Volkswagen Is Always a Strong Name in the Automotive World

German engineering isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s a reality. German vehicles are renowned for taking the mechanical and technological aspects of their vehicles to another level. While some people may find this boring, for a driver, getting the most out of their vehicle can be incredibly enjoyable. 

Volkswagen in 2019 shows off German engineering to its fullest. It’s hard to find a vehicle that isn’t either tuned for sporty fun or is like riding a comfortable cloud. Each vehicle is meticulously put together and the build quality of Volkswagen often eclipses that of many of their competitors. Their newer flagship sedan, the Arteon is a good example of their engineering artwork. Of course, the mainstay in 2019 is the Golf. Volkswagen refuses to make a bad version of the Golf.

Volkswagen Arteon

Specifications: $36,840+ - 31 mpg - 268 hp

Review: The Arteon is an attractive vehicle with styling cues taken straight from Mercedes and BMW. The fastback design for this sedan is straight from their German brethren. Power is plentiful, yet comes from a tiny 2.0 liter four cylinder which features an amply turbocharger. You’re able to choose comfort, normal and sport modes for the suspension. If you so choose, you can turn on adaptive suspension and it will adjust directly to your driving style. Since the fastback is technically a hatchback, there is tons of cargo room, while the interior is beautifully appointed. The Arteon is a great vehicle in almost every aspect. 

Volkswagen Atlas

Specifications: $31,890+ - 24 mpg - 235 hp

Review: The Atlas is probably not going to be confused with the most beautiful of vehicles. Styling is a touch chunky and reminiscent of vehicles larger than it is. But once you get inside, the Atlas delivers where it counts. The Cabin is huge for a vehicle of this size and the suspension provides a smooth and incredibly comfortable ride. The 276 hp optional V6 can give a little bit more pep to what is otherwise very average in terms of power. Fuel economy is about average. Unlike most crossover vehicles, the third row of seats can fit adult humans. If there’s a downside to the Atlas, it’s that the interior, while spacious and comfortable is fairly plain. Nothing stands out about it too much visually. 

Volkswagen Beetle

Specifications: $21,790+ - 33 mpg - 174 hp

Review: The Volkswagen Beetle remains a solid and fun vehicle. To truly appreciate the Beetle, drivers need to have a fondness for retro designs. Obviously the shape harkens back to the original, though modern Beetles aren’t artifacts of a bygone era. The 2019 version offers up blind spot monitoring and touch screen navigation. One of the best aspects is the Beetle convertible option. Cheap fun convertibles may not be practical in the North of the country during winter, but for a happy jaunt along the California coast, there may not be a more perfect vehicle in the world. 

Volkswagen Golf

Specifications: $22,740+ - 37 mpg - 147 hp

Review: If there’s one vehicle that is synonymous with Volkswagen, it’s the Golf. The Golf comes in every possible trim level you could want. The base model is one of the best hatchbacks ever made. The GTI (228 hp) and R (288 hp) options provide incredible hot hatch credentials and plenty of power and sport tuning. The Golf Sportwagen extends the wheelbase and has the old “station wagon” appearance. The Golf also has a purely electric version as well. Despite all the bells and whistles, the basic Golf S and SE are just fine for most people. The engine is responsive. The cabin is comfortable and well equipped. Really, the only disappointment with the normal Golf is that it’s not the Golf GTI or Golf R! 

Volkswagen Jetta

Specifications: $19,640+ - 40 mpg - 147 hp

Review: The Jetta continues to be an excellently priced and efficient sedan. With base models starting under $20,000 and excellent fuel economy, it’s a paragon of practicality. One downside is that a lot of the most advanced technological features that many people want are options or restricted to higher trim levels. The Jetta SLI is the performance version and provides much the same joy to Jetta owners that the GTI does for Golf owners. 

Volkswagen Passat

Specifications: $26,190+ - 36 mpg - 174 hp

Review: Sandwiched in between the Jetta and Arteon is the Passat. The Passat has some real plusses. It handles surprisingly well for a midsize Sedan, and the rear seat features plenty of room! The fit and finish of the Passat lives up to standard German expectations and build quality is high. The passat does have some downsides. It isn’t particularly powerful, though good fuel economy is the trade off. The Styling is somewhat boring for Volkswagen and lacks some of the exciting or bold cues found in other models. 

Volkswagen Tiguan

Specifications: $25,290+ - 29 mpg - 184 hp

Review: The Tiguan has been a bit of an enigma for Volkswagen. Often an incredible vehicle, the sales never quite matched what it could be. The 2019 Tiguan should be more popular. The size was increased in the last redesign and that extra foot of length has allowed for a third row or excellent cargo capacity. The infotainment system is great, though it lacks the potential for onboard Wi-Fi. It’s an attractive card. While the interior can be a bit practical, the way it avoids clutter is appealing. The ride is smooth and comfortable. The only downside is that it’s somewhat slower than some other compact-midsize Crossovers. Still, it’s an excellent vehicle!

All images courtesy of Volkswagen.com