Model Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2016 | 2016 | 2016 |
Model | Golf / GTI | Golf / GTI | Golf / GTI | Golf / GTI | LEAF | LEAF | LEAF |
Trim | Base | TDI | GTI | R | S | SV | SL |
Engines | |||||||
Transmissions | |||||||
Drivetrains | |||||||
Tires | |||||||
Audio Systems | |||||||
Accessories | |||||||
Captures solar energy to recharge battery. | |||||||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||||
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | |||||||
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | |||||||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||
Homelink. | |||||||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||||
Rear disc brakes. | |||||||
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | |||||||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | |||||||
Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking. | |||||||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||||
Applies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control. | |||||||
Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||||
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | |||||||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | |||||||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | |||||||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | |||||||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||||
Cargo Management | |||||||
Above floor system for organizing cargo. | |||||||
Usually part of an overhead console. | |||||||
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | |||||||
Climate Control | |||||||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||
Augments resistive electric heater. A much more efficient source of heat when the outside air is above freezing. | |||||||
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | |||||||
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | |||||||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||||
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | |||||||
Engine / Motor | |||||||
More aggressive regenerative braking when lift off the accelerator. | |||||||
Basic level charger. | |||||||
Double level charger, faster charge times with 220V source. | |||||||
Allows for quick charging to 80 percent capacity at 440V charging stations. Using such chargers frequently might degrade the battery. | |||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
Exterior | |||||||
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. | |||||||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||||
Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks. | |||||||
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
Underbody shields to improve fuel economy. (Optional, no standard value because might or might not be present on other models.) | |||||||
Gas Guzzler Tax | |||||||
Infotainment | |||||||
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years. | |||||||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | |||||||
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | |||||||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | |||||||
Includes CD player. | |||||||
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | |||||||
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | |||||||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||||
Screen-based navigation system. | |||||||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | |||||||
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | |||||||
Converts text messages to speech. | |||||||
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||||
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | |||||||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||||||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | |||||||
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||||
Driving style displayed and/or evaluated with a grade, with changes in display graphics, or with a graph of performance over time. | |||||||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||
LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types. | |||||||
Front row reading lights. | |||||||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | |||||||
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | |||||||
Reports engine speed. | |||||||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||||
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||||
Seats and Interior Trim | |||||||
All-weather floormats. | |||||||
Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together. | |||||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||||
Manually adjustable lower back support. | |||||||
Manually adjustable lower back support. | |||||||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
Less firm than a sport suspension. Only listed if an option or not standard on all trims. | |||||||
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels. | |||||||
Transmission | |||||||
Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch. | |||||||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. |
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