
If your needs involve more passenger-hauling than off-roading, you'll probably be better off with one of the many more carlike crossover vehicles, as the Touareg can feel especially heavy and cumbersome with no reward in terms of interior space. The Acura MDX and Lexus RX are both better options for passenger comfort; they feel roomier inside and handle well, though their appointments might not seem quite as exclusive. The Audi Q7, which is related to the Touareg, has an available third-row seat and a beautiful, more expansive interior; it doesn't have such a focus on off-road ability, so it handles a bit better on the road. The X5 and MDX are the best choices of this group for those who want an SUV that feels frisky and agile. But if you plan to off-road or tow in luxury, the Touareg is one of the best SUVs for its size. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has off-road and towing ability but outdoes the Touareg with a more spacious, more passenger-friendly interior, however.
Buying Tip
Unless you plan to tow heavy loads, TheCarConnection.com recommends keeping it simple and skipping the available air suspension on the 2010 Touareg. The standard Touareg suspension provides a comfortable ride for most uses.
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2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Bottom Line
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is mechanically the same as the 2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan, and like the Sedan is now only offered in a single Komfort trim, with a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. For extensive coverage of both models, including TheCarConnection.com's Bottom Line and Full Review, along with how the Wagon sizes up as an SUV alternative, please visit our page on the 2010 VW Passat Sedan.
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Strategic Alliance: Volkswagen To Buy 20% Stake In Suzuki
All those rumors about a VW/Suzuki tie-up are now official: Volkswagen AG will purchase a 20% stake in Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation at a cost of ¥222.5 ($2.5 billion). To return the favor -- and to provide some parity to the deal -- Suzuki will also buy a stake in Volkswagen, at a price estimated to be about half the sum that VW antes up.
This arrangement should serve both companies well. It's no secret that the Asian auto market has serious growth potential, and Suzuki and Volkswagen can leverage one-another to earn larger share across the continent. For example, Suzuki can help Volkwagen in India, where it does particularly well, and Volkswagen can give Suzuki a leg-up in China, where VW sales are strong.
Suzuki -- which has had trouble maintaining a foothold in auto markets like the U.S. -- has more to gain from the partnership, and it will no doubt benefit from the stability that a large auto company like VW can offer. Volkswagen and its sizable resources will also help Suzuki remain competitive on the production and technology fronts. Said Suzuki, "The world automotive industry is in the midst of significant changes.... It is difficult to adapt to these numerous issues on our own."
Combined sales of the two companies will likely outpace those of Toyota, which is currently the world's #1 automaker. The tie-up should be completed by mid-February 2010.
[DetNews]
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L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Audi A3 TDI Earns Green Car Of The Year
The 2010 Audi A3 TDI has been dubbed Green Car of the Year, making it the second time in a row that a clean diesel vehicle has taken the honor. (Last year's winner? The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.) Ron Cogan -- editor of Green Car Journal, which presented the award yesterday at the L.A. Auto Show -- pointed out that although there are a number of hybrids and EVs on the market and in the works, the A3 best answers the question, "What about our needs [for fuel efficient cars] now?" The 2010 Audi A3 TDI runs $30,775 in the U.S., and it scored a solid 8 on the TCC review scale -- just in case you're curious. [GreenCarReports]
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Ford Gaining On Honda And Toyota In Perceived Quality
Among mainstream brands, consumers still rate Honda and Toyota highest in quality--whether that is or isn't the case on actual quality surveys. But Ford is quickly gaining ground. That's according to the latest Perceived Quality Study (PQS), from residual values expert Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG).
Perceived quality sometimes fails to mirror actual quality. Here, there's no better example than Volkswagen, which ALG says has maintained a strong perceived level of quality even though the brand has placed low in actual metrics for quality.
"Volkswagen's emotionally appealing designs have helped strengthen perceptions of its overall brand and lift VW into third place," said ALG general manager James Clark, in a release accompanying the results. ALG points to the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan and CC as image-boosters.
Honda's emphasis on engines and engineering might pay off in dividends with respect to perceived quality. ALG observes out that if a consumer thinks that a brand has reliable engines, they will rate other vehicle characteristics high as well. Both Honda and Toyota "consistently score high in perceived quality, actual quality, and residual values because they have maintained a long history of quality with specific focus on durable and reliable powertrains."
Another reason ALG attributes to the continued lofty perceptions of Toyota and Honda are consistent lifecycle management--meaning that major redesigns occur at regular intervals (typically five years) with enhancements in between. Minimized incentives and fleet sales have also helped boost residual value and bolster perceptions.
Over the past year, perhaps because of the failure of GM and Chrysler, there have been some pronounced changes in perceived quality. Ford has surged, with Ford Cars showing a 10.1 percent year-over-year boost in the PQS. ALG attributes the successful launches of the 2010 Ford F-150 and 2010 Ford Flex, plus the 2010 Taurus and the hype around the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
Hyundai also did well, rising 5.5 percent in the study versus a year ago, demonstrating that more shoppers perceive the once no-frills brand in a very positive way. ALG attributes the Hyundai Assurance Program and its strong performance in the Cash for Clunkers program, along with the new Genesis Coupe and sedan.
The Chrysler brand ranked at the bottom, with an 11.9-percent drop perceived quality. ALG says that some refreshed products like the redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 might help bridge the gap. "However, the uncertainty about the brand's future and the significant time lag between today and the arrival of new products are obvious concerns for Chrysler.
Saturn, Pontiac, and Chevrolet were also down significantly in perceived quality, likely due to GM's bankruptcy filing this year rather than any difference in real quality.
The results of this survey are important, as perceived quality is one of many factors used in assessing a vehicle's residual value, which affects resale value and predicts resale value.
The twice-yearly survey was conducted by Zogby International and based on between 3,000 and 4,000 responses.
[ALG]
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2010 Audi Q7
TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Audi Q7 to write this Bottom Line road test from hands-on experience. The companion Full Review brings you a conclusive look at other opinions from around the Web. Editors at TheCarConnection.com compare the Q7 with rival sport-utility vehicles as well, to help you make the best purchase decision.
Likes
Elegant, advanced SUV styling
Detailed, finely trimmed interior
Handling and ride balance
Three-row seating
Diesel fuel economy
Dislikes
Gas-engine fuel economy
One hefty ute
Ballooning price of top models
The first sport-utility ever from sports-sedan specialists at Audi, the Q7 returns for the 2010 model year with a refreshed exterior and a touched-up cabin-and a new smaller stablemate in the Audi Q5. Part of a joint product plan with the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne, the five- or seven-seat Audi A7 is offered with a choice of V-6, V-8, and diesel V-8 engines and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Priced from $47,725 for the V-6, the Q7 diesel costs $51,725 and the V-8, $61,825. The competition includes the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and Lincoln MKT.
A subtle, elegant approach defines the Q7. It's not a brutish off-roader in the Land Rover vein, nor a monster truck like the bling-encrusted Cadillac Escalade. The Q7's fastback shape is classy and stylish, with only a high ground clearance to give away the off-road appeal. Audi's huge nose-to-ground grille dominates the front end, while sharp cutlines define the curvy body and athletic profile. The clean look-it's actually a complex sculpture-integrates new LED taillamps, new headlamps and front and rear bumpers, and two-tone or body-color skirts, depending on the model chosen. The Q7's richly appointed interior wears leather, suede, and wood well. It's tightly integrated and attractively styled, with a generally uncluttered appearance save for some of the minor switches.
Audi's threesome of engine choices gives the Q7 a wide appeal, particularly to green-minded shoppers. The base engine is a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6. According to Audi, it accelerates to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and tops out at 130 mph, with fuel-economy ratings of 14/20 mpg. The smooth, swift 4.2-liter V-8 kicks out 350 hp, and though it's thin on low-end torque, it barks out a muted engine growl that's a great soundtrack for spirited driving. With it, the Q7 accelerates to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, but fuel economy falls to 12/17 mpg. The third choice? Audi's turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 diesel. It has 221 hp but 406 pound-feet of torque, which puts it performance between the other options-and its fuel economy at 18/25 mpg. It doesn't have the quick throttle response of the V-8, but highway passing power is strong and there's very little noise to let on that it's a diesel.
Across the 2010 Q7 lineup, Audi installs a responsive six-speed automatic with a sport-shift mode. The Q7's power steering has ideal effort-pretty unusual for an SUV-with some feedback and a bit of road feel. Ride and handling are far above the SUV norm, since the Q7's fitted with an independent suspension and all-wheel drive, which team up for comfortable, capable handling and a big 6,600-pound towing capacity. The Q7 also uses air shocks for a choice of driving modes (sport, comfort, and automatic) that lifts and lowers the vehicle for driving extremes-off-roading, high-speed interstate runs.
In both the five- or seven-passenger versions, passengers in the Audi Q7 will find wonderfully supportive seats in the front two rows. The leather-covered front bucket seats are supportive enough for long rides, with plenty of adjustability for all sizes of people. The second row has adult-sized legroom and headroom, but three across won't be happy after more than an hour or so. There's an option for third-row seating; it's small, but it's large enough for children. The third-row seats fold flat, and the second-row seats move back and forth 4 inches to create more legroom. The rear two rows also fold flat to open up a significant 88-cubic-foot cargo hold. Accessing that cargo is no chore; the tailgate is power-operated, and it's crafted in aluminum.
The Audi Q7 is among the safest SUVs on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Q7 its highest ratings for front and side impact protection. It also awards the Q7 four stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Q7 as "good" in front, side and rear impacts, and calls it a Top Safety Pick. Dual front, side, and curtain airbags are standard on the Q7, along with anti-lock brakes, as well as stability and roll control. Rear thorax side airbags-a rare feature on any vehicle-are optional, as are a rearview camera, a lane-departure warning system, and a blind-spot warning system.
The Audi Q7 slots above most of Audi's vehicles in mission and size-and price-so its standard-equipment list is long. Every Q7 has automatic climate control; 18-inch alloy wheels; a power tailgate; cruise control; and keyless entry. Audi's Multi Media Interface also is standard, and this year's version is significantly updated with a joystick controller, integrated real-time traffic from Sirius XM, and 3D mapping displayed on a larger, high-resolution LCD screen. Major options include a cold-weather package with heated front- and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel; a DVD navigation system; and four-zone climate control.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Audi Q7 tames the SUV bad-boy image with subtler looks, diesel fuel economy, and good on-road performance.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Audi Q7, also consider:
- Porsche Cayenne
- Mercedes GL-Class
- BMW X5
- Lincoln MKT
Reason Why:
Both the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne are related to the 2010 Audi Q7, but the Cayenne's a closer competitor, though it doesn't offer a third-row seat. It's less attractive than the Audi, too, but a brutal Turbo version has scalding acceleration. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV has crisp lines and a luxurious, roomy interior. BMW's X5 struggles with plain design and a taller, less roomy package, but also has a blazing M performance edition. The new entry on this list is the massive, flamboyant Lincoln MKT. A seven-seat crossover with some kitschy features-how about a refrigerator inside?-the MKT has acres of interior room, good handling, a distinctive look, and a turbocharged V-6 option that makes it a dark-horse challenger in this pack.
Buying Tip
Audi's diesel won't impress the biofuel fan club; it's only approved to run on B5 fuel, which means it can't use most bio-blends.
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2010 Volkswagen GTI
The editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2010 Volkswagen GTI to bring you this hands-on review of its styling, performance, features, safety and comfort. Along with the road test, editors researched opinions from other respected Web sites to bring you a comprehensive full review of the new VW GTI for 2010.
Likes
Tossable handling
Settled, controlled ride quality
Dual-clutch transmission
Good fuel economy
Dislikes
Somewhat dowdy styling
Two-door's difficult rear-seat entry
A costly round of Golf
While its Golf companion undergoes a name change for 2010, VW's GTI stays pretty much the same for the new model year. Aside from the sheetmetal changes that accompany the new Golf lineup, the GTI retains its entertaining handling, sweet turbocharged engine, and available dual-clutch transmission, as well as a choice of three- and five-door hatchback body styles. The new GTI carries a base price of $23,290 and competes against the likes of the Honda Civic Si, MazdaSpeed3, and MINI Cooper.The 2010 Volkswagen GTI hatchbacks share the same basic styling as the lesser Golf-which is to say, upright and a little dowdy, compared to the likes of the Mazdaspeed3, though the three-door is the less frumpy of the pair. It's all in the details, distinguishing the GTI from the new Golf. The new wider grille gets a black honeycomb texture and a GTI badge, along with the traditional red-stripe outline. Black side skirts, new tail lamps, and a body-color hatchback-mounted spoiler hint at the performance under the newly creased hood. Inside the GTI, there are traditional plaid seats, a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel in leather and aluminum with red stitching, and tidy GTI badges sprinkled around the cabin and on the deeply sculpted sport seats. The interior's been cleaned up for the new model year, and a big LCD screen dominates the center stack and controls a new audio setup. VW's distinct touch for high-quality interiors is evident here, with lots of richly textured plastic and soft-touch surfaces.
A single turbocharged 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine pulls the 2010 GTI up and away from the rest of the Golf lineup. The engine's a torque machine, putting out a wide, flat powerband that's not at all peaky as some turbos can feel. It's teamed with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox, in which twin clutches alternate and pre-select gearchanges like an automatic, but with faster-than-manual shift speed and without a clutch pedal. The six-speed manual has a vague lever feel and a light clutch action; TheCarConnection.com prefers the dual-clutch transmission. It's entertaining to paddle through gears, and it delivers better acceleration and fuel economy. With the manual transmission, VW promises 0-60 mph times of 6.8 seconds and a 130-mph top end, along with 31/21 mpg fuel economy. With the dual-clutch gearbox, 0-60 mph comes in 6.7 seconds and fuel economy jumps to 32/24 mpg.
Handling is a strong point with the GTI. Its electromechanical power steering has a well-sorted feel, and the ride is taut, not jarring. The front strut and independent rear suspension absorb big bumps with nary a crash or bang, and braking on TheCarConnection.com's test car feels strong and controllable. The GTI adds to the stock Golf an electronic limited-slip differential called XDS, which helps it push through corners better by shifting power to the front wheel with more traction. The GTI wears 17-inch wheels with all-season tires that can be swapped out for slick, painted 18-inch wheels and summer tires.
The 2010 GTI fits enthusiastic drivers well. The sport front seats are thickly bolstered and shift eight ways-though TheCarConnection.com's editors wish the three adjustment types (two levers and one big knob) could join up with each other in a mutually agreeable location. They offer plenty of head- and legroom, but tall drivers up front will cut into the legroom in back. There's a little less space back there than expected, and knee room in back can be an issue. Headroom is quite good, though an "easy entry" seat belt holder on two-door models doesn't make the climb into the back much easier. The GTI's rear seats get their own armrest and adjustable headrests, and fold flat to open up the cargo area to a considerable size. The upright shape and sizable glass areas give the GTI great visibility, and the feel isn't unlike that of the MINI Cooper.
The 2010 VW GTI hasn't been crash-tested yet, but as it's very similar to the prior Golf/GTI duo, it's likely to repeat the four-star ratings for frontal impact and five-star ratings for side impact from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the Top Safety Pick designation awarded to it by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Standard features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and brake assist, as well as tire pressure monitors and active headrests. Rear side airbags are an option in the four-door GTI.
The 2010 GTI is on par with the tech-friendly competition in terms of features. All GTIs come equipped with 17-inch wheels and performance tires, high-capacity brakes, sport suspension, metal-trimmed pedals, and monochromatic exterior paint schemes-in addition to air conditioning, cruise control, and a rear defroster. Also standard are an eight-speaker, AM/FM/Sirius audio system with touchscreen controls, a six-disc in-dash changer and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. For 2010, the GTI offers a new 18-inch alloy wheel package, available with summer performance tires, and a navigation system with an SD slot, a 30GB hard drive for storage, and DVD playback. A premium 300-watt audio system is an option. An Autobahn package adds sport seats, leather trim, and a power sunroof.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Volkswagen GTI sits more upright, as usual-but its punchy turbo engine, crisp handling, and paddle-shifted gearbox are anything but stodgy.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, also consider:
- Honda Civic Si
- Mazda Mazdaspeed3
- MINI Cooper S
Reason Why:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI lands somewhere between sporty hatchbacks like the Civic Si and Mazdaspeed3, and more mature, entry-level sporty luxury hatchbacks like the MINI Cooper. Both the Civic and Mazdaspeed3 have the look and feel of more youthful drivers, but they're by no means less expensive or much more capable. The closest rival to the GTI could be the MINI Cooper, with its flat windshield, turbocharged thrust, and classically boxy stance. It can be far more expensive, though, and it's much smaller inside, too.
Buying Tip
If the GTI's sub-7-second acceleration times aren't quick enough, hold out for the new "R" edition of the Golf coming next year. It'll be more powerful with even tauter handling.
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Volkswagen Ups Its Stake In Porsche To 49.9%
Mergers and acquisitions are a hot topic this week, so we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Volkswagen has ramped up plans to buy out its sporty sister, Porsche. You might recall that VW's takeover is rolling out in stages; during the first phase, VW had planned to purchase a 42% stake in Porsche, but that figure has now jumped to 49.9%, which will come at a cost of 3.9 billion ($5.8 billion). Sounds like Porsche's reputation for speed and aggression may have met its match. [WorldCarFans]
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2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
To bring you this conclusive review of the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle, experts have combed the Web looking for insight and opinions. And here in this Bottom Line, the editors of TheCarConnection.com present their own driving impressions and advice for shoppers.
Likes
Iconic design
Well-executed convertible
Roomy front seating
Dislikes
Lackluster five-cylinder engine
Unimpressive fuel economy
Rear-seat headroom
Concerning side crash results
The 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle coupe and convertible are based on a previous generation of the VW Golf/Rabbit. The Beetle had its last update in 2006, but for the past decade, the Beetle has remained largely the same. It's starting to show its age--despite the fact that its design continues to draw fans.
A 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder is the only engine available on the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle these days. Long gone are the more exciting turbo and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines that were both faster and more fuel-efficient. The old-tech five is rated at 150 horsepower and works through either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. It pushes the New Beetle with a minimum of enthusiasm, yet gets only 20 mpg city, 29 highway with the automatic transmission in the coupe, and 20/28 mpg with the manual transmission in the coupe and the automatic in the convertible.
Handling is pretty dull in the 2009 New Beetle, and the engine is somewhat disappointing, but ride quality is a plus; the New Beetle soaks up larger bumps without wallowing.
On the inside, the 2009 New Beetle presents some problems in terms of available space. The dash slopes far away from the driver, and the roofline cuts into headroom in the cramped backseats, as well as into trunk room (the New Beetle's engine is up front, against Beetle tradition). In short, the rounded shape makes the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle look larger from the outside than it is inside.
The convertible version of the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle keeps the signature roofline arc and excess of front headroom, as well as a shortage of rear headroom. There's a noticeable decrease in rear cargo space (5 cubic feet in the convertible versus 12 cubic feet in the coupe). The convertible option adds heft but balances it with a sunnier disposition. The three-layer fabric top lowers in 13 seconds.
NHTSA (the federal government agency) rates the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle at four stars for front crash protection, four for driver side protection, and three stars for passenger side protection. Stability control is standard, along with anti-lock brakes and front airbags.
More advanced features such as a navigation system and Bluetooth are unavailable on the 2009 New Beetle. Front floor mats are no longer standard, while fog lights, leather seating, and rain-sensing wipers are off the equipment list entirely. A Cold Weather Package, which includes heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles, is standard for 2009.
The Bottom Line: People flock to the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle for its looks--but performance, safety, and interior space are not its best attributes.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle, also consider:
- MINI Cooper
- Ford Mustang
- Volkswagen Rabbit
- Volkswagen Eos
Reason Why:
Few vehicles do retro quite as faithfully as the New Beetle, even if it has nothing in common mechanically with the original rear-engine car. However, for design mavens and small-car fans, there's the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Convertible. Both models are a thrill to drive, handle better than the New Beetle, and go much farther on a gallon of gas. The Ford Mustang hits the right styling notes and offers convertible and V-8 editions to boot. Volkswagen's own Rabbit hatchback has a four-door version, a rich interior, up-to-date equipment, and good crash-test performance. Or for just a few thousand more than the New Beetle Convertible, you could also step up to the Eos, which is a much more sophisticated, sporty convertible with an advanced folding hardtop.
Buying Tip
Want a diesel on a hatchback? Fortunately, the economical TDI engine will be back next year in a redesigned Golf.
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