A THROWBACK LOOK WITH CURRENT TECHNOLOGY.

Not so long ago several automakers offered hatchback models to make compact vehicles more attractive. The KIA brand has revived that idea in the K4 hatchback and Bumper2Bumpertv finds it has some practical features.

BLENDING TECH AND PERFORMANCE IN A COMPACT.

For the purists there is nothing like the sound and feel of and internal combustion engine under the hood. As Bumper2Bumpertv shares the Acura brand is still offering that option with a robust manual gearbox.

BACK TO THE BASICS 2026 STYLE!!

There are a lot of high tech cars and trucks in the marketplace these days. Bumper2Bumpertv shares that while Volkswagen is looking toward the future it is also remembering drivers who want basic transportation

THIS SMALL SUV IS BEHIND THE CURVE UNDER ITS HOOD.

Nissan, which has been a leader in embracing Battery Electric Vehicles seems to have missed an opportunity to attract drivers who want to be electric adjacent with a hybrid. Bumper2Bumpertv sees it as very evident in the Rogue which does a lot of things well but falls short in terms of its power plant.

A CROSSOVER TOUGHENS UP.

The KIA brand offers several crossovers in tis lineup ranging from compact to large vehicles. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at one model that offers a version intended for use on less than perfect surfaces.

A FIRST LOOK AT THE G BROTHERS FROM GERMANY

The Volkswagen brand is still offering a petroleum powered performance driving experience. Bumper2Bumpertv got a taste of both the new GTI and Golf R recently.

A HALFWAY STEP INTO ELECTRIFICATION:

Not that long ago Volvo announced plans to embrace electrification for its passenger cars by 2035. But before going all in on EV’s the company is also offering transition technology vehicle like the XC60 Plug in Hybrid. Bumpe2Bumpertv has a look at what is being offered.

A DOMESTIC BRAND UPS ITS GAME IN THE LUXURY SEGMENT.

It has taken a few years but it looks like the Lincoln Motor Company is trying to offer a competitive vehicle in the luxury segment. Bumper2Bumpertv says some of that is evident in the Corsair SUV.

A PAVEMENT EATER—GERMAN STYLE!!

While its brand was originally recognized as a relatively fuel efficient small car Volkswagen also can run with the competition on the track. Bumper2Bumpertv kept that in mind when spending a week with the GTI, which can be a fearsome compact in the right situation.

2023 GENESIS GV70 FINDING ITS OWN PLACE AS A SMALL LUXURY SUV

In an already crowded segment the Genesis GV70 is bringing a lot to potential buyers with a combination of high end touches, technology and some decent performance. Bumper2Bumpertv has a review of what the platform does and doesn’t do well

2022 MERCEDES GLE450

Luxury car maker Mercedes Benz has a unique way of designing and building SUV’s. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at one of their models which nearly checks off all of the boxes.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R, OLD SCHOOL PERFORMANCE WITH THE LATEST TECH!

While the auto industry is moving to electrification the Volkswagen brand is still making a few performance models. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at what the company brings in the latest version of the Golf R.

LEXUS NX, A SECOND LOOK.

Lexus did a redesign and added a lot of technology to the 2022 version o the NX Crossover. Bumper2Bumpertv has a second look at what is new and appealing about the vehicle.

THE ELEVENTH GENERATION HONDA CIVIC, LOTS OF UPGRADES.

Over nearly half a century the Honda Civic has a reputation as an efficient small vehicle that can also show its performance side. Now Bumper2Bumpertv says the Civic sedan is also flexing in terms of creature comforts, economy and technology.

Small and very quick!! The Audi SQ5.

With a lot of automakers offering small crossovers and SUV’s how do they make one stand out? Bumper2Bumpertv finds that Audi addressed that issue with a performance variant in the SQ5.

N Line, Hyundai's other side

Hyundai is creating an alternate reality in family vehicles. Bumper2Bumpertv tells us that the N Line editions are revving things up for the brand.

WELL EQUIPPED AND FORWARD THINKING, THE SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN.

Subaru has come a long way from its origins as a tough Asian import ready for any kind of driving situation. Bumper2Bumprtv has a look at the brands flagship sedan, the Legacy and what it brings to the party now.

MERCEDES GLC300, SMALL SIZED LUXURY WITH HIGH TECH FEATURES.

While it is officially classified as a small SUV, the Mercedes GLC300 is not lacking in high end touches or technology. Bumper2Bumpertv has a second look at what the GLC 300 brings to the party.

VW 's small sedan with big features!!

THE AUTO PAGE

BY

JOHN HEILIG

·        MODEL: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4

·        ENGINE: 1.4-liter DOHC turbocharged I-4

·        TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic

·        HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 150 hp @ 5,000 rpm/184 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm

·        WHEELBASE: 104.4 in.

·        LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 183.3 x 70.0 x 57.2 in.

·        TIRES: P205/55R16

·        CARGO: 15.7 cu. ft.

·        ECONOMY: 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32.6 omg test

·        FUEL TANK: 14.5 gal.

·        CURB WEIGHT: 3,025 lbs.

·        COMPETITIVE CLASS: Audi A3, Chevrolet Cruse, Ford Focus

·        STICKER: $23,145 (includes $820 delivery)

·        BOTTOM LINE: In a crowded field of tinny compact cars, the Volkswagen Jetta stands out with its solidity and comfort. 

            There are compact cars and there are compact cars. While most of the cars in the segment are Asian, the Teutonic Volkswagen Jetta stands out. Where slamming the doors in some other cars may be a risk because you fear it may fall apart, the Jetta has a solid sound when you shut the door. No, it isn’t a Rolls-Royce, but is also isn’t your normal econobox. 

            Dimensionally, the Jetta stands out as well. It feels as if there is more passenger volume than some other cars we have driven. This is borne out with very good rear seat legroom,that rivals many mid-size cars. But, although VW claims the Jetta is a five-seater, there’s no way a middle passenger in the back could find comfort with that tall center hump in the rear.

            Under the hood is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four that replaces the 2.0-liter four in last year’s model. It delivers a respectable 150 horses fairly quietly to the front wheels and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. This results in very good acceleration from stop signs and when merging into traffic. I have one stop sign where there is a blind right-hand turn for the cars coming toward me and I often have to tromp on the pedal to make it onto the road safely. The Jetta did a great job for me. With my old full-size van, however, there were time when I would pull out and have to immediately pull off the road to allow oncoming speedsters to move on.

            Ride quality and handling are good under most normal conditions, although I must admit we didn’t stress the Jetta too much. While we hit a variety of roads from Interstate to local to-the-supermarket roads, we did stay away from more difficult roads. The Jetta rides and drives more like a mid-size than a compact.

            Jetta underwent a 2015 redesign that didn’t change the character of the car that much. It is still a Jetta and conforms to the VW family style (excluding the Beetle, of course). Again, in a segment of fairly similar cars, there’s no denying that the Jetta is a German car and a VW to boot.

            Volkswagen has installed its new MIB II 5.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Jetta. MIB II supports Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link with USB and VW-Car Net App-Connect (available by subscription). With this extensive menu, just about any type of entertainment the driver and passengers might want is available. We, however, stuck with the radio and felt the sound quality was excellent.

            The Jetta has an interesting stop/start system. The “normal” key slot is plugged, and even though a key is available on the fob, it isn’t used. There’s a pushbutton start/stop just ahead off the shifter on the center console. 

            The driver grips a fat flat-bottomed wheel with cruise switches, audio and information panel choices. The instrument panel is basic, with a tachometer, information panel, and speedometer. 

            For heating and cooling, there is a set of three knobs for temperature, fan speed and air direction. It takes some getting used to but once learned it is easy. 

            The front seats offer good support in the kidney area as fellas in the seat. Of course, there is the requisite pair of cup holders on the center console and room for water bottles in all four doors. The pull-down armrest between the outboard rear seats holds a pair of cup holders as well. There is also a pass-through to the trunk when you pull down the arm rest. 

            The trunk is a good size at 15.7 cubic feet. The rear seat backs can be folded flat to accommodate more cargo is wanted. Releases for the rear seat backs are located in the trunk.

            Overall, the Jetta has a solid feel and ride quality that belies its size. It’s a compact that wants to be a mid-size.

(c) 2016 The Auto Page Syndicate