Posted by Dave Sullivan on March 25, 2012 at 8:50 am
When was the last time you can honestly say that you’ve driven a full-size car with 140 horsepower and it has been more than adequate? Maybe the 1986 Ford Taurus with the venerable Vulcan V6? Well, I was given the opportunity for some seat time with a 2012 Passat TDI clean diesel and it is Volkswagen’s newest sedan to hit American soil, err, actually be built on American soil. While the styling may not be anything to get excited about at first glance; like a jelly donut, it’s what is inside that counts.
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Posted by Dave Sullivan on December 11, 2011 at 11:13 pm
There are a few Volkswagen models that seem to resonate highly with women. One was the ‘New Beetle’ that was an instant hit. Maybe it was the flower pot? Maybe it was the cartoonish styling? The second was the Volkswagen Cabrio. I hate to stereotype here but I’m going to. The Cabrio was a chick’s car. An anemic powertrain and powder puff looks had me thinking back to the last time I rode in one in college. Oh and that picnic basket look was just a major eyesore. Urban Dictionary even calls the Cabrio the Bitch Basket. It was embarrassing, noisy, and not something I wanted an encore of. So, is the Eos an improvement over the defunct Cabrio with better styling, powertrain, and design or is the Eos still the flagship for the feminist movement? Let’s find out…
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Posted by Dan Hall on August 31, 2011 at 4:13 pm
In car design, the redesign of an icon is always a challenge. The 2012 beetle, in showrooms this October, will be a test of just how far styling changes and overall sophistication can take a vehicle that’s original appeal was its retro character.
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Posted by Ed Kim on August 17, 2011 at 7:31 pm
It’s almost become cliche. How many automakers have tried to tell you that their four-door mid-size sedans are sleek, sporty, and stylish? In the end, most of them are plain, boring, and eminently forgettable, at least in terms of looks. That’s where the Volkswagen CC truly stands out.
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Posted by Ty Michael on August 16, 2011 at 4:45 am
The Tiguan wins the Compact XSUV category based on owner ratings in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research. Even while winning top spot, Tiguan owners have some significant wants. Almost 45% want more cargo room and 25% want better interior storage. About 15% want a softer ride. While passenger roominess is not a problem, Tiguan needs more cargo space and thoughtful places to store stuff in the interior. The Tiguan handily won over second place Suzuki Grand Vitara.
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Posted by Dave Sullivan on May 12, 2011 at 3:03 am
Volkswagen is excited with the work they have completed thus far on the Golf blue-e-motion battery electric vehicle. So excited, in fact, that I was recently able to drive one in Germany.
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Posted by Keagan Patrick on July 13, 2010 at 10:00 am
Premium Compact Car: The 2010 VW GTI resonates with owners! Not only did it win a 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Award but it also managed to win an Ideal Vehicle Award in the Premium Compact Car segment. The original fun to drive hatchback managed to have 98% of owners say that they want the same exterior size as now. Talk about hitting the mark. The vast majority of owners also say they want the same passenger room, seat firmness, ingress/egress, safety, handling, and cargo space as now. Sounds like this IS ‘Das Auto’ for the Premium Compact Car segment…
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Posted by Keagan Patrick on July 13, 2010 at 10:00 am
Compact Car: The VW Golf win the 2010 Ideal Vehicle Award in the Compact Car segment. Receiving top marks from owners for safety, exterior size and passenger room. The Golf also scored very well for handling, seat firmness and interior lighting.
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Posted by George Peterson on June 21, 2010 at 10:00 am
Cadillac Adds Premium Care Cadillac is adding standard scheduled maintenance – Premium Care – to its 2011 Model Year products. Providing scheduled maintenance is a way to demonstrate commitment to the customer, reduce ownership costs and increase customer loyalty. BMW has been offering scheduled maintenance for years and has effectively shed its “Break My Wallet” image that existed prior to the scheduled maintenance program.
Premium Brands Abandoned Standard Scheduled Maintenance In the past, most of the European luxury brands included standard scheduled maintenance – BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover. As costs went up and belts had to be tightened all with the exception of BMW dropped out. Surprising because consumer input to AutoPacific has indicated that standard scheduled maintenance is a strong enticement in selecting one brand over another. BMW was winning the battle with no competition.
Standard Scheduled Maintenance Returning as Customer Satisfaction and Marketing Tool Brands have begun to slowly return to standard scheduled maintenance as a customer satisfaction enhancer and sales enticement… Volvo, Volkswagen are now on board. Jaguar has added its Platimum Coverage for 2011 that provides all scheduled maintenance for 5-years or 50,000 miles. 2010MY Land Rover models include scheduled maintenance for a short period after
purchase. Perhaps they will follow Jag’s lead.
In any event, standard scheduled maintenance appears to again gain traction in the marketing wars at the top of the market. That VW has adopted it may indicate adding standard scheduled maintenance even to popular high volume brands.
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Posted by Stephanie Brinley on May 26, 2010 at 9:29 am
Retaking its claim as top Premium Compact Car, the Volkswagen GTI, a 2008 VSA winner, is once again top rated by owners in satisfaction.
The GTI came out tops in this segment over some strong competition, including the MINI Cooper and Volvo C30. As might be expected, the GTI scored an impressive 4.9 out of a possible 5.0 with respect to being fun to drive. Looking for a compact car that’s quiet, comfortable and innovative? The GTI rated highest with consumers in driver’s seat comfort, interior quietness and innovative technology. Other strong attributes include ride, handling, interior styling and ease of getting in and out.
For a complete list of winners and description of the Awards, click here.
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