Like other automakers, VW is struggling with car sales but not SUVs.
Across the Volkswagen of America 2020 lineup most models are equipped with the next-generation Car-Net telematics system and standard in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. The Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Tiguan also bring new technology content with available wireless charging.
Nearly all Volkswagen models will have standard driver-assistance features, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. In addition, several models simplify their trim structures to bring pricing more in line with the market. Year-to-date U.S. sales at 215,796 are up +6.1%.
Atlas
The Atlas is available in, gulp, seven trim levels: S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium. More models have standard upscale features. SE w/ Technology R-Line trims offer standard front and rear Park Distance Control and an Easy Open liftgate. SE w/ Technology models and above get standard 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while SEL Premium models upgrade to standard 21-inch wheels.
Arteon
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is available in four trims: SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. SEL models now have standard 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while SEL Premium models have standard 20-inch wheels and R-Line content.
e-Golf
The 2020 e-Golf is available in two trims: SE and SEL Premium. The Driver Assistance Package, previously optional, is now standard for both models, and includes Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Golf
Golf is available in one well-equipped trim—the new Value Edition, with upscale features like KESSY keyless access with push-button start, leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, and heated washer nozzles. Golf is now fitted with standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Golf GTI
The 2020 Golf GTI is available in two trims: S and SE. In a” modest” value realignment, Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard equipment on all models. An Autobahn Package is available for the SE model and a Discover Media infotainment system with navigation, Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control, Fender Premium Audio, Automatic Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Light Assist.
Jetta
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in five trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Jetta models receive more technology features for 2020. Jetta SEL and SEL Premium also offer standard wireless charging. SE and SE R-Line models offer the Cold Weather Package, which includes a suite of premium content including a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated wiper park, heated washer nozzles, and remote start. This content is newly standard on SEL models and both SEL and SEL Premium models now have standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Jetta GLI
Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in two trim levels: S and Autobahn. The Jetta GLI introduces the next-generation Car-Net telematics system, and all models are equipped with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Autobahn models add standard wireless charging and the DCC adaptive damping system for the 2020 model year.
Passat
Passat has four trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, and SEL. The new Passat “a coupe-like profile (Yes, they said that with a straight face, and what follows – editor), “dominant grille and dramatic lines,” giving the car a “bolder look” than in previous years. Beside the exterior changes, the 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine has a new torque converter and new software, increasing output to 207 pound-feet of torque. The infotainment system has a new glass-covered touchscreen.
Tiguan
Tiguan now has five trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. Tiguan models receive a slight discount with Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert becoming standard on all models. Wireless charging is optional, starting on the SE trim. The new Tiguan SE R-Line Black trim 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, black-accented R-Line bumpers and badging, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear Park Distance Control, and a black headliner.
Tiguan SEL model adds a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. The SEL Premium R-Line adds a heated wiper park, standard R-Line content, and 20-inch wheels.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
2020 VW Lineup – Simplified, Driver Assist Tools Standard
Like other automakers, VW is struggling with car sales but not SUVs.
Across the Volkswagen of America 2020 lineup most models are equipped with the next-generation Car-Net telematics system and standard in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. The Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Tiguan also bring new technology content with available wireless charging.
Nearly all Volkswagen models will have standard driver-assistance features, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. In addition, several models simplify their trim structures to bring pricing more in line with the market. Year-to-date U.S. sales at 215,796 are up +6.1%.
Atlas
The Atlas is available in, gulp, seven trim levels: S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium. More models have standard upscale features. SE w/ Technology R-Line trims offer standard front and rear Park Distance Control and an Easy Open liftgate. SE w/ Technology models and above get standard 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while SEL Premium models upgrade to standard 21-inch wheels.
Arteon
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is available in four trims: SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. SEL models now have standard 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while SEL Premium models have standard 20-inch wheels and R-Line content.
e-Golf
The 2020 e-Golf is available in two trims: SE and SEL Premium. The Driver Assistance Package, previously optional, is now standard for both models, and includes Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Golf
Golf is available in one well-equipped trim—the new Value Edition, with upscale features like KESSY keyless access with push-button start, leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, and heated washer nozzles. Golf is now fitted with standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Golf GTI
The 2020 Golf GTI is available in two trims: S and SE. In a” modest” value realignment, Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard equipment on all models. An Autobahn Package is available for the SE model and a Discover Media infotainment system with navigation, Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control, Fender Premium Audio, Automatic Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Light Assist.
Jetta
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in five trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Jetta models receive more technology features for 2020. Jetta SEL and SEL Premium also offer standard wireless charging. SE and SE R-Line models offer the Cold Weather Package, which includes a suite of premium content including a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated wiper park, heated washer nozzles, and remote start. This content is newly standard on SEL models and both SEL and SEL Premium models now have standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Jetta GLI
Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in two trim levels: S and Autobahn. The Jetta GLI introduces the next-generation Car-Net telematics system, and all models are equipped with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Autobahn models add standard wireless charging and the DCC adaptive damping system for the 2020 model year.
Passat
Passat has four trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, and SEL. The new Passat “a coupe-like profile (Yes, they said that with a straight face, and what follows – editor), “dominant grille and dramatic lines,” giving the car a “bolder look” than in previous years. Beside the exterior changes, the 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine has a new torque converter and new software, increasing output to 207 pound-feet of torque. The infotainment system has a new glass-covered touchscreen.
Tiguan
Tiguan now has five trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. Tiguan models receive a slight discount with Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert becoming standard on all models. Wireless charging is optional, starting on the SE trim. The new Tiguan SE R-Line Black trim 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, black-accented R-Line bumpers and badging, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear Park Distance Control, and a black headliner.
Tiguan SEL model adds a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. The SEL Premium R-Line adds a heated wiper park, standard R-Line content, and 20-inch wheels.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.