Honda Civic Hybrid vs. Jetta TDI

I thought this post: Honda Civic Hybrid or VW Jetta TDI: Which Would You Choose? was amusing and very revealing of the upcoming success that the Jetta TDI will have here in the States, along will VW's other Diesel models it is bringing to the States (Touareg V6 TDI, Jetta Sportwagen TDI, Tiguan TDI). The TDI wins hands down when compared to a hybrid according to the popular vote. The choice between a Japanese hybrid and a VW Diesel is like comparing a Focus with a GTI. The meat's just not there. Therefore the choice is easy. My reasons given:

For Safety (thickness of the steel, laser welding, ESP, first car to ace side impact collision IIHS.com): VW
For Resale Value (KBB.com top resale value brand #1; w/ Jetta in top 10 along with Rabbit and EOS): VW
For Overall Gas Mileage (50+mpg hwy): VW
For Torque (140 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque): VW
For Dependability (that's personal - driven 12 in the last 20 years loved everyone of them, lived in France for 17 yrs - it's the number one selling manufacturer in Europe. These cars are solid): VW
For Warranty (4 yr. / 50000 mi. bumper and 12 yr. / Unlimited mi. corrosion): VW
For Price (just because two cars have the same sticker price does not mean you get the same features/equipment standard - use Edmund's comparator but since the TDI isn't in the system yet I used an average Jetta SE - The Civic still has drum brakes in the rear as opposed to 4-wheel disc brakes, ouch!): VW
The decision is an easy one. You should be able to order a TDI this late spring/summer and take delivery late fall, maybe sooner. I'll be glad to take your order.
Beware of dealers charging premium fees for these Diesels when they roll in. They'll sell for sticker here. There will be a Loyalty and a Sport Package with 18" rims.

Last but not least, rumors have it that VW will unveil its Golf diesel-hot fuel cell hybrid at the Geneva Auto Show March 6-16 2008, touted to bring 3.5l/100kms or over 67 miles per gallon to a city near you. If that's the case then anything else on the market will pale in comparison. As I write these words a weird feeling comes over me thinking of a not-so-far in the future fuel shortage which my children may experience in their lifetime. By that time who knows what transportation will look like.

February Deals

I sent this letter to a customer yesterday and I thought I'd post it here. Here are the February incentives. These, combined with KBB.com recently rating Volkswagen Best Resale Value Brand, make for very exciting offers:

On Leases, VW is bringing back "Sign-Then-Drive," which means that there is nothing due at signing. VW makes your first lease payment, no down payment necessary and the security deposit is waived! In addition to that, VW gives you an extra $1,000 for the lease of a new Touareg or Passat 3.6; $750 for a Passat 2.0T and $500 for a GTI.

On the financing side, low rates are back with 2.9% for 36 months, 4.9% for 48 months, and 5.9% for 60 and 72 months on all models. There is currently a cash bonus of $2,000 towards an R32 if you finance though VW.

If that wasn't enough... if you already own a 2001 or newer Volkswagen, VW will also give you $2,000 towards the purchase of a Touareg 2 or a Passat Sedans or Wagons; $1,000 for any other VW. There is no need to trade your current VW.

If you do not own a VW, this may cheer you up, you can trade in any Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan or Hyundai, and get $1,500 towards the purchase or lease of a Passat.

These fantastic deals are available for a limited time only. Please contact me, Franck Barfety at 816-941-2400 to secure your new VW now. It would be my pleasure to assist you.

Routan Videos

There are tons of videos popping up on YouTube about Volkswagen's new minivan the Routan. Here are a couple of them. Find more...

VW Routan website

Check out VW.com for pictures of the Routan, with a pretty bold orange for a minivan.

VW Minivan unveiled

VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS ROUTAN AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
European inspired design and driving dynamics highlight new minivan

CHICAGO – 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.

VW Space Up! Blue

Great pictures! In fact, best ones I’ve seen on the net. The hot fuel cell is going to be the next best thing. VW also needs to mate it with their new Diesel and we’ll all be pushing towards 100 miles per gallon soon. I love the new Apple interface too. Think of connecting to your Up! with a bluetooth iPhone which automatically downloads your songs to your car’s hard drive to permanently store your albums there. Or, sync up your car from iTunes with your home computer. Some pretty cool stuff ahead of us…



Great pictures of the VW Space Up! Blue from an article written by Peter Ha at CrunchGear. Read more...

R32 wins 2008 IntelliChoice.com Award

So you still have doubts about buying a 2008 R32? Since you've done your research and now know that the most practical sports car in the world shifts faster than the Ferrari F430, it's not the lack of a left foot pedal holding you back anymore. Maybe it's the fact that you're spending $30,000? Fear no more: the VW R32 has won the 2008 IntelliChoice.com Best Overall Value in the Base Sport class. IntelliChoice objectively evaluates empirical data to determine the cost of ownership of every vehicle on the road and in turn identify the best overall value in every segment for vehicle buyers.

The R32 is the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance powered by a 3.2 L narrow angle V6 offering 250 horsepower and 236 ft.lbs. of torque. The R32’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system ensures dynamic handling, and refined road manners while Volkswagen’s highly acclaimed DSG® transmission, which allows seamless gear changes, helps rocket the R32 from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. Put a couple hgp turbos on that baby and you're now running 0-60 neck and neck with the F430 in roughly 3.5 seconds with your St. Bernard named Rufus in the back and 100 extra gs in your back pocket. You might want to belt the dog in.

Photo: Source

More Awards for VW

SmartChoice 2007 Highest Retained Value - Award Winners

Base Sport
Volkswagen GTI 2.0T (Auto)
Volkswagen GTI 2.0T (Manual)

Convertible
ConvertibleVolkswagen Beetle 2.5 (Auto)
Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 (Manual)

Midsize Crossover
Volkswagen Touareg TDI
Volkswagen Touareg V6
Volkswagen Touareg V8

Midsize Wagon
Volkswagen Passat 2.0T (Auto)
Volkswagen Passat 3.6
Volkswagen Passat 3.6 4Motion
Volkswagen Passat Value Edition

Self-Sealing Tires on CC

The new Volkswagen Passat CC will be launched with with Continental's self-sealing tires.

02/01/2008 Hanover, Germany -- The new Volkswagen Passat CC four-door, which just premiered at the Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS), leaves the plant equipped with self-sealing Continental tyres. Using technology they call ContiSeal, the leading German tyre manufacturer has developed a system that makes it possible for a vehicle to continue on its ways even after a tyre has been punctured with a screw or nail.

ContiSeal: Continental's Self-Sealing Tire: A protective layer on the inside of the tread immediately seals holes that develop when screws or nails puncture the tyre, so that no air can escape

"The seal works on nearly all leaks caused by objects up to 5 millimeters in diameter", says Detlef Zschörner, head of the Automotive Group Volkswagen / Audi at Continental. "That means they can take care of about 85 percent of typical flat tyres." The new Passat CC, which is just as comfortable as it is dynamic, is produced with a top motorization of 200 kW (300 HP), giving it a peak speed of up to 250 km/h. Depending on the vehicle design, the ContiSeal tyres for the Volkswagen Passat CC have the size 235/45 R 17 W or 235/40 R 18 W and are manufactured with the tread of the ContiSportContact 3 high-tech tyre.

Because the motorist sometimes doesn't notice that a foreign object has penetrated the tyre, Continental recommends that tyres be examined regularly for nails or screws. In case of doubt, motorists should consult with a car dealership or tyre dealer. Tyres with ContiSeal technology were first introduced as concept tyres at last year's IAA. ContiSeal technology eliminates the need for the spare wheel, making the vehicles lighter weight and opening up further possibilities for designers when creating the boot.

Continental is introducing the ContiSeal technology at the Geneva International Motor Show, booth 354 in hall 6. Volkswagen will be showcasing the VW Passat CC with the self-sealing tyres as part of its European premiere at the Geneva show as well (hall 2, booth 2.261).

With annual sales of more than €25 billion (based on 2006 figures), the Continental Corporation is one of the top five automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of tyres, brake systems, powertrain and chassis systems and components, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes to enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 150,000 people at more than 200 locations in 36 countries.

The tire divisions are an Official Sponsor of UEFA EURO 2008TM, to be held in Austria and Switzerland in June 2008. For further details, visit the websites www.ContiSoccerWorld.de, www.contifanworld.com und www.conti-online.com.

Source: Continental AG