As a part of unprecedented settlements with federal and state governments, Volkswagen agreed to buyback from house owners diesel-equipped fashions of this automobile. The Jetta Hybrid also carries over, with its 1.4-liter turbocharged four, hybrid system, and extra battery pack—all adding as much as a automobile that's more fun to drive than a Prius, albeit not fairly as efficient. And the GLI, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 and sportier demeanor, will continue as the Jetta that packs the most fun. The other vital news for 2015 is that VW has determined to bring a few of its superior-tech features and active-safety equipment to the U.S.; beforehand, these expensive objects have been solely available in Europe and different overseas markets. Blind-spot detection, frontal collision warning, and rear cross-visitors alert are all newly obtainable this year. It also has a beefed-up entrance crash structure (although you will never realize it--the adjustments are all below the floor), which lets the 2015 Jetta ace the new and harder IIHS small-overlap entrance crash check. Shoppers thinking about well-outfitted models may have the choice of adding bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive lighting and LED daytime operating lights, which have been beforehand exclusive to GLI and Hybrid Jetta trims. One different Jetta program be aware: For 2015, the SportWagen provides up its Jetta title, with an all-new SportWagen now turning into part of the Golf lineup. It had all the time been based mostly on the Golf platform, so Golf SportWagen is a more honest name, even if the change may throw some customers.
Some vehicles fly under the radar. Not in a B52 bomber-type style (though someone should work on that) however relatively they’re launched with little fanfare then live on in anonymity amongst nearly everyone aside from these individuals who actually buy one. The Volkswagen CC was just such a automotive. It didn’t promote in terribly enormous numbers - simply 2621 had been sold over its six-year lifespan, with the overwhelming majority between 2011-2013 - however was sufficiently widespread to warrant a successor. Dubbed the Arteon, despite the radically totally different name is sticks to a really similar recipe, wrapping the mechanicals of a Passat 206TSI in a sexier hatchback bodyshell, something it does to excellent effect. Looks, in fact, are subjective, but myriad comments acquired all through our week-long test counsel MOTOR’s verdict that this is one stunning automobile will discover assist. It helps that the brand new Passat is a good-looker itself, in contrast to the previous model which made watching grass grow appear like a spectator sport by comparison.
The CC had this market largely to itself beforehand, however the arrival of the Kia Stinger and the brand new Holden Commodore means the Arteon must be extra than simply a pretty face to assert itself this time round. Given the Arteon’s positioning it’ll be no shock to hear it’s not going to depart you grinning from ear-to-ear on the limit however you could also be stunned at how effectively this refined, stylish four-door can get down a difficult highway. Crucially, it feels to distribute cornering forces kind of equally between all four tyres, only falling into understeer should you carry a lot velocity in a tight corner. The steering is correct and properly weighted, only flustered by very severe mid-nook bumps, the chassis is poised and the dampers in Sport tie the body down well whereas retaining sufficient compliance to deal with lumps within the street. It’s spectacular and, driven within its parameters, enjoyable. Switch back to Comfort and the Arteon settles easily into its position as a refined tourer. Presumably it’s been designed to make gentle work of the 180-200km/h autobahn cruise so Australia’s highways pose it little problem. Up entrance there’s loads of kit and comfortable seats, though the seating place is an arms-stretched, legs-cramped compromise and some of the plastics are a bit of mainstream. Otherwise there’s a lot to love about the Arteon. 70K as-examined. Will this be sufficient to place it on extra people’s radars?
