Back To School Shopping? Put the Golf On Your List

It's that time of the year again. The kids are back in school and Fall semester has officially begun. Unless you live on campus or attend boarding school, driving is probably inevitable. Whether you're one of the thousands that commuters at George Mason University, a new high school driver, or you venture to Target and Ikea on the weekends from University of Maryland, new wheels could be on your back to school supply list this year. Here are a few selections from our line up that I believe are straight A's.

A Golf For Your After School Activities

(Pure White 2015 Golf TSI SE at Stohlman)

The redesigned 2015 Golf is everything we've been hyping it up to be. Bigger, sleeker, faster, and more efficient. Perfect for any star student. With the new 1.8L TSI as the standard base engine, fuel efficiency has increased almost 15% from last year, with an estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway. Not to mention, premium is not required for the new 1.8L T. That's right, Volkswagen actually recommends 87 octane rating for this new turbo charged engine, so don't feel shy about filling her up! And for those long commuters who'd prefer to go the clean diesel route with our 2.0L TDI engine, you can accelerate faster past fuel stations with the 236 lb ft/tq it's equipped with and the estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg city/ 42 mpg highway. 

(Photo courtesy of VWoA)

The redesigned Golf has definitely grown as well. It's gotten a little bit longer, a tad wider, giving the Golf a bit more room for you and your passengers to get comfortable. But the cargo room is where it's at. Increasing from 15.2 to 22.8 cu/ft, and up to 52.7 cu/ft with the seats down, you shouldn't have too many issues hauling your cello, hockey equipment, or that volcano science project after class.

(IIHS Results for 2015 Golf courtesy of iihs.org)

The 2015 Golf is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The IIHS is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent nonprofit scientific and educational organization. Based in Arlington, VA, the IIHS can only test 50-70 vehicles a year, selections being based on various factors including model year redesigns/refreshing. Manufacturers have the right to request crash tests (at the manufacturer's expense) as well. Since the Golf was redesigned this year, it was selected to be tested for 2014, and passed with flying colors. The 2015 Golf and GTI were both selected as a Top Safety Pick+ for 2014. With its good looks, smart features, and a base price of $17,995 (Price excludes transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges), I'd say the Golf is a safe bet for Class President.

For When Your Children Can't Drive Themselves

(Photo courtesy of VWoA)

If the kids haven't left the nest yet, pick up and drop offs are probably a big part of your weekly schedule. From packing lunches to making costumes for the drama club's production of Grease, you do a lot for your children. Why not do something for yourself, and get a car you'll enjoy for when you pick them up from their Model UN meeting. Enter the Volkswagen Passat. It has timeless lines, curb appeal, and a comfortable interior. Options like a Fender Premium Audio System, a wood inlay, and dual leather/suede combination seats, the Passat can offer those little luxuries you long for. The Passat has several engine options including the 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine, 1.8L TSI gas engine, or the naturally aspirated V6. The Passat also offers one of the biggest rear leg rooms in its class, and an astonishing trunk size of 15.9 sq/ft for all their soccer balls, trumpets, and textbooks. The Passat is also a IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2014, and has won countless accolades since its redesign debut for 2012. If the critics love it, why shouldn't we? 

(So much room for activities - Photo courtesy of VWoA)

Honorable Mentions

The Jetta and Tiguan receive an honorable mention since they are both very great options for back to school. Several factors preventing me from selecting them as the #1 & 2 pick include the inevitable 2015 Jetta refresh that's due to hit the market any day now. The Jetta has been a top seller for the Volkswagen brand in the US market since its debut, and we don't imagine that it'll slow down any time soon. A popular choice amongst folks in all age groups, the Jetta is always a reliable choice for a great commuter car, and has been a Top Safety Pick since 2009. The Jetta's 2.5L naturally aspirated engine has already been replaced with the new 1.8L TSI. This improvement makes the Jetta feel zippier while it sips on the gas tank. Once the refresh hits dealerships, I have a strong feeling that the Jetta will rise to become a top pick.

The Tiguan has been a Top Safety Pick since its debut in 2009. This compact crossover SUV brings a little bit of everything to the table. Size, style, luxury, performance, safety, and comfort. The only one on my list with its final assembly point being in Germany, the starting price of the Tiguan is a tad higher than the rest of group, with a MSRP starting price at $23,305 (Price excludes transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges). That being said, the Tiguan is a genuinely fun, yet safe vehicle. The IIHS conducts a roof strength test for instances of rollovers, and the Tiguan was one of the top performers in this test from the beginning. The following video showcases the roof strength test, and solidifies why I drive Volkswagens now, and will for life.

Let us know what what vehicle you think deserves to be on our honor roll this semester by tweeting us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5