Volkswagen is one of those brands that enjoys a cult following. Everybody knows the Beetle – it was the best-selling vehicle of all-time, after all. VW has come a long way since those simple days of the Beetle and the Microbus, having developed a wide range of vehicles that appeal to a broad group of consumers. You've got the more basic, economical people-movers like the Golf and Jetta. There are more indulgent choices like the convertible Eos and CC. And don't forget the family haulers, from the Passat sedan to the Touareg SUV. Volkswagen's affordable German engineering, refined interiors and direct handling keep customers coming back for more.
Page 2Volkswagen Golf
Is it a furry animal that hops, or is it a leisurely game played on manicured lawns? After flip-flopping between the Rabbit and Golf names a few times, Volkswagen's entry-level compact returns as the Golf with sleek new styling in two- and four-door hatchback forms. The 5-cylinder engine is more powerful than those of its typical competitors, and a torquey turbodiesel engine is available once again in the TDI models.
MSRP: $17,490 – $22,789
Base engine: 2.0-liter 5-cylinder with 170 hp
Base EPA mpg: 22 city/30 hwy/25 cmb
Competition: Scion xD, Mazda Mazda3, Mini Cooper
Model Highlights
Comfortable, roomy interior
Composed handling and quiet cruising
Top crash safety ratings from IIHS
Available 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder with EPA est. 42 mpg hwy
Page 2Volkswagen GTI
The Golf-based GTI is the most popular ride in VW's performance stable and is also newly redesigned for 2010. It has a cult-like following of its own thanks to a refined interior, hatchback versatility, autobahn-tuned suspension and Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission. And unlike many of its competitors, the GTI is offered in both two-door and four-door models.
MSRP: $23,290 – $24,990
Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/31 hwy/25 cmb
Competition: Mazda Mazdaspeed3, Mini Cooper S, Honda Civic Si
Model Highlights
Red brake calipers and larger brake rotors
6-speed manual or DSG transmission
HID headlights
Unique plaid upholstery
Page 2Volkswagen New Beetle
Volkswagen's most iconic model weathers another year in basically the same reincarnated form it returned with in 1998. Though not very spacious inside, the quirky New Beetle drives smoothly and quietly and comes in a choice of convertible and coupe body styles.
MSRP: $18,540 – $26,170
Base engine: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder with 150 hp
Base EPA mpg: 20 city/28 hwy/23 cmb
Competition: Mini Cooper, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Kia Soul
Model Highlights
Nostalgic exterior styling
16-inch alloy wheels
Premium audio system with satellite radio
Electronic stability control
Page 2Volkswagen Eos
This two-door, four-passenger convertible gives you the sun in more ways than one: Through a unique integrated glass sunroof, or by dropping the power hardtop. The wind in your hair comes at a relatively high price, though, and you won't be able to haul more than a few groceries with the top down.
MSRP: $31,615 – $35,200
Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/31 hwy/25 cmb
Competition: Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT, BMW 128i Convertible
Model Highlights
Power retractable hardtop with glass sunroof
Optional DSG 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
Heated front seats
Highest scores from IIHS for front and side-impact crash tests
Page 2Volkswagen Jetta
As affordable European sedans go, the midsize Jetta stands alone. Also available in a wagon, it flaunts plenty of standard equipment and the refinement expected from German automakers. An available clean diesel returns an EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway, giving buyers a fuel-efficient non-hybrid option.
MSRP: $17,605 – $25,410
Base engine: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder with 170 hp
Base EPA mpg: 22 city/30 hwy/25 cmb
Competition: Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Mazda Mazda3
Model Highlights
High-quality materials throughout the cabin
IIHS highest safety ratings for front and side impacts
Heated front seats, mirrors and windshield washer nozzles
Expansive cargo capacity
Page 2Volkswagen GLI
A Jetta dressed in performance gear, the GLI offers sportier handling, an impressive interior, and a quiet ride to top it all off. Five-passenger hauling capacity, the huge 16 cu. ft. trunk and good crash safety ratings mean it's practical, too.
Starting MSRP: $24,770 – $25,870
Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/31 hwy/25 cmb
Competition: Volvo S40, Honda Civic Si Sedan, Acura TSX
Model Highlights
Standard low- and high-beam HID headlights
Optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
Passenger-hugging heated front seats
Optional hard-drive navigation system
Page 2Volkswagen Passat
No longer available with a V6, the midsize Passat sedan and wagon models are still quite vigorous with a turbo inline-4. The extremely well-made interior is spacious, comfortable, and stocked with standard equipment like a sunroof and 8-speaker stereo.
MSRP: $28,300 – $29,690
Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Base EPA mpg: 19 city/29 hwy/23 cmb
Competition: Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Model Highlights
6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode
17-inch alloy wheels
Top crash safety ratings from IIHS
12-way power adjustable driver's seat
Page 2Volkswagen CC
Surprisingly sleek styling makes the CC the most striking new Volkswagen. Basically a restyled Passat, its similarly upscale interior gets a little extra flair and its rakish roof only leaves room for two in the back, both of whom will be cradled in cushy bucket seats.
MSRP: $27,550 – $40,115
Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/31 hwy/25 cmb
Competition: Honda Accord, Volvo S60, Nissan Maxima
Model Highlights
Available V6 and all-wheel drive
6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic
Standard heated front seats
Four-passenger capacity
Page 2Volkswagen Routan
The Routan is VW's latest player in the minivan game after sitting on the sidelines for six years. However, it's a Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country underneath its Vee Dub uniform. Drive them all to see if VW's revisions to the suspension, dashboard and seats are worth the price difference you'll pay for the German badge.
MSRP: $25,900 – $42,400
Base engine: 3.8-liter V6 with 197 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/23 hwy/18 cmb
Competition: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona
Model Highlights
Superior crash safety ratings
Power sliding rear doors with power windows
Optional rear-seat multimedia entertainment system
Available 4.0-liter V6 with 251 hp
Page 2Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan is VW's first compact crossover. Though smaller than most of its rivals, it's among the quickest, drives more confidently and its exterior styling exudes much more personality. Inside you'll find a typical VW high-grade interior, and outside you can get available all-wheel drive.
MSRP: $23,200 – $33,215
Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Base EPA mpg: 19 city/26 hwy/21 cmb
Competition: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue
Model Highlights
Adjustable rear seats
Available huge panoramic sunroof
2,200-lb. towing capacity
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
Page 2Volkswagen Touareg
One of the few plush SUVs with real off-road prowess, the Touareg features all-wheel drive, a 7,700-lb towing capacity and a choice between a gasoline- or diesel-fueled V6 engine. It's plenty long on luxury, but rather short on interior space for its class and size.
MSRP: $40,440 – $43,960
Base engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp
Base EPA mpg: 14 city/19 hwy/16 cmb
Competition: Acura MDX, Land Rover Range Rover, Volvo XC90
Model Highlights
Turbodiesel V6 achieves EPA est. 25 mpg hwy
Seating for five
Optional locking rear differential
5-star government crash test ratings
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