VW may sell small, turbocharged vehicles for $13k in the U.S.
click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen up! Space concept
Volkswagen may be serious about returning to its "people's car" roots by importing a small vehicle to the U.S. with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, told Automotive News that something like the Polo could fly here in the States, as well as "lifestyle" vehicles like the smart and MINI, and something he described as a "little bit SUV-looking and a little van."
The inclusion of a new, economical model into Volkswagen's lineup could be based around the up! concepts that have made appearances on the auto show circuit this past year, and Jacoby hopes that pricing could be set in the $13,000 to $14,000 realm. The move is in an effort to capitalize on American's supposed desire for more fuel-efficient models that won't break the bank and cause less cringing at the pumps. However, despite Jacoby's comments about small vehicles, VW is still contemplating a return of the Phaeton to the U.S. – something that's directly opposed to its desire of become a more affordable marque for the masses.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ed 1:33PM (2/11/2008)
I'd take that over the Fit in a heartbeat.
Reply
zamafir 1:38PM (2/11/2008)
Yes, they will, it'll be base on the Up, they've been saying this for two years now, though it's nice to be constantly reminded by higher ups.
Reply
almost Dr. G.. 1:42PM (2/11/2008)
make it (in germany, not in mexico)!
but seriously.. this could be what takes vw over the build quality hump that is in everyones mind. if they make this and make it right vw will be reputable again.
whether the stigma is substantiated or not is your own opinion...
Reply
Zerk 1:43PM (2/11/2008)
Up! yours VW!
Reply
Farris 1:54PM (2/11/2008)
I literally lol'd at your comment...
they should totally recreate the old 7-Up commercials!
"Make the VW up! yours!"
J.Crew 1:47PM (2/11/2008)
This is getting back to what made them popular in the first place. Smart design, easy own and operate, and something fairly original. Ditch the Phaeton and let Audi run in the Luxo barge arena as they already do.
Reply
fizzandpop 1:51PM (2/11/2008)
I'm definately in the "tiny turbo charged engine" camp over the "heavy, toxic, pointless" hybrid camp. But America's "intelligencia" have already been conned into thinking that hybrids are the way to go. I'm just not sure that they're ready for another re-education so soon. And BTW my silver pony-tailed friends, the Prius does come equipped with turn signals, please use them.
Reply
naggs 2:16PM (2/11/2008)
what is this "intelligencia" you speak of?
every analysis done by anyone remotely impartial has come to the conclusion that hybrids take way to long to pay off the initial expense and that they make no economic sense in all but the most extreme cases.
they sell because there are enough lacrosse moms out there willing to spend the extra $5k for a giant tree hugger bumper sticker so they can talk down on the previous cool car to have, the ford extinction.
just because it is something that people in california do, do not assume that it is because the SF/LA/NY Times told them to.
psarhjinian 3:24PM (2/11/2008)
Wow. Bitter much? Hybrid run over your dog?
Kris 1:55PM (2/11/2008)
How about a 70mpg 3 cylinder TDI version? I'd pay 15 or 16K for that. I like the Polo, but this is more practical for other uses beyond commuting.
Reply
Endurancevm 1:59PM (2/11/2008)
In the words of Charles Barkley: "That just crazy, thats turrible".
Another entry into deathtrap/crapmobile category...woohoo. I would rather drive a slightly larger and more powerful compact car while getting worse fuel economy than to be stuck in that thing. For 14k you would probably not get much, and options to get power operated things and a steering wheel would drive the price up to compete with more desirable compact cars.
I personally believe that sub-compacts are utterly useless, except if you get the base model and then you just have a steel box on wheels with two strings used to turn the wheels.
Reply
Mike 2:07PM (2/11/2008)
"options to get power operated things and a steering wheel would drive the price up"
And this is a problem how?
Not everyone cares about "power operated things". I do insist on having a steering wheel however.
calebe 2:06PM (2/11/2008)
14K? um sorry, aside for the novely of it no one is going to pay 14k for one when they can get a fire sale Hyundai/kia/Focus/Cobalt for $9995
Reply
iSpec 2:06PM (2/11/2008)
...and I may finally do all those things I have told everyone I was going to do too. But probably not.
Reply
the law 2:06PM (2/11/2008)
sorry but GM will beat here with the triple play deal.
not too bad but the glass in the back is weird
Reply
naggs 2:07PM (2/11/2008)
the up! platform cannot take a 4 cyl engine, too wide, heavy and expensive. that is limited to 2 and 3 cyl engines only
too bad, the prospect of a turbo RR car that is CHEAP would certainly get me to test drive one.
this is almost guaranteed to be a polo derivative, probably one that doesnt exist yet.
why VW has not made a new microbus is beyond me. there is no way a decent micro bus would not be a huge hit. keep your $85k phaeton and give us a $18k microbus
Reply
jb 7:05PM (2/11/2008)
Maybe some people buy a Prius, not to save money, but just to spend less gas... I rented a Prius and averaged 45 mpg on my 600+ trip. It is a very competent car, with much better acceleration than I anticipated. You can bash it all you want but the sad thing is there are no other car in the US for sale right now which come close to it. This is why the Prius sells.
RonPaul2008 2:27PM (2/11/2008)
at this point I'm desperate. I wanted an UP! but I'll take a Polo Bluemotion, or a Polo GTI
Reply
Jay MIller 2:28PM (2/11/2008)
Look how well the Honda Fit is selling here. Counter to the common assertion that American's don't want small fuel-efficient hatchbacks, Honda can't keep the Fit on the lot.
And fuel prices do not look to return to an SUV-friendly valuation. So a small inexpensive platform is likely what VW needs to build, not just here but worldwide.
Reply
Shawn 3:57PM (3/12/2008)
I"m open minded with car design especially for little ones. the fit is ugly and has poor safety rating. people buy them for the honda name more then anything...