Technical Director Frank Markus takes a look at Volkswagen’s mid-engined diesel roadster, the Bluesport Concept. Read the story here: www.motortrend.com

My first attempt at a Hitler’s reaction video about the car I was going to buy… …until they cancelled it.

This Test Drive-Video of the fabulous Volkswagen Golf GTD was done on a very cold january-weekend in 2011 … Stop by my website and support my videos at www.thegetawayer.com TheGetawayer
Video Rating: 4 / 5

The Volkswagen Polo is a small hatchback model. It has gone through several identifiable generations since its creation back in 1975. Typically, these smaller cars are seen as an economy purchase without much in the way of amenities. However, this is not the case with the Volkswagen Polo which makes it rather unique in comparison to other cars of its class. Many find the Volkswagen Polo to be much more reliable and comfortable than its competitors. If you’re looking for a small vehicle that’s a bit more of a status symbol, then the Volkswagen Polo is for you.

Since the Polo has been around for a long time, there are many different model years from which to make your used car selection. For many people, cost is often a determining factor. The interior of the Volkswagen Polo is quite impressive. When designing the space, Volkswagen used quality materials that exude a feeling of luxury. In comparison to its competitors, the Volkswagen Polo is much more spacious inside which translates to a more comfortable and enjoyable ride for both the driver and passengers.

When you purchased a used Volkswagen Polo, you are also getting a car with good performance. Volkswagen has made their diesel motors much more efficient than previous models. In some models this efficiency can be as high as 20%. This does not mean the petrol engine models should be overlooked. Over time, Volkswagen has also made these in some models 15% more efficient. This is an aspect of the Volkswagen Polo that is welcomed by buyers given rising fuel costs around the world.

From behind the wheel, it’s clear that the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo desperately wants to seem sporty. Tricks like a flat-bottomed steering wheel, high-bolstered seats and a massive, easy-to-read speedometer are all quick to whisper apex temptations in your ear. But this is still an adorable commuter first and foremost, and real performance enthusiasts will itch for the execution in the Jetta GLI or Golf GTI. While those seats boast high bolsters, the foam is situated more for big-boned American book club members than your average autocrosser, and that big speedometer leaves the more important tachometer buried in the corner of the instrument cluster. Our DSG-equipped tester packed clicky-buttons on the back of the steering wheel, presumably for hot-shoe gear changes. Edge is clearly not a part of the Beetle Turbo recipe.

And the drivetrain bears that out. The base 2012 Beetle is saddled with the same loathsome 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found elsewhere in the brand. We have to imagine the 170-horsepower engine has more than a little trouble hustling the 3,042-pound hatch with anything approaching a quickness. Our tester bore the slightly more lively turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque from just 1,700 rpm. The powerplant can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed DSG. In the U.S., the dual-clutch has been specifically programmed to maximize fuel economy, which translates into plenty of short-shifts in daily driving.

The Jetta sedan and SportWagen offer four different engines, a 115-hp 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder (sedan only), a 2.5-liter gas five-cylinder generating 170 horsepower, a 140-hp 2.0L TDI clean-diesel four-cylinder for those looking for maximum fuel economy, and a 200-hp 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder in the GLI. Buyers that go with either gas engine can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed Tiptronic automatic; while TDI and GLI buyers select from either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed DSG auto with Tiptronic. All Jetta’s are standard with safety features such as six air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring, brake assist, seatbelt pretensioners, traction control and head restraints at all seating positions.To set the GLI apart, it includes sport bumpers and side skirts, tinted taillights, red brake calipers and 17-inch alloy wheels. The GLI Autobahn trim adds features such as 18-inch wheels, a power sunroof, heated seats and an all new Fender premium sound system.

For 2012, the Jetta GLI returns to the line-up for the first time since 2009.

The Alltrack rides a full 30 millimeters higher than a standard Passat wagon, comes standard with 4Motion all-wheel drive and has an off-road mode. When engaged, the off-road setting activates hill descent assist, alters the ABS mapping to allow for higher thresholds on loose terrain and quickens the reaction time of the electronic differential locks in an effort to prevent wheelspin on gravel. In the UK, Volkswagen will offer the Passat Alltrack with two versions of its popular 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four, rated at 138 and 168 horsepower.

Debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Cross Coupe is the first vehicle to ride on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix architecture, and it previews the future of the automaker’s crossover range. It may look large, but the Cross Coupe is actually smaller than the current Tiguan, closer in size to that of a Nissan Juke. It certainly isn’t bad to look at, even with that big, grinning face. The compact shape is well-proportioned, though it appears that the chrome wheels were ripped right off a loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Cross Coupe is powered by a unique all-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain, with two electric motors (one for each axle) paired with a turbocharged gasoline engine. Volkswagen estimates that this powerplant will produce around 262 horsepower, but will be able to drive on pure electricity for about 25 miles. Running to 60 miles per hour will take around seven seconds.

Riding a motorcycle isn’t for everyone. Aside from the requisite blatant disregard for personal safety, there are a host of inconveniences to deal with. Bugs, heat, dirt, dust, grime and the stench of road kill can all put a kink in an otherwise enjoyable afternoon of riding. We understand that, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to be trading the bike for what could very well be the most bland compact available on the market right now. Volkswagen South Africa has released a new ad for the company’s Jetta featuring a duo of would-be motorcycle heroes as they endure the slings of motorcycling on a pair of beautiful Kawasaki steeds.

After a variety of calamities ensue, the two decide to swap their bikes for the ultimate symbol of domestication: the Jetta. Approving nods from seasoned bikers ensue and the screen rolls to black. As you can likely tell, we have a bit of an issue with the ad, entertaining as it may be. Perhaps the spot would have gone down a little easier if our two failed bikers had swapped their machines for a GTI.

The EU competition oversight body is taking Germany back to court over the law, but wants to put some pain into the judgment: it wants Germany fined €31,000 ($41,000 USD) per day for every day since the original 2007 judgment. It also wants the court to issue a second ruling, and if Germany doesn’t bring the law into line with the ruling, the EU Commission wants Germany fined €282,725 per day (nearly $375,000) until the Germans comply.

No federal German authorities have responded to the latest EU thrust, but the premier of Lower Saxony offered this: “Doesn’t Europe have better things to do?”

Not only did Volkswagen unveil the new production Up! city car, it also showcased a whole mess of Up-based concept cars as well. Included on the company’s sprawling show stand were the Up! Azzurra, the Cross Up!, GT Up!, Eco Up!, e-Up! and this, the Buggy Up!, which the German automaker has just now detailed to satisfy your curiosity.

Drawing its inspiration from the iconic Meyers Manx and other such Beetle-based beach buggies, the Buggy Up! concept takes the new urban hatchback’s mechanical bits and covers them in a new shape that has no doors. Instead, there’s a waterproof cockpit with two neoprene bucket seats, drain holes, a grab-handle for the passenger, a removable infotainment module and a fabric roof. The hatchback, meanwhile, has been replaced with a trunklid that splits to fold up and down for easy access.