The CC is in a stylish lineup of Volkswagen, the Passat is better-dressed brother. As the only four-door coupe in a crowded midsize class, it brings in the design of the Mercedes-Benz CLS at a much lower price. And for those of you wondering what its purpose is compared to the Passat, the CC is without doubt one of the most attractive cars in its segment.

The CC serves as the flagship of the Volkswagen, and as such is loaded with the best in the business equipment: Bluetooth, bi-xenon headlights, satellite radio, a touch-screen navigation system, heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and an available 10-speaker Dynaudio Premium Sound System. 4Motion all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch automatic transmission are also available, and the R-Line package adds 18-inch wheels and a subtle body kit. Two engines are offered: VW's faithful shared with the GTI 2.0T or a 280 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6 at the top of the range.

All this style does come at a price, however. The CC is strictly a four seater, and two in the back will have less headroom than in the practical-minded Passat. The CC starts higher than the Passat - at $ 28,515, it is almost 10 grand more than the base price of the Passat. Whether the CC is worth the premium depends on the tastes of the customer and the willingness to sacrifice for the practical opportunity to look sharp.

Body: Sedan

Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 3.6-liter V-6

Transmissions: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual clutch automatic (DSG)

Models: Sport, R-Line, Lux, VR6 4Motion

VW streamlined some of the options packages for 2012 by dropping the VR6 Sport model. If you want the bigger engine, you'll have to spring for the top-of-the-line model with 4Motion and a Tiptronic six-speed automatic. There are three Lux models to choose from: Lux, Lux Plus, and Lux Limited, ranging from $31,420 to $34,365 based on how Sybaritic your options are. The 2.0T R-Line package is also new for 2012, which adds a new front bumper and other styling cues.

Low-slung, taut, and gorgeous, the Volkswagen CC is the best-looking car to come from a staid segment. Bold character lines and an arching roofline cause heads to turn even in jaded Southern California.

The Volkswagen CC's interior comes fully loaded with generous amounts of wood and aluminum trim, handsome two-tone leather seats, and even an analog clock for that extra touch of class. The rear seat only seats two and with that swooping roofline it can be cramped for taller passengers, but the scalloped 'buckets' are snug and comfortable.

The CC's driving dynamics are much sportier than those on the Passat, and VW's excellent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is willing, responsive and allows for nimble handling by virtue of its light weight. Despite the CC's weight, the 2.0T is strong enough to hustle it to a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. For extensive freeway driving however, the 3.6-liter narrow-angle V-6 is a smoother choice -- even if it's only available with an automatic.

Safety

Standard driver and front passenger front and side-thorax airbags, front and rear side curtain head airbags. Optional rear passenger side-thorax airbags and standard traction control and stability control.

Sport, Luxury: 22 mpg city (21 mpg manual)/31 mpg highway

VR6 Sport: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway

VR6 4Motion: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway

A New Beetle was launched to great fanfare in 2011, but not call it the New Beetle. The "new" part of the outgoing name (that everyone forgot in any case) was dropped, along with the flowers and the delicate vase, ovoid styling. Volkswagen says the new Beetle is more masculine than the model it replaces, and with a more aggressive roofline and an adult, body-colored interior, the automaker could even point.

The Beetle still has the appearance, but is now longer, lower and wider than the last model. Now there are three engines to choose from: a base 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 170 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 200 horsepower, and for 2012, a TDI diesel engine with 140 horsepower and the ability to 40 achieve mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic is standard, but popular Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch transmission will also be available.

The new Beetle is finally less a styling statement for young-at-heart and females more of a vehicle itself, and the impressive list of options reflects this: a navigation system, Fender Premium eight-speaker surround sound, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity , keyless entry and bi-xenon headlamps are all available. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base price of $ 18,995, making Volkswagen a stylish option on the retro Goofball Mini and Fiat.

Bodystyle: coupe

Engines: 2.5-liter inline-5, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, 2.0-liter diesel inline-4

Transmissions: six-speed automatic, six-speed dual-clutch automatic

Almost everything: the New Beetle was only in 2011. Yet there is already a limited-edition model, the Turbo Black, which offers smooth black pearl paint, carbon fiber-look interior, turbo graphics and tough 10-spoke wheels. There will only be produced 600 examples, so if you want one, act quickly.

For anyone who has been for the past 15 years (is it really that long?), The Beetle is instantly recognizable from her old model. The Beetle is still fun, but far less - its graceful shape reminiscent of the original Beetle was more than the last, and with a sticker Heritage package and retro-style one-piece wheels on the non-turbo model, the Beetle is bring back many memories.

The dashboard is the same color paint on the outside, which not only adds visual interest, but also avoid looking cheap. The rest of the interior is solid Volkswagen quality: a mixture of soft-touch plastic that feel screwed tightly together, and a classic design element, the "Beetle bin," is integrated into the top of the passenger-side dashboard. For the first time, the Beetle will get a screen with an integrated navigation system available, and has an eight-speaker audio system standard.

Based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Golf, the Beetle of the suspension stability promised by potholes. The non-turbo five-cylinder is adequate, but the turbo engine is shared by the GTI and the Beetle pushes along nicely. Volkswagen golf diesel engines should be good for the Beetle as well as they launch later this year.

The Beetle uses a laser-welded very strong body to wrap its inhabitants, and is equipped with side airbags standard for all passengers. Stability control and front airbags are also on every model.

22 mpg city/29 mpg highway, five-cylinder

22 mpg city/30 mpg highway, four-cylinder turbo

29 mpg city/40 mpg highway, TDI diese

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Prices