Volkswagen, “the people’s car,” has come a long ways since the early days of the 1950′s and ’60s when the Beetle, the Bus, and Karmen Ghia where the only models available in the U.S. The market was young, sophisticated buyers with value on their minds, not a roomy, luxurious ride. Now, VW offers at least 12 models that appeal to families and commuters alike. If you are looking for a well-designed car to accommodate your busy family, new Volkswagen cars can meet the demand.
Criteria For A Great Family Car
What makes for a good family vehicle? Considering that families often tote multiple kids, baby gear, sporting equipment, large quantities of groceries, and more, an appropriate choice is a vehicle that offers a safe, comfortable ride with plenty of room to accommodate several people and their belongings. For parents who must fasten small children into car seats, an ideal family car is also easy to enter and exit.
Does Size Matter?
If you don’t want a sedan and aren’t ready for a mini-van, VW offers three choices popular with families that all accommodate five passengers:
· Jetta Sportswagen
· Tiguan S
· Touareg
The models range in length:
· 179.8 for the Jetta Sportswagen
· 174.8 for the Tiguan
· 188.8 for the Touareg
With the SUV models, you sit higher above the road with the height for each being:
· 59.2 for the Jetta Sportswagen
· 65.8 for the Tiguan
· 68.2 for the Touareg
The statistics for roominess for front and rear headroom and front legroom are about the same. For shoulder room and hip room, the Touareg excels with up to five more inches than the others.
If carrying capacity is key, each model offers the following when the seats are up:
· 32.8 cft for the Jetta Sportswagen
· 23.8 cft for the Tiguan
· 32.1 for the Touareg
When the back seats are down or removed, all models double their capacity, but the Jetta still has the biggest capacity at 66.9 cft. With most models, you can adjust the seats to further increase the amount of cargo space and legroom.
Safety Features In New Volkswagen Cars
Across all model lines, Volkswagens have fantastic safety ratings. Though not all models have undergone full crash testing by the NHTSA, the Tiajuan and Jetta have 4 of 5 stars for rollover. The Tiguan rated 5 stars for side crashes and 3 for front crashes. In 2013, the Jetta received the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All three models have airbags for the front and rear seats, plus side curtain and side head curtain airbags for safety.
Car Seats Welcome
With the increasing age and weight requirements for car seat usage, parents need a vehicle that easily accommodates car seats and booster seats for smaller passengers.
All models accommodate three of these devices in the back seat without the adult needing to be a contortionist to buckle in the kids or losing an excessive amount of front seat legroom. If you are thinking of buying any of these three vehicles, an online search will offer plenty of convincing articles and forum discussions to guide your decision and convince you that VW has put plenty of thought into child-friendly designs. Your local Volkswagen dealer also stocks infant and child seats so that you can even experience using them in the showroom.
Visit Your Volkswagen Dealer And Make Your Choice
With three great family cars to select from, your choice comes down to preference and budget. By test-driving the Tiguan, Jetta Sportswagen and Touareg at your local car dealership, you can decide whether you want SUV or wagon styling. With prices starting at $20,795 for the Jetta, $22,995 for the Tiguan and $43,995 for the Touareg, you can find a great ride at a great price. With flexible Volkswagen financing and leasing programs available, you can take home the family friendly car of your dreams.
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