I have always been intrigued by German engineering, and I’ve always wanted one on four wheels. Thing is, I’m afraid that I can’t afford one but I think I can gamble on a VW. If I’m to drive a Jetta on the roads of Texas, answer this question: What’s there to enjoy about the VW Jetta?

Larry

Houston, TX

Hey there, Larry! Jetta outta here! Back in the old days, there was the Beetle which was quite reliable. Anyway, the Jetta could be the match for you. I don’t think you need to break the bank to get one of these mid-size sedans from VW. I think if we do a bit of snooping around, we might just get you to drive a Jetta in Texas. Current owners are loving the Jetta in terms of comfort and the overall drive, I bet there won’t be much resistance from you once you get in one for a test drive.

The Jetta is one of those cars that are between a family sedan and a sporty compact. I can talk to you about the standard 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine types of the Jetta. But right now, I’m thinking of pushing you to drive a TDi. You got that right, a TDi, Turbo Diesel. VW brought back its common rail diesel engine for the US market with the promise of lower emissions. Just fill up with ultra low sulfur diesel and you’re ready to go. Okay, surprised with recommendation? Well, if the Jetta meets the VW claim of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, then it’s a worthy addition to the roads. You get low emissions, good fuel economy and 236 lbs-ft of torque. I think this spells efficiency which is the trademark of German engineering.

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.

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.

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.