As has been discussed in various websites’ forums and comments, fears that VW would *think* they can’t make a business case for the Scirocco have come true. Tim said that the car would cannibalize sales of the upcoming 2010 GTI, and that the failing health of the automobile market are to blame.

BOO HISS BOO!!!!

More details at Autoblog.com

No other tidbits on drivetrain etc. Since Volkswagen is so fond of neutering most of their options for the American market, I think we can assume that the only tranny option will be the fabled DSG. (Not that that’s a bad thing!)

But enter this smokin’ hot little gem by Marcelo Rosa. I don’t know what you think about it, but I loved it from the very first glance I had at the renderings. One of my own little rules about whether I truly like a car’s design or not is my absolute first glancing impression of its lines, and this concept doesn’t disappoint. What do you think?

The original SP2:

Concept Renderings:

* Images courtesy SeriousWheels.com and carscoop.blogspot.com

My initial impression is positive overall, which is impressive for only seeing photos of it rather than in real life. Typically new model photos don’t do it for me unless the design is drop dead gorgeous. The new frontend is a welcome improvement to the waterfall grill heritage in the MkV’s. Took me a while to warm up to those. As I look at it, the only thing bothering me is that the rear doesn’t match the aggression of the front. It seems to fall flat and plain for me.

* Volkswagen Press Release

- Golf’s high levels of value and comfort nullify class distinctions
- New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen’s future
- TDI, TSI and DSG systems improve fuel economy by up to 28 percent
- First Golf with adaptive chassis and automatic distance control

WOLFSBURG, Germany – Volkswagen is unveiling its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf. The car – Europe’s most successful with more than 26 million sold – was improved in all areas. “This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before”, says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG. The European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October; following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The entry price for the German market is around 16,500 Euros.

Innovative power – the Golf democratizes progress

The clear and powerful design of the new Golf is showing the entire brand the way to the future. Its acoustic properties and the overall comfort of the Volkswagen tear down class distinctions. Innovative engines and transmission technologies lower fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines satisfy limits of the future EU-5 standard.

Assistance systems such as “automatic distance control” (ACC), “adaptive chassis control” (DCC) and the “park steering assistant” bring additional top technologies on board the Golf. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that counteract whiplash trauma, a “seatbelt detection” feature debuting in the rear seating area of the Golf and daytime running lights – that are standard equipment – provide for a maximum level of safety.

Exterior design – Precision in a new form

The high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: “We have cast the Golf’s core components in a precise, new mold”, explains Walter de Silva. And the Italian design chief of the German corporation emphasizes this: “The Golf is the global icon car making. So the architecture and graphic form of new model are also absolutely clear and unique.” At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: “It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses.” And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen brand, adds: “Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value.”

Especially in a direct comparison of generations five and six, it becomes clear just how much the new Golf has changed. The team headed up by de Silva and Bischoff sought to crystallize out the “essential DNA” of the model series and send it on a trip to the future. These stylistic characteristics include the clear front end of the first generation and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests – similar to the new Scirocco – on a dominant filled out shoulder section. Responsible for this is a prominent curving line that – like a muscle trained down to the last fiber – extends from the headlights back to the taillights. In its side profile, this line – which Volkswagen Design calls the “character line” – also gives the new Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a side perspective.

All body surfaces are generally more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car takes up the horizontally aligned radiator grille trim strip between the headlights of the first Golf generation; the grille itself is high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is an adjacent section with another air scoop. Also arranged on a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

In the rear too is characterized by a dominance of horizontal lines. The taillights – very wide now – are identified among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically – with their crystal-clear lines for the turn signal and backup lamps – they bear a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the image of the new Golf – in the interplay of all of its design characteristics – is one of a significantly wider, flatter and even more high-end car.

Interior – imploding class distinctions

The car’s exceptional value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials and details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments derived directly from those of the Passat CC leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car’s interior were also further developed. For example, all operating controls are even easier to use. They include the control of the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) – presented for the first time on the Passat CC – and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

There is a common thread here: Volkswagen’s typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of “seatbelt detection” in the rear: if the Golf is ordered with rear side airbags, the user can recognize on the multifunctional display in the cockpit whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear – separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather surface is being used. Or the example of the cargo area: four practical hooks ensure that after shopping, the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area. Or the example of the outside mirrors: thanks to an aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the interior, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located further up and more forward in the door trim.

Noise reduction – the quietest Golf since the first model

The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special damping film in the windshield also reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal concept for the doors and side window guides. The new shape of the outside mirrors also significantly reduces wind noise. Furthermore, special modifications were made to acoustically isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another better. Very quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction package.

Diesel engines – migration to common rail injection

Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties are the exceptionally quiet TDI common rail engines being used in the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts also put an end to undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range extending from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at the market launch, Volkswagen will be offering the Golf with two 2.0 liter TDI engines; they output 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there as production equipment: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong entry-level diesel is satisfied with 4.5 liters of fuel (119 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometers – that represents a 0.6 liter reduction! Even the 140 PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liters less.

Gasoline engines – more economical than ever before

Four variants will define the range of gasoline engines in the launch phase: 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS. Starting at 90 kW / 122 PS, the TSI engines come with supercharger and/or turbocharger. The fact is that the gasoline engines too are pioneering when it comes to fuel economy. The optimized 80 PS entry-level engine consumes just 6.4 liters of Super per hundred kilometers (149 g/km CO2) – that is 0.5 liters less than the previous model. The other TSI engines are also taking the stage as prime examples of efficiency: at 122 PS the new Golf 1.4 TSI consumes just 6.2 liters of Super (144 g/km CO2); this yields a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 liters. Even the new 160 PS top version of the 1.4 TSI attains an excellent value at 6.3 liters. Compared to the retired 150 PS FSI, the 160 PS TSI’s fuel consumption was even lowered by 1.6 liters.

DSG – replaces conventional automatic

With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline and diesel engines can be paired with Volkswagen’s dual clutch transmission (DSG). Depending on the engine torque, either a 6-s0eed or 7-speed DSG is used. On the Golf, the extremely efficient and agile DSG has thereby replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how efficient the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the average fuel consumption of the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 liters (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 PS and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 liters. Savings: 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers or 28 percent – progress in its best form.

This is more of a proof of concept, so don’t expect to see these on the road anytime soon, unfortunately. Hydrogen fueling stations and other infrastructure still need to be put in place across the nation. But the technology does seem promising. Honda and BMW have also been experimenting with hydrogen fuel cells for some time, so it appears that this may one day be a viable option.

I can’t help to wonder though, and maybe you scientists can help me out, but what if we had the same amount of vehicles on the road that we have today, only they’re emitting tons of water vapor instead of noxious fumes? Could that actually have an impact on the weather or environment somehow?

* Volkswagen Press Release

Volkswagen highlights commitment to environment by showcasing Tiguan HyMotion concept, clean diesel TDI’s and efficient 2.0 liter TSI Tiguan

HERNDON, Va.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. is showcasing its broad range of near-term and future fuel-efficient powertrain technologies with the all-new 2.0 liter TSI Tiguan, the upcoming 2.0 liter Jetta TDI and the North American debut of the Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept.

Originally shown at the Shanghai Motor Show and the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum, the Tiguan HyMotion highlights the current state of Volkswagen’s hydrogen fuel cell research and development. The Tiguan HyMotion features a hydrogen fuel cell system, which provides over 107 horsepower and produces zero tailpipe emissions (clean water vapor is its only bi-product). The innovative new Tiguan builds upon Volkswagen’s ongoing development of the fuel cell as previously demonstrated with the Touran HyMotion.

Volkswagen has long been committed to fuel efficient, environmentally responsible vehicles and this is evident with the new Tiguan utility vehicle and the Jetta TDI, offered in both sedan and SportWagen body styles. These vehicles provide efficiency, utility and performance in the refinement and interior appointment that is the hallmark of all Volkswagen vehicles. The well-refined four cylinder turbocharged engines – the Jetta utilizing Volkswagen’s TDI technology and the Tiguan the fuel efficient TSI – provide ample horsepower and prodigious torque to make these vehicles sporty, efficient and fun to drive.

Tiguan HyMotion
The Tiguan HyMotion concept features a fuel cell system integrated in the engine compartment capable of 107 horsepower. With an assist from the electric motor, the Tiguan HyMotion advances to 134 horsepower. The top speed of the Tiguan HyMotion is 93 mph and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds.

A lithium ion battery with a charge capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours (Ah) serves as an auxiliary energy storage device with a maximum power output of 22 kW. The battery is charged by recovered braking energy (recuperation) or by the fuel cell. This increased functionality and efficiency does not impair the interior space of the vehicle. The battery system is installed in the trunk beneath the dual cargo floor available on the production Tiguan. The 700 bar hydrogen tank was integrated in the area beneath the floor in the rear bench seat and cargo area. It can hold up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen (H2).

Basic operation of fuel cells
The key component of each individual fuel cell – a number of them are combined into a stack – is a proton-conducting membrane. It is located between each anode and cathode pair. Hydrogen flows on the anode side, and air flows into the cell on the cathode side. When many of these cells are combined in a stack, enough energy can be generated to drive a vehicle.

In each cell, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water on the cathode side. The fuel cell thereby converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy in an oxidation, or “cold” combustion process. The generated “exhaust” is clean water vapor.

The fuel cell is supplied fuel from the hydrogen tank and oxygen from the air by an external air inlet and outputs the electrical energy it generates – the power – via a converter and a downstream electrical system rectifier – to one or more electric motors. The Tiguan HyMotion is nearly silent when driven, and it is emissions-free.

Current Fuel Efficient Vehicles
Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience all come standard with the 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen. The eagerly anticipated, 50-state compliant clean diesel TDI’s come to the United States in August 2008.
The Jetta TDI will have an immediate impact on fuel savings in a big way – up to 35 percent savings compared to a similar gasoline engines. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway.

Volkswagen engineers have been able to reduce NOx emissions by 90 percent on the TDI engine, through internal engine modifications and new catalytic converter technologies. This advance in diesel technology allows the Jetta TDI to exceed the toughest emissions requirements, including the “LEV2” standard, which limits NOx emissions to 70 mg per mile.

The new Tiguan comes standard with a 2.0L TSI engine delivering turbocharged acceleration while maintaining responsible fuel efficiency of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This award winning turbocharged four-cylinder power plant delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs –ft of torque. The combination of four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and turbo charging delivers the optimum balance of power and economy. Adding to increased efficiency is a choice of either six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission options.

* From Volkswagen Motorsport
The new Volkswagen Scirocco race version, the road-going version of which is launched on the market in autumn, was immediately in its element around the demanding Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Volkswagen factory driver Dieter Depping (D) completed extensive tests on Monday, 5 May through the “Grüne Hölle” in the Eifel region with the 300 hp Scirocco. After the roll-out on 14 April at the Spreewaldring close to Cottbus, and the endurance test on 22 April at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, this was the third test in preparation for the 24-hour race on 24/25 May.

“The new Scirocco was in its element from its very first lap around the Nordschleife. The car also ran perfectly on this unique and difficult track,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “Our technicians have produced excellent work up to now. Now it’s a just a question of preparing the three Scirocco perfectly for the race. After all, the 24-hours is a merciless test for man and machine.”

Whether it was the Hatzenbach, Flugplatz, Fuchsröhre, Adenauer Forst, Karussell, Pflanzgarten, Schwalbenschwanz or Galgenkopf the blue Scirocco brilliantly mastered the renowned sections of the Nordschleife. “The experience gained last year when we took class victory with the Golf GTI and eighth position overall helped us immensely to set-up the Scirocco,” says Dieter Depping. “It goes without saying that we tested quite a lot during the tests, but the changes were actually very small. The Scirocco is great through the many and varied corners and the handling very forgiving – which is of great importance for us drivers particularly in this endurance race and with 220 cars on the circuit. The less you have to concentrate on your own car the better.”

Volkswagen will start this long-distance classic at the Nürburgring with three Scirocco driven by two-time Rally World Champion Carlos Sainz (E), more recently winner of the Central Europe Rally with the Race Touareg, together with Cross Country Rallying team mates Giniel de Villiers (RSA) and Dieter Depping (D), Volkswagen Junior Jimmy Johansson (S) and the touring car youngsters (D), Thomas Mutsch (D) and Francois Verbist (B) team up in another example, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Motorsport Representative for the Volkswagen Concerns since the start of the year, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand with responsibility for Development and German Journalist Bernd Ostmann (auto motor und sport) and Matthias Malmedie (Grip – das Motormagazin).

As preparation for the 24-hour race Sainz, de Villiers, Stuck, Dr. Hackenberg, Ostmann and Malmedie will contest the four-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring with a pair of Golf GTI R-Line cars this coming Saturday (10 May).

“The people” even get to submit their own poll questions, though most aren’t necessarily automotive-related. We get to answer esoteric things like “Free candy and endless sunshine” or “To save mankind from mankind.”

I’ve got one or two. How about “longer warranties with free maintenance” or “vehicles that have some semblance of quality standards.” Ohhh, BUURRRRNNNNN! Did I get too personal there? :P

As well as submitting your own poll question, you can also purchase a t-shirt to sport your favorite question.

It’s just another viral marketing gimmick to drive “the people” towards the Volkswagen brand, and position VW as really caring about “what the people want.” I’m sure they do on a certain corporate level. On the positive side, it does place them more squarely where they should be in pop culture instead of trying to move the brand “upscale.” Turned-up noses and label mongers look elsewhere.

I’ve seen three four versions of these new commercials so far, featuring Richard A. Searfoss (space shuttle commander), Heidi Klum, Bob Knight, and none other than…. wait for it…………………. The HOFF himself, David Hasselhoff.

Overall, I like the commercials’ cheekiness, but as Matt said while we were checking them out, they do seem a bit forced. Will the average consumer appreciate them? I’m sure Volkswagen fans will, but potentially new owners? I don’t know. I guess it would attract the right kind of people.

The photo leaks were traced back to this website and this one.

Tucked back into a dark corner of the Cincinnati Convention Center, VW didn’t even have a new R32 or Tiguan with them. How about bringing along the Routan? Nope, nothing. The only model of note was the new Jetta Sportwagen, which was looking pretty good. Others included a couple Beetles, Jetta, Touareg 2 (that was nice), Rabbit, Eos, and GTI. Oh yeah, they also had this little GTI video game unit sitting there to attract all you twenty-something gamers out there looking to snag a GTI, right? Right?

Anywho, it was still fun to get out there and see all the offerings in the automotive world. After breezing through the scant Volkswagen offering, we ventured through the rest of the show. Most drooling occurred over the star of the show, the Dodge Challenger concept (one piece of that eye candy below).

* Photos courtesy Kasey Marcum and Tim Mixell

Ok ok, they did put a more Volkswagen-like interior in the thing, but even that looks a bit watered down to me. I’ll let you guys be your own judge. Take a gander at the photos. And yes, I know this was probably how it was going to turn out anyway with a partnership between Volkswagen and Chrysler. :P

Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Routan, an all new seven-passenger minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.

The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and contemporary, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function.

Second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan. The Routan comes with a host of unique features, including:

• Conversation Mirror
• Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control
• Dual power sliding doors with power windows
• Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive
• Power lift gate with flood lamp
• Thirteen cup holders

Volkswagen delivers a competitively priced entry into this high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000. The Routan will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario.

With Routan, Volkswagen dealers add a vehicle that will provide additional, incremental growth in the market. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners.

The SportWagen is set to debut at $24,500 base. More information to come soon! In the meantime, check out the key features over at vw.com.

My thanks go out to oneighturbo.com for pointing out my blunder gracefully. :D Thanks buddy!

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Step 1: Remove Headlight Sealing Cap

There are two plastic sealing caps on the back of the Jetta headlight. One covers the main headlight bulbs, while the other protects the turn signal and fog lamps. That’s the one we’ll be removing. There is a clip on the top end of the cap. Carefully push down on that clip to unlock the cap from the headlight assembly. I broke the clip off on mine when doing this (I can’t stand the plastic pieces in cars today lol). But the fragility of the plastic is probably due to the cold temperatures we have right now in Cincy.

Step 2: Unlock Bulb Holder from Assembly

Next, reach into the headlight assembly where you will find the holder containing the turn signal bulb. Rotate the holder counterclockwise to unlock it from the assembly. Carefully pull the bulb out, replace with your new bulb, and reverse your steps to complete the installation.

Step 5: Grab Your Favorite Beverage

Stand back and revel in your car repair prowess. The replacement bulb model number is 3357/3457 (amber or clear) View a photo with model number of all bulbs for reference.

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I read various web speculations on the cause, and saw some really great pictures of the sunroof drain entry and exit points. So I poured water in the sunroof drain and sure enough water comes out the nipples above the front door hinge. However, on the passenger side I saw some water spill out from the right side of the glove compartment and run down to the floor carpeting — a sucess for any water leak detective! I suspect this is how lots of water has been getting in my front passenger foot well, and from there somehow sloshing to the back passenger foot well.

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So, I figure the drain hose is either partly disconnected or has a hole in it. I pulled back some of the interior molding next to the right side of the windshield, and found the drain hose. When I again poored some water in from the sunroof drain hole, I could feel some of it coming down the channel around the drain hose. This VW drain hose would be very time consuming to replace, involving removal of the glove box and probably much more.

My solution was simple. I went to the hardware store and bought 7 feet of 1/4 inch flexible plastic tubing to run through the existing hose from the top drain hole down through the nipple at the door hinge. To seal the hose at at the top of the drain, I bought a 1/4″ compression sleeve that slides into the hose end and has a rim to keep it from sliding all the way in. I put a washer under this rim, put some superglue on the compression sleeve to ensure it stays in the hose, and caulked under the washer before pushing it into the drain hole It fit perfectly. Don’t pull the hose tight from the botton end, just get it close. Then just push it the last half inch or so and let the caulk make the seal.

The hose went in pretty smoothly, except when it got to the nipple near the door hinge. I pryed the rubber nipple out of the body panel with a screw driver, and either at that time or earlier the original VW hose disconnected from the nipple. My new hose then pushed right through and I slid it through the nipple about 6 inches, and refit the nipple into the body. This job was surprisingly easy, and only cost $6 in supplies plus a trip to the hardware store.

Since I know this has been a big issue for dozens of VW owners on the internet, and probably hundreds or thousands who haven’t complained on the web, I took some pictures to add to the knowledge on this subject.

I should note that from my reading on this, it seems some people have wet rugs caused by problems other than sunroof drains. These other problems may include a cracked cowel outside in front of the windshield, or maybe a bad seal on a pollen filter. So, the fix above may fix your problem if you have a damaged or disconnected sunroof drain hose (or clogged drain), but there could be other problems like the two I just mentioned. I can tell you that I proved my drain hose was leaking into the car, even though a lot of water was also getting all the way through the hose and through the nipple. Maybe that’s part of the reason people think the’ve eliminated a possible problem when they haven’t. Usually, if some water is being diverted to the interior, but not all, it will not be noticable (drips within the door frame and under the rug).

Follow-Up
After my hose installation it rained a couple of times, including a day of rain, and I see no obvious water leak. Also, after the caulk dried I poured in some water and it came rushing out perfectly. The fact that the interior hose is a little narrower than the original was no problem for effectiveness of the hose. As the water goes in the drain, gravity takes over and rapidly draws down any water in the sunroof drain bowl. This is an easy and cheap fix for a problem that can make people want to sell their car out of frustration.

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The Passat CC will be released in the States the 4th quarter of 2008, but no pricing details have been released as far as I’ve seen. If anyone has heard, please chime in. Some details of note below the photos.

The Passat CC will come standard in the U.S. with the 2.0 TSI engine with 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic transmission. Available optionally is the 3.6L FSI, rated at 280 horsepower and 266 lbs.-ft of torque. The 3.6L FSI comes standard with the six-speed Tiptronic transmission.

With an unmistakable front-end, the grille sports two cross-struts and a centrally placed Volkswagen logo between trapezoidal headlamps. In the lower area, three large air inlets and integrated turn signals and fog lights dominate the visual image. The lower air inlets are formed by a sporty spoiler that optimizes the highs peed downforce. An indicator of the CC’s excellent overall aerodynamic qualities is its drag coefficient of cw 0.29.

The rear end of the coupé is also marked by large-surface dual taillights, which produce an unmistakable visual image, day and night. A rear spoiler – styled into the trunk lid – tames air turbulence and, like its counterpart at the front end, supplies greater downforce. The large rear window continues the coupé’s roof line, extending into the short but high-opening trunk lid. The styling makes the window appear even larger and the trunk lid even smaller. It extends the look of the glass and underscores the dynamic character of the CC.

Newly developed for the CC is an electrically actuated Panorama power vent sunroof. The transparent roof is 29.5 inches long and 44 inches wide, covering the entire front area up to the B pillar.

Volkswagen’s attention to detail is shown off in the interior of the Passat CC with four ergonomically formed sport seats with available climate control, new instruments, new door trim, new radio and navigation systems spokes on the steering wheel. The rear sport seats offer ergonomically optimized lateral support on the sides of the seatbacks and seat surfaces and optional heated seats will be available

Before this, I had a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, a 1996 Chevy Corsica, and a 1998 Ford Contour. Nonetheless, my lease was coming to an end in April, 2008, and had been looking around for possible new cars.

Just a few weeks ago, I received a letter in the mail from Livingston Volkswagen, in Woodland Hills near where I work, with three coupons: one for a “pull ahead” program where the last few payments on my lease would be “forgiven,” one for up to $2,500 off a new vehicle, and one for something else which didn’t apply to me.

Excited that I may have the opportunity to get a new vehicle early, I went down to the dealership and made an appointment to speak with a salesman a few days later. On Thursday, 12-6, I went in to the dealership and walked out with a new, 2008 Jetta. I won’t bore you with the details of the sales process, but I will make note that the dealership basically duped me into coming in — none of the three coupons ended up applying to me.

I originally wanted a new Passat, but apparently Volkswagen has moved the Passat “up” in their lineup, increasing the price and amenities included. Meanwhile, the Jetta has also moved up, and is now almost exactly the same size inside, not to mention the same price, as my previous Passat was.

First and foremost, I was impressed with the engine’s responsiveness. My Passat had a 4-cylinder turbo, which did quite well on the highway but was sluggish in city driving due to a 1+ second response pause from a dead stop. While it was irksome, I had learned how to deal with it. Meanwhile, the new Jetta’s five-cylinder, six-speed is sporty to the point of almost being jumpy. I barely have to tap the gas to have it pounce forward. As usual, the engine sounds a bit uncouth (same with my old Passat), but the triptronic manual shifting is fun, and there’s even a “sport mode” now that’s automatic, but shifts later and completely removes the top gear. As an added bonus, the triptronic now allows you to launch from second gear, which was not a possibility on the Passat.

Overall, there is a marked difference in the feel between the two vehicles. While the Passat felt like it was sitting right on the edge of being a luxury car, with a smooooooth ride, the Jetta feels distinctly sporty. At times, on city streets at medium speeds, I’m sometimes irked by just how much of the road I feel. In LA, this translates into a feeling of riding a horse, at times, whereas I never had any experience like this in the Passat.

The exterior, as everyone has remarked ad nauseum, looks a bit common. Yes, I’ll say it: there are strong similarities to the Corolla. Oh well.

A small thing I miss, which the Passat had, are the lights on the bottom-side of the mirrors which illuminated when you unlocked the vehicle. They were a nice touch that are missing on the Jetta. Meanwhile, a much-needed addition which did make it are mirror turning signals. I’m also impressed by the front-end bumper, which appears sporty, but is also apparently some form of adamantium; I’ve escaped unscathed from hitting smallish (but thick!) piece of plywood, and plowing into one of those intersections where the cross street arches up from a drainage conduit.

Inside, refinements abound over the Passat. The “leatherette,” (some form of vinyl faux-leather) is a suitable approximation, and gives the car a high-end feel. The seats are sturdy and strong, whereas the Passat’s often felt (as someone else described them) “floppy.” And finally, a fix for the nigh-unusable seat-back reclining handle on my Passt: the Jetta is equipped (on the driver’s side only) with an auto-seat-back, controlled with a small button.

The “mood lights,” are a nice touch, adding red LED lighting into the over-head console to illuminate the shifter. The rest of the interior continues the sporty theme, but doesn’t feel cheap. Heated seats on my edition are a much-appreciated addition, which I hadn’t expected, considering where I live. But even “leatherette” seats feel cold at 50 degrees around 6:00 am! Speaking of heat, the air conditioning and heating are much faster to respond now, owed to (according to my research on VW forums) the engine now automatically “revving” after a cold-start to get things moving.

Although the Jetta doesn’t have the neat little umbrella holders that the new Passat has, there are other small touches like cupholders in the doors which are nice, as well as the lack of an ashtray, but a nice-sized recessed tray in it’s place under the climate controls. Shame that there’s no coin holder in either that tray, or your elbow-rest, though. Speaking of the controls, they’re much more pleasing to use now with a smoother turn and also little “clicks” when you move the dial to each setting. I’m also glad they added a more intuitive interior-lighting system, which turns on overhead lights in the front AND back with one switch up front, whereas the Passat only turned on all the lights up front when you used a similar switch. The new glove compartment is much improved, with a nifty, separated slot for your manual.

My Jetta has a six-CD in dash changer with satellite radio and an AUX hookup (but NOT the iPod holster). Although the new radio is worlds above the old Passat’s, the Sirius Radio leaves something to be desired in terms of reliability. There have been more than a few times where I’ve run through patches of completely open-air where the signal mysteriously dropped repeatedly. I’m definitely enjoying the new changer, though, and the much more modern feel of the buttons and dials. I wish I could figure out how to use the MP3 data system, though — the manual says you can burn CDs with the track info on them, but despite quite a bit of time looking on the internet for how to do this, I’m at a complete loss. Apparently the VW engineers knew something that the rest of us don’t. I am impressed, however, with the “auto-volume” feature, which returns the volume to a sensible, quiet level if you turn the stereo off, and then back on.

The Jetta’s “helpfulness” category is a mixed bag in comparison to the Passat. One huge, much-loved new feature is a trunk that opens itself from the key fob. Whereas the Passat’s trunk would unlatch from the fob, I often had to struggle to open it. (I repeatedly complained to the service dept about the hydrolics being far too “stiff,” but they didn’t seem to agree.) The Jetta’s, in contrast, pops completely open from the fob, which has saved me a lot of bag shifting. On the inside, I’m thanking the VW gods for getting rid of the god-awful seatbelt warning they had on the Passat, which warned you if your belt was unlatched even when in park. On the Jetta, you don’t get a reminder until you go over 8 miles per hour (which is the same time the doors automatically lock). On the flipside, the Passat was great about reminding you the lights were on, with a constant, shrieking tone once the doors opened. The Jetta replaces this with a humble, quiet chime that seems like it’ll be easy to ignore when I’m in a hurry.

And finally, the last, best feature? No more premium gasoline! While the new Passat still requires it, the Jetta does just fine with good old “regular.” Hopefully, this’ll save me a few bucks every month.

Overall, I’m enjoying the new Jetta. It’s more fun to drive than the Passat was, but in a slightly more compact way — while not sacrificing any interior room. Refinements abound, while only some of the niceties of the Passat are lacking. I look forward to enjoying my new car until this lease is almost-up again.

Way to go VW! I’m sure there are other companies who have done similar things and have gone unsung, but it’s refreshing to see things like this.

“We at Volkswagen are sending our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the recent devastating southern California wildfires,” said Steve Mears, director, Western Region, Volkswagen of America. “We believe that when you buy a Volkswagen you get a little more than just a car, you get something extra. We provide unexpected things in times of need as a way of reinforcing that something extra.”