2002 Volkswagen Passat Glx 4 Motion Sedan 4-door 2.8l on 2040-cars

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Pontiac Aztek enjoys rebirth thanks to Millennials

Apparently, Millennials – those between 18 and 34 – aren't afraid to look different on the road, and they like performance, too. A new study by Edmunds is discovering some surprising vehicle choices by this group. Among them, the long-derided Pontiac Aztek is getting a new day in the sun with 25.5 percent its buyers coming from this generation in the first half of 2015. For comparison, Millennials represent an average of 16.8 percent of used car purchases. The Aztek is slowly shaking its reputation as a styling abomination, which seems tied to its appearance on Breaking Bad. The show premiered in 2008, and the Pontiac has been on this list for four of the past five years, according to Edmunds. It even led the pack in 2010. A recent Retro Review from MotorWeek also showed that the crossover wasn't always so hated. While it's still a shock to see the Aztek on any popularity list, the awkward-looking crossover only ranks sixth among Millennials. The vehicle with the biggest portion of buyers from the generation is the Dodge Magnum with 27.6 percent. According to Edmunds, the bluntly styled wagon is especially popular in Detroit and Chicago. The Chrysler Pacifica comes in a close second at 27.3 percent. When it comes to used cars, value and utility appear to trump just about anything else for many Millennial buyers," Edmunds analyst Jeremy Acevedo said in the report. Young buyers aren't afraid of sporty rides, either. The Subaru WRX has 26.4 percent Millennial buyers to rank third place on the list, and the Volkswagen R32 takes fifth at 25.7 percent. Just a few points lower in seventh place is the Nissan GT-R at 25.4 percent, and the final performance machine in 10th place is the Lexus IS-F with 24.7 percent. Related Video:

VW launches cheaper 2016 e-Golf SE to challenge Nissan Leaf

Volkswagen is taking the fight to Nissan in the battle of EV hatchbacks for the 2016 model year with the new, less expensive e-Golf SE trim level. With a starting price of $29,815 (after $820 for destination but before incentives), the model undercuts the $29,860 2015 Leaf S (after $850 destination) by just $45. Lease rates are $199 a month. The 2016 e-Golf SEL Premium is $150 more than last year at $36,415, making the difference between the two trims a significant $6,600. VW isn't letting out much of the info on the SE yet, and the company's release simply says the trim "offers most of the features of the SEL Premium model." The new entry does come standard with a 3.6-kW onboard charger, and a 7.2-kW DC fast charging package is optional later in the year. Inside, there's VW's 6.5-inch MIB II infotainment system, versus an eight-inch version in the SEL Premium with the company's Car-Net App-Connect and Travel Link. The e-Golf is rated at an 83-mile range by the EPA, and it's electric motor produces 115 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The electric hatchback has already proven itself a moderate success in Europe through the first two months of 2015, and the VW actually beat the Leaf there in sales volume. In the US, the model has moved 1,831 examples through July, compared to 10,990 for the rival Nissan.

Volkswagen Caddy hauls its cute self into Geneva

Here in the States, we have a small but growing segment of little people-and-stuff-carriers, including new things like the Ford Transit Connect, Nissan NV200, Ram ProMaster City, and so on. But in the Old Country, these little guys are everywhere, and hardly a new concept. One of Europe's best in this segment – the Volkswagen Caddy – has been given a thorough refresh, combining all of the great-to-drive characteristics of a Golf with the functionality of a Touran van. Buyers can choose between four different versions of the 2.0-liter diesel inline-four, or three gasoline engines in 1.0-, 1.2-, and 1.4-liter displacements. There's even a natural gas version. And with its Golf roots, your author is, shall we say, really, really interested in a GTI version of this little cutie. The Caddy you're seeing here is, obviously, a passenger van configuration with windows abound. Buyers can also opt for a panel van variant, for more secretive load-hauling. Have a look at the updated Caddy in the images above, and read all about it in the release below. The new Caddy – always the best choice – world premiere for the fourth generation of the best-seller - Entry-level price reduced due to new versions - Emissions and fuel consumption reduced by new EU6 engines - Safety increased by new driver assistance systems - Design refined with clear edge Hannover/ Poznan, 04 February 2015: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is showing the fourth generation of the hugely popular Caddy for the first time. Around 1.5 million of the award-winning previous generation were sold worldwide during its eleven years in production. A success that the new Caddy is intended to continue because the urban delivery van and its privately used brother have been enhanced and refined in every area. In Germany, prices for the new Caddy start at ˆ 14,785.00 (net, panel van) and ˆ 15,330.00 net (ˆ 18,242.70 gross, as Conceptline, replacing the previously familiar Startline), each with the 62 kW TSI entry-level engine and thus, when adjusted for feature content, are even below the level of the predecessor model. The drive systems use state-of-the-art technology, with the Caddy's new engines providing maximum efficiency and compliance with the EU6 emissions standard. The basis for the four TDI diesel versions is always a two-litre four cylinder engine. Their performance ranges from 55 kW / 75 h.p. to the top engine with 110 kW / 150 h.p..