It is a cute, compact four-seat car, and it competes in the same market as Audi’s A4, and the Mini Cooper convertible, though it’s more expensive than the latter.

Originally released just last year, the Volkswagen EOS comes in four different trim levels, sporting new names: Turbo, Lux, Komfort and VR6. The first three come with a 2.0 liter 200 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the VR6 has a kickier 2.5 liter, 250 horsepower V6. There are two transmission options: a 6-speed auto-shift manual with overdrive and auto-manual capabilities, and a more conventional 6-speed manual with overdrive alone.

An electronic stability system is also present on the 2008 Volkswagen Eos, with the safety features rounded out by an active roll bar, and head- and thorax-protecting airbags that take the place of the more usual side-curtain airbags (which are generally roof-mounted and therefore cannot be installed in convertibles). Optional upgrades include bi-xenon head lights that turn in the same direction of the car, and the Lux and VR6 models also come with a garbage-truck-esque reverse warning beep.

The Volkswagen Eos looks like a coupe when the top is up, at least from the outside. Inside the car, the interior has been upgraded for the new model year, with leather on the steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake handle now standard instead of optional. Also standard are the wind-blocker screen for passenger comfort, and a sliding center armrest. As well, the driver’s seat has power adjustments for 12 different settings. As well, there is a pass through trunk to off-set the reduced storage when the top is retracted.

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos has a starting MSRP of $28,915 and estimated fuel efficiency of 19-21 mpg in the city and 26-30 on open highway, depending on the engine/transmission combination.

As a carryover from the prior model year, the 2009 Eos features all of the same impressive power components and innovative accessories. However, some buyers might be disappointed that only one engine option is available, and the exterior appears to be a bit over-styled. Nevertheless, those that are looking for the quality German engineering and reliability that only Volkswagen can offer will find that the Eos is a seamless addition to the lineup. This two-door convertible oozes sporty performance, but with seating for up to four passengers it can accommodate a small family as well.

The exterior of the 2009 Eos is marked primarily by the chrome wraparound on the front grille. Bi-Xenon front headlamps are equipped with the Volkswagen Adaptive Front Lighting System. This system can turn the headlamps up to fifteen degrees in the direction that the vehicle is turning. The system improves overall visibility and also alerts oncoming traffic of the convertible quickly. At slower speeds, the Eos will automatically turn on an additional bulb in the headlamp closest to the direction in which the vehicle is turning. Also, the exterior makes a statement with the fully retractable hardtop. The first in America, this hardtop comes standard with an integrated sunroof. In only twenty-five seconds, the Eos will retract the hardtop and hide it in the trunk. The Eos’ rain-sensing windshield wipers do not just turn on when moisture hits the glass; they actually adjust their speed automatically based on the amount and frequency of raindrops.

with a generous 200 horsepower 2.0L I4, the Eos provides more than enough power for any driving demands. Also, a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard, but a Direct Shift Gearbox allows drivers to switch into a manual mode (inspired by F1 racing gearbox) for the ultimate in control. The Electronic Stability Program coupled with anti-lock brakes give the Eos a leg up on the competition and Park Distance Control will alert drivers with a beeping sound if an object is in their path. The trunk and roof are also fitted with sensors that will signal to drivers if the hardtop does not have enough room to open. With 21 city MPG and 31 highway MPG, the Eos is one of the most fuel efficient turbocharged vehicles on the American market.

Overall, the 2009 Volkswagen Eos is an innovative convertible with a wealth of bonus features. However, priced at around $30,790, buyers will certainly be paying for those features. Those that are looking for an affordable sporty model might want to take a look at the Chrysler Sebring Convertible or some of the other competition. Nevertheless, a buyer in search of originality and adaptability will find it in the 2009 Eos.

The power retractable hard top operates smoothly and takes only 25 seconds to secure in either direction. When the top is up, the glass sunroof still lets the sun shine in and the elegant style of the car is equally enticing with the top down or up as a sultry coupe. Power is provided by a feisty turbo charged 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder or a more powerful 3.2 liter V6. There are 3 models available, all with front wheel drive and manual transmissions. No additional options are available for the base model, though standard features for this model include air conditioning, premium stereo with CD player and MP3 jack, heated side mirrors, simulated leather seats and power windows. There are additional options available for the 2.0T which comes standard with all the features found on the base model plus dual zone climate control and heated front seats. Upgrading to the 3.2L adds AM/FM, cowhide upholstery, laminated interior trim, automatic seats and 17 inch wheels. Options for both the 2.0T and the 3.2L include an outstanding 10 speaker music system, front and rear parking proximity alert and a navigation system. Options can be itemized and purchased separately, though Volkswagen has created both a Technology option package and a Sport option package that combine the most popular features in these two categories.

The aesthetically appealing exterior is unassuming with smooth, chic lines. The exterior is complimented by a sleek, well built and inviting interior. Although space is limited in any convertible, this one has a little more than most. The rear seat is large enough to accommodate two adults, though shoulder room is a little tight for long trips due to the side space reserved for stowing the convertible top and its mechanisms. Trunk space is good for a convertible, with about 10 cubic feet available for storage with the top up. When the top is stowed there is still a little over 6 cubic feet available for cargo and there are also two locking compartments-one in the rear and one in the front-for securely storing smaller items.

The sporty Volkswagen Eos will easily transition from daily drive to weekend warrior road trip. The eager engines provide plenty of acceleration, road noise is very limited and steering is responsive. Although convertibles are not often thought of as practical, the Eos is equipped to be more practical than most. However, the main attraction continues to be that convertibles are just down right fun to drive!

Beetle hatchback and the Beetle convertible. The new Beetle is powered by a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine which develops 150 hp @5000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. torque @3750 rpm. The standard transmission for the 2007 Beetle is a 5-speed manual with overdrive or an optional 6-speed automatic with overdrive.

With over 21 million vehicles produced since it was first introduced in 1935, the Volkswagen Beetle has the longest production history of any vehicle in existence. Standard equipment for both the hatchback and the convertible include: assisted door security, distant unlock, non-skid braking, AM/FM, CD Player, throttle cotrol, environmental normalizer, window dehumidifier, and daytime running lights. The Beetle convertible is new and poised to cause a stir amongst its competition as the quintessential sorority beach vehicle.

Of the many available Beetle aftermarket accessories, the bike holder, kayak cradle, and ski rack are by far the favorites of the sports crowd. An assortment of 16, 17, and 18 inch wheels are also available to customize your Bug. safety Driver Airbag Front Side Airbag Passenger Side Airbag Power Windows Rollover Protection System.

Fuel economy for the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle registers at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Handling and acceleration were fair to good in the new Beetle. The convertible fared well in its nice quiet ride, top down or up. Chalk up one more for Volkswagen in its ability to continue a legacy for one of the most beloved vehicles of all time.

All versions of the 2008 Beetle have the same power train configuration: a front-mounted 2.5 liter, 150 horsepower, 5- cylinder engine that provides 170 pounds/feet of torque, mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission, though there is an optional six-speed automatic transmission that comes with the Porsche-developed “Tiptronic” quasi-manual shifting functionality, as well. All Beetles are front-wheel drive.

Aside from the obvious feature, the convertible’s soft top, both versions of the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle have essentially the same exterior features. The dome-shaped roof is one of them, of course, but other details include turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, and a power sunroof is available as an option on the SE. Based on the same platform used for the Volkswagen Golf, the Beetle’s standard wheels are 16-inch alloy, with 17-inch wheels available on the SE.

Inside the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle, there is seating for four passengers, though head- and legroom are both limited in the back seat. A technical hatchback, the rear seat-back folds down for additional storage space. Height-adjustable front seats (bucket style), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, and air conditioning are all standard, as is the AM/FM Radio/CD player combination that includes an auxiliary jack for MP3 play back.

The seats of the 2008 Beetle are upholstered in a faux leather material referred to as “V-Tex,” and there is a special Cold Weather package that includes heating not just for the front seats, but also the windshield washer nozzles. Actual leather upholstery is no longer an option on any version of the New Beetle.

Rounding out the features of the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle is a safety package that includes daytime running lights, anti-lock disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring technology, and side-impact airbags.

The base model of the 2008 Beetle has a starting MSRP of $17,365.

Calling it “new” doesn’t really fit anymore since the car has been back in production since 1998, and hasn’t had any major redesigns since then. The Beetle is based on the VW golf platform, and comes in either a coupe or convertible. With so many newer vehicles crowding the small car market, the one major selling point this one has over its competition is the distinctive look.

Most people who buy the Volkswagen Beetle are usually those who value form over function. It continues to carry the classic style and appearance of its early versions. The convertible comes equipped with a power folding soft top, and the coupe has a power sunroof as an option. Both trims come standard with 16″ alloy wheels, but you can upgrade to 17″ as factory options. On the inside, the 2009 Beetle has full power accessories, and many of the other features so common to new vehicles today, such as heated seats and premium sound system. This is, however, the area where the Beetle falls short of its competition. As you can imagine, there is limited space inside for anything other than your passengers. Long trips in this car will not be very comfortable for back seat passengers because of the shape of the roof.

Both trims offer the same engine, which is a 2.5 liter inline 5-cylinder that produces 150 horsepower. As far as the transmission goes, the coupe is available in either a five speed manual or six-speed automatic, while the convertible only offers the automatic. You can expect to get 20/28 miles per gallon with the New Beetle, and this will be slightly better with the automatic.

The 2009 Beetle contains most of the standard safety features found in today’s new vehicles, including airbags and stability control system. There is also a rollover protection system standard on the convertible. The 2.5 liter engine packs enough power to make this car relatively fun to drive. Unfortunately, most people are looking for more in a vehicle than just a fun drive. Most need some sort of practicality as well. This is where the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle falls short for some people, especially at a starting price of around $18,000. If you need at least some utility capabilities, you may want to explore some of the cars that the Beetle competes with, such as the Honda Civic, or Saturn Astra.

Beetle, which was introduced in America in 1998.

The original Beetle was actually the brain child of Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche. The duo wanted to produce an economical and reliable car that the working class could afford, however due to the political and social unrest of the time, very few of these unique vehicles were manufactured or sold before Germany’s WWII surrender. Despite the horrible timing, the Beetle remained a topic of automotive discussion and interest in, as well as demand for the unique vehicle grew after the war ended. Mass production of the oddly shaped compact car with headlight ‘eyes’, an air cooled engine and unusual sound began in 1945, with the first Beetle being exported to the United States in 1949. Between the sedan version and the even more popular convertible model, Volkswagen sold 390 Beetles in the United States during 1951. Progress was slow, but intuitive advancements were steady and continued to satisfy an increasing number of motorists’ world wide for many years to follow.

With a colorful history and an astonishing success rate that included production of 1.3 million Volkswagen Beetles at the height of their popularity in 1971, consumer demand for the rounded little car slowly began to decrease. The last original Beetle was sold in the United States in 1978; though sales continued in other parts of the world until the very last original Beetle was produced in July of 2003.

Meanwhile, in 1998 a whole new generation of American drivers and industry analysts who now had access to many automotive engineering and technology advancements craved the return of the Bugs unique characteristics blended with modern automotive expertise. The ‘new’ Beetle sedan was introduced in America for the 1998 model year and a convertible version of the ‘new’ Bug debuted in 2003. With its front situated water cooled engine and front wheel drive platform, the only true similarities between the original and the new Beetle was the reminiscent style and shape. Many modern amenities helped to make the ‘new’ Beetle a practical and reliable car for every day use that was greeted enthusiastically by a new generation of drivers.

Both the sedan and the convertible versions of the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle are powered by a 150 horsepower 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine. The front wheels are driven by a standard five speed manual transmission, with a six speed automatic being optional. All models are well equipped and include features such as power windows and door locks, an advanced audio system with MP3 and CD player, air conditioning, keyless entry and heated outside mirrors. Upgrade packages add comfort and convenience features such as satellite radio, heated front seats, a sunroof for the coupe and a power operated top for the convertible. Affordably priced, fuel efficient and a testament to personality and style, the ‘new’ Volkswagen Beetle has not yet achieved the success rate of the original, but a true comparison cannot be made for many, many years and it is off to a good start.

Poor first cousin, as it happens, though this is not a reflection on the Touareg 2. It’s also a second cousin to the Audi Q7. It must be tough having so many rich relatives and coming from a family noted for its austerity, but Touareg 2 is keeping up with the Joneses better than one might think.

As a midsize, Touareg 2 goes up against such domestics SUVs as the new Dodge Journey, GMC Envoy, Cadillac SRX and Lincoln MKX. The boys from overseas include Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, Nissan Pathfinder and Xterra and Volvo XC90.

Touareg 2 is pushed by either a 280 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 or a 350 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. Touareg 2 gets fourteen miles per gallon highway and twenty miles per gallon city with the V6 engine. The V8 engine drops that to thirteen city and eighteen highway.

There is also a 310 horsepower 5.0 liter V10. Towing capacity for any of the engines is almost eight thousand pounds.

It’s hard to put a finger on just why, because nothing about it really stands out, but the Touareg 2 is truly a sharp looking car. Positives for the Touareg 2 are the performance of the V8 (which is no hot rod, but gets the job done), cargo room and interior workmanship and materials. Negatives include performance of the V6, which is simply underpowered for the weight of the vehicle (especially when towing), gas mileage of the V8 and the navigation system.

Touareg 2 comes in only one trim. It’s a nice one, though, including standard leather, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with mounted controls; heated front seats; twelve-way power driver’s seat; split, folding rear seat; heated, power mirrors with turn signals mounted on them; power everything; remote keyless entry; sunroom; CD player/radio/satellite radio; trip computer; universal garage door opener; heated windshield washer nozzles; cooled glove compartment; power rear gate; rear window defroster and automatic headlights. Optional equipment includes wooden interior trim; twelve-way power passenger seat; navigation system; backup camera; premium sound system; iPod adapter; and six-disk CD changer (trunk mounted). .

Safety on the Touareg 2 is what you would expect from Volkswagen. Five-star NHSTA ratings everywhere except rollover, where it is four-star. It doesn’t come any better for an SUV. Also as you would expect from Volkswagen, all the standard safety features are available including antilock brakes, anti-skid system and airbags all around, just to name a few.

Base price for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 is $39,300. Not bad at all for what it is. Volkswagen has been a popular brand name since the first “bug” came to America. Nothing about the Touareg 2 is likely to change that.

Calling it “new” doesn’t really fit anymore since the car has been back in production since 1998, and hasn’t had any major redesigns since then. The Beetle is based on the VW golf platform, and comes in either a coupe or convertible. With so many newer vehicles crowding the small car market, the one major selling point this one has over its competition is the distinctive look.

Most people who buy the Volkswagen Beetle are usually those who value form over function. It continues to carry the classic style and appearance of its early versions. The convertible comes equipped with a power folding soft top, and the coupe has a power sunroof as an option. Both trims come standard with 16″ alloy wheels, but you can upgrade to 17″ as factory options. On the inside, the 2009 Beetle has full power accessories, and many of the other features so common to new vehicles today, such as heated seats and premium sound system. This is, however, the area where the Beetle falls short of its competition. As you can imagine, there is limited space inside for anything other than your passengers. Long trips in this car will not be very comfortable for back seat passengers because of the shape of the roof.

Both trims offer the same engine, which is a 2.5 liter inline 5-cylinder that produces 150 horsepower. As far as the transmission goes, the coupe is available in either a five speed manual or six-speed automatic, while the convertible only offers the automatic. You can expect to get 20/28 miles per gallon with the New Beetle, and this will be slightly better with the automatic.

The 2009 Beetle contains most of the standard safety features found in today’s new vehicles, including airbags and stability control system. There is also a rollover protection system standard on the convertible. The 2.5 liter engine packs enough power to make this car relatively fun to drive. Unfortunately, most people are looking for more in a vehicle than just a fun drive. Most need some sort of practicality as well. This is where the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle falls short for some people, especially at a starting price of around $18,000. If you need at least some utility capabilities, you may want to explore some of the cars that the Beetle competes with, such as the Honda Civic, or Saturn Astra.

This is a growing class of automobiles that was created by the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The goal being to allow easier access to the rear seats than in the two-door version.

In comparison to the sedan, the Passat CC is slightly longer and wider, but at the time, it is about two inches lower. This has given the car a broader appearance from the front, and a more streamlined side view. The CC also offers an electronically actuated Panorama sunroof. This basically means that the entire front half of the roof is glass. Overall, the CC has a very sleek, aerodynamic look to it, mainly because of the long front and rear window slopes. On the inside, the Passat CC doesn’t differ much from the sedan, with the exception of added heat controls and more comfortable seats.

There are two engine choices available for the Passat CC. The first is a 2.0 liter TSI diesel that produces 200 horsepower. This engine will move the CC from 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds. The other is a 300 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 gasoline engine. With this engine, the Passat will hit 62 mph in 6.6 seconds. Both of these engines are mated with a six speed automatic transmission. Regardless of the engine, you can expect 21/31 mpg, where fuel mileage is concerned. The Passat CC also offers what they call Dynamic Drive Control, which adjusts the suspension to adapt to the conditions of the road or terrain.

The Volkswagen Passat CC includes many of the safety features that are commonly offered on many vehicles today. One feature that is not so common is the Automatic Distance Control system. This system allows the car to maintain a certain distance between itself and the car in front of it while in cruise control. The car will automatically brake and accelerate to stay within a certain distance. These settings will be determined by the driver ahead of time. The Passat also offers Lane Assistance technology. This system can detect when the car drifts out of its lane and then gently steers it back automatically.

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC is one of the most forward thinking and technologically advanced cars in its class. It’s also relatively affordable, with a base price of around $26,000. One should keep in mind, however, that this particular group of cars is still quite small. It will continue to grow as the popularity of cars like this continues to grow.

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