“We’re excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel,” said John Taylor. “The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record.”  Pulled straight off the showroom floor without an inch of modifications, the vehicle to hold the new record is a Chattanooga, Tennessee built award winner.  The Taylor’s car of choice was a Passat SE TDI with the six speed manual transmission and to make things for “realistic”, their trip wasn’t accomplished bare bones.  Along for the ride was approximately 120 pounds of luggage and driving was done in the mid day hours so that the factor of traffic could be included. 

From their starting point in Houston, Texas to their destination in Sterling, Virginia, the Taylors coaxed an average of 84.1 mpg out of their Passat.  That feat is especially impressive when the sedan’s size and weight is taken into account and even more so considering the EPA estimates 43 mpg on the highway.  “We’re honored that the Taylors chose the 2012 Passat TDI as the vehicle to set this outstanding distance record. Their record shows just how economical the Passat TDI can be in the right hands,”  said Rainer Michel, Vice President of Product Strategy for Volkswagen of America.

Source: Volkswagen

First up will the addition of a new trim level.  In order to spice up the base, 2.5 liter car, VW will create the SEL Plus in order to adopt many of the refinements usually associated with the GLI.  According to Car and Driver Magazine, the new trim will include the higher-end interior materials found on the GLI and European cars in order to quiet the complaints of cheapness found in the less expensive U.S. spec versions.  It will more than likely still use the cheaper-t0-build torsion beam rear suspension instead of the GLI’s independent set up.  After the SEL Plus is introduced, VW will switch things up again by ditching the naturally aspirated 2.5 liter inline five cylinder for a smaller, forced induction straight four.  This should take place late in 2013 for the 2014 model year and will more than likely, the use of a 1.8 liter turbocharged block will happen.  In Europe, this mill pumps out 158 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque and would achieve higher fuel mileage than the five banger it would replace. 

Source: Car and Driver

“We are delighted to reward one lucky Golf R fan with the ultimate enthusiast travel experience, including an adrenaline-pumping driving experience on a legendary track,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.  Entry into the sweepstakes is easy.  All contestants must first download the “Golf R Drivers Forever” app on a tablet and or smart phone where they will proceed to describe to VW in 265 words or less why they want to win.  Winning means that a seven-day, six-night trip to Germany will be had during September.  There, the winner and a guest will be given the opportunity to visit Wolfsburg to tour the Autostadt and Volkswagen AG headquarters, Nürburg to drive the Golf R on the Nürburgring motorsports complex with instruction from professional drivers, as well as a sight-seeing trip to Berlin.  The contest is under way and runs until May 14. 

Source: Volkswagen

Read on to find out what we discovered.

In the earlier reviews, the 500c was decided to be a fun little car to drive, but was lacking in space and was inflated in price. The Subaru Impreza is spacious and comfortable, but lacks the driving dynamics Subaru has become known for. So how does the VW stack up against the competition?

The car is question is a 2010 Golf TDI. Equipped with a smattering of options like HID headlamps, navigation and the upgraded Dynaudio stereo, our Tornado Red (because red ones go faster) Golf 2-door holds a retail sticker of $26,300. The car was purchased with 18,700 miles on the odometer, and after a bit of haggling, was picked up for the princely sum of $19,980. That is about a grand less than the other two cars here.

We here at AutoTalk enjoyed the Golf TDI back when we reviewed it in 2010, and we are pleased to say that little has changed over the years. This used model still drives with the verve and precision of its German roots, while maintaining incredible fuel economy. On more than one occasion we have seen greater than 50 mpg on the highway. The seats are some of the most comfortable we have ever spent time in, and the ride and handling compromise is nearly spot on. It is very easy to see why the Golf has been a perennial favorite the world over, but is it better than the other cars here?

This is where things get murky. The Golf is the best of the three cars, and by a large margin. It possesses the “Goldilocks” complex. It gets everything “just right” plus bests the other two in interior quality and pricing. It may not be the one you should buy though.

With most of its factory warranty over, the TDI will soon start accruing costs for all further maintenance, and this can become extremely costly. The Subaru would likely be the best choice to keep maintenance costs down over the long haul. Also, while the little red car may hold a phenomenal lead in the highway fuel economy race, it falls short during hectic city driving. It is not uncommon to see economy numbers drop to near 20 when the going gets busy, making the Golf severely impractical for someone living in the city. With its smaller size, and better city economy, the 500c would be the best choice for an Urbanite.

It is also hard to split them on driving dynamics. The Golf has the best ride handling compromise, but the Fiat is more fun to drive. The Subaru has the added safety of AWD which can be a very important factor depending on where you live.

What it all comes to  the end, it  is personal needs and preferences that decide the car. This is one of the reasons we have such a wide and diverse car culture in this country. Would we buy the Golf again? Of course, it is the perfect car for our perfect situation, but it is more than understandable why anyone could and would pick one of the other two cars here.

Moral of the story, the best car is not always the winner, and your true winner depends on you.

For us, the winner wears red.

Photos Copyright Christian Moe © 2012

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the VW is the only van affected.  The basis for its existence, the Chrysler LLC group Town & Country and Grand Caravan, are not at risk as Volkswagen of America are conducting the recall.  The number of Routans with the issue is small: approximately just 15.  All vehicles are 2012 model years manufactured from November 15 through November 21, 2011.  In order to remedy the issue, certified dealers will replace the entire right rear wheel bearing and hub assembly and do so at no extra cost to owners.  The recall is expected to take place during April.

Source: NHTSA

“This award shows once again that in the up!, our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.  The Up!’s latest accolade can be added to its already impressive trophy case.  Since its debut, the little, 3.54 meters long, VW has earned the top five point score from the Euro NCAP as well the evaluation outfit’s “Advanced Award” for the car’s emergency city braking.  For being safe, efficient and space-saving, the 2012 Volkswagen Up! was recognized as being the ultimate offering in what is truly a hard segment to strive in: World Cars.

Source: Volkswagen

The news of the move first came to be via an interview between Capito, Ford and Car and Driver Magazine.  The honest-to-goodness true reason for the switch has yet to become official and might just stay with the knowing parties for a while.  Regardless, Capito’s shoes will be filled by another Ford legend named John Coletti.  The man who gave birth to the reincarnated Ford GT supercar in 2004 will become the new head of SVT and should make sure that the upcoming Fiesta and Focus ST do what they’re supposed to do. 

Source: Car and Driver

“This E-Golf test fleet will provide critical feedback on these vehicles that will prove essential in our sustainability efforts and in the drive towards electric mobility,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America.  On the outside, the E-Golf looks like a normal, run-of-the mill five door German hatchback.  Instead of a free revving and throaty straight four or gutsy diesel powerplant, under the compact’s hood is a high-torque electric motor.  Powered by a 26.5 kilowatt-hours, 180 cell lithium-ion battery, the zero emissions VW puts 199 lb-ft of torque to the ground.  It also has the ability to travel up to 93 miles on a full charge.  Joining the fleet will be 220-volt charging stations for certain employee’s homes.  This will allow for further testing of the heavy-duty charging system compared to the standard 110-volt method.

“During this test we will examine in detail all the technical and administrative aspects of typical consumers using electric vehicles on an everyday basis,” said Dr Rudolf Krebs, Executive Vice president and Head of Volkswagen Group E-Traction.

Source: Volkswagen

The facility will call Roane County home and will be made possible by a $40 million investment.  According to an Automotive News article, the 400,000 square foot warehouse is expected to be complete and operational by the spring of 2013.  VW hopes to have approximately 45 people specially employed by the end of 2016.  Its first task will be to serve as a redistribution center and will shortly after distribute domestic parts to assembly plants, most notably the Passat’s Chattanooga home. 

Source: AutomotiveNews.com

“The European driving dynamics and interior feel remain, making the new Passat a uniquely well-rounded family sedan and our Best Family Car of 2012,” said the editors of kbb.  Beating out family icons such as the Chevrolet Suburban, Subaru Outback and even the Honda Odyssey, the Volkswagen has been gathering up accolades left and rights since its release last year.  Built completely in America at VW’s new Chattanooga, Tennessee assembly plant, the sedan has been pieced together specifically for the U.S. market.  With a base price under $20 grand and European charm coming from available engines like the TDI Clean Diesel, Volkswagen has given the American family something besides a minivan to choice, enjoy and use: the 2012 Passat.

Source: Volkswagen & kbb.com