Audi VW of Newton

Vehicle Overview Volkswagen's New Beetle, a smash hit in the United States that seems to appeal to everyone from graying Baby Boomers to Generation Yers who haven't started shaving, rolls into 2000 with a handful of new features. Rumors of a New Beetle convertible are true, but the ragtop won't arrive until the 2001 or 2002 model year. Until then, the hardtop two-door hatchback continues as the lone body style. The New Beetle debuted in 1998 and has enjoyed more success in the United States than in Europe. It was named 1999 North American Car of the Year by a panel of automotive journalists. It also had the highest projected residual value of any 1999 vehicle. Interior The bubble-shaped roof gives the four-seat New Beetle a strong visual link to the original, but it infringes on rear headroom. Legroom is limited in back, too, so this isn't the best choice for a family car. There is 12 cubic feet of cargo space at the rear, and the split rear seatbacks fold for additional room. All models have a new theft-deterrent feature that immobilizes the engine unless a key with the proper electronic code is used in the ignition. Heated seats formerly were available only with leather upholstery, but now the "bun warmers" are part of a less-expensive Cold Weather Package. Exterior As a modern interpretation of the original, the New Beetle is a one-of a-kind sporty hatchback in a world filled with cookie-cutter sedans and coupes. Whereas the original had an air-cooled rear engine and rear-wheel drive, the New Beetle is based on the Golf/Jetta platform and has a front engine and front-wheel drive.The New Beetle won't get squashed like a bug in minor collisions. It suffered the least amount of damage in a series of four bumper tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, performing much better than several larger cars. Under the Hood Three four-cylinder engines are available. Base engine is a 115 horsepower, 2.0-liter. A turbocharged 1.8-liter with 150 horsepower (also used in the Audi A4) is available on GLS and GLX models. The GLS TDI model uses a 90-horsepower turbocharged direct-injection diesel. Manual and automatic transmissions are available with all three.The traction control system on models with the 1.8-liter engine adds a new feature that applies the brakes to one front wheel at a time when needed instead of both all the time. All models have standard anti-lock brakes and side-impact airbags for the front seats.

Vehicle Overview The Volkswagen Jetta has long been a premium offering in the compact-sedan segment, but with its redesign last year, VW aimed to make it a more mainstream model by including a new low-priced version in the lineup. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the five-seat Jetta is offered in sedan and wagon body styles. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. New for 2012 The Jetta lineup expands for 2012 with the addition of a high-performance GLI model that's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder. In addition, the SEL trim adds a Fender premium stereo. Exterior The Jettas styling is conservative but handsome, and the car forgoes rounded design elements in favor of more angular, creased sheet metal. Rectangular headlights flank the grille. The sedan's profile is clean-looking but not particularly memorable, and Audi-esque taillights finish off the cars rear. Exterior features include: Standard 15-inch steel wheels Standard power-operated heated side mirrors Available 16- or 17-inch wheels Available body-colored side mirrors with turn-signal indicators Available moonroof, fog lights and chrome accents Interior The Jetta has seating for five. The 60/40-split backseat folds if you need to carry large items that won't fit in the 15.5-cubic-foot trunk. Overall, the sedan's interior isn't as upscale as previous Volkswagens, and that may disappoint some current VW owners who are accustomed to the brand's use of premium materials and its attention to detail. Standard S trim level features include air conditioning, a four-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary jack and power windows that have a one-touch up/down feature. Interior features include: SE models include simulated leather upholstery, cruise control, floormats, center console storage, a center armrest for backseat passengers, a trunk pass-through and illuminated visor mirrors Available SE features include heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and satellite radio SEL models include a touch-screen navigation system, trip computer and driver-side lumbar adjustment Under the Hood A 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder is the base engine. A 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder gas engine is available, as is a diesel four-cylinder. Mechanical feature include: TDI version's turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder makes 140 hp and 236 pounds-feet of torque Gas engines drive a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission Diesel engine pairs with a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission Safety Standard safety features include: Antilock brakes Electronic stability system Side-impact airbags for the front seats

Vehicle Overview The four-seat A5 coupe and Cabriolet convertible are aimed straight at their fellow two-door heartthrobs: the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37 coupe and convertible. Audi offers two performance versions of the A5: the S5 and all-new RS 5, which is powered by a 450-horsepower V-8 engine. Both are covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. New for 2013 The A5 gets a redesigned front bumper along with a new grille, hood, headlamps and LED daytime running lights. There's also a restyled rear bumper. On the inside, the Multi Media Interface controls have been restyled, and there are new chrome accents. The newly available Audi Connect telematics system uses 3G cellphone technology to enable Google Maps satellite-image overlays, real-time gas prices, weather information, news and Wi-Fi service for up to eight devices. Exterior The A5 is instantly recognizable as an Audi, with the brand's customary wide-mouth grille flanked by lower air intakes. The Cabriolet has a power folding canvas roof with thick acoustic fabric that keeps the interior as quiet as a hardtop, Audi says. Exterior features include: Twin exhaust pipes Standard 18-inch wheels Optional 19-inch wheels Optional LED taillights Interior Audi's Multi Media Interface system governs various functions, including the optional navigation system, with a central knob behind the gearshift. The system also features shortcut buttons surrounding the knob, but uninitiated drivers might still find it confusing. The A5 has an extensive range of materials to choose from, including two-tone leather/Alcantara seats and several decorative interior trim options. Interior features include: Standard automatic climate control Standard MP3 jack Standard leather seats Optional Bang & Olufsen stereo Under the Hood All A5s use a 211-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The coupe comes only with all-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The convertible is offered with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission or all-wheel drive and the eight-speed automatic. In normal conditions, the all-wheel-drive system channels 60 percent of power to the rear wheels. With the manual transmission, Audi says the A5 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. Mechanical features include: 211-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 258 pounds-feet of torque Uses premium gas Available adaptive suspension dampers and a dynamic steering system Safety Standard safety features include: Side-impact airbags for front seats Side curtain airbags for both rows of seats (coupe) Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes Traction control Electronic stability system

Vehicle Overview The A4 was last redesigned for the 2009 model year and comes in sedan and wagon (called Avant) body styles. Audi also offers a performance version of the sedan as the S4, covered in a separate report in the Research section. The five-seat A4 faces competition from the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. New for 2012 Premium versions of the A4 add 10-spoke 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Premium Plus models feature S line exterior styling, 10-spoke 18-inch wheels, a memory feature for the driver's seat and a power liftgate on wagon body styles. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line Prestige gains adaptive headlights and a blind spot warning system. Exterior The A4's styling bears a family resemblance to the larger A6. The sedan has a small spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, and two circular exhaust outlets poke out from below the rear bumper. Exterior features include: Standard glass sunroof Standard 17-inch alloy wheels Available 18- or 19-inch wheels Available swiveling headlights Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights Available LED daytime running lights Interior Like other Audi models, the A4 has adopted the German automaker's Multi Media Interface. MMI is a knob-based control system that shares similarities with BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's Comand system. It controls functions such as the navigation system, audio system and vehicle settings. In the A4 and other Audis, MMI features a knob controller and buttons on the center console for navigating menus and making selections from a dashboard screen. The available navigation system includes HD radio. Interior features include: Standard automatic air conditioning Standard leather upholstery Available upgraded stereo Available keyless entry and start Available Bluetooth connectivity and iPod cable Under the Hood All models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder. The base sedan comes with front-wheel drive and Audi's multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Other sedans have Quattro all-wheel drive and a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Avant wagon comes only with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system in this application has a torque split of 40/60, front to rear. This rear-biased design gives the A4 dynamics that are closer to a rear-wheel-drive car in addition to enhanced traction on both dry and slippery surfaces. Mechanical features include: 211-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 258 pounds-feet of torque Uses premium gas Available Quattro all-wheel drive Safety Available safety features include Audi Side Assist, which informs the driver when another vehicle is next to the A4, and a backup camera. Rear side-impact airbags also are available. Standard safety features include: Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist Front-seat side-impact airbags Front and rear side curtain airbags Electronic stability system with traction control

Vehicle Overview The Volkswagen Jetta has long been a premium offering in the compact-sedan segment, but with its 2011-model-year redesign VW aimed to make it a more mainstream model by including a new low-priced version in the lineup. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the five-seat Jetta is offered in sedan and wagon body styles. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. The all-new Jetta Hybrid is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. New for 2013 In an effort to improve the Jetta's cabin quality, the SE trim level gains power-reclining front seats, new decorative trim on the dashboard and door panels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather shift knob. The exterior gets chrome cues on the grille and window surrounds. There's also an adjustable front center armrest for S models with a sunroof. The SEL model takes it a step further, adding a power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar, a soft-touch dashboard and a black/beige two-tone interior. (Skip to details on the: GLI ) Exterior The Jetta's styling is conservative but handsome, and the car forgoes rounded design elements in favor of more angular, creased sheet metal. Rectangular headlights flank the grille. The sedan's profile is clean-looking but not particularly memorable, and Audi-esque taillights finish off the car's rear. Exterior features include: Standard 15-inch steel wheels Standard power-operated heated side mirrors Available 16- or 17-inch wheels Available body-colored side mirrors with turn-signal indicators Available moonroof and fog lights Interior The Jetta has seating for five. The 60/40-split backseat folds if you need to carry large items that won't fit in the 15.5-cubic-foot trunk. Overall, the sedan's interior isn't as upscale as previous Volkswagens, and that may disappoint some current VW owners who are accustomed to the brand's use of premium materials and its attention to detail. Standard S trim level features include air conditioning, a four-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary jack and power windows that have a one-touch up/down feature. Interior features include: SE models include simulated leather upholstery, cruise control, floormats, center console storage, a center armrest for backseat passengers, a trunk pass-through and illuminated visor mirrors Available SE features include heated front seats, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and satellite radio Under the Hood A 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder is the base engine. A 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder gas engine is available, as is a diesel four-cylinder. Mechanical feature include: TDI diesel's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 140 hp and 236 pounds-feet of torque Gas engines drive a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission Diesel engine pairs with a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission Safety Standard safety features include: Antilock brakes Electronic stability system Side-impact airbags for the front seats Side curtain airbags for both rows Active front head restraints GLI True to the GLI moniker's heritage, the Jetta's uplevel trim packs higher performance and premium features. Under the hood is the automaker's turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder, which makes 200 hp and 207 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic optional. Other enhancements include a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension lesser Jettas employ a semi-independent rear suspension. A new launch control system is included on GLIs with the dual-clutch transmission, and GLI Autobahn models with navigation now have a backup camera and bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights. Bolstered sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a touch-screen stereo are standard. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated simulated leather upholstery and a Fender premium stereo are optional. Exterior styling changes include a honeycomb grille, vertical fog lamps that mimic those on VW's GTI hatchback, smoked taillights and dual exhaust tips. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 18-inch alloys optional. Back to top

Vehicle Overview The Volkswagen Jetta has long been a premium offering in the compact-sedan segment, but with its 2011-model-year redesign VW aimed to make it a more mainstream model by including a new low-priced version in the lineup. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the five-seat Jetta is offered in sedan and wagon body styles. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. The all-new Jetta Hybrid is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. New for 2013 In an effort to improve the Jetta's cabin quality, the SE trim level gains power-reclining front seats, new decorative trim on the dashboard and door panels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather shift knob. The exterior gets chrome cues on the grille and window surrounds. There's also an adjustable front center armrest for S models with a sunroof. The SEL model takes it a step further, adding a power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar, a soft-touch dashboard and a black/beige two-tone interior. (Skip to details on the: GLI ) Exterior The Jetta's styling is conservative but handsome, and the car forgoes rounded design elements in favor of more angular, creased sheet metal. Rectangular headlights flank the grille. The sedan's profile is clean-looking but not particularly memorable, and Audi-esque taillights finish off the car's rear. Exterior features include: Standard 15-inch steel wheels Standard power-operated heated side mirrors Available 16- or 17-inch wheels Available body-colored side mirrors with turn-signal indicators Available moonroof and fog lights Interior The Jetta has seating for five. The 60/40-split backseat folds if you need to carry large items that won't fit in the 15.5-cubic-foot trunk. Overall, the sedan's interior isn't as upscale as previous Volkswagens, and that may disappoint some current VW owners who are accustomed to the brand's use of premium materials and its attention to detail. Standard S trim level features include air conditioning, a four-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary jack and power windows that have a one-touch up/down feature. Interior features include: SE models include simulated leather upholstery, cruise control, floormats, center console storage, a center armrest for backseat passengers, a trunk pass-through and illuminated visor mirrors Available SE features include heated front seats, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and satellite radio Under the Hood A 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder is the base engine. A 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder gas engine is available, as is a diesel four-cylinder. Mechanical feature include: TDI diesel's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 140 hp and 236 pounds-feet of torque Gas engines drive a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission Diesel engine pairs with a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission Safety Standard safety features include: Antilock brakes Electronic stability system Side-impact airbags for the front seats Side curtain airbags for both rows Active front head restraints GLI True to the GLI moniker's heritage, the Jetta's uplevel trim packs higher performance and premium features. Under the hood is the automaker's turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder, which makes 200 hp and 207 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic optional. Other enhancements include a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension lesser Jettas employ a semi-independent rear suspension. A new launch control system is included on GLIs with the dual-clutch transmission, and GLI Autobahn models with navigation now have a backup camera and bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights. Bolstered sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a touch-screen stereo are standard. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated simulated leather upholstery and a Fender premium stereo are optional. Exterior styling changes include a honeycomb grille, vertical fog lamps that mimic those on VW's GTI hatchback, smoked taillights and dual exhaust tips. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 18-inch alloys optional. Back to top

Vehicle Overview The A4 was last redesigned for the 2009 model year and comes in sedan and wagon (called Avant) body styles. Audi also offers a performance version of the sedan as the S4, covered in a separate report in the Research section. The five-seat A4 faces competition from the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. New for 2012 Premium versions of the A4 add 10-spoke 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Premium Plus models feature S line exterior styling, 10-spoke 18-inch wheels, a memory feature for the driver's seat and a power liftgate on wagon body styles. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line Prestige gains adaptive headlights and a blind spot warning system. Exterior The A4's styling bears a family resemblance to the larger A6. The sedan has a small spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, and two circular exhaust outlets poke out from below the rear bumper. Exterior features include: Standard glass sunroof Standard 17-inch alloy wheels Available 18- or 19-inch wheels Available swiveling headlights Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights Available LED daytime running lights Interior Like other Audi models, the A4 has adopted the German automaker's Multi Media Interface. MMI is a knob-based control system that shares similarities with BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's Comand system. It controls functions such as the navigation system, audio system and vehicle settings. In the A4 and other Audis, MMI features a knob controller and buttons on the center console for navigating menus and making selections from a dashboard screen. The available navigation system includes HD radio. Interior features include: Standard automatic air conditioning Standard leather upholstery Available upgraded stereo Available keyless entry and start Available Bluetooth connectivity and iPod cable Under the Hood All models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder. The base sedan comes with front-wheel drive and Audi's multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Other sedans have Quattro all-wheel drive and a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Avant wagon comes only with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system in this application has a torque split of 40/60, front to rear. This rear-biased design gives the A4 dynamics that are closer to a rear-wheel-drive car in addition to enhanced traction on both dry and slippery surfaces. Mechanical features include: 211-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 258 pounds-feet of torque Uses premium gas Available Quattro all-wheel drive Safety Available safety features include Audi Side Assist, which informs the driver when another vehicle is next to the A4, and a backup camera. Rear side-impact airbags also are available. Standard safety features include: Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist Front-seat side-impact airbags Front and rear side curtain airbags Electronic stability system with traction control