I remember back in the 1980s, I purchased my first used Volkswagen Eurovan. I was in my 20s without as much as a care in the world. I always considered myself a hippie at heart, and the Eurovan just added to my laid back, carefree lifestyle. I took that van everywhere. I gallivanted all around the US exploring and creating memories with friends and family.

I’d take a camping trip every year with a group of my friends. We’d load up the VW with mountain bikes, food and luggage, and head off on the trails. We’d jam out to some of the best tunes of the ’80s, ready to explore uncharted territory.

Those were certainly the days. Setting up camp, cooking some chow, and playing games outside of the camper. No wives or kids to tend to. No pressing jobs bogging us down. Just the open road, a few friends and lots of laughs.

That old VW van lasted me eons. Whenever I needed a repair, I’d simply find a shop to buy the replacement Volkswagen parts from and then I’d have one of my mechanic friends do the labor. They weren’t too hard to find, as it usually wasn’t too long before we passed auto parts stores in our travels. And that was before the Internet. One of the best pros of the Internet we have today – even for an old hippie like me – is how it has increased convenience and accessibility to numerous things we use in daily life, including auto parts. Think about it. If I was to journey around the USA today like I did back then, if anything in my van ever broke – even on the road – I could go online and immediately find a shop selling highly reliable Volkswagen parts. Shops like eEuroparts make it possible to get the right car parts at the best prices shipped to somewhere close to wherever I am at a given time.

Though it was a van, it was very affordable, reliable and repairable, and fit my lifestyle at that time perfectly. Oh how I wish I could go back to when life was simpler and more affordable.

Relive Your Hippie Days with a New Volkswagen EuroVan

I’m sure some of you remember those old hippie VW Eurovans. They were great for traveling, carrying cargo, and just toting friends around as you spread peace, love and happiness. It seemed like those vans would last a lifetime, as they were fairly easy to maintain, repair and could take a licking and keep on ticking. Well, now you can relive the “van life” without the need to invent a time machine, because the Volkswagen Eurovans came back in the 2000s!

There have also been reports that a retro-inspired Volkswagen bus is set to hit the market the year 2017. Designed with the hippie lifestyle in mind, the new VW bus will be modeled after the original microbus models available in 1949 through 2013. The design in part will look very similar to what you might remember from the 2001 Microbus.

The retro components, however, will only be in the design of the vehicle. Automakers hope to mix old with new concepts by creating an all-electric drivetrain for battery-powered models. Though all the technological designs are still in the works, the vehicle is said to have a maximum driving range of about 250 to 310 miles.

Bro Trip in the Near Future

When I tell you the very thought of the Volkswagen bus making a comeback makes me smile on the inside, I’m already putting away funds to secure one when they hit US sales floors. If there was ever an opportunity to jump at a chance to experience “the good old days” again, this is certainly it. Once I make the purchase, I intend to call up all my old buddies and hit the road again. We’ll likely go on a cross-country adventure, doing some hiking and just reminiscing about the fun we had all those years ago. While I’m a lot older and less agile than I once was, I’m hoping that we can have a great time. Who knows? If the wife allows, I might be able to swing an annual bro-cation.

SAN DIEGO – The high-powered, low-volume 2015 Volkswagen Golf R could play a big role in getting the German automaker’s U.S. sales back on the good foot. That would mean more VWs rolling out of showroom doors.

Here’s the deal: the VW Golf recently was named Car of the Year by two very prestigious organizations. Now, the Volkswagen Golf R helps to fill out a lineup that includes the regular Golf, a performance version of that compact car, a diesel powered Golf and an electric Golf. A station wagon is on the way, but we came here to test drive the Golf R. It is the high-powered version of this car.

By the numbers, this Golf R has a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood that makes292 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. It’s mated to a direct sequential gearing, read six-speed dual clutch, automatic transmission branded (DSG). This version goes on sale in the spring. It will be joined by a six-speed manual Golf R this summer that will be sold as a 2016 model; it will about $1,000 less than the automatic.

With the fast-shifting DSG, the Golf R can get to 60 mph from a standing start in a blistering 4.9 seconds and it has a top track speed of 155 mph. Because of low sales for the two-door Golf R in the past, the 2015 version will only be sold in this market as a four-door. Mileage is expected to be 23 mpg in the city, more than 30 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg combined.

The car has the 5th generation permanent 4Motion, but don’t let semantics fool you. It is front-wheel drive; the back wheels, using sensors, gained instant torque before the front wheels slipped. That could be often as the torque band hits its peak from 1,800 rpms to 5,500 rpms.

The Golf R has huge vented disc brakes: 13.4 inches in the front and 12.2 inches in the rear. It’s 0.8 inches lower than a regular Golf and the ESC (electronic stability control) can be switched off.

However, that is something that should be done on flat smooth surfaces like race tracks and not on tight twisting two lane country roads that climbed to more than 4,000 ft. in altitude as we headed to Julian, California, about 100 miles northwest of here.

The 2015 Golf R’s exhaust note was formidable as the push button start engine came to life. The quad exhaust had what my driving partner called turbo blip with the change of every gear. The tight turns and switch backs reminded us that four-wheel-drive is good on dry pavement too as the Golf R planted on the road and stayed in its track. When we approached turns too fast, its big brakes slowed us down without a lot of fuss, removing anxiety in the process.

You’ve got to know your Volkswagen Golfs in order to distinguish the Golf R. The exterior package includes subtly different bumpers with larger air intakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser. The quad adaptive Xenon headlights have LED daytime running lights forming a square U under each, the side view mirror caps are painted black, and it has a modified grille with the “R” logo embedded. But the easiest way to differentiate it is to get a look in the rear, which most vehicles on the road did as we sped away, and glimpse the four chrome-tipped exhaust pipes in the rear and the “R” badge on the liftgate. The five exterior colors are Tornado Red, Limestone Grey Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect, and Oryx White.

Inside, the 2015 VW Golf R features extensive upgrades. It has front sport seats, Nappa leather seating surfaces and a three-spoke sport steering wheel that features a chrome “R” logo on the crossbar. While dash and door trim panels have a “carbon touch” design, the sills have a stainless steel look with a blue hue. The pedals, dead pedal and shift knob are trimmed with an aluminum alloy and the center stack template has a black piano finish. There was blue ambient lighting that we didn’t see because of our daytime drive.

The car has a bunch of creature comforts: satellite radio, heated front seats, LED reading lights, a media device interface (but USB plugs won’t come until summer), Bluetooth, a rearview camera, power driver’s seat, dual zone climate controls, a navigation system, adaptive damping, 19-inch wheels, front and rear park assist and a premium audio system.

We think the new Golf R’s drive mode selection it really distinctive. It features comfort, normal, sport and individual selections. Engine response, shift points, suspension settings and steering ratios will adjust depending on the setting.

But what makes the drive mode selector different is that the change in driving characteristics is distinctive and immediate. And the individual setting lets you mix and match settings to your liking. The engineering that went into the Golf R is evident in big and small ways.

Prices start at $37,415 for the model with 18-inch alloy wheels. It climbs to $39,910 for the model featuring 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive damping system, a premium audio system, a touchscreen navigation system and park assist. There were a few quibbles about the price, the main gripe being that it was in range of some other small, sporty German luxury brands.

That may be true. However, the 2015 Volkswagen R has a following. During an internet pre-sale, 500 copies were sold in less than 12 hours. This is a low volume halo car. It’s got the performance goods that enthusiasts love and the aspirational traits which should get more people into other trim levels of the Golf. VW marketers can’t ask for the new Golf R to do too much more than that.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com

The Jetta is Volkswagen’s number one selling car in North America, so there is always pressure on the Jetta to rack up sales for VW. The 2014 VW Jetta SE we tested sported a reflex silver metallic paint that was as clean as any paint we’ve seen. First impressions are important and the Jetta came out of the gate strong.

Volkswagens in general have a distinct look, and the Jetta is no different with a sleek design that looks smart and sporty. At the front, the coupe-like incline of the windscreen and the consistent use of horizontal lines define the Jetta’s design. The horizontal blades in the grille, together with the blades in the lower intake, are designed to make the Jetta appear wider and more dynamic. Volkswagen completely redesigned the Jetta a few years back and crafted a bigger car, with a longer wheelbase and 2.9 inches added to the overall length. The increased dimensions allowed designers to incorporate clear, precise lines and muscular surfaces to impart a timeless elegance, giving the impression that this is a car from a higher class. The 16-inch alloy wheels looked sweet and also came with all-season tires.

The Jetta gets right to the point inside and out, and the cabin space is no nonsense. A key benefit of the Jetta’s extended wheelbase—it stretches an incredible 104.4 inches—is a truly spacious interior, with impressive rear-seat legroom of 38.1 inches. Long legs can rejoice. The gently arcing roofline also means more than ample headroom of 37.1 inches for rear-seat passengers. And stretch-out legroom in the back isn’t achieved by a cramped front seat either. Being tailored for an American audience, there is no shortage of legroom and headroom up front.

Just open any of the Jetta’s wide-angled doors and the quality of materials – the fit and finish, and the clean, simple, refined elegance of the cabin – is clearly visible. And in true German tradition, the layout of the fascia, the positioning of the switches and controls, and the clarity of the oversized, round instruments is designed to be ergonomic and intuitive. Trunk space also borders on the cavernous. The Jetta offers a class-leading 15.5 cubic feet of usable trunk space, and can be increased significantly by folding forward the 60/40-split rear seatback. The rear seatback is also offered with a pass-through to accommodate longer items, like skis. Move up to the SE (as tested) and additional standard features include: heatable front seats; cruise control; standard V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; an adjustable center armrest with storage compartment; a six-speaker sound system; and a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod adapter.

Premium features that are available on the Jetta include: a six-way power driver’s seat; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; a soft-touch dashboard; two-tone V-Tex leatherette sport seats; the RNS 315 navigation system; the acclaimed Fender Premium Audio System; keyless access with push-button start; VW Car-Net connected services; Bluetooth connectivity; and a rearview camera. Exterior enhancements include a chrome radiator grille and chrome window trim.

The new 1.8 liter turbocharged 170 horsepower engine is a blast to drive and delivers the kind of efficiency that might surprise you! The Jetta 1.8T SE and SEL models feature a new EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. This 1.8-liter engine produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque—the same power, but seven pound-feet more torque, delivered lower in the engine speed range than the 2.5-liter five-cylinder powerplant. The EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, and an impressive 25 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic. The six-speed transmission is very smooth and provides what we found to be one of the best performing cars in this class.

The EA888 Gen 3 engine family is designed to be lighter and more fuel efficient than the Gen 2 units. Engine weight has been reduced by eight pounds, to 290 pounds overall. Among the improvements on this engine are: a thinwall crankcase casting; exhaust headers that are integrated into the cylinder head; smaller diameter main bearings; roller bearings for the twin balancer shafts; and a crankshaft that has four counterweights instead of eight. All Jetta models are fitted with a strut-type front suspension with coil springs, telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar.

There aren’t too many surprises out there in this midsize car segment, but for a sticker price as tested of $23,985, the 2014 VW Jetta SE will both surprise and impress you. From the great looks to the smooth drive, you get the feeling (and others agreed) that this car is very reasonably priced. The design is also one that has staying power where some competitors are out of style within a few years or one cycle. The Jetta is a quality vehicle with real style that carries a real world value price!

There is no question that Volkswagen has been on a sales tear in North America, and with new offerings like the Jetta TDI, one can see a bright future indeed. We had the opportunity to spend a week behind the wheel of a 2014 VW Jetta TDI to see just how far clean diesel has come in the past few years.

The Jetta remains Volkswagen’s best-selling car three years after the sixth-generation car was introduced to the U.S. market as a 2011 model. When you take a look at this Volkswagen, it’s clear that they never rest on success and are continuously striving to make its vehicles even better. The platinum gray metallic with 17-inch alloy wheels on the 2014 VW Jetta TDI we tested looks very modern with a clean and upscale look. Marketing experts call it “class-up appeal.” It’s the offering of more, for less. Which is why, when Volkswagen completely redesigned the Jetta, it crafted a bigger car, with a longer wheelbase and 2.9 inches added to the overall length.

The increased dimensions allowed designers to incorporate clear, precise lines and muscular surfaces to impart a timeless elegance, giving the impression that this is a car from a higher class. At the front, the coupe-like incline of the windscreen and the consistent use of horizontal lines define the Jetta’s design. The horizontal blades in the grille, together with the blades in the lower intake, are designed to make the Jetta appear wider and more dynamic. To give visual weight to the lower part of the Jetta and impart a sense of the car being ‘planted’ to the road, the base of the doors is eased outwards. The pronounced wheel arches also add visual width and weight to the car.

The overall theme of a clean and modern design carries over into the cabin of the 2014 VW Jetta TDI appearance. Just open any of the Jetta’s wide-angled doors and the quality of materials, the fit and finish, and the clean, simple, refined elegance of the cabin is clearly visible. And in true German tradition, the layout of the fascia, the positioning of the switches and controls, and the clarity of the oversized, round instruments is designed to be ergonomic and intuitive.

Trunk space also borders on the cavernous. The Jetta offers a class-leading 15.5 cubic feet of usable trunk space, and can be increased significantly by folding forward the 60/40-split rear seatback. The rear seatback is also offered with a pass-through to accommodate longer items, like golf clubs and skis.

A key benefit of the Jetta’s extended wheelbase – it stretches an incredible 104.4 inches – is a truly spacious interior, with impressive rear-seat legroom of 38.1 inches. Long legs can rejoice. The gently arcing roofline also means more than ample headroom of 37.1 inches for rear-seat passengers. And stretch-out legroom in the back isn’t achieved by a cramped front seat either. Being tailored for an American audience, there is no shortage of legroom and headroom up front. The seating surface is also leather with the sometimes cheap looking and feeling leatherette.

Plenty of options were on hand, including Sirius XM radio, media device interface with iPod cable, Bluetooth mobile telephone connectivity, A/C, heatable front seats that warm up very quickly, rear seat arm rest, cruise control, height adjustable telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and hand break lever, power windows with pinch protection, power heatable exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators, power sliding moonroof, RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system, push button start and rear view camera system. The Fender premium audio system was developed through collaboration between Fender and Panasonic, cranking out 400 watts of power played through nine speakers, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer, to bring the raw emotion of a live music performance to the driving experience.

We’ll talk fuel efficiency first, because there is definitely the wow factor going on here! A favorite engine choice among Jetta buyers is the highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel engine that, as tested, produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. With the DSG automatic transmission, the Jetta TDI can, according to EPA estimates, average 30 mpg in the city and an impressive 42 mpg on the highway. That enables the Jetta TDI to cover up to 609 miles on a single tank. Those numbers should have North American buyers taking another look at the new clean diesel option.

The ride of the Jetta TDI was smooth as silk with just enough feel of the road to make a case for those looking for a sporty ride. All Jetta models are fitted with a strut-type front suspension with coil springs, telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar. For 2014, the torsion-beam rear suspension that was fitted to the 2.0L S, 2.5L, and TDI models has been replaced by a sophisticated multilink independent arrangement that features three transverse and one longitudinal link per wheel. This enables the longitudinal and transverse dynamics to be precisely configured almost independently of each other. The result is more agile, responsive and precise handling. All Jetta models have an anti-roll bar as part of the rear suspension. We found the Jetta TDI Premium to be very nimble in tight corners with plenty of power to navigate through traffic.

Safety in the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta starts with an extraordinarily stiff and rigid bodyshell constructed using seamless laser welding and high-strength steel in key areas. The front of the car is also crash-optimized, featuring impact-absorbing elements integrated into the front structure which compress under impact. Also standard on all Jetta models are driver and front passenger front and side thorax airbags and Side Curtain Protection airbags front and rear. There is also a standard suite of advanced electronic safety aids, such as Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) reacts instantly in a collision when the airbags are deployed. It unlocks the doors, turns off the fuel pump, and even activates the car’s hazard lights

This is another winner climbing the sales charts for VW, and for a price as tested of $28,235, the 2014 Jetta TDI Premium is also a bargain. The sharp design and no clutter interior are refreshing, but we could do without the leatherette seating. The Jetta is competing strongly in a segment that can deliver booming sales to VW. With highway ratings of 42mpg and up to 609 on a tank of clean diesel, there is no doubt this car will drive sales.

The built-in-America 2014 Volkswagen Passat is pushing her way into the heart of U.S. auto sales with striking good looks and top-of-the-line quality. We drove one for a week and now understand why there is so much momentum behind the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Sport.

Volkswagen knows how to design and build cars, so it comes as no surprise that the 2014 Passat is one of the best looking cars on the road regardless of price. The Passat’s balanced proportions give it elegant and timeless styling, reflecting the new Volkswagen Design DNA. The clean design, with a predominance of horizontal body elements, reinforces the Passat’s position as the sophisticated choice in the mid-size segment. The key identifying feature of a strong brand is the styling of its front end. Here, the Passat displays the horizontal brand face, with the three-blade grille and headlights forming a single unit. The Passat’s grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape and makes a distinctive and elegant impression because of its strict geometry. Beneath the front bumper is a large, lower intake with a striking honeycomb surface and available fog lights housed at each end.

From the side profile, the muscular ridge in the sill area creates a lively interplay of light reflections. Powerfully sculpted wheel arches emphasize the dynamic properties of the Passat. To emphasize the aerodynamic styling of the Passat, the roof lines flow toward the back with a nearly coupe-like cut of the rear window. Three side windows create luxury-class style with a long, extended glass surface. The rear section is also dominated by horizontal lines. The lines of the large taillights rise toward the sides, underscoring the dynamics of the elegant rear styling. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights that are integrated in the rear fender and trunk lid. This is a generously proportioned four-door sedan and the largest Passat ever. Nose to tail it measures 191.6 inches and features a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, which allows such exceptional rear seat space.

The first thing that stands out when entering the cabin of the 2014 VW Passat Sport is the extraordinary amount of space available. There’s room for five adults to really stretch out in comfort, and with four large, wide-opening doors, getting in and out is a breeze. There’s also a true elegance and simplicity about the layout. Nothing here is trendy or over-done. The lines flow in a style that’s easy on the eye, complimented by high-quality materials applied with attention to detail. Available chrome-trimmed gauges surround a digital multifunction display. A high-end chrome look is also applied to the air vents in the cockpit, and to the surrounds of the radio, navigation system and the climate control panels. The rotary light switch and parking brake handle button are also treated in chrome.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable, with an emphasis on providing extra thigh support for long-distance road trips. The driver’s seat adjusts eight ways, including lumbar, while most models feature eight-way power adjustment. Our test model featured Volkswagen’s characteristic perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, which we are not big fans of as is. We think it’s worth it to pay extra and move up to the SEL model for real leather seating surfaces.

There is no shortage of entertainment system options with the Passat, but one of the best is the Fender Premium Audio System, which was designed to bring the raw emotion of a live music performance to the driving experience. The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, who also make some of the coolest guitars for the rock star elite, and Panasonic. It cranks out 400 watts of power played through nine speakers, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer. And the same cool chromed Fender logo that has graced the guitar amps of some of the world’s music legends is featured on the Passat’s Fender system.

For 2014, all trims with the exception of the base S model received VW Car-Net connected services and rearview cameras, which were previously found in SE and above trims.

“Smooth” is the one word that describes the driving experience in the 2014 Passat. The 1.8 liter turbo four-cylinder engine produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The results are crisp, quick shifts without the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want the performance of a traditional manual transmission with the precision of an automatic. It all comes together when taking the Passat on winding roads and you can feel the grip of the pavement. The Passat was clearly designed to feature the kind of dynamic, involved handling and precise steering that drivers have come to expect of a Volkswagen. The 2014 Passat may be a big car, but it drives small! Its front suspension features the proven Volkswagen formula of damper struts with robust lower control arms, coil springs and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there’s a sophisticated four-link independent layout with telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar.

The new electro-mechanical power steering is perfectly weighted to provide a balance between precision at highway speeds and lower steering weight at parking speeds. Swinging into that tight, mall parking spot is easy thanks to the Passat’s 36.4-foot turning radius and three turns lock-to-lock. Naturally, every 2014 Passat comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that helps compensate for over steer or under steer by applying individual corrective forces to each of the wheels. Also standard is an Anti-lock Braking System, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring and Volkswagen’s acclaimed Intelligent Crash Response System. In the event of a collision, it automatically unlocks the doors, shuts off the fuel pump and even turns on the hazard warning lights.

The 2014 Volkswagen Passat is an American-built mid-size sedan with the space and comfort of many full-size models, offering remarkable, best-in-class, stretch-out rear-seat legroom and trunk space to match. Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant that produces the Passat is part of a $5 billion investment by the company in the U.S. market. The facility was designed to keep environmental impact to a minimum and includes a revolutionary paint shop that significantly reduces emissions. We were very impressed with all facets of this car and with the combination of a sleek design and spacious modern luxury in the cabin. Starting prices for the entry level Passat is around 20K, so rivals must be trying to figure out their next move!

Classics will always have a place in our hearts, but to find a place in our driveway, they need to reignite that passion. VW has done exactly that with the venerable 2013 VW Beetle Convertible. Ever since the type 15 Convertible from 1949, the Beetle has been one of the most popular open-top cars built. After driving this fun mobile for a week, we totally get why all ages love this car!

The Beetle Convertible retains the bold, purposeful stance of the Coupe, thanks to wider tracks and a longer wheelbase than the previous New Beetle Convertible. Compared with the 2006 version of the older car, the latest Beetle Convertible is 3.3 inches wider at 71.2 inches, 1.1 inches lower at 58.0 inches tall, and 6.0 inches longer at 168.4 inches overall. There is no doubt that this redesigned Beetle has more of an edge than past models.

A convertible bodyshell is less rigid than a coupe’s because the upper part of the structure is open, so the Beetle Convertible’s body needed reinforcements. This included the use of partial body reinforcements and sheet metal with greater strength such as:

• The A-pillar’s interior bar is 0.5 mm thicker and made from ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel instead of cold-formed metal. There is also a reinforcement in the “bend area”
• The front roof crossmember has an additional central plate
• Additional tubing made of ultra-high-strength (hot formed) steel between the B-pillars as well as a stronger heel plate
• More sheet metal in the lower body side members
• An extra rear panel that integrates the Automatic Rollover Support System is made of high-strength steel

Due to the targeted use of materials and laser welding of selected parts, the body stiffness was increased by 20 percent over that of the New Beetle Convertible; the torsional rigidity is now 17.8 Hz.

Top up, the Beetle Convertible has an even lower roofline than the Coupe’s. The top lies flat when it’s lowered, giving good visibility; the flexible leatherette top boot tidies up the appearance and is also a nice retro touch. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional softtop because it allows for a roofline that’s more like the original 1949 type 15s. Also, a softtop takes up less space than a folding hardtop, thus giving more trunk space. The heatable rear window is made of tempered safety glass.

The softtop’s outer shell is made from three layers: an outer one of polyacrylic woven fabric; a middle layer of synthetic rubber; and an inner lining of polyester. Underneath, there’s a three-layer design for the insulation, made from polyester nonwoven fabric, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) insulating fleece, and polyester spunboard. The headliner is made from foam-laminated fabric. The result is a snug top that yields remarkably low levels of wind noise.

The top is powered by two electric motors and latches and unlatches automatically at the touch of a button, which is located on the upper rail of the windshield surround. The top takes just 9.5 seconds to stow and 11.0 seconds to be raised. The difference is in the time it takes to latch the roof’s header to the windshield. The top can be raised and lowered at speeds of up to 31 mph, unusually high for a convertible. Pressing and holding the button opens the top, while pulling and holding closes it. The side windows automatically drop when the top is opened and are raised when it closes. There is an indicator light located in the instrument panel. Trunk space remains the same whether the top is open or closed.

An integrated wind blocking system is available on the Beetle Convertible as a Volkswagen Genuine Accessory. It is housed in the trunk under the convertible top area and can be safely and neatly stowed when folded and not in use. The storage compartment for the wind blocker is designed to allow full use of the trunk area.

Our test model was an eye catcher with a tornado red paint job and black softtop that really popped alongside the 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

The refinement continues in the cabin with one of the sportiest layouts we have seen in a car under 30k. The Beetle Convertible’s interior styling, ergonomics and quality build off the themes that were introduced with the Coupe. Three round gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge), providing all key information at a glance. A multifunction display is integrated in the speedometer, which is housed in the central position in the binnacle. The steering wheel is specially designed with colored accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line.

Framed by two air vents, the audio/navigation system is optimally located in the driver’s field of vision on the dashboard. Within easy reach, the climate controls are situated just below. Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated into the dashboard – the kaeferfach or “Beetle bin.” The lid folds upward, while the standard glovebox opens downward. Another classic feature is the auxiliary instrumentation package located above the audio/navigation system that consists of an oil temperature gauge, a sport chronometer and a boost pressure gauge. Our test model boasted features like a multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel, keyless access with push-button start, leather seating, the RNS 315 navigation system, the award-winning Fender Premium Audio System, and Sirius XM satellite radio. Even though the latest Beetle Convertible has a sleeker and sportier roofline than the New Beetle Convertible, front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful.

The longer roof section results in 0.5 inches more rear-seat headroom. Front legroom is also improved by 1.6 inches, and front shoulder room grows by 2.5 inches. Overall, the interior volume has increased from 78 to 81.4 cubic feet. This extra room is noticeable, as there is a sense that you are in a much larger car than the Beetle at times. The trunk is larger, offering 7.1 cubic feet of space, compared with the New Beetle’s 5.0 cubic feet. A split-folding rear seat – new on this Beetle – allows the car to carry bulkier and larger items than is normal with a convertible.

The fast acting softtop opens in 9.5 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph. The thick lining is also very noticeable in the cabin with noise reduction vastly improved.

Power is plentiful, as our 2013 Beetle Convertible offered the the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that was smooth as silk. The 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder has dual chain-driven overhead camshafts with variable timing on the intake side, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum-alloy cylinder head. The engine makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. All Beetle Convertible models are fitted with a strut-type front suspension with lower control arms and an anti-roll bar. On the Turbo’s sport suspension, the bar’s diameter is increased from 22 mm to 23 mm. At the back, all models get a multi-link independent rear suspension with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an 18-mm-diameter anti-roll bar.

All Beetle Convertibles have standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBD). The Convertible and TDI Convertible have 11.3-inch-diameter vented front discs and 10.7-inch-diameter solid rear disc brakes. The Turbo has larger 12.3-inch-diameter vented front discs with red calipers. The starting point in the Beetle Convertible’s safety armory is a very rigid body structure that uses seamless laser welds and ultra-high-strength hot-formed steels in the crash-load paths. In a convertible, it’s important to have protection in the event of a rollover accident, which Volkswagen has addressed with a reinforced front roof cross member, strengthened A-pillar and the Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the rear bench seat-back, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they help to provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Front and head-thorax airbags are also among the standard equipment.

The Beetle Convertible includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collision. The Beetle Convertible is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty – three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5000-mile oil change and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.

There are few truly iconic cars on the road today that compare to the 2013 VW Beetle Convertible in both substance and stature. We had a blast driving the tornado red mode, and for a price of $29,290 as tested, it’s truly a bargain as well. The crisp exterior design and high-end interior in the Beetle Convertible delivers the kind of experience one would expect from one of the most enjoyable cars ever made. Performance is also a key to the overall package, with a 2.5 liter engine that can deliver plenty of thrills and solid power when needed on the road.

The series begins with Seinfeld’s most obvious guest, Larry David, with whom he co-created one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, “Seinfeld.” There seems to be some effort on Seinfeld’s part to pick a car that reflects his guest’s personality, as in this first episode, in which he chooses a 1952 VW bug as a symbol of David’s humble, unassuming nature. David, along with his other dietary idiosyncrasies, slightly messes up the premise right off the bat by ordering tea, but he offers one of the series more interesting insights. Discussing the difference between cigars and cigarettes, he suggests that a cigar imbues the smoker with an air of wisdom because of the time it takes to smoke, which lends itself to a “contemplative” posture.

Another very intelligent guest is “Mystery Science Theater 3000” creator Joel Hodgson in episode 5, who offers some interesting insights about nostalgia and economics. On the former, he says that the reason people love to look back at the past is that “You know what you’re going to say … you know what to say about the past, and you don’t know what to say about the future.” When Seinfeld brings up the mysterious economics of a restaurant, Hodgson offers a musical analogy: “The guy who sells the guitars makes the money, and not the guy in the band … How many guitars have you bought over the years … I’ve bought … six, and I don’t play the guitar.”

One of the series’ most enjoyable episodes is the third, in which Seinfeld’s guest is the great stand-up comic Brian Regan. The reason it works so well is that their conversation throughout feels like a joke-writing session, as if the two comedians are co-writing a sitcom or a stand-up set, often finishing each other’s sentences and collectively brainstorming jokes on each topic that comes up. Another especially good one features Alec Baldwin, whose overall attitude toward Seinfeld is playfully hostile, though he shows great humility when he credits the cast and writers of “30 Rock” for teaching him how to be funny. His story of a Rip Torn bar fight is not be missed, and this is where “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” excels: it presents very funny, interesting people just being naturally funny and interesting.

Car enthusiasm boils down to the enjoyment of the drive. All you need is a car you enjoy, a twisty road and some exciting scenery. But the scenery aspect always seems to be left out – the natural backdrop that turns an average drive into a memory. A drive through California will remind you just how important nature is to enjoying a car, and how to make cars not adversely affect the world we live in. No, this article will not be an environmental screed if you were wondering, but it will highlight how VW and other car manufacturers are keeping the joys of motoring while taking into account the preservation of the planet.

The GTI and Golf R are pretty good examples of how far automakers have pushed the envelope, balancing performance with green friendliness. Don’t be mistaken, neither of these cars are hybrids. The GTI and Golf R both share turbocharged 4 cylinder engines, but the R dials up the power and is equipped with 4Motion AWD. But it was the GTI that I took the keys to start the day.

It was the early morning and everyone was scrambling to get into the car of their choice. Volkswagen had their full lineup here in San Francisco; so many journalists were trying to get into the newly revised CCs, Beetle TDIs and Golf Rs. So why did I pick the GTI? It may be three years old in its current state, but there’s something inherently right about a GTI on the roads of California.

Make note that I did not say the best driver’s car though. With 200hp, and a little bit too much weight, the GTI is not a go-to canyon carver, but it is perfect for those that want to enjoy the ride instead of making it go by as quickly as possible. The GTI is composed and refined where many competitors are always antsy to go faster and harder. It may not be the fastest car when compared to the likes of the WRX of MazdaSpeed3, but it offers a balance of speed and refinement that the others lack. Also, the GTI is exemplary of how far the environmental and performance goalposts have moved since the dawn of the catalytic converter.

Pulling off onto the shoulder to grab a picture of the scenery reminds you of just how large of an impact the quest for clean engines has had on the environment. My view of the rolling hills and vistas of San Francisco is clear and crisp – a nice break before taking off again. However, if this same picture was taken during the 1960s, the view I stopped at may have been covered by smog. Blankets of carbon dioxide used to coat California before the catalytic converter. Since its introduction, the clouds have lifted and the view is only halted by how far you can see, or the traditional San Francisco fog.

The focus on the environment hasn’t hurt cars either. 30 years ago, the GTI was introduced to the States with a little over 100hp. Today, the GTI has twice that power, all while creating fewer emissions and packed with more equipment, for around $24k. Plus, the next generation will be lighter and even more fuel efficient, bringing back the fun that the lithe original had to offer. Car guys often deride the “green” aspects of cars, but advances in technology have given us cars that are fun to drive and easy on the planet.

But Volkswagen isn’t just concentrating on what is available today, but in changing the way we interact and drive our cars in the future. For instance, they recently opened the Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) in Silicon Valley. Nestled between internet startups and technology giants, VW is taking an active role in engineering how we interact with cars and how we power them.

On the technology side, it’s all about providing entertainment and usability. Here at ERL, infotainment systems, interfaces and how they work are designed and operated. Everything is done at breakneck pace in order to keep up with the market and discover new trends. For instance, the building houses a rapid prototyping room where drawings on a page are turned into a product in a matter of hours, and off to Germany to be viewed by executives shortly thereafter.

Also, ERL makes sure new interfaces and gadgets don’t distract the driver. Utilizing research inside the lab with driving simulators and real world testing, ERL can see the effects that navigation systems and other infotainment devices have on customer’s driving abilities. They are even going into the future by seeing how autonomous cars affect a driver’s (can they be called a driver if they aren’t doing the driving?) reaction time in an emergency scenario.

And that brings us to how VW is preparing for the future. When it comes to cars, they are covering all the bases. Today, you can by a Jetta, Passat, Beetle, Golf or Toureg with a diesel engine. VW is known for their diesels, though, and is the largest seller of diesel-equipped cars in the U.S. However, you can also buy a hybrid from VW in the form of a Toureg, or later this year in a Jetta. You can even buy a purely electric Golf in 2014. Beyond that, all bets are off. VW is looking into concepts such as the XL1, which combines a twin-cylinder diesel engine and hybrid drive for nearly 200+ MPG.

VW is also harnessing the creative energy of Silicon Valley to help in their crusade for fun, economical cars as well. For example, VW is currently teaming up with two renewable oil suppliers, Solazyme and Amyris, by giving them a diesel Passat and Jetta to test their renewable diesel fuel. You may have heard about this type of fuel in the news. Newt Gingrich, the man who wants to put a base on the moon, thought it was a preposterous idea. However, unlike a moon base, this new diesel is ready to go today.

How it works is that sugarcane, corn, grass and even forest residues are put in a fermenter with Algae. The algae consume the sugar, corn, etc. and the output is ready to use diesel fuel; no additives needed. The benefits of this process are that nothing needs to be drilled out of the ground, such as oil or lithium for batteries. Also, the gas can be used with existing engine technologies and can also be manipulated to reproduce many oil-based plastic. For us car guys, it means the internal combustion engine sticks around for a good while longer.

Automakers have made great strides in making cars that are both environmentally responsible and fun to drive. VW is no exception. From their early leadership position on diesels since the 1970s, to the cutting edge of environmental tech for tomorrow, Volkswagen is making sure that we will be driving exciting cars for a very long time. Meanwhile, the GTI and Golf R are plenty enough to keep the good times rolling until that future gets here.