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Volkswagen Tiguan
Quick and nimble

Tiguan

I learned about the Volkswagen Tiguan and national park passes about the same time. So, I am fascinated the Tiguan marketing material mentions it has cardholders. You can keep your national park passes or city parking passes at your fingertips. So, you're quick and nimble on the go. Just like your Tiguan. Other features I haven't encountered (except on Tiguan) are door entry reflectors strategically placed for maximum visibility by other drivers when the door is open. In accordance with German logic, the more people who are aware of your presence, the safer you are. Also, the Tiguan door handle lets you wrap your hand around it, not just your fingertips. It's easier than a lever and allows you to exert more force if you are ever in an emergency situation. Plus, the door handle cables are specifically placed in areas where they are less likely to be damaged if an accident occurs. Tiguan uses steel reinforcements in the doors, which are designed to absorb and redirect impact energy upon a side impact �� basically creating a steel cage to protect passengers. As an integral part of the crash response system, Tiguan is designed to automatically shut off the fuel pump whenever an airbag deploys. The crash optimized front end has impact-absorbing elements, which are integrated into the front structure. These elements allow compression of the front structure during impact. All VW models are also designed so even the foot pedals can break off, helping to reduce the chances of foot injuries. Tiguan is powered by a 2.0 TSFI four-cylinder engine that pumps out 207 lbs-ft of torque. Tiguan is the first compact SUV available worldwide exclusively with turbocharged and direct-injected engines, for more power, more torque and lower emissions. The Tiguan four-wheel-drive system provides balanced, stable road handling on any type of ground surface. The lower door sill is extended to make it easier to get in and out. Jump in for the hard rain; hop out for the scenic vista. Since you probably don't keep gloves in the glove box, handy clips and holders help keep all of the stuff you do stash in there safe and secure and make great use of a small space. Power outlets are located in the front center console, center console for rear seating positions and one in the rear cargo area.

Volkswagen Passat VR6
Volkswagen Passat VR6 has its unique characteristics, too, like a built-in umbrella holder in the door and a diversity antenna built into the VW's windshield or trunk. This system utilizes two physical antennae. Whichever antenna has the stronger signal for any given channel is used as the receiver, making sure you get the best reception possible. The adaptive front lighting system comes standard with Passat's headlamps and actually turns the headlamp up to 15 degrees in the direction you're headed while cruising at freeway speeds. At slow speeds, it turns an additional bulb in the direction you're turning with the flick of the blinker. If you have an accident and the airbags deploy, your hazard lights automatically turn on to cut down on the odds of another accident. Passat also lets you know if your brake pads are almost worn away before they're gone completely and can possibly damage your brake rotors. There is an alert indicator.

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by Mary Ann
Van Osdell