Enduring the ride that was the 2011 year for better or worse, we have now arrived in the new year of 2012. For the auto industry, 2011 has taken some auto companies on differing paths. For companies like Ford Motor Company, Hyundai and General Motors, their year ends with a series of successes leading to certain profitability at the end of 2011. Other automakers have gone into 2011 expecting a new beginning only to face what could be an ending. Swedish’s car company Saab could have a short-lived life beyond General Motors unless a solid financial rescuer comes to its aid. As automakers think shortly back to the 2011 year, seeking for top spot in the 2012 automobile market, some vehicles reflect clear winners for attracting the interests of rightfully demanding consumers.

While not necessarily dominating sales charts, the following new vehicles captured the mood of 2011 in automotive design and innovations:

Hyundai Veloster

Infusing their line-up with character, Hyundai first sought to attract an upscale clientele. Sculpting a reinvented brand perception with the Veracruz, Genesis and Equus, Hyundai’s focus on product development has worked from the top down. As the Hyundai Accent received a much-overdue redesign for the 2012 model year, observers noted the absence of the three-door hatchback version. Planning something sportier and unique, the Veloster came to life at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show projecting some deep personality from Hyundai.

Powered by a spunky 138-horsepower from a 1.6 liter Gamma powerplant, the Hyundai Veloster delivers pep along with excellent fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Drivers could choose from an innovative 6-speed dual-clutch transmission or the more pleasuring 6-speed manual gearbox. Standard equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch LG touch screen stereo system with Pandora and Bluetooth connectivity meant the 2012 Hyundai Veloster had the ingredients to be an instant hot item at a $17,300 starting price. Officially launched in October, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster accumulated 7,096 in sales by the end of November.

For sale during only the final quarter of 2011, the Veloster has already received the attention of a young crowd looking for what hidden talent rests in the radical three-door vehicle. At the 2011 SEMA Show, several examples for modded out PM Lifestyle/UTI Veloster elevated Hyundai to a flashier world stage. A turbocharged production version of the three-door Hyundai Veloster in the near future should only allow the car to continue its quest to become a recognized pocket rocket from 2012 and beyond.

Lamborghini Aventador

Replacing the Murcielago, Italian sports car builder Lamborghini is pressured to improve upon 48 years of delivering dream rides. A supercar moved by 700-horsepower, the Aventador is the bull’s newest progression in Lamborghini’s heritage.

Built around a full carbon fiber monocoque, aluminum combines with the exterior construction of the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 ’s structure for an ultra-lightweight supercar. A driver and passenger step into the Aventador though the upward opening scissor doors that have become a Lamborghini staple. Rated to weigh just over 3,472 pounds, the all-new Lamborghini Aventador is in excess of 400 pounds lighter than the outgoing Murcielago. Mid-mounted in the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 is a 6.5 liter V-12 engine. Handling the 700 horsepower in a strategic manner is accomplished through an all-wheel drive system supplied by Haldex. Seven gears are arranged through a unique ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) transmission insuring quick, responsive movements through shifts. With 0 to 62-mile per hour acceleration runs occurring in a prompt 2.9 seconds, the Aventador LP-700-4 inspired launches into the roads of 2012.

Chevrolet Cruze

Accustomed to selling their compact sedans as bargain haulers, Chevrolet had devoted questionable dedication to the Cavalier and even the Cobalt. When the Chevrolet Cruze was launched in North America in late 2010, the sophisticated world sedan demonstrated we could expect greater things from the top General Motors brand in the smaller vehicle class.

Stylish without being overwhelming, the compact Cruze was welcomed by as many as 215,057 customers for the current year as of November 2011 (making it Chevrolet’s best-selling car and second only to the Silverado pickup in overall bowtie products sold in the year). A good reason for the positive reception of the Chevrolet Cruze rests in the fact the car does not represent the usually expected ‘corner-cutting’ in the development process. Ten airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with anti-lock braking and detail to noise reduction standard on all Cruze models recognizes the motorist deserves better from 2011 model year vehicles. Powered by the Ecotec family of engines, a 1.8 liter and turbocharged 1.4 liter provides an amply power range for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Propelled by one of two high efficiency power plants, the Cruze features robust power at a low cost of operations. For optimal fuel economy, the Cruze Eco version can go up to 42 miles per gallon when linked to the six-speed manual transmission.

As the Chevrolet Volt attracted all the press and Chevrolet’s Centennial was passionately celebrated with commemorative editions of the Camaro and Corvette, the Chevrolet Cruze sales success played an immediate role insuring their will be many more parties in honour of the brand.

Volkswagen Jetta

While the Chevrolet Cruze was accomplishing the act of bringing refinement to entry-level vehicles through minor overall price increases, the Volkswagen Jetta entered 2011 attempting to re-establish itself as an affordable small sedan. Extremely popular in North America from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, the German car brand scared off some buyers when the Jetta steered into premium car pricing. Wanting increased sale volumes, Volkswagen redesign of the 6th generation Jetta sedan heavily involved making the a better value to North American car buyers.

Larger than the more expensive predecessor model, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta took a more back-to-basics approach in engineering. Gone is the high-end materials and suspension system in favour of lower-cost, easier to produce components as the 2011 model year Jetta arrived for a retail price starting under $16,000. Designed to win over young families, the 2011 Jetta incorporated standard comfort and safety features including a 60/40 split rear seat as well as up to six airbags. The new Jetta is recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. Powered by the 2-liter and 2.5 liter gasoline engines, the 140-horsepower turbocharged clean diesel powerplant of the 2011 Jetta TDI delivers up to 42 miles per gallon fuel economy.

A vehicle created to boost Volkswagen‘s United States sales, the all-new Jetta sedan was a mission accomplished in the first 11 months of 2011 netting sales almost 59 percent higher than the 2010 pattern.

Audi A7 Sportback

Audi has tempted more luxury car buyers than ever with a flourishing line-up of technologically advanced upscale vehicles in 2011. The Audi A7 Sportback was introduced to the marketplace this year as the perfect conveyance of the brand’s drive for modern luxury and performance. Though the five-door represents a late arrival to an automotive category of unconventional sport coupes wearing more than two doors (i.e. Mercedes CLS-Class and Porsche Panamera), the Audi A7 Sportback blend of the new A6 sedan architecture into a radiant-looking creation. Composing of a combination of steel and aluminum, the 2012 model year A7 Sportback was launched in April to brisk sales that totalled to over 5,000 vehicles by the end of November. North American customers receive the supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 powerplant routed to the quattro drivetrain through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Seating for four passengers provides an individualized performance luxury feel. The Audi A7 Sportback’s MMI system with an available 15-speaker supplied by Bang & Olufsen and Audi connect solutions are some highlights in store for all occupants.

With the best yet to come from the unique coupe, the high-performance Audi S7 Sportback is due for the 2013 model year.

Information source: Audi AG, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., General Motors, Hyundai Motor America, VW Group

Photo source: Audi AG, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Chris Nagy

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Continuing down their road to recovery following the natural disaster that amounted in the sad loss of over 15,000 Japanese citizen, the spirit to endure from the troubles have seen industrial production return, stabilizing the traumatic experiences of millions. In only a month, many of the Japanese auto plants were operational again with at least some production.

Upcoming in December, the Japanese auto industry will have a moment to shed light on the greatness in their vehicle culture and technology with the biennial Tokyo Motor Show. Always a showcase for creative designs and high-tech innovations, the 2011 edition of the car exhibition will count upon the country’s major automotive companies to refresh some optimism in the population.

Mazda Motor Corporation is one automaker ready to demonstrate there is indeed brightness in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. Showing off their Mazda CX-5 in the brand’s home country for the first time, the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will perform the world debut of a concept car indicating direction for the next mid-sized sedan. The TAKERI concept embodies the two leading philosophies Mazda is touting as the future for their auto brand.

A concept car assimilating a good deal of production car characteristics, the Mazda TAKERI four-door sedan is said by the auto company “to bring a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling.” The latest vehicle to be crafted on the ‘KODO-Soul of Motion’ design language, loud tones of the Mazda SHINARI concept are telegraphed through the shapely sheet metal of the TAKERI sedan. Like the SHINARI, the front end features a large, upright grille opening complemented with a chrome accent sailing under and towards the headlamp housings. At the rear end of the concept vehicle, the Mazda TAKERI formulates a near fastback profile for what is likely superior aerodynamic balancing.

An elegant use of curves achieves a classically refined yet sporty appearance for the Mazda TAKERI concept which is said to provide a “comfortable ride feel”. While specific details are not provided on the interior accommodations, images of the Mazda TAKERI cabin leaves expectations of enviable comfort a real possibility.

First time being exhibited by Mazda, the TAKERI concept is a regenerative braking system designed to recycle kinetic energy into electrical energy. While the TAKERI is not a hybrid, the electrical energy will be channelled back into vehicle’s electric-powered systems. With the surge of energy into the electrical hardware, the engine will be less burdened to produce the electric power thereby allowing the engine to run with more efficiency. The powerplant attached to the Mazda TAKERI concept car is a diesel version of the engine using SkyActiv technology. The SkyActiv-D engine is a highly efficient, clean diesel powerplant likely to deliver outstanding fuel economy when combined with the benefits from Mazda’s regenerative braking.

Along with the SkyActiv technology undertaking, Mazda says the latest TAKERI concept is part of a three-step “Building Block Strategy” for electrically based fuel savings. With step one being stop/start technology and the second being regenerative braking, the TAKERI possesses two of Mazda’s Building Block Strategy. Full hybrid and other electric powertrain technology are on the horizon as the Japanese auto brand’s third step.

Receiving major retouch in the past 2011 model year, a replacement design to the current Mazda6 is not likely to occur until the 2014 model year in North America. Since the development process for most new vehicles is roughly two years, a production four-door vehicle based on the Mazda TAKERI concept is a likely. Disregarding production questions, the TAKERI concept’s presentation at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

Information and photo source: Mazda Motor Corporation

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If you think diesels are slow, try telling that to Brent Hajek. That’s because Brent just set some land speed records at The Bonneville Salt Flats in a diesel-powered car. Sorry, let me amend that: He just set some land speed records at The Bonneville Salt Flats in a diesel-powered TRUCK. Specifically, a Ford F-250 Super Duty, and he set two records, one for straight up dino-diesel, and another for bio-diesel. Impressive, no?

Land speed records are cool in and of themselves, and the fact that he did it with fuel normally found in the tanks of 18-wheelers just sort of adds to the cool factor. But y’know, that’s the LSR game at the sacred grounds of The Bonneville Salt Flats. The people who run Bonneville Speed Weeks, The Southern California Timing Association (don’t ask me how a bunch of hot-rodders from SoCal got to head this shebang up, it’s a very long story) really don’t care what the hell you bring out to The Salt. Just as long as it’s safe (or at least passes their safety checks) and fits into one of their umpteen categories, they seem to be fine with it. You want to see if you’ve got the fastest all-stock 65 VW Beetle in the world? Bring her out and let’s see what she’ll do.

So during any given August Speed Weeks out there in the middle of nowhere, you can expect to see production cars, motorcycles, purpose-built streamliners, and, in the case of Brent Hajek, a Ford F-250 Super Duty running on diesel fuel.

Brent’s outfit, Hajek Motorsports, decided to roll out a fully prepped a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty for high-speed runs down the “track”. But for all the (highly justifiable safety) prep put into the truck, the plant was surprisingly nearly stock turbocharged 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8. Sure, Hajek Motorsports swapped out the fuel injectors and fuel pump, but at the velocities you can reach with that much room, LSR cars drink fuel the way a freshman at a liberal arts college drinks beer. Hajek Motorsports also swapped out the stock turbo.

On the inside, they added a roll cage and five-point harness for safety (no doubt to keep Mom Hajek a little quieter) and they also added a set of spun aluminum Lakester hubcaps to smooth out the airflow. Nice touch going with the flat discs … rodders have been doing that back since the Muroc days, they work, and they’re stylish!

And that, pretty much, was the extent of the mods Hajek Motorsports did to the F-250. It’s described as being a ” … a run-of-the-mill production vehicle that can run on standard diesel or B20 biodiesel.” Damn. Ballsy move, no? The technical moves completed, testicle related or no, were enough to up the horsepower and torque up by 50 percent over the stock engine’s 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of pull.

The bottom line on the SCTA’s timing slips turned out to be an a new B Production Diesel Truck record of 171.123 miles per hour. Which is damn impressive for a F-250. I mean, just look at the thing, it’s got all the aerodynamics of the shipping crate it came in. Impressive! And that 171.123 miles per hour (always out to the third decimal point when it comes to the SCTA) beat the old record of 166.850 mph held by a Duramax-powered GMC pickup in case any of you are interested.

That was on normal diesel fuel, by the by. But when the Hajek team also filled the truck up with B20 biodiesel they set another new record of 182 miles per hour, which squished the previous record of 130.614 mph like a grape. Yeah, you read that right, they went faster on Bio-D than on normal diesel. Now, normally it’s the other way around, at least in my experience (bio-diesel means less power), so I would be interesting in knowing the whys and wherefores of how Hajek did it … but I’ll wait until I run into him in a bar in Wendover. Wendover, Nevada, of course, not Wendover, Utah … I’m pretty sure there aren’t any bars in Wendover, Utah.

Source: Autoblog

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As the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu was introduced to the public this past April, General Motors made it clear that the United States was going to share the bowtie badge with almost the entire world. Globalizing the Chevrolet brand started with the debut of the compact Cruze sedan last year. Premiering throughout Europe and Asia ahead of its North American launch, the short-term results for the more international presence of Chevy could be seen in two ways inside the United States. On a negative side, the loyal customers in the United States of America and Canada could feel neglected assuming Chevrolet is devoting itself away from its core market of 100 years. However, there are many positives to a global Chevrolet presented in the recently introduced Cruze. As the world acquaints with the Chevy bowtie, the North American consumer will also be treated to some international flavours for cars sold across the world.

As diesel-engined vehicles remain popular in Europe (accounting for over 1/3 of the cars sold in most regions), the Chevrolet Cruze was equipped to meet the large demographic. Equipped with a 2-liter VCDi diesel engine, this version of the Cruze compact is quite a performer. Generating over 160 horsepower and 265 pounds-feet of torque, the Cruze VCDi achieves exceptional fuel economy with the high-pressure common rail diesel technology. Thanks to Chevy’s new worldwide vision, North American buyers will receive the chance to choose a diesel powerplant in upcoming Cruze models.

Officially announced by General Motors, a diesel engine will be added to the Chevrolet Cruze line-up for the 2013 calendar as either a 2013 or a 2014 model year vehicle. While the 2-liter VCDi engine would probably be the likely candidate for the upcoming Chevrolet compact car, GM is holding back exact details on the future powerplant option.

This will be the first entrance presence for a diesel-powered General Motors car in North America since the 1985. Developing a diesel engine during the late 1970s in the wake of gasoline price hikes and demands for better fleet-wide fuel economy, General Motors commissioned the engineers of now-defunct brand Oldsmobile to develop two V-8 and a V-6 engine to run on diesel fuel. From 1982 to 1985, these engines were shared with Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles. Though novel, the diesel powerplants quickly exhibited the American auto industry at its worse.

Perhaps due to inexperienced with diesel powerplants, the Oldsmobile-developed engines quickly demonstrated failures to due inferior design and construction. An experiment that ended after just three years in production, General Motors experience with diesel powerplants in cars ultimately resulted with a class-action lawsuit settlement where owners could claim reimbursement for 80% of the engine’s replacement cost. Besides injuring the Oldsmobile engineering, the GM 1980s failure with diesel car powerplants also stained the reputation for, at least, domestic cars using such an engine type.

Being fair, General Motors is no longer the same company it was in the 1980s. Through growing involvement in European markets as well as through the success of the heavy-duty pickup Duramax engines, GM engineers can better harness the benefits of diesel. Also since the 1980s, diesel technology itself has radically improved thanks in part to high-pressure direct injection and lower-sulphur fuel. While not exhibited on domestic cars, select Volkswagen and luxury brand Audi products have even a charming portrayal of diesel power in a passenger sedan. Diesel engines have also been finding favour in car-based crossover vehicles known on the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec.

Information source: Autoweek, General Motors, Newspress UK
Photo source: Chris Nagy, Chevrolet via Newspress UK

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I have this theory that any list, top ten, top five, top 100, whatever, are only there to start arguments, rather than be definitive statements. 99% of the time, I have no problem with Jalopnik. They are a rather funny and irreverent car site, and in addition to the standard fair of who’s releasing what ride or which car is getting yanked from production, they have a real penchant for top ten lists. Like I said, lists are there to start arguments, and this list leaves me with a big bone to pick with the boys at Los Jalops.

First off, let’s take a look at their list, then I’ll bitch a little bit, and then we can look at why their individual picks are cool.

Here they are:

10.) Jaguar D-Type
9.) Porsche 911 GT-1
8.) Jaguar XJR-9
7.) Chaparral 2F
6.) Ferrari 330 P3/4
5.) Toyota GT-One
4.) Audi R10 TDi
3.) Ford GT40
2.) Porsche 962
1.) Mazda 787B

Impressive list, no? Really, who can argue? All those cars were serious competitors, and most of them were winners. But do you notice anything missing? Any car that should be in there that’s not? Do the words “Watch out for the red Lola, the red Lola,” or “This isn’t just a thousand to one shot. This is a professional bloodsport. And it can happen to you. And then it can happen to you again,” or Steve McQueen knock anything lose?

Yup, for some reason, they didn’t include the Porsche 917 on their list.

The car that issued in a level of utter domination in Le Mans that anyone is yet to equal, (although Audi is starting to get close) and they didn’t include it in the list? Kind of strikes one as a mistake, doesn’t it?

Not only did the 917 win Le Mans over and over and over, but it is one of the most recognizable racing cars in the world, mainly thanks to the 1971 feature film starring Steve McQueen. Leaving it off the list seems like a major stumble to me.

But the rest of the list sure is worth noting.

Take for example number 10, the Jaguar D-Type.

The D-Type deserves to be on the list for a slew of reasons. The D was the first post war Le Mans car to issue into being the ongoing tradition of one car factory dominates and then gets knocked off the top of the mountain, only to be knocked off by another factory effort that then goes on to dominate for the next string of victories. And, the D-Type is gorgeous. And it also pioneered the use of disc brakes in racing.

At number 9 on the list is the Porsche 911 GT-1. Not only fast, durable and a winner at Le Mans (all of those are Porsche hallmarks, by the by), but it also closely resembled the road-going 911. Although only the chassis, taken from a 993-edition of the venerable 911, was road car sourced, everything else was pretty cool. The water-cooled engine came from a 962, for example. And when the GT1 finally did win over all, it gave Porsche their record-breaking 16th overall win at La Sarthe.

The Jaguar XJR-9, the eight-place car on the list, was the car that returned Jaguar to the top step of the podium at the 24 hour classic. In 1988, when it faced off against the might of the Porsche factory 962s, the XJR-9 was in the lead by the second lap. And despite the Jag suffering gearbox issues, with the car being stuck in fourth gear for much of the race, it won. That was the first time since 1980 that a Porsche did not win, AND it was the first time since 1957 that Jaguar did win.

Ah, the Chaparral 2F landing in seventh place. What is not to like about Jim Hall’s high tech racers from Midland Texas. OK, so they were kind of fragile and prone to breaking. But they did feature such neat bits of tech like a composite fiberglass chassis and a semi-auto gearbox. And this was back in the 1960s! Just check out the video, featuring Phil Hill and narrated by Chris Economaki, to see how cool.

Number 6, the Ferrari 330 P3/4. Really, this car needs to explanation. No, they didn’t win at Le Mans in 1967 (although they did come in one-two-three at Daytona the same year), but dear God what a gorgeous car. That’s reason enough right there.

The Toyota GT-One takes up the fifth place spot, and might be termed the best car never to win Le Mans. Toyota dumped trainloads of money into this beast winning the 24 Hours. It never did, but it was packed with enough tech to make a cruise missile pale in comparison, and seemingly had speed to match. Why did it fail at winning at Le Mans? A lack of reliability. A very un-Toyota like thing to do.

At number 4 on the list we see the Audi R10 TDi. Of course you have to put this car on the list. Speed, solid engineering, horsepower and torque. Lots and lots of torque. Did I mention it was a diesel? It is. Lots of people think that diesel = lack of speed and performance. Audi (and Peugeot) would beg to differ.

Of curse the Ford GT40 is on the list, coming in at number three. This was the car that blew Ferrari into the weeds and one of the few times an American manufacturer won anything on an international stage. Sure, it had an engine half again as big as what Ferrari was running, and a racing budget larger than the GDP of Ivory Coast, but it is damn cool and a winner. Nice video of the GT here:

At number 2 we have the Porsche 962. Essentially an IMSA spec 956 (they had to lengthen the wheelbase to get the drivers feet rear of the front axel line), but dayum these things were quick. And as reliable as an anvil. Porsche could stand on these things, literally all day and all night, and they still one, year after year, race after race.

And finally, the Mazda 787B tops the list. For starters, it’s the only Japanese car to win at Le Mans. For another thing, it’s the only rotary powered car to win the 24 hour race. And for yet another thing the four-rotor plant sounded like shrieking Harpies at full song. Just a terrible/gorgeous wail that most likely could be heard back in Paris.

So, that’s their list and my one addition … I think they seriously slighted the 917, and should have dumped the 911 GT-1.

Source: Jalopnik, lede photo from Fliker user Dave Catchpole.

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Even though the auto industry has been affected by the global economic downturn, car manufacturers are still finding ways to offer consumers affordable vehicles that are both efficient and technologically advanced. An abundance of safety features, communication devices, electronics and fuel efficient engines are becoming standard commodities on many models. When purchasing a car with these advanced features, always make sure that whoever you’re doing business with has met the necessary insurance, auto dealer bond and other licensing requirements to guarantee that your investment is protected.

Hands Free Technology

As we spend more and more time in our cars, new developments help drivers stay connected and productive by allowing customizable driving experiences. Kia’s UVO, Ford’s Sync and the MyLincoln Touch are just a few of the new in-vehicle communication and entertainment systems that allow drivers hands-free, voice-activated control of plug-in devices such as USB sticks, PDAs, MP3 players and Bluetooth technology.

Plug-in Hybrids

With gas prices on the rise yet again, new generation gas-electric hybrids offer alternative power solutions to consumers. The 2011 Toyota Prius and 2011 Chevy Volt both offer plug-in capability, which means that their batteries can be recharged with a 110-volt outlet. Drivers who use a plug-in hybrid can save a significant amount of money at the pump while simultaneously gaining a much better overall fuel economy.

Diesel Engine Technology

Since hybrid cars require high initial investments, an alternative solution is to purchase a car with a diesel engine. Diesel engines have not always been a popular option, but modern variations provide extremely high fuel economy, quality, durability and improved power delivery. Two examples include the updated VW Golf and BMW 330d, as both top 40 mpg.

Driver Assistance

Most new car models come with safety features known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These features assist drivers through blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings and night vision. The purpose of these features is to prevent accidents by taking control of the car away from the driver in times of emergency.

New Safety Innovations

In case an accident cannot be prevented, some 2011 model cars are equipped with innovative safety features. A current standard includes side-torso bags, which are airbags that protect occupants from side impacts. Other safety features include rollover protection for SUVs and inflatable seat belts that add to the comfort and overall safety of drivers.

No matter which of these technological advances you value most, be sure to do your research when looking to purchase a new car. Vehicles that have a lot of bells and whistles tend to cost more, and you want to make sure that you’re not taken advantage of by an unruly auto dealer.

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In some cities, a so-called ‘War on Cars’ is being waged by governments as well as other groups citing environmentalism and congestion concerns. Passing certain rules and user fees against car owners residing in metropolitan areas has become common place. Some cities had posted special licensing taxes for residents to own an automobile within city limits. In England, vehicles traveling into many areas within the city of London streets are assessed a minimum £9 (equating to around $14.45 in US money) Congestion Charge to encourage alternative transit over excessive personal vehicle travel.

Proposing an option that motorists can make a lump sum payment to obtain unlimited travel into Congestion Charge areas, a website called avoidthecongestioncharge.com has been advertising the benefits of a simple badge. For £799 (approximately $1,283 US), a DRIVe badge provides a driver exclusion from the Congestion Charge payment. While, in essence, the DRIVe badge can truly grant no cost access to the streets within City of London, the website was actually a guerrilla marketing campaign for a the much more expensive accessory to the DRIVe badge. Though the initial impression of the website leaves Internet viewers believing the domain is an independent website, the true motivation is made clear as the Volvo name and products began to pop on screen. After being automatically redirected to a new page, the invitation to see the newest CO2 low-emission vehicles of Volvo is offered. Diesel-powered Volvo C30, S40 and V50 make up the brand’s DRIVe range.

Through their web of marketing, Volvo presses that the three DRIVe-badged vehicles indeed apply for special driving considerations. For vehicles emitting less than 101 gCO2/km and conforming to Euro 5 emission standards are granted a Greener Vehicle Discount. Another perk of this incentive allows these lower emission vehicles to enter Congestion Charge areas without payment. Road use incentives for low or zero emission automobile purchases is not unique to the English city of London. In the case of electric and hybrid vehicles in North America, some jurisdictions allow alternative powertrains automobiles to run in HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane or better known as carpool lanes even with only the driver behind the wheel.

While some believe the marketing campaign as clever, Next Green Car, an automotive site advocating the awareness of widespread green transportation solutions, voiced concerns in regards to Volvo Cars UK advertisement. In a compliant published Friday on their website, Next Green Car is troubled by this guerrilla marketing guise as convincingly leading some consumers to believe the Volvo DRIVe promotional page was another company and another product (It should be noted as of January 31st the website has since been labeled with a bottom claimer “This is an advertisement created by Volvo”). Even using the language “fictional scam”, there was also disappointed as Volvo appears to imply their three DRIVe vehicles are the only choices to gain relief from the Congestion Charge. In the case of the incentive, 38 vehicles have been listed eligible including the Audi A3, Smart Fortwo and the Tesla Roadster. Though advertising, what reason would Volvo have for distracting potential buyers from their products.

Relating to the United Kingdom, this innovative automotive marketing strategy shows the difficulty of selling products creatively without With the upcoming 2011 Super Bowl some car companies including Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and even a returning General Motors will work to entice audiences to their products in 3 million dollar, 30-second ad spots. Even with the heavy expense on buying television ad space and producing a commercial, the effectiveness of a Super Bowl ad is not assured.

Information source: Next Green Car via Newspress UK
Photo Source: Volvo Cars

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An eagerly awaited mid-sized sedan, Volkswagen had stoked interests in a new vehicle for more than a year. To be presented this week at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, the German-derived brand officially presents the 2012 Volkswagen Passat as a late announcement to the Detroit automotive exhibit.

Appearing strikingly like an enlarged Jetta at first glance, this 2012 Volkswagen mid-sized sedan abandons all the Audi-sourced design cues that the 2010 Passat wore. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat front end styling integrates the straight, horizontally-slotted grille connecting the clear lens headlamps. The simple sheetmetal detail leads lengthwise along the 191.7 inch body shell. Differing from the compact Jetta sedan, the new Passat will be quickly identified in design by the faux rear vent window detached from the door. Available in S, SE and SEL trim models, the 2012 Passat rather harmonious exterior can catered to more premium tastes. Featured within a 110.4 inch wheelbase, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat can ride on 17 or 18 inch alloy wheels.

Working with a wider wheelbase than the previous Passat, the new mid-sized sedan from Volkswagen makes full use of the extra space potential. Much of this increased length is lent to the rear passenger area providing spacious best in class legroom. Accommodations for 5 passengers, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat cabin is said to take inspiration from the newly-released Touareg in instrument design completed with an analog clock on the center dash panel. Depending on model trim, the usage of a choice of printed or wood inlays along with multiple tone panel colouring is found inside of the new Passat.

2012 Volkswagen Passat power will come from three sources with two gasoline and a turbodiesel engine. The economy version of the gasoline engine is the 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder producing 140 horsepower which can be ordered with a 6-speed automatic or, for the first time, a 5-speed manual gearbox. For peak performance, the 2012 Passat features the 280 horsepower, VR6 powerplant identical to that offered on the CC four-door coupe. For a fuel economy potential of 43 miles per gallon highway, the 2-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine also provides up to 236 pounds feet of torque. With the VR6 and TDI Clean Diesel powerplants, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat offers a dual-clutch 6-speed DSG transmission.

The most noteworthy addition to the new Passat is not related to the engineering or design but rather to the actual product. After 23 years, the North American lineup for the Volkswagen will once again feature a product built on the United States through the 2012 Passat’s assembly in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Between 1978 to 1988, Volkswagen manufactured the Jetta and the Golf (then called the Rabbit) at a complex in New Stanton, Pennsylvania. While Volkswagen has reached into Mexico and South America to build vehicles, the production of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat at Chattanooga Assembly Plant will start in later this year.

As opposed to the 2010 model Passat which started at a list above $28,000, Volkswagen has stride to construct this 2012 mid-sized sedan at a more bargain price around $20,000. With the 2012 Passat, Volkswagen is continuing a reintegration as a more accessible brand to American families. Despite being more value-priced, the 2012 Passat vows to offer standard Bluetooth connectivity, 6 airbags, air conditioning and electronic stability control. An optional audio system is provided through Volkswagen’s new exclusive partnership with guitar maker Fender.

Considered a pivotal car to Volkswagen’s growth in the United States, the reaction to the American-made 2012 Passat sedan at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit will provide a great opportunity to see a widely-equipped fighter in the mid-sized sedan category.

Information and photo source: Volkswagen AG

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The sport utility vehicle (SUV) has grown through a noticeable metamorphosis within the past 20 years. Popularized through the 1990s as an affordable yet ambitious family vehicle, the SUV was in fact a cheaper product for auto manufacturers to build than sedans and minivans. Eventually deciding not to continue passing the savings to the customers within the hot SUV market, the tall-standing conveyances began springing larger price tags as luxury became the true focus. Adapting to the confines of the crossover vehicle, the traditional rough and tumble SUV has fallen onto the endangered species list. Looking to reintroduce the of truck-based ruggedness, Mahindra and Mahindra Automotive unit have been planning their step into the American automotive market intending to put empathize utility in sport utility vehicle.

Based on Mahindra’s Scorpio platform, vehicle configurations include a two-door and four-door pick-up as well as a sport utility model. Borrowing styling cues which many major automakers abandoned in the early 1990s, the Mahindra line of vehicles refreshingly provides nothing more than practical body panels on the outside and a simple cabin layout inside. Powered by a 140 horsepower clean diesel engine developed by reputable American trucking name International, 236 pounds feet of torque would also be delivered with a thrifty 30 miles per gallon highway fuel economy. Sporting a planned starting price tag around $20,000, the light truck-based vehicle features a six-speed automatic transmission, electronic stability control and a MP3-enabled stereo system.

Creating a name on this continent as a farm equipment maker (presently 4th most popular tractor producer in the United States), plans for 2010 had called for the Mahindra name to adorn a United States lineup through a importation deal with Group Vehicles USA, Incorporated. However, as you can tell, the first quarter of the year deadline has past with the dealership lots of 350 American distributors left empty. Group Vehicles are now arguing that the Mahindra and Mahindra automotive head office in India has been deliberately holding up the process for green-lighting the vehicle for American sales. Awaiting government approval on items such as emissions, the Georgia state-based importer has been preparing since 2006 to bring the Mahindra light truck to North America. Global Vehicles has earmarked a fall 2010 release date but that plan seems to be falling in peril as the legal fight is readying.

Taking into the account the past efforts of similar vehicles entering the United States market, Mahindra sport utility vehicles are attempting the impossible with a truck-based only lineup. As recent as 2003, a company called Cross Lander USA was plotting to import a practical, low-cost SUV on Romanian off-road vehicle producer ARO. In the end, funding dried up for the venture before a single vehicle had been sold. It is the hope of Global Vehicles and their dealership network that the outcome with Mahindra would see the Indian-derived vehicles roaming American off-roads

Information Source: Global Vehicles, Business Standard Motoring
Photo Source: Global Vehicles

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I tried to use up the entire tank of fuel, I really did. I drove aggressively, took the car everywhere I went, and even took an extra five-hour trip, but no luck. As much as I drive, it’s normally not a problem to use up a tank or two of fuel in our test cars weekly, but the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI makes it hard. After all, over that five hour trip I averaged 57 mpg – this thing is unbeatable on the highway. In a world of hybrid-electric cars, you’d think anything that gets over 40 mpg would be slow and boring to drive, but that’s another place where diesel has an advantage over hybrid and gasoline-powered cars – gobs of torque available at will.

The compact hatchback segment has always been huge in Europe, but it’s yet to really catch on here in the States. When Volkswagen brought the Golf to the US in 1975, they called it the “Rabbit,” to convey its light, nimble, and quick nature. Ten years later, they gave up on the Rabbit nameplate, renaming it to the original “Golf.” In 2006, VW tried the Rabbit name yet again, but apparently it didn’t pan out like they had hoped; for 2010 the compact hatch is back to being called “Golf.” Confusing, I know. But this year, it’s not just the name that changes – now in its 6th generation, the 2010 VW Golf is completely redesigned inside and out. Although it carries over last year’s (the Rabbit’s) 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, this year we get the choice of the excellent 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline four cylinder engine from the Jetta TDI.

Our review car is a 2010 four-door Golf TDI with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Optional on the TDI is Volkswagen’s six-speed automatic DSG dual-clutch gearbox for an extra $1,100 – the DSG is a great transmission…for an automatic. The base Golf gets a standard six-speed auto and an available 6-speed manual for the 2-door model only. I happen to fancy rowing my own gears.

The redesign for 2010, both inside and out, is a huge improvement over last year. It’s a much more modern and stylish design overall, doing away with the “budget hatchback” appearance and going for a more upscale look. Take a look at some comparison photos between the 2009 and 2010 models:

2009	2010

Yeah, I think “huge improvement” is an understatement. And pricing? The 2010 Golf starts at a reasonable $17,620 for the 2-door hatch with 2.5-liter gas engine. Bump it up to the diesel-powered TDI and you’re starting at $22,354. Don’t worry, you’re not paying $4,700 for a different engine; the TDI comes standard with much more equipment, too. Along with that torquey and fuel-efficient turbo-diesel motor, you’ll get standard 17-inch alloy wheels, bluetooth, fog lights, a sporty suspension, and a touchscreen interface with CD changer, an iPod interface, and satellite radio. Options on the TDI include HID headlights, premium sound, and a hard-drive navigation system. If you want the four-door Golf TDI, you’ll need to pony up an extra $1500 or so. Something to keep in mind – the base Golf doesn’t get most of that stuff – even as an option – it’s for the TDI only.

The diesel-powered Golf TDI with manual transmission gets a 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway rating from the EPA, but it’s easy to get more than that, especially on the highway. Opt for the DSG gearbox and the hwy economy gets nudged up to 42 mpg. 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque gets the car from zero to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, although it feels much faster than that.

Recently, Volkswagen has done one thing to really stand out among its competitors: refinement. Even in the cheapo budget models like the Golf, the interior feels like it belongs in a much more expensive car with solid build quality, soft materials, and nice metallic trim that doesn’t feel cheap. The instrument panel and gauge cluster looks and operates great, and the LCD driver information center in between the main gauges is wonderful. If you opt for the navigation system, it’s one of the best you can get – it’s easy to use, looks great, and it’s one of the few that lets you use it while moving (as if you’ll never have passenger with you?) And there’s something to be said about details – I love the simplicity of the manual climate controls, seat controls (manual and power,) the easy button layout, and the single button to switch between day and night mode for navigation (most make you go into the settings or use the auto mode, which rarely works correctly.)

The Golf’s major competition is the Mazda3. And as much as I like the Golf, the Mazda3 is a great car; I’d have a problem choosing. Other competition is loosely defined, but you might want to cross-shop the Subaru Impreza, Honda Fit, and MINI Cooper. None of them, however, offer a diesel option, so if you’re looking for fuel economy in your hot hatch, the 2010 VW Golf TDI is the way to go.

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership. Find the Lowest Price on Your New Car at CarWoo Today!

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While the small car market in North America has reached record-high creditability, the high-quality European vehicles like the MINI Cooper arguably played a role on the slow road to B-segment acceptance. Using a famed and noble heritage which personified Britain for over 40 years prior, BMW engineering played a part in assuring the MINI Cooper was built to tight quality standards canceling out the American belief that small cars could not be reliable cars. Besides the build, the MINI Cooper’s appearance, performance and prominent featuring in a Hollywood blockbuster (The Italian Job remake) carried the MINI forward with great momentum entering into the 10th year.

With the best perhaps yet to come, a peek to the 2011 MINI lineup for Europe shows some items which will almost certainly find themselves on the Cooper hatchbacks, Convertibles and Clubman destined for the American roads.

The exterior design retains its present glory. Though for 2011, the front end of all MINI cars have been modified to comply with pedestrian protection requirements (In European countries, part of vehicle safety regulations rate the survivability of a pedestrian if struck by the automobile). While the front end structure has been altered with lighting sources changed within the headlamp housing and the option of black reflectors, the ultimate MINI design remains fundamentally unchanged.

Another 2011 fleet-wide addition is the utilization of LED rear lighting. Longer lasting and shining brighter than traditional lighting bulbs, LED taillights respond quicker providing other motorists with a possibly pivotal friction of a second to react. Joining the already robust safety equipment which features 6 air bags and all-weather traction control. Some new exterior colour choice include British Racing Green and Spice Orange are now available on the standard Mini Cooper while the Cooper S adds Eclipse Gray and Ice Blue. The top of the line John Cooper Works models of the Cooper and Clubman can also be ordered with a new colour called Chili Red to provide accent against other colours.

The leading technical enhancement coming to the MINI lineup will not likely make it to the North American continent. The diesel friendlier European markets validated MINI’s approach to embrace an all-new pair of turbocharged-diesel engines for 2011. Permitting cleaner CO2 exhaust emissions, the diesel also allows lean fuel consumption which equates to 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers (Keep in mind that European fuel economy measurements do not seem to correspond with EPA standards). MINI’s plans for 2011 includes the introduction of two new diesel variants. The MINI One D Clubman is joined by the first drop-top version of the known as the MINI Cooper D Convertible.

A more common sight to American MINI owners is the gasoline-powered engines. In European markets, the entry-level MINI One is powered by 75 and 98 horsepower 1.4 liter engines while U.S. customers are more familiar with 1.6 liter in the standard Cooper/Clubman. Of Course, the Turbocharged S models are still on the 2011 docket along with John Cooper Works versions providing 208 horsepower. Incorporating BMW’s VALVETRONIC system allowing for fully-variable valve timing as well as lift to facilitate highly-efficient flow of air/fuel charge and gasoline direct injection, these remain high-tech engines.

Inside, the MINI lineup adds some amusing touches including a cross check cloth/leather combination for interior upholstery. However, the pride and joy of the 2011 MINIs reside in a new electronic system called MINI. An automotive, Bluetooth-enabled, Infotainment system similar to Ford’s SYNC, MINI Connected can allow phone, music as well as Twitter and Facebook functions to interface with the car’s interior controls. MINI Connected also features web radio as well as Google navigational services including Send to Car.

On top of the revisions to the standing lineup into 2011, MINI is preparing to add their crossover Countryman as a radical four-door diversion from their current market. Shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, a MINI Coupe Concept and a two-seat MINI Roadster provided another captivating look at a future possibility for the brand. While no firm plans for these vehicles have yet to be officially tabled for sale, the prospect for a more diverse collection of MINI brand vehicles insures the past 50 years of history will be accented with a strong, healthy future.

Information and Photo Source: MINI

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Seeing our current motoring reality, many would suggest that the modern automobile is failing to reflect our progressive use of technology. For about 90 years, the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine has remained predominant to driving, remaining to its basic four-stroke operating principles. Through time, several movements were made to reformulate the gasoline internal combustion engine. A promising new reinvention of the internal combustion engine positioned by a company headquartered in Massachusetts could be the drastic breakthrough needed to improve efficiency and performance of future cars and trucks.

Unique Characteristics of the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine

From the mind of late American inventor Carmelo Scuderi and currently being refined by Scuderi Engine, the Scuderi Split-Cycle engine explores a fresh approach to improve two imperatives; engine breathing and thermal distribution. Considering their engine as an air compressor, the Scuderi Split-Cycle setup’s most unique feature is the inclusion of a pathway between cylinder banks known as a crossover passage. Utilizing the multi-cylinder engine configuration, valves for the crossover passage distributes remaining high-pressure combustion air from the compressed chamber to a cylinder within the power stroke. Not only does the passage promotes cooling within the combustion chambers, the Scuderi Split-Cycle engine’s principle of using residual air to improve the air/fuel atomization for more complete compression cycles.

For piston-driven engines, the compression ratio is the difference between the maximum and minimum volume available inside a combustion chamber. A typical ratio for an internal combustion gasoline engine utilizes a compression ratio of between 8:1 to 11:1. The reason why engines are set to this ratio is to properly time the compression timing while avoiding a process where fuel will ignite because of pressure called pre-ignition (more commonly known as knocking). The Scuderi Split-Cycle engine, on the other hand, uses the crossover passage to control pre-ignition so an extremely higher 75:1 ratio can be used on the air/fuel charge.

Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine Performance

The goal to creating this new powerplant is to achieve greatly reduced exhaust emissions while producing ample power. Thanks to more complete burning of the air/fuel charge, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are as low as one-fifth to that common for a comparable conventional automobile engine. The enhanced efficiency of the Scuderi Split-Cycle gasoline engine boasts the potential of diesel-like torque and greater power from a smaller displacement engine.

This new engine not only shows performance potential but performance consistency. Through a recent independent laboratory test, the Scuderi Split-Cycle engine design was measured at narrow 1.4% coefficient of variance (more than 1/3 closer than the best results of an internal combustion engine).

Flexibility of Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine

Beyond the crossover passages and the intense compression ratio, many aspects of the Scuderi Split-Cycle remains in common with typical internal combustion engines. Immersing itself in high-technology features present in current engines including variable valve timing and high-pressure gasoline direct injection, the Scuderi Split-Cycle engine design is also ideally-suited to the use of turbocharging which Scuderi Engine estimates could bring power production of 145 horsepower per liter.

In fact, Scuderi Engine is highly-touting the easy modification of their Split-Cycle engine design. Besides turbocharging, the Scuderi Split-Cycle engine also proposes an innovative new manner of forced-air induction. The Scuderi Air-Hybrid engine involves the installation of an air storage tank fitted between the cylinder crossover passage. Running like a regular Scuderi engine under normal driving, the air storage tank opens through a Regenerative Braking Mode and Cruising Mode. When the air tank is full, the engine is sent into High-efficiency Mode which uses the stored engine air to drastically reduce the amount of fuel being used for a compression cylinder. Because of the high compression ratio capacity, the Scuderi Split-Cycle engine has also been proposed as the architecture of future diesel powerplants. With nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines under strict policing by the EPA, Scuderi Engine is confident that NOx can fall by 80% without even using the exhaust aftertreatment technology current diesel engines need to be emission compliant.

Rotary, Miller cycle and Atkinson cycle are names to some alternatives to the common four-cycle engine operation. Each showing promise, their use in the modern automotive landscape is limited. With resounding promise for powering ultra-efficient automobiles in the future, it seems like the Otto-cycle engine should brace for the high-pressure of Scuderi engines.

Information and Photo Credit: Scuderi Group

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After wowing the crowds at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, VW has yet to put its sensible little concept into production.

When the BlueSport debuted, nearly everybody with a pulse wanted one. And, why not?

It’s a sexy little roadster (about the size of a Mazda MX-5), with a 180 hp diesel mounted in the middle. Even though the words Diesel and Sport have never before been uttered in the same sentence. The BlueSport manages a 0-60 time of only 6.6 seconds, and a top speed of 140 mph.

Not bad for a Diesel…that gets 42mpg.

With bits and pieces of the BlueSport coming from other Volkswagen’s that are currently in production. It was assumed that the world’s biggest car maker would put its tantalizing little roadster into production. But, that plan has hit a snag.

Since VW owns Audi, and now Porsche, an apparent sibling rivalry has broken out within the company.

Automobile Magazine reports that Porsche is afraid that a $30k BlueSport might hurt sales of its forthcoming Boxster replacement. And, since Audi has a similarly sized TT roadster. They don’t want a cheaper Volkswagen lowering the sales tallies for their car either.

So for now, the Volkswagen BlueSport will remain a concept.

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See that bad-ass looking car up there? That’s the Carbon E7 – a specialty-made police cruiser from Carbon Motors, an Indiana-based company making only police cars. So, chances are they’ll be really good at it. Remember its face – it might be pulling you over in the near future.

Earlier today, BMW signed an agreement to provide Carbon Motors with more than 240,000 inline-six cylinder diesel powerplants, complete with cooling and exhaust gas systems and even the transmission. BMW says that the engines will “help reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of more than 240,000 US law enforcement vehicles by up to 40% over the coming years.” While neither company gave details on engine specs, I’m betting on a version of BMW’s 3.0-liter, 265 hp & 425 lb-ft twin-turbo inline-six diesel from the 335d sedan and X5 xDrive35d.

Poor Ford, who’s had a huge market share on cop cars over the last God-knows how many years, finally has a competitor in the ranks, and a really good one at that. Same with Chevy, who’s now making a 2011 Caprice patrol car. In response, the upcoming 2011 Ford Police Interceptor is purpose-built specifically for police cars, too. This is great for cops, finally getting a car made just for them instead of modifying normal road-going Impalas and Crown Vics for police use. Great for us, too. Now our hearts won’t skip a collective beat every time we see a damn white Chevy Impala in our rear-views that turns out to be driven by an old lady.

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Last year, we drove a 2009 VW Jetta TDI sedan from Raleigh, NC to Washington DC and back on less than one tank of diesel, which ended up to be around 46 mpg on average. We praised the car not only on its exceptional fuel economy, but on its livability, excellent 6-speed manual transmission, peppy engine, affordability, and the fact that you can’t even tell it’s a diesel-powered engine while driving.

Last week, Volkswagen handed us the keys to the face-lifted 2010 Jetta TDI – but now it’s the larger SportWagen model with a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission.

There are a few changes this year in the 2010 Jetta TDI; most notably the face-lifted front-end (which I could have done without,) new interior trim design, and a few other little details. The most important part about the TDI model – the engine – remains unchanged. It’s still a peppy little 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder clean diesel TDI producing only 140 horsepower, but a very impressive 236 lb-ft of torque. That’s where the peppiness comes in. And for a 3,285 lb station wagon, it feels downright fast at low speeds.

It rained for most of the week that we had the car, but fortunately good ol’ German engineering came to our rescue. It’s like the 2010 Jetta TDI didn’t even know it was pouring outside; the car felt solid and stable at any speed, and didn’t hesitate for a minute about taking a high-speed corner on slippery pavement. Plenty of room inside with comfortable seating, a high-quality interior, and a nifty panoramic sunroof makes the Jetta TDI SportWagen feel much more expensive than it is. The ride is comfortable all-around with good steering response and suspension, and the 30 mpg city, 42 mpg hwy fuel economy numbers will make any commuter jump for joy.

There were a few things I didn’t like about the new Jetta though. Throttle response while at low speeds is strange and takes some getting used to. From a stop, acceleration is jerky, as if the accelerator pedal is too sensitive. Push the pedal down a little bit and you don’t get any power, but push it down a centimeter further and you’re bound to suffer whiplash. I’m not sure what to blame this on; since this didn’t happen on the TDI we drove with a manual transmission, and I could lessen the effect while using the manual shift mode on the DSG, I’m determined it’s a problem with the auto transmission gearing. My only other gripe about the 2010 VW Jetta TDI SportWagen is that when trying to open the rear hatch with the key fob, it opened about half the time; the other half I had to open it manually.

Despite my griping about the DSG gearbox, it’s a smooth transmission overall. While at speeds faster than a crawl, shifts are barely noticeable. Still, I’d opt for the 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2010 VW Jetta TDI starts at $22,830, not including the $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit. SportWagen models are a bit more, starting at $24,310. The Jetta TDI comes standard with some impressive features including heated mirrors and washer nozzles, A/C, cruise, keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, heated eight-way-adjustable front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, bluetooth, 10-speaker sound with a six-CD changer and standard auxiliary jack, and a trip computer. Plenty of options available, including the $1,300 panoramic sunroof (there goes the tax credit,) a few different wheels, a body kit, navigation, and all sorts of accessories. The DSG automatic transmission tacks on an extra $1,100.

While diesel fuel is back to being more expensive than regular gasoline now, the difference in price (about $0.20/gallon around me) isn’t significant enough to not consider a diesel. Where else can you get a mid-size wagon that gets 46 mpg on the highway, feels like a luxury car, and has this much standard equipment for under $25,000?

Before You Buy

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership. Find the Lowest Price on Your New Car at CarWoo Today!

We didn’t do a photo shoot for the 2010 VW Jetta TDI SportWagen last week. Normally I would just take some stock photos off of Volkswagen’s website and use them, but they didn’t have any good ones, so I’m borrowing some from the good folks at Road & Track:

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