Volkswagen

Volkswagen Overview:

Volkswagen has grand ambitions and they continue to expand their lineup of cars in 2013 with the introduction of the Jetta Hybrid.

Opening things up is the Golf and its high performance sibling, the GTI. The Golf and GTI are both available as two- or four-door hatchbacks in a distinctive shape that hasn’t really changed over many years and seat up to five passengers. The Golf offers several different engine choices, including an ultra-efficient diesel engine that pushes highway mpg all the way to 42. The GTI adds a few unique styling cues so that you can tell it apart and under the hood is a 200-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder.

The Beetle returned in 2012 after a one year hiatus and adds a convertible trim for 2013. This latest iteration is not nearly as “bubbly” as the previous version with sharper lines and a flattened front hood which gives it a more aggressive look. There is also a new transmission available, a dual-clutch six-speed automatic, and the Beetle still seats four-passengers.

The Jetta returns along with the new high performance GLI trim. For 2013, wagon versions of the Jetta are now being sold as a separate model, the Jetta Sportwagen. The compact boasts impressive flexibility thanks to its variety of engines to choose from including a turbo-diesel option.

Like the Beetle, the midsize Passat took a year off to regroup and returned with new styling and a lowered base price. Although the Passat loses a few of its old standard features, it picks up a few new ones including a dual-zone automatic climate control system that is usually optional for cars in this segment.

Volkswagen also produces another pair of passenger cars that are more upscale and don’t really fit into traditional categories. One is the Eos hardtop convertible coupe which got brand new styling inside and out in 2012, and is great for cruising on sunny days. Second is the CC which features a coupe-like design but still has four doors. Its upscale interior and sporty ride make the CC desirable on a few levels.

The Tiguan compact crossover SUV carries over, offering plenty of high-quality materials around which give the Tiguan a leg up on the competition when it comes to interior refinement.

Speaking of refinement, the larger Touareg is designed to compete with many of the luxury crossover SUVs on the market and offers a choice between gas/diesel power, an eight-speed automatic, and standard all-wheel drive.

The Routan minivan has been discontinued.