Will the New VW Beetle Demographic Change?

It appears that we’ve been doing a lot of talking about VW in general over the last month and maybe rightfully so with all of the changes coming down the way.  Specifically, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and it’s drastic changes that it has in store for Beetle fans and how it’s about to change the demographic that has followed it for years.

Overwhelmingly, VW has seen a shift of interest in the vehicle by men. When most men saw a Beetle on the road, they would tun to see how cute the girl was that was driving it. now there’s an added, “Hey, I wouldn’t mind driving that car.”

The changes haven’t appeared to upset Beetle purists who almost seem to welcome to he new changes even though it has moved a pretty good distance away from a design perspective. Trading in its more bulbous look for a more squashed version, added sporty touches and tons of comfort features on the inside.

When it finally comes to market full swing, will the sales match up with the studies? Will men embrace these vehicles or will women continue to dominate the Beetle? Where do you stand?

Volkswagen Gets 1 Step Closer to Automated Driving

VW Research Group has unveiled that they now have technology in place that will allow a vehicle to drive semi-automated on the highway up to as fast as 80mph. Referred to as Temporary Auto Pilot or TAP for short, it semi-controls tasks like braking, lane switching, and adaptive cruise control. We’ve seen the commercials about the vehicles that brake when you’re about to hit an object and this takes it to the next level.

In the semi-automatic driving mode – referred to as Pilot Mode, for short – TAP maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle’s central position with respect to lane markers. The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits. Stop and start driving maneuvers in traffic jams are also automated.

However, according to Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Executive Director of the Group, the driver is always in control. “The driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control,” continues Leohold. “The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it.”  The point of the automation is not to take over driving, but to correct issues created by inattentive or distracted drivers.

No details were released on what models will get the first incarnation of this technology, but at least you know that it’s coming.  Want to know more? Check it out here: http://goo.gl/zEucg

VW Releases Pricing for the 2012 VW Beetle

VW announced the pricing for the 2012 Beetle yesterday and for a vehicle that brags to attain 40mpg, it’s worth a look. The new Beetle will start at $19,765 for a 170hp, 2.5 5 cylinder version and a TSI turbo version coming in at $24,765. There would be about $770 in destination charges that would be tacked onto those numbers, but that’s been customary for Volkswagen. There is also a TDI version, but no pricing was made available for that version.

The 2012 Beetle was created to look wider and flatter, but still maintain the Beetle look.  The new design looks a lot more muscular and similar to Porsche which VW is hoping will get more men behind the wheel since their vehicles have always skewed female.

Some of the standard features include split-folding rear seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an 8 speaker sound system that even has an auxiliary input for MP3 players. Some of the optional features on the turbo and 5 cylinder versions include Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, heated front seats, and interior ambient lighting.

Needless to say, keep an eye on both the Atlanta Volkswagen and Marietta Volkswagen locations to take the very first test drive of these awesome new vehicles.

Volkswagen Returns To CV Show

The Legendary VW Transporter

Volkswagen’s absence from the Commercial Vehicle (CV) show has been duly noted, but now VW is not only returning to the show, but coming out swinging by showcasing 9 vehicles for visitors to enjoy including the long awaited Volkswagen Amarok.

The VW Amarok is a four-door, four-wheel drive that will take center stage at the CV show at Birmingham’s NEC on April 12th through the 14th. It will share the stage with the Caddy Racer and 8 other surprisingly affordable models as well, including Transporter Shuttle, Caravelle, Caddy, Caddy Maxi, and Crafter panel van.

Of the models, there will be a lot of interest in the Caddy Racer which makes its debut at the 2011 Volkswagen Racing Cup on April 25th at Oulton Park. Not to mention that the Volkswagen collectors and enthusiasts will be giddy with glee to see the new version of the legendary fully restored 1954 split-screen ‘barn-door’ VW Transporter.  We look forward to seeing any photos that people could send our way since we can’t be present at the event and we’ll post them here for all to see. But we’d be even more excited to see them end up on a showroom floor somewhere at an Atlanta Volkswagen dealer in the near future. We wait!

2012 Audi Q5 Unveiled

Audi’s Q5 Hybrid has been a secret to most which is a tad unusual since the vehicle is supposed to hit North America markets at the end of the year.  Unlike the Chevy Volt which is using every bit of promo it can get its hands on and to great outcome and advantage.   Most expected to see a glimpse of the Q5 hybrid this past November at the LA Auto Show.  Nope.  Maybe next week at NADA?  We’ll see.  So where did it pop out of its shell? In Pasadena, CA at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) held last week.   There in the shadows, an Audi battery systems engineer shared almost everything there was to know about this technological mystery to The Car Connection’s John Voelcker.

Not to steal John’s thunder, but here are some details.  The Audi Q5 hybrid is a result of the second generation of the Volkswagen Groups Hybrid Development efforts.  Their first generation of efforts brought us the 2011 VW Touareg, as well as the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S hybrid. Both of those vehicles used the 3.0 liter V6 engine, but the Q5 uses a 208 horsepower 2.0 liter direct injected 4 cylinder engine and most interestingly, the groups first lithium-ion battery pack.

The Q5 hybrid will top out at 138 miles per hour, accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds,  and the European version has an estimated 33.6 miles to the gallon.  The battery is warrantied for 7 years and is a very intricate piece of machinery as evidenced from the photos that John has posted here.   The battery kicks in when the car is resting or when the car starts to “glide” around 62 miles per hour under light load conditions.

Needless to say, we’ll be interested to get behind the wheel of Audi’s next marvel when  it hits Atlanta Audi dealers reportedly at the end of the year.  Meanwhile, you can watch the video teaser that Audi leaked and also take in the wonderful photo gallery collection that Mr. Voelcker posted on The Car Connection site here;
http://www.thecarconnection.com/pictures/1054666_technical-details-revealed-2012-audi-q5-hybrid-crossover_gallery-1#100329331

And if you’d like to see how the new battery powered vehicle does its stuff, there are more diagrams here;
http://www.thecarconnection.com/pictures/1054666_technical-details-revealed-2012-audi-q5-hybrid-crossover_gallery-2#100329373

Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars – Non-Hybrid

Between cutting back on your expenses, the crushing weight of the terrible economy, you have to watch every single dollar. And when it comes to buying a car, there are the hybrids and the straight out gas powered vehicles. While there’s an obvious mileage difference in what they can accomplish, there’s also a pretty sizable cost difference.  While there may be thousands of dollars difference in the purchase price, you can bet that at $45 dollars a tank of gas, that difference will add up quick on the backend.   But if you simply can’t afford the upfront purchase price of a hybrid and you still want the best bang for your buck. These are the models that will get it done;

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1) 2010 Smart Fortwo – 36 MPG combined (33 city/41 highway)

At the top of the list is the Smart Fortwo. There are a bunch of prerequisites that come with this car including space limitations. While it’s perfect for the single college kid or eco-conscious childless couple, it is not very roomy and is a crampy ride at best.  Some people love having a vehicle this size, but for those that haven’t starred in any Chocolate Factory movies, it’s a pretty tight experience. That being said, it still wins this contest with gas mileage that is very noteworthy and environmentally friendly.  Whether or not this fits the bill for you is totally your choice. While it certainly won’t pass any decent crash test ratings, at under $12,000 for a new car, it’s almost difficult to pass up or at least take a look at for the budget minded and short-legged height challenged person.

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2) 2010 Audi A3 - 34 MPG combined (30 city/42 highway)

We looked at multiple lists to compile ours and some had the Audi tied with our #3 and #4 contenders below, but further research from independent studies, had the Audi clocking in 42 on the highway which barely squeaked by the VW clan below which clocked in at 41. Audi’s diesel engine really made the difference this year and while the sales for Audi dealerships may not have been record breaking for them, it will certainly change if they can keep up this direction.  The aforementioned engine is about the same as what’s found in the VW Jetta and Golf, but the slight modifications gave it that extra 1 MPG that put it in the #2 slot as opposed to settling for a 3 way tie.

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3) 2010 Volkswagen Golf – 34 MPG combined (30 city/41 highway)
Comments below under #4

4) 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - 34 MPG combined (30 city/41 highway)

Both the Golf and Jetta tied for the coveted slots 3 and 4.   And since the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Jetta share the same diesel engine, it’s probably why they turned in the same numbers.  Interestingly enough, while the Audi above may sit in the number 2 slot, some reviews also give these VW’s 42 on the highway, but some were showing 41 while the Audi had no variations in the reports like VW did.  The Jetta has 3 TDI models under $25K that accomplish these numbers in the 2010 line which include the TDI, Sportswagen TDI and TDI Cup.   The lower end Jettas around the $18K mark sacrifice that mileage dramatically (22 City/30 Hwy).   Same story with the VW Golf TDI.  The Volkswagen Golf is standard fair for the hatchback lovers out there.  Volkswagen will always have its hardcore fans who are almost as rabid as Apple fans and having two vehicles in the top 5 slots is something VW proponents can be proud of to make the others “green” with envy.  Yes, awful, I know.

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5) MINI Cooper – 32 MPG combined (28 City / 37 highway)

The Mini Cooper has a lot going for it and some going against it.  It comes with amazing power and driving prowess and a very British feel to it and along with that comes a very noisy ride. We’ve seen many reports showing this vehicle as very loud on the inside, which is kind of a bummer with all of its accomplishments. There is also very little leg room in the rear seats, although unlike the Fortwo, it at least actually has seats in the back.  There were a lot of other complaints about things such as the factory stereo, but since this is about the gas mileage, it rests here on the list at the midway point.

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6) 2010 Toyota Yaris – 32 MPG combined (29 City / 36 highway)

In reality, the Yaris could be tied for 5th place since they both average out to the same mileage, but there are other issues that let it take a step down that are driving related such as the very slow reacting automatic transmission.  It’s a nice quiet ride for regular drivers, but for speed demons or those with a little heavier foot, the engine can get loud when pushed to its limits.  While those are seemingly minor complaints, they still affect your driving experience and fuel efficiency.  So while fuel economy is the headline of the day, at what cost will you make sacrifices?  Apparently there are some vehicles that actually combine comfort, efficiency and a solid driving experience very well, but Toyota’s Yaris leaves us lacking., but economical nonetheless.

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7) 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman - 32 MPG combined (28 City / 36 highway)

If it wasn’t for the drop in city mileage, the Mini Cooper Clubman could have sat beside his base model, but they were sadly parted by the Yaris claim to better mileage while out on the town. The Clubman is actually a much more comfortable ride than the standard Cooper with its roomy interior. However, it does sacrifice the storage area to accomplish that.  There are also reports very stiff controls and once again, we heard about the Mini Coopers horribly noisy ride.  Our guess is that 2011 models may fix some of the insulation issues to address this problem since it’s the biggest complaint from both users and reviewers.

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8) Hyundai Accent Hatchback - 31 MPG combined (27 City / 36 highway)
See review below #9

9) Hyundai Accent Blue – 31 MPG combined (27 City / 36 highway)

Hyundai keeps there models close together on this chart for obvious reasons.  The Hyundai Accents come with a mixed bag of reviews but all of which is repairable if you choose the right options.  On the driving side of the coin, there is a slightly slow acceleration with the automatic version of the vehicles, but at around $10,000 base price, it’s a good and economical vehicle.  However, once you add things like, um, air conditioning, and other typical things you would normally get on a base model such as power windows, stereo, etc.  you’re up at around $15,000.  The base model of these vehicles is painfully absent of features that you wouldn’t even normally think of holding back.  Air conditioning? Really?  Safety features are another thing that is minimal. It has 6 air bags, but even anti-lock brakes are optional on higher end models. But, got carried away again, we’re focusing on fuel efficiency, that’s just a taste of what you might be up against if you consider either of the Accents.  The base model is called Blue and then the hatchback is essentially a trim level, but because it’s really a truly different vehicle (although the same under the hood), it takes up two slots on the list.

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10) Chevrolet Aveo – 30 MPG combined (27 City / 35 highway)

Last on this list and coming in right behind the Hyundai clan is the Chevrolet Aveo.  There are a lot of reviews for the Aveo and most not so friendly.  The primary reason for its detractors is because of the engine. It’s extremely fuel efficient because of taller gear ratios, but at the cost of some umph on the highway. But if you’re using this vehicle to get around town and the occasional road trip, it’s a completely capable car.  Out of the gate, the Aveo comes standard with a 5 speed manual transmission and only that version accomplishes these numbers.  The automatic version drops considerably to a 28 MPG combined, so expect to lose 2 miles to the gallon by letting the car do the work for you, which is a tad disappointing.

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And there you have it. The top 10 fuel efficient cars that are non-hybrids.  We hope to do a follow up in a day or so featuring the non-hybrid winners and we’ll see who comes out on top. Are there others that should be on the list, but aren’t rated that way? Tell us about it!