Auto News & New car review

Volkswagen famously got into a game it didn’t know how to play a few years ago when it debuted the Phaeton luxury sedan with a big price tag, putting it into a segment it didn’t have a place in. Minivans are actually a VW trademark, with the iconic Microbus and even the Eurovan in the 21st century. The Routan hopes to reclaim the minivan mantle for the company, but it looks to be not much more than a Chrysler underneath the skin. Read the rest of this entry »

For 2007, The Volkswagen GTI comes with a choice of two doors or four. Also new is Launch Control programming for the GTI’s optional DSG automatic transmission. The new software will allow the engine to rev up before the clutch engages, for controlled wheelspin as you leave the line. Other than that, the 2007 Volkswagen GTI is changed very little from the ‘06, which was launched as an all-new fifth generation of the legendary pocket rocket. Read the rest of this entry »

The Golf GTI Pirelli is back (but only in the UK right now). Celebrating its arrival after a 25-year absence, the Pirelli-themed Volkswagen hatchback features an enhanced version of the 2.0-liter T-FSI powerplant boosted to 230 PS (about 227 hp). Power is sent to the front wheels through a traditional 6-speed manual, or VW’s very nice twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The added 30 horses over the stock VW GTI drops the sprint time to 60 down to just 6.8 seconds and raises the hatchback’s maximum speed to 152 mph. Read the rest of this entry »

Volkswagen tried to compete with luxury automakers when it debuted the ill-received Phaeton a few years ago. This year, the company is at it again with the Passat CC. Volkswagen is calling the four-door a coupe, and it has a sloping roofline much like that of the Mercedes CLS. The CC is about 1.5 inches longer than a regular Passat and just slightly wider. Read the rest of this entry »

The Volkswagen New Beetle isn’t that new anymore, but still smart and stylish. And because it’s a Volkswagen, it’s refined. Der Beetle combines German engineering and performance with exceptional fit and finish, and it represents a good value. As in other retromobiles, however, driver and passengers must make some concessions for style. Interior ergonomics are not as good those in a more traditional car, like a Golf, nor is there a lot of trunk space. Read the rest of this entry »

The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size sedan similar in size to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It was completely redesigned for ‘06, and is unchanged for model year 2007, though wagon versions have been added to the model lineup.

The 2006-07 Passat is longer and wider, larger and more mature than previous-generation models. It offers more interior room, particularly for back-seat riders, so a six-foot passenger can now sit behind a six-foot driver. It boasts generous standard content and a beguiling mix of high-tech and haute couture. And while the previous model was among the safest cars in America, the structure of the new Passat is substantially improved. Read the rest of this entry »

On the road price: £19,370 - £23,400
For : Modern styling, solid build quality, polished drive, strong residuals
Against : Small size limits family appeal, not a genuine off-roader
Driving
The Tiguan is similar to other Golf-based models. The pedals and gearlever are accurate and perfectly weighted, the handling reassuring and precise. With sharper steering, better body control and more grip than many rivals, the VW is capable on country roads and, unlike some off-roaders, it’s never cumbersome around town. The ride is firm but, thanks to absorbent damping, it is rarely crashy over rough surfaces and remains composed at speed. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s easy to understand the appeal of the Volkswagen Jetta. Designed and engineered in Germany, the Jetta offers some of the same strengths and design values as much more expensive European luxury sedans yet its base price falls into what we used to call economy car territory.

For 2007, the Jetta’s appeal should increase substantially. In addition to minor updates such as a new tire pressure monitoring system and an auxiliary audio input jack for iPods and the like, Volkswagen has dropped the price of its most popular car by $1,400. The new Jetta sedan starts at $16,490, without a significant reduction in standard equipment. Read the rest of this entry »