All Cars, All the Time

VW GX3 Being Tested by Lotus


Sooooo, it looks like VW is serious about this GX3 thing. This spy photo was taken in England as Lotus engineers tested the car.

I stood around the GX3 display at the LA Auto show listening to people's reactions and I have to say there were a lot more "What's that? I don't get it" than "Oooh, cool, I've gotta have one!" Now, this could be a Scion type approach, only trying to appeal to a certain market and forsaking the rest; but exactly what market is going to have $17k or so to pop for such a buggy? It's not a practical ride--you lose the maneuverability of a motorcycle without adding that much safety or functionality. Okay, so you say it's a cheap version of the Ariel Atom (second picture, and now being assembled in Ashland, Oregon) and let's say that it appeals to the same crowd. These folks are probably going to be pretty well heeled and looking for a toy. They'll pop in a dealership, grab the GX3 and split--they probably aren't coming back for a Jetta.

I haven't been that excited by either the new Jetta or Passat, but I really think that the GTI is a gem. I would spending more time bringing in vehicles like the Polo and its GTI version to compliment the lineup. I'd also consider raiding sister divisions Skoda and Seat for vehicles that might help turns things around in the USA. I won't even get into the quality issues that need fixing.

For the complete spy photos and story at Edmunds click here.