Back to the
New Car page		 VW Logo
 
 
 

Rabbit

 

Impressions

Rabbit (New for 2007!)
Impressions: The new Rabbit - which replaces the Golf . . . that replaced the Rabbit back in the 1980s - might be tardy getting to the party, having been available in Europe for more than two years, but it's equipped to make a noteworthy entry with European style and attitude at Korean-make prices, certainly unusual for a German automaker. At $14,990, this new front-driver offers significantly more power and performance than past Golf models and comes loaded with six airbags, anti-lock brakes and a host of other features. As the Golf before it, the Rabbit comes in three or five-door body styles with a flip/fold rear seat and large rear hatch allowing it to transport five people or a whole lot of stuff. Style-wise, this is obviously a new VW with much more modern lines. There's more leg and shoulder room than the outgoing Golf offered and the seats get our seal of approval for comfort and support over long distances. Under the hood, the Rabbit begins with a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder that's used on the four-door GLi (nee Jetta). Compared to the meager 115 offered by the outgoing base Golf, performance is in a whole new arena. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but opting for the automatic ($1,075) yields six forward gears. Built on a totally new platform and offering more crash protection and interior space, the Rabbit is significantly more refined than the Golf. Instead of the old beam-type rear axle, it offers a truly independent suspension. Even the base three-door model comes with power windows and locks, air conditioning, power heated mirrors, tilt and telescope steering wheel, 10-speaker audio system, cruise control and traction control. The five-door version adds an eight-way adjustable passenger seat, upgraded seat trim, adjustable and upgraded center console, rear seat armrest with pass-through, body-colored side moldings and a number of option packages not available on the three-door. They include rear-seat side-impact airbags, alloy wheels, sunroof and satellite radio..

Base price: $15,000
Type: Two-/four-door hatchback
Base engine (hp): 2.5-liter DOHC I5 (150)
Optional engines (hp): None
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transmissions: Five-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.)
Mileage (city/hwy): 22/23 (AT)
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes.
Weight (lb.): 2,970
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes
Web: vw.com
 
 

Jetta

Impressions
Jetta
Impressions: The Jetta has introduced the VW brand to many North Americans over the past quarter century. The 2007 version, totally redesigned for the 2006 model year, continues the trend of supplying good looks, good value and a strong dose of safety equipment. There's also good power on hand since a base 150-horse 2.5-liter five-cylinder provides the front wheels with considerable pep. A five-speed manual transmission is part of the basic Jetta package, while a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual control is optional. A significant array of standard safety features includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, active head restraints and front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags. Rear side-impact airbags are optional. A CD stereo and most power amenities arrive as standard equipment while options include dual-zone climate control, heated seats with "leatherette" surfaces, rain-sensing wipers, power driver's seat and upgraded audio systems. The Jetta is actually aimed at a wide spectrum of competitors, from the Mazda3 to the Acura TSX and Volvo S40. Covering that range is no easy chore, but the Jetta comes in several variations, from price leader with a lower base sticker this year to spunky people-mover. At the top is the GLI that comes with a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and can scoot to 60 m.p.h. in less than seven seconds. It also includes stability control to keep you heading in the direction you intend, xenon headlights, sport seats, drilled-metal pedals and an exclusive six-speed "Direct Shift" transmission, basically a manual transmission that shifts without you having to push a clutch pedal. Temporarily missing from the lineup is a diesel-powered Jetta, since the engine for that model is being revamped to meet new emissions regulations.

Base price: $16,500 (est.)
Type: Four-door sedan
Base engine (hp): 2.5-liter SOHC I5 (150)
Optional engine (hp): 2.0-liter DOHC I4, turbocharged (200)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transmissions: Five-speed manual; six-speed manual (opt.); six-speed automatic (opt.)
Mileage (city/hwy): 22/30 (2.5, MT)
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; head-protection airbags; rear side-impact airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control (opt.)
Weight (lb.): 3,200
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes
Web: vw.com
 
 

New Beetle

Impressions
New Beetle
Impressions: It's hard to believe that the Volkswagen New Beetle will soon be blowing out 10 candles on the birthday cake. That leads to the obvious question: how much "new" is left in the New Beetle? That all depends on how much desire VW has in updating/adding new features and models to keep things fresh and interesting. So, far the company has done an admirable job (the addition of a convertible . . . and do you recall the Turbo S?), although the 2006 model lineup was somewhat rationalized (slimmed down) and a new base engine was added while the front an rear styling came for a little help. It's basically a carryover year for 2007, although the diesel bows out to receive an enviro-overhaul that's intended to meet tightening emissions regulations. That leaves just one engine - a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder - where there used be all sorts of four-cylinder turbocharged fun. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual with a six-speed automatic available as an option. Order up the convertible and you'll get a three-layer cloth soft top that lowers in just 13 seconds. Side-impact and side-curtain airbags are standard on the New Beetle as is "leatherette" seating, 16-inch alloy wheels and stability control. Where does the New Beetle go from here? Well, we did see a 400-horsepower all-wheel-drive concept car at the Detroit Auto Show a few years ago. But that's just a suggestion. Is VW listening?

Base price: $17,200 (2006)
Type: Two-door hatchback/convertible
Base engine (hp): 2.5-liter SOHC I5 (150)
Optional engines: None
Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Transmissions: Five-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt)
Mileage (city/hwy): 22/31
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact/side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control
Weight (lb.): 2,880
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes


Passat

Impressions

Passat
Impressions: When the Passat name first appeared, it was used to set the stage for a whole new breed of Volkswagen that didn't look or act like the typical Volkswagen. Six generations later, the Passat is finally on the right path with a gorgeous 2005 redesign (for the 2006 model year) that you definitely will not confuse with any other VW model on the lot. Both the sedan and wagon, available in several trim configurations, are larger than their predecessors (three inches longer and wider) and use a chassis that's 57-per-cent more rigid. The base engine is the 200-horse 2.0-liter turbo out of the Jetta GLI while a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter narrow-angle 10.6-degree V6 (so narrow that it uses just one cylinder head) is optional. Compare that to typical designs whose cylinder banks are set 90 degrees apart. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 2.0 while its optional six-speed automatic is mandatory with the V6. All-wheel drive, called 4MOTION, is on the menu, but only if you splurge for the V6. There's a big helping of standard features for your $23,000 base entry fee including anti-lock brakes and stability control (to help keep the Passat heading in the right direction at all times) and six airbags. Two more - rear side-impact airbags - are on the options list. A slick feature is an electronic parking-brake button that's located on the dash. There's also a center armrest with a cooled storage area. Of course there's the "leatherette" seating (leather is optional) and all the power features you could ask for. On the entertainment front, VW has put Danish company Dynaudio, apparently the most exclusive stereo company in that country, to work creating a one-of-a-kind optional audio system. All this will help absorb some of the slack left by the Phaeton, which has been cut from the VW roster for 2007.

Base price: $23,000
Type: Four-door sedan; four-door wagon
Base engine (hp): 2.0-liter DOHC I4, turbocharged (200)
Optional engine (hp): 3.6-liter DOHC V6 (280)
Layout: Front engine, front- /all-wheel drive
Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.)
Mileage (city/hwy): 22/31 (2.0, AT)
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; rear side-impact airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control
Weight (lb.): 3,300
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes

 
 

Eos

 

Impressions:
Eos (New for 2007!)
Impressions: Set for November release, presumably to ensure plenty of supply for a spring rush, this European-built Volkswagen joins a very select group of automobiles- mostly higher-end models - that offer the security of a folding steel roof. The Eos no doubt adds some sizzle to an automaker that's used to mostly providing very practical forms of German-engineered transportation. Although the Eos's sheetmetal is '07 fresh with plenty of smooth, organic lines and extra-tight panel fit, the new Rabbit contributes the basic platform while most of the suspension components, including the brakes, are derived from the larger Passat sedan. The starting point engine is a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder while the available upgrade is a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 250-horse 3.2-liter V6. A six-speed manual transmission connects to the I4, while a six-speed automatic is optional, but mandatory with the V6. Undoubtedly, the star of the Eos show is its unique five-piece retractable roof that neatly stacks beneath the rear deck to create an open-air tourer. The entire automated fold-up and stow process takes about 25 seconds. To ensure less than blustery conditions inside the open-air cabin, the Eos is equipped with an air-deflecting spoiler above the windshield header as well as a screened wind blocker that can be attached behind the front seats. With the top down, trunk space is considerably compromised and the somewhat longish tail section doesn't look as sporty as it might if it weren't built to stow the metal roof. Still, the Eos is plenty attractive. As a bonus, the lid also includes a built-in power sunroof so that even in the raised position you can still enjoy the sounds and smells of the Great Outdoors. Safety for everyone aboard was a prime concern for the Eos design team. As such the windshield pillars were extended past the dash, all the way down to the car's floor pan. As an added measure, a rollover bar behind the back seat will automatically deploy at the first whiff of trouble. These measures are in addition to a full set of airbags plus headlights that swivel in the direction of the steering wheel.

Base price: $28,000
Type: Two-door coupe/convertible
Base engine (hp): 2.0-liter DOHC I4, turbocharged (200)
Optional engines (hp): 3.2-liter DOHC V6 (250)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.)
Mileage (city/hwy): 22/32 (2.0, MT)
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control
Weight (lb.): 3,500
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes

 
 
 
 
 

Touareg

 

Impressions
Touareg
Impressions: As a late-comer to the sport-utility party, how does the Volkswagen Touareg make a splash? Certainly a predominant factor is its Porsche roots, since the Touareg (pronounced "Toor-regg") is largely based on the Cayenne, although you'll never visually confuse the two. As well for 2007, the big VW comes in for an exterior freshening, probably not a bad idea since the Touareg and its now squarish-looking front end were introduced for the 2004 model year. While at first blush you might think this is just a pretty-looking jacked-up wagon, that would be selling the Touareg well short as it's actually built for off-road duty. Engine power to the permanent four-wheel-drive platform (with a low range) is split 50/50 to the front/rear wheels under normal driving and is then redirected when slip is detected. The Touareg is also designed not to run away from you on steep inclines, whether you're headed up or down. For 2007, the base 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is back as is the optional 350-horsepower (up 40 over last year) 4.2-liter V8. Returning after a year off is the 310-horsepower 5.0-liter V10 turbo-diesel that's 45-state legal. For much less money than a Cayenne, the Touareg comes with plenty of standard goodies of the air/power/tilt/cruise variety as well as rain-sensing wipers, six airbags and a six-speed automatic transmission (no matter the engine). New features for 2007, all optional, include xenon headlamps, power liftgate and keyless access with start/stop button. Classified as a light truck, Touareg holds five passengers and can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Base price: $38,000
Type: Four-door sport-utility vehicle
Base engine (hp): 3.6-liter DOHC V6 (276)
Optional engines (hp): 4.2-liter DOHC V8 (350); 5.0-liter DOHC V10, turbocharged (310)
Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic
Mileage (city/hwy): 15/20 (V6)
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control; tire-pressure monitoring (opt.)
Weight (lb.): 5,090
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes

 
 
 
 
 

New GTI

GTi (New for 2007!)
Impressions: After several versions of so-so models, the fifth generation GTi returns to the original premise of potency in a compact package. VW hopes the new GTi will help the company re-establish its reputation in North America as a "halo" vehicle, presaging the arrival of a less-expensive mass-market Rabbit sibling, the hardtop/convertible EOS and a new minivan (to come from Chrysler) as a 2008 model. The GTi is ultimately to be available as both three- and five-door hatchback models. The new ultra-stiff chassis, derived from the Audi A3, provides a starting point to anchor a new independent suspension. The result is a GTi that plants and points with alacrity while the big new brakes erase speed with ease. The interior is stylish and high tech with aluminum trim on the instrument panel and shift knob all complimented by alloy pedals and "Heritage" fabric inspired by the original 1983 GTi. Leather is optional and in both cases the seats are partially-powered, torso-grabbing Recaro brand embossed with the GTi logo. The extensive standard-equipment list includes everything from power windows and air conditioning to a full suite of safety features including anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and side-impact and side-curtain airbags. The five-door version also offers rear side-impact airbags. Rolling down the road are summer tires mounted to 17-inch alloy wheels with 18-inch units available as an option. The GTi has been on sale for some time in Europe and actually comes from the company's Wolfsburg factory, so it is no surprise is equipped to run on the German Autobahn at serious speeds with a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The whole experience is made all the more enjoyable by a pair of six-speed transmissions. The manual version features short throws, clear gates and well-spaced ratios. In any other vehicle it would be the obvious choice. But the GTi can be equipped with VW's Direct-Shift automatic-manual gearbox (called DSG) that delivers lightning-fast (and smooth) shifts, no matter whether you use the console-mounted lever, the wheel-mounted paddles or let it run in full automatic mode. It also helps the GTi accelerate quicker and provides better fuel economy than one equipped with the six-speed manual.

Base price: $22,000
Type: Two-/four-door hatchback
Base engine (hp): 2.0-liter DOHC I4, turbocharged (200)
Optional engines (hp): None
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed DSG (opt.)
Mileage (city/hwy): 23/32
Safety: Front-, side- and side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; stability control.
Weight (lb.): 3,310
Basic warranty: 4/50,000
Roadside assistance: Yes

 
 



Audi 2007
Suzuki 2007