Reader’s Question:

What features are available on the VW Rabbit? I’m just curious about it. I might, just might, go inside one of the VW dealers here in Texas tomorrow.

Brenda

Houston, TX

Hi there, Brenda. The VW is primarily designed as Volkswagen’s entry-level compact. Performance-wise you can expect, or should expect, a decent fuel economy rating. As far ride and zippiness is concerned, we’ll pile up the facts for you to read below. Looking from afar, I think this compact needs a wee bit more pushing for you just before you drive it in Texas.

You have a choice for the Rabbit: go 2-door and just ride all by yourself and a friend, or get a 4-door. In any case, you’d still get a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine. I originally thought the fuel economy on this will be similar to the New Beetle’s 28 miles to a gallon on the highway and 20 miles per gallon in the city. But checking on the ratings, the economy was a whopping 30 miles to a gallon on the highway. In terms of space, it is a compact, so don’t expect a lot from it. But even with the two-door model, the VW engineers had enough foresight to put in a 60/40 split and a flat folding passenger seat for the driver to accommodate more gear inside the car. Standard safety features are also available to ensure your drive will always be a safe one.

Tags: car, car dealers, Houston Dealer, Volkswagen

Reader’s Question:

My daughter, Angela, had been bugging me about getting a bug for her to drive here in Texas. I haven’t read up on it, and she’s bugging me to go to the dealer next week! Can anyone volunteer some info?

Nick

Houston, TX

Hey there, Nick. Obviously, you’re getting “bugged” enough. So before you “bug-off” to look at a bug at a Texas VW dealer, let’s get you equipped, alright? Let’s not get Angela disappointed by daddy. But I’m sure you’d like to find out really what’s under the hood and would your daughter be safe when she drives this around?

Key points when you check out the new Bug. The engine is now a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder i, and I hope you won’t try to look for the old Beetle sound. In terms of fuel economy, it does a comfortable 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 miles per gallon in the city. I’ll also bet that Angela loves a good tune in the car, so she’ll enjoy the great sound system in the new Beetle. It has an in-dash CD player that can also play mp3s, perfect for hours of driving fun for your daughter. And to put your mind at ease in terms of safety, VW also has standard seat belts and airbags for driver and passenger. There’s also Anti-lock Brakes and traction control for the Beetle. Better to be in control. Personally, I wouldn’t want to test if the Side Intrusion Beams work in a real collision. Let it stay looking good on paper without any of us having to find out first hand.

Tags: car, Houston Dealer, Volkswagen

Reader’s Question:

Nothing beats Volkswagen for a car enthusiast like me. I am looking for a full-sized VW sedan model here in Houston, Texas, any suggestions?

JR

Houston, TX

If you are looking for a comfortable full-sized sedan in Houston, Texas in addition to maximum stability control, then the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is the perfect model for you. The wheel base of this vehicle is roughly 118 inches, thus, giving the travellers adequate area for their legs for their ease. The Phaeton is almost 204-inch long and 57-inch high and its wheel has a full-time security functions that includes a four-zone climate control function that comprises of an humidity sensors, individual temperature control and onboard computer system that also works from the backseat.

The core of the Volkswagen Phaeton has a lavish passenger accommodation clipped from the premium woods, brushed metals, powerful chromes and Italian leather. You may also pick either a four or five-seat construction available. This model also boasts off its 12-way power front seat with memory, a 4-way power adjust table load support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunshades and an improved 12-speaker audio system. Its outside looks are very simple and yet, good-looking, being the biggest and trendiest vehicle in the Volkswagen family.

Tags: advice, car, car review, Houston dealer, Volkswagen dealer

Reader’s Question:

I’m curious about the Touareg SUV from Volkswagen. I am pretty sure it will be different from the other SUVs I see around Houston, TX. An SUV with the all-familiar VW stamp? Can anyone give me a push to get one?

Samantha

Houston, TX

Okay, Samantha, I will try to fill you in on some information you may already know but have not really thought about seriously. I think, usually, we get an SUV based on the following criteria: enough room for the family or anything you would like to put inside the car, and does the car have enough power to haul everything. I left out fuel economy. Since you decided that you will get an SUV, for me, it automatically means that you are not exactly looking at doing more than 21 miles per gallon while driving around Houston, Texas.

Since you mentioned “different,” there are some worthwhile features you should check when you look at the Touareg. Style-wise, I think the VW stamp alone makes it different. For some technical features, you can also put Volkswagen’s permanent four-wheel drive, called the 4Xmotion, through its paces. If you can get to test drive the Touareg 2, then much better. Personal tip, though. If you won’t be doing a lot of off-roading, I suggest that you can consider the V6 engine variant as the logical choice for your needs. The V6 engine gives about 280 horsepower to carry you, and whatever you have in your Touareg around. You can get 18 miles to a gallon in city driving and 20 on the highway, and of course, almost a 10,000-dollar difference from the V8 variant.

Tags: Houston Dealer, Volkswagen

Reader’s Question:

I’ve always been fond of the Beetle convertible. Whenever I see the old Beetle in the movies, I always picture myself driving one. Is there a new model out? Can someone tell me about it? Maybe it’s time I drive around one here in Houston, Texas.

Cathy

Houston, TX

Great thing you asked about the convertible, Cathy, because there is actually a 2009 model out. And yeah, I have to agree with you on what you said. If you have been picturing yourself in one, it’s time you put your hands on the wheel of one. I suggest you schedule yourself for a test drive to get the full feel of driving one around Houston, TX.

While you’re at it, I think you should take some time to appreciate what the folks at Volkswagen put inside the 2009 convertible Beetle. It comes with a 2.5 liter engine, which I think will suit your needs. You appear to be more into the styling of the Beetle. Of course, some of the standard features, that I think you will love, include: 16” wheels, an anti-theft system, an in-dash CD player. Good thing with the 2009 convertible, getting the top up is relatively easy. Push a button and just latch it on the windshield. Since I am a freak when it comes to safety, I do think it will also good for you to know that the convertible comes with side-door beams. These help in keeping you safe in an accident by “absorbing and re-directing” impact energy. I don’t want to ruin the test drive for you by cramming more information. What I know is that you will get style, safety and performance out of the new Beetle convertible. Have fun if you do get one.

Tags: Houston Dealer