Arteon
2021 Volkswagen Arteon courtesy Volkswagen U.S. Media
The Arteon is getting a very quick refresh to its front end. After serving only two years, the grille gets an optional light bar that stretches almost its entire length, with only a gap for the "VW" badge. The delicate swirls in the lower air intakes are also redesigned and there's one less horizontal bar in the grille. The rear VW badge and "Arteon" badge are redesigned. Base price is up $1000 and destination is up $175.
The "SEL" stand-along trim is gone, leaving only SEL R-Line and SEL Premium.
The higher-level 8-inch infotainment systems have been upgraded, including wireless application connection.
Highway fuel mileage is up 3 MPG on FWD and 2 MPH on 4Motion models. (22 city/32 hwy; 20 city/31 hwy).
App-Connect is now wireless, allowing a connection to compatible phones without a cable. Rear doors now also have touch sensors for hands-free locking and unlocking. Navigation is now standard. Wireless phone charging is new and standard on SEL R-Line and Premium.
Atlas
2021 Volkswagen Atlas at 2019 LA Auto Show
A refresh aligns the styling of the three-row Atlas with its newer 2-row sister, the Atlas Cross Sport.
Auto dimming rear-view mirror is now standard. Wireless charging is now available, as are new adaptive headlights that follow curves.
Atlas Cross Sport
New for 2021 is Travel Assist, standard on Atlas SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium and Premium R-Line, allows for hands-on autonomous driving at speeds between zero and 95 MPH.
SE and higher trims have the new MIB3 infotainment system with wireless app control.
The fuel tank is almost a gallon larger: 19.5 gallons.
ID.4
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 courtesy Volkswagen U.S. Media
Volkswagen's next round of pennance for Diesel-Gate is coming early next year and you can reserve one now. Built on VW's new all-electric chassis, it will feature rear-wheel drive, 250 miles of range and 201 horsepower. Later an all-wheel drive variant with a second motor at the front axle will offer a combined 302 horsepower.
Heated front seats and steering wheel, heated outside mirrors and windshield nozzles are all standard. Forward collision warning, Autonomous Emergency Brakes, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System and High Beam Assist are all standard.
Place your $100 deposit now.
Golf
This is the last year of the Golf. A new model will be introduced in the rest of the world for 2022, but for the U.S. this is the last one. The EPA fuel mileage rating on the manual transmission improves, now 29 city/39 highway.
GTI
The GTI will return as an all-new model for 2022, making this the last of the Mark VII units. The Autobahn becomes a trim level, instead of a package on the SE. The new MIB3 Infotainment system standard on SE and Autobahn can wirelessly control apps on your smartphone. The rear spoiler and mirrors are now painted gloss black on all trims. Autobahn models get forged wheels. SE models join Autobahn models in having standard navigation.
Jetta
Power driver's seat now standard on SE as well as SEL. SEL and SEL Premium models get the upgraded MIB3 infotainment system with wireless app control.
Jetta GLI
Jetta GLI Autobahn now has adaptive cruise control, Lane Assist and Light Assist (automatic high beams).
Passat
Passat SEL is discontinued, leaving S, SE and R-Line. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on all models. The interior is upgraded as well with standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter and parking brake. Eighteen-inch wheels, sunroof and a bumper protector is standard on SE. Automatic High Beams and Adaptive Headlights are standard on R-Line.
Tiguan
SE R-Line is now SE R-Line Black. Adaptive cruise control is now standard on SE. A power adjustable front passenger seat is now offered on SEL Premium R-Line, standard. S and SE models have redesigned 17-inch wheels.