MotorMouths

Tiguan is kinda cute. It’s a squirty little quickster, has a crisp and sporty feel in the twisties, is comfy, classy inside and fits urban-scale parking and maneuvering. But the relatively high price will be a deal-breaker for some.

If the VW peculiarities don’t bother you, then the good ride-handling blend, the minor styling differences and especially the second-row seating are reasons to favor the Routan over the Chrysler and Dodge models.

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI is a honey of a cruiser, despite flaws. And it has a spacious interior. And, while not cheap, it is pretty reasonable. And it has elegant styling that probably will wear well on the eye.

While the Passat isn’t exactly exciting, it’s comfortably roomy and well beyond competent on the road, with a starting price that is among the lowest in the segment.

On balance, Test Drive is happy to forgive the interior faults because the Jetta TDI is roomy and comfy, and the engine’s personality quickly makes the car such a pal.

Judging the overall package based on the test cars, we’d have to say that the 2011 Jetta will be VW’s best car. If it’s reliable, it could slam into the compact sedan market like an angry rhino.

The 2012 Volkswagen R is an extraordinary small car. It’s a superb driving machine, almost unbelievably satisfying in most circumstances. And it’s remarkably expensive.

Numbers and hard data are helpful in judging a car, but the real chemistry happens – or fails to – when you settle into the driver’s seat. That’s when Golf’s satisfying road feel makes it shine, especially so in the TDI.

The 2012 Beetle is a redesign that’s bigger, still rounded but sleeker, more powerful and sits on a wider stance. It’s satisfying, but not as overtly manly as VW probably hopes.

Short take on Yaris: Cheap-o, but roomier and more fun to drive than expected. The angular lines on such a stubby car won’t please all eyes.

You have to consider Prius c a success: frisky, inviting, easy to park, classier than expected, comfortable (at least in front) and faithful to its mpg promise.

Toyota has moved the 2010 Prius toward the mainstream, to broaden its appeal. It’s bigger, fancier, more powerful, and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.