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Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look

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DoctorNine
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
Hmmm... looks like a Camaro to me.

I call bullshit.
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MushyHeirloom
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
Remember, the Jetta's already plenty large. There's room for a car like this between the Jetta and Passat, though - note that I say "a" car, as in only one of these.
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Van Sarockin, rogue trebuchet
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
Looks like a whole lot of Ridgeline with a smattering of Camaro. I', sure they'll add some sleek to it before it hits production. Looks like they want in on the Chrysler 300 high waistline action, too.
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Ash78, cube farmer
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
I really find it interesting that VW is banking on this thing so much, especially given their "Take it or leave it" attitude towards the US since they started selling cars here.

But I'm really, really afraid of what a US-specific sedan might contain. The reason people buy VWs here, in the face of shitty dealers and questionable reliability, is because they are the best value among any European spec vehicle (not counting GM's German stepchildren). What happens when you remove that element from it?
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The Black Bottle
02/12/09

@Ash78: Maybe the push is on? Perhaps Wolfsburg smells weakness in Detroit and they're gonna take out one of the BIG TWO (not Ford) by showing them what a contemporary American car should look like. US customers should be winners as VW tailor their line up specifically for the US market, I get surprised when I see Jalopniks in the States criticising the dealers of German marques as they usually enjoy a good rep in the UK.
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Ash78, cube farmer
02/12/09

@The Black Bottle: They're pretty consistently among the lowest in the reliability ranking, which is due in part to parts (both shipping and exchange rates). Not so much an issue on your side of the pond.

Plus, there's the sparse dealership network and general awareness. Among all mass market brands, they're the fewest and furthest between dealerships. On top of that, the repair bills on, say, a Golf can often mirror those of a much more expensive car. A timing belt/waterpump job can easily cost $1,000, which is 3-4x more than a Honda Civic. Same with the clutch. And the list goes on. A couple of experiences like that and a layman will log on to every website available to share his negative experiences.

Don't get me wrong, I've got two of them. Worth the hassles partly because the cost forces you to DIY ;)
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Deartháir II
02/12/09

@Ash78: Have you noticed a dramatic decline in the costs for parts though? Maybe it's just that mine is getting older now, but four years ago I had to order new headlights. Corrados are great cars, but nobody considered that those flat headlights are going to attract rocks like magnets.

Back then, I paid $800 for a new pair. Now, they're broken again, and I just ordered a new set for $250.

I'm not sure if it's more aftermarket support, or a growing presence in North America, or just that my car is getting old, but I've been pleasantly surprised lately at the dramatically lower costs of repairs.
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B1663R
02/12/09

@Deartháir: @Ash78: so i should wait a while before getting the MKVI GTI because i plan to have it before the both of you...
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Ash78, cube farmer
02/12/09

@Deartháir: I think the OE are having to compete with more and more grey market parts.

8 years ago I bought clear corners (first mod) and the going rate was about $100-$120 a pair (Hella or FER).

Now they're $25-$40 and about a dozen brands to choose from.

So yes, everything does seem to be getting cheaper, but it also seems like a lot more YMMV out there. Lots of these cheapo Chinese HID kits can start fires or melt wiring and housings, etc. Glad I'm just in maintenance mode these days.
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wrx-tyrannosaurusWrx
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
Fuck it, call it the Volkswagen RandomWind and call it a day.
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Ash78, cube farmer
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
My guess is that Passat is forced upmarket (with the CC already leading the way) and this will slot between Jetta and Passat.

Jetta is already a "collegey" car as it is, while Passat is going more and more for the middle-aged crowd with the current iteration. That leaves a pretty hefty gap in their US marketing. And a very profitable one.
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tonyola
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
This is what it will look like when it reaches production:

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damnelantra™
02/12/09

@tonyola: um.. did i miss something?
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BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
02/12/09

@tonyola: The roof will be higher up too, and will have bigger side windows.
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MushyHeirloom
02/12/09

@tonyola: A Chrysler 300?!
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Deartháir II
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
Well, I love it, but then I much prefer the earlier, boxier design language. I (obviously) love the Corrado's lines, but the GenIV lines were the best they've done, to my eyes, since the GenI boxes. This is a reversion to stronger, bolder lines with angles and some real character. I like it.
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jduffy13
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
It's the Estoque dumbed down.

Not cool VW.
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Maymar
02/12/09

@jduffy13: I see a bit of Ford's Interceptor concept in there - VW's revenge for Ford borrowing so liberally on the design of the Five Hundred and the first-gen Taurus?
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layabout
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
It'll replace the ageing Phaeton & probably match its low sales figures.
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layabout
02/12/09

@layabout now with V8 power: OK maybe not the Phaeton as it's going to be mid-size,but it would make a good replacement.
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The Black Bottle
02/12/09

@layabout now with V8 power: Wait, wait, are we using the same rule here? A UK spec Mondeo or Insignia = US Mid Size, right? I've just been on the Saturn site and the Saturn Thingummyjig is essentially a Vectra and they describe that as mid size with the Astra as a compact. Just checking.
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pauljones
02/12/09

@The Black Bottle:

That is correct, sir. The Aura, Mondeo, and Insignia are all considered mid-size.
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Ash78, cube farmer
02/12/09

@The Black Bottle: Basically a UK large saloon or family saloon is the same as a US midsize sedan.

The current and last-gen Mondeo would make it into midsize US territory, but 2 generations ago it would have been ALMOST a compact sedan (US: Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique). Which is why it failed so miserably here.
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leavethegun-takethecannoli
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
Okay, midsize. I consider the Passat midsize. Does this replace the Passat, or the Jetta?
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Bumblebee
02/12/09

@leavethegun-takethecannoli: Yeah, it's hard to get excited about a concept that is so confusing.

I don't see the Passat or Jetta getting replaced any time soon, so does this new concept have any real chance of making it?
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leavethegun-takethecannoli
02/12/09

@Bumblebee: Probably not.
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pauljones
02/12/09

In reply to Volkswagen's New Mid-Size Sedan: First Look
How does a company that just put out something as sexy as the CC suddenly come up with this?

It's not that I don't like it, quite the opposite, I think that it is a handsome design. But it just completely lacks the sex appeal of the CC.
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