LA Auto Show 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models
Signifying the end of what has been a long run, Volkswagen has introduced “Final Edition” models of the New Beetle coupe and convertible. Each will be limited to a run of just 1,500 units. Under the hood is VW’s familiar 2.5-liter inline-fine (rated at 150 horsepower) sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission – nothing new there. However, the German automaker has fitted a full sport suspension and unique 17-inch alloy wheels to each of the New Beetles to add a touch more driving excitement.
Cosmetically, the Final Edition models feature Aquarius Blue paint. The hardtop version breaks up the color with a black roof and integrated fog lights, while the convertible model has a two-tone Aquarius Blue/Campanella White paint scheme and a white top. Special badging is found on the front quarter panel and on the steering wheel. The hatchback version hits showrooms with a base MSRP of $20,240 and the convertible starts at $27,170.
Categories: Convertibles, Hatchbacks, LA Auto Show, LA Motor Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Motor Show, Volkswagen Tags:
LA Auto Show 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat
At the LA Auto Show this morning, the Audi A3 TDI was crowned the 2010 Green Car of the Year, wresting the title away from last year’s winner, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Even though three hybrids made this year’s list of finalists, the A3′s win marks the second year in a row that a TDI diesel car took top honors in the Green Car Journal competition.
The other contenders were the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid (we still don’t get why this car beat out the better-selling and nearly identical Ford Fusion Hybrid) and the Toyota Prius.
Each year, Green Car Journal picks the five finalists and then hands over selection duties to celebrity jurors (Jay Leno, Carroll Shelby, and the Sierra Club’s Carl Pope, to name a few). During the award ceremony, Green Car Journal editor Ron Cogan said that the five finalists are notable because they are all mainstream vehicles that are available today. They exist because that’s what the market is asking for. Whaddya think? Is the A3 TDI this year’s rightful Green Car of the Year?
Categories: Audi, Hatchbacks, LA Auto Show, LA Motor Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Motor Show Tags:
Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI delivers potent one-two punch of efficiency and entertainment
It’s time for American consumers to stop being scared of small diesel cars. Currently, we can’t think of a single automaker that isn’t shelling out bags of money to research and develop new hybrid powertrains – cars that are efficient first and fun-to-drive second (or third, or fourth). Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, offer a different sort of solution. Gobs of torque delivered at low revs and impressive fuel economy work together without sacrificing too much in the way of driving pleasure. Besides, does anyone really want to live in “One Nation Under Prius?”
Volkswagen introduced us to its new Jetta TDI a little over a year ago, proving that clean diesel technology offers a way forward for anyone who gives a hoot about driver involvement. Now, the automaker has fitted its well-received 2.0-liter diesel engine in the all-new sixth-generation Golf. Can this hatch prove to America that it’s possible to fuse efficiency and enthusiasm together in a high-quality package? Can you really have your cake and eat it, too?
Visually, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is simple yet stylish. Gone is the chrome-heavy nose of the last-generation car, and while the overall shape hasn’t changed a whole lot, it’s important to note that the MkVI Golf doesn’t share a single piece of bodywork with the MkV Rabbit (yes, we’re glad the name has been changed back, too). What Volkswagen has done is something that’s really underappreciated – make a car that’s visually appealing while not being over the top. These days, it seems that some automakers put too much effort into creating bold design for little more than shock value, and it’s refreshing to see that Volkswagen stands by its core goal of attractive simplicity.
Categories: Auto Review, Car Review, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen Tags: Volkswagen
