For that money, new owners will get the 21st Century Volkswagen Beetle with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which Volkswagen estimates will be good for 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. Volkswagen fans looking for more power can opt for the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine shared with the 2011 Volkswagen GTI, which will generate 200 horsepower and carry a price tag of $23,395 plus delivery. A 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel Beetle model has yet to be priced, but Volkswagen expects it to become the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, estimating fuel economy at 40 mpg on the highway.

“Incentives and options change the bottom line pretty quickly, but the 21st Century Beetle is setting up to be a competitive and very stylish alternative to the everyday compact car,” said Jason Thompson, general manager of Quirk Volkswagen, a Greater Boston Volkswagen dealership. “Volkswagen is the original ‘People’s Car,’ and the pricing of the latest Beetle reflects that. It’s an affordable icon.”

Longer, lower and wider than the Volkswagen New Beetle retired in 2010, the 21st Century Beetle takes on a decidedly more aggressive attitude inside and out. Gone is the flower vase on the dash and added is a 400-watt Fender audio system. The 21st Century Beetle offers some big changes compared with the retired model, and it’s not the only 2012 Volkswagen departing from the norm.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat has gotten bigger, roomier and more affordable to broaden its appeal to U.S. buyers. Designed in Germany and built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the new Passat arriving at dealerships this fall will come with a base MSRP of $19,995 plus a $770 destination charge. For that price, buyers get a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. A TDI Clean Diesel version of the Passat will get 43 mpg on the highway, according to VW estimates, and will come in at a reasonable $25,995 plus destination charge. Rounding out the new Passat lineup is a model with a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 powertrain that will start at $28,995 plus delivery.

Standard features in the Passat include dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth connectivity. The 2012 Passat also showcases Volkswagen’s forward thinking, with unexpected features like a mat to use when changing a flat tire and heat-insulated glass that helps keep the car’s interior cool during the summer months.

“Most carmakers are now going with a one-size-fits-all, global car approach, which has never worked well with American buyers,” Thompson said. “Volkswagen sees building cars that are uniquely American as the key to their future growth, and if the success of new Jetta is any indication, they’re on the right track.”

About Quirk Volkswagen:
Quirk Volkswagen is the premier Greater Boston Volkswagen dealer. Massachusetts Volkswagen customers choose Quirk for great service and pricing on new and used VW cars. A dedicated and knowledgeable staff is on hand to show you their extensive selection, with Volkswagen models ranging from the Jetta to the Touareg. You can preview their inventory online at www.quirkvw.com, reach them by phone at (877) 624-0143 or visit their dealership showroom at 20 Granite Street in Braintree, Massachusetts.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

With its lithium polymer battery pack, the Kia Optima Hybrid can cruise at speeds of up to 62 mph on electric power alone or run in a blended gas-electric mode at the speeds of the gas-fueled Optima. Including a destination fee, Kia’s first hybrid will start at just $27,250 when it hits showrooms, with impressive standard features like a rear backup camera and a cooling glove box. The new hybrid Optima presents the latest gas-electric technology, right down to its Virtual Engine Sound System, which plays a prerecorded engine sound in electric mode to make sure pedestrians and drivers hear it coming.

“Everyone wants a fuel-efficient vehicle these days, but the Optima Hybrid stands out with a price lower than other midsize hybrid competitors and a greater emphasis on features,” said Joe Dziedzic, general manager of Greater Boston Kia dealership Quirk Kia. “It combines the head-turning good looks and upscale comfort that have been drawing new customers to Kia with hybrid technology that adds 11 more miles per gallon in the city.”

The Optima Hybrid will be the first Kia vehicle to offer the automaker’s new hands-free, voice-activated entertainment and communications system, called UVO, which is powered by Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Auto software platform. The system controls the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system and features Bluetooth connectivity, available SIRIUS Satellite Radio, steering-wheel controls and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for MP3 players. Massachusetts Kia drivers will be pleased to see that the system can respond to text messages by voice, considering the state’s new law banning texting while driving.

Inheriting many of its features from the Kia Optima LX A/T trim, Kia’s new hybrid will come standard with powered eight-way adjustable seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and a push-button start with a smart key. The Optima Hybrid also delivers the latest safety technology, including six airbags, electronic stability control, a traction control system, a brake assist system and hill start assist.

Kia is hoping that its Optima Hybrid will build on the success of the gas-powered Optima, which saw its year-over-year sales more than double in April. In addition to being named Best of 2011 by Cars.com and receiving a 2011 Edmunds’ Inside Line Editor’s Most Wanted Award, the vehicle was famously dunked over by Blake Griffin at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest this past February. Griffin auctioned off the Optima this month to raise money for the Stand Up To Cancer initiative.

“Both the Optima and the Optima Hybrid are more than capable of attracting high-profile attention with their fresh design and interior features that are typically reserved for much more expensive cars,” Dziedzic added. “The vehicles are opening up the Kia brand to a whole new audience, and newcomers are very impressed by what Kia is bringing to the table.”

About Quirk Kia:
Quirk Kia’s goal is to achieve loyal, lifelong customers by providing superior value and service in every aspect of the automobile purchase and ownership experience. Minutes from downtown Boston, Quirk Kia is a premier Greater Boston Kia dealer renowned for its commitment to automotive excellence. Stop by and see for yourself why Quirk Works. Visit Quirk Kia online at www.quirkkia.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkKia , call them at 781-917-1202 or visit their showroom at 443 Quincy Ave in Braintree, MA.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

Subaru’s campy ad campaign features the hopeless attempts of a weatherman to accurately predict the weather, making the point that weather conditions mean little to Subaru owners with grip-increasing all-wheel drive. A website – www.subaru.com/weather – dedicated to the campaign offers several tools for prospective Subaru buyers, including a calculator that shows how much time a person has spent worrying about the weather based on their age and several videos showing how Subaru’s all-wheel drive system is superior to its competition.

“Subarus are sure-footed in all weather conditions because the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system puts the power where it needs to be without the driver having to think about it,” said Bob Cameron, general manager at Quirk Works Subaru. “Massachusetts Subaru owners have come to rely on that confidence-inspiring grip to get them through blizzards, hail and rain – anything nature regularly throws at us here in the Bay State.”

All-wheel drive has long been Subaru’s hallmark, as every car and SUV it has made since 1996 has included the technology. The lasting value of its all-wheel drive helped Subaru earn the title of 2011 Best Resale Value Brand from Kelley Blue Book and top-brand honors in ALG’s 2011 Residual Value Awards. The Subaru Outback was also named best vehicle in its category by both organizations.

Subaru’s record-setting April saw 24,762 of its vehicles sold in the United States for a 14 percent year-over-year increase. Leading the charge was the 2011 Subaru Outback, which reaped a 23.11 percent sales increase over the same time period in 2010, totaling 9,465 units in April and 34,894 so far in 2011.

Powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter boxer engine, the base-model Outback can get up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with its continuously variable automatic transmission. The Outback’s more powerful 3.6R line features a 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that provides drivers with city and highway mileage of 18 and 25 mpg, respectively.

Designed for active lifestyles, the Outback sports 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the ability to tow 3,000 pounds with the available 3.6-liter engine, or 2,700 pounds with the smaller powerplant. Interior cargo space can expand from 34.3 cubic feet to 71.3 cubic feet simply by folding the rear seats flat, which allows plenty of room for groceries or a pair of sizable dogs.

“The Subaru Outback has a lot of traits that endear it to weather-weary Massachusetts drivers,” Cameron added. “It’s rugged without being uncomfortable, versatile yet stable in all conditions and maintains its value by being dependable year after year.”

The Impreza line-up is also growing in popularity at Subaru dealers, with an April sales increase of 15.04 percent compared with the same time period in 2010. Sales of the sportier Impreza WRX and STI more than doubled during this period.

About Quirk Works Subaru:
Quirk Auto dealerships have been servicing the automotive needs of their customers for over 30 years. Whether you’re looking for quality Subaru service or the best deals on new and used Subaru models, including the Forester, Outback, Impreza and Legacy, Quirk Works Subaru is guaranteed to leave you satisfied. To learn more about one of the top Massachusetts Subaru dealers, you can visit Quirk online at www.quirkworkssubaru.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkWorksSubaru , call them at 877-624-9954, or stop by their showroom at 442 Quincy Ave., Braintree, Mass.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

Since its debut in July 2010, the Cruze has reinvigorated Chevy’s small-car sales in the United States, selling 50,205 units in the first quarter of 2011. With the slogan “Get used to more,” the Cruze packs some decidedly upscale features into its compact-car frame.

“The Cruze is a lot of car for the money,” said Haykel Ammari, general manager of Greater Boston Chevy dealer Quirk Chevy. “Chevrolet obviously spent a long time designing the Cruze to be a class leader, not an also-ran. The interior looks like it came out of a much more expensive car, and the smooth ride is similarly outstanding.”

Wardsauto.com recently recognized the Chevy Cruze 2LT RS on their 10 Best Interiors list, putting the car among some much more expensive company. Ward’s praised the soft-touch plastics, bolstered leather seats and quiet interior while noting the car’s low price. One key part of the Chevy Cruze’s refinement is a specially laminated acoustic windshield that cuts out road and wind noise.

Two engines are available in the Cruze; the standard powerplant is a 138-horsepower 1.8 liter that earns 36 mpg on the highway. A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder also produces 138 horsepower and returns 36 mpg on the highway, but ups the performance by churning out 148 pound-feet of torque. In the ultra-high-efficiency Cruze Eco, the turbo engine earns 42 mpg on the highway.

Both the automatic and manual Cruze transmissions come with six gears. Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, electronic stability control and OnStar service that detects accidents and automatically calls emergency services.

While the Cruze may be in the sales spotlight, it isn’t the only safe and economical car waiting at Chevrolet dealerships. The revolutionary Volt electric car was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Volt scored the highest-possible “Good” rating in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection during the first-ever round of IIHS electric-car testing.

“With Massachusetts gasoline prices getting near $4 a gallon, the Chevy Cruze is the right car at the right time,” Ammari said. “It has the right mix of great gas mileage, fun driving dynamics and an upscale interior that sets it apart from the competition.”

About Quirk Chevrolet:
Quirk Chevrolet serves satisfied Chevy drivers throughout the Boston metro area and Massachusetts. Their expert service staff and dedicated parts department, in addition to their extensive inventory of new and pre-owned Chevrolets, has made Quirk Chevrolet the destination for Chevy lovers throughout the region. To find out more, visit them online at www.quirkchevy.com, like them on Facebook, call them at 781-917-1151, or stop by their dealership at 444 Quincy Avenue in Braintree, Massachusetts.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

To maintain that exciting pace, Kia is releasing a host of concept cars and new models at the New York International Auto Show, where improved fuel efficiency and revised looks will reign. The biggest name on the stand is the 2012 Kia Rio, which jumps to the front of the class with Kia’s advanced design language. The Rio’s new look frames outstanding engine technology that will boost both power and fuel economy, giving it an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. Other innovations include direct-injection engines and idle stop-go technology, which turns off the engine after a preset idling time to save fuel, then kicks it back on when the gas pedal is pressed.

The revised Rio will build on the already successful 2011 Kia Rio, which has been earning accolades for its frugal ways. Consumer Guide named the Rio a Recommended Vehicle and Forbes.com placed the Rio on their Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for the Buck list. The latest award came from TrueCar.com, which named the 2011 Rio the Best Overall Value on its Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles list, noting the exceptional fuel economy, spirited performance and generous list of standard features.

“The Kia Rio has always been a terrific value, so it comes as no surprise that all these groups would single it out as an outstanding deal. It’s affordable, reliable and makes other cars look like gas guzzlers,” said Joe Dziedzic, general manager of Quirk Kia. “It’s an even better deal for Greater Boston Kia drivers, who will find the sporty handling and miserly gas usage a benefit in both city and highway driving.”

Also making its debut at the New York International Auto Show is the revised 2012 Soul. The popular crossover will get refreshed styling and some updated hardware as well, including a new six-speed transmission that is expected to boost highway fuel economy to 35 mpg. Current model-year Soul crossovers earn mileage of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Like the Rio, the funky Soul has been on the lips of automotive publications since its debut. Edmunds.com named the Soul a Top Recommended SM Vehicle for 2011, and Consumers Digest chose the 2011 Soul as a Best Buy, recognizing the car as an outstanding value in its class.

The Soul is more than a pretty face, earning a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration five-star side-impact crash rating and a 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.

“The Kia Soul is the perfect antidote for boring cars,” Dziedzic said. “It has funky looks that set it apart on the streets and efficiency that makes it a standout at the fuel pump. So many cars these days look alike, and the Soul busts that mold wide open.”

About Quirk Kia:
Quirk Kia’s goal is to achieve loyal, lifelong customers by providing superior value and service in every aspect of the automobile purchase and ownership experience. Minutes from downtown Boston, Quirk Kia is a premier Greater Boston Kia dealer renowned for its commitment to automotive excellence. Stop by and see for yourself why Quirk Works. Visit Quirk Kia online at www.quirkkia.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkKia, call them at 781-917-1202 or visit their showroom at 443 Quincy Ave in Braintree, MA.

The resale values for the Subaru Impreza WRX come from Kelley Blue Book estimates of the percentage of the original sticker price that a dealer would be willing to pay for a used vehicle after a certain period of time. The Kiplinger’s Best Resale Value award recognizes the Impreza WRX for its three-year resale value of 55 percent, while the earlier award from Kelley Blue Book singled out the vehicle for its five-year resale value of 42.7 percent. Among all vehicles, the average resale value after five years is 34 percent of the original price.

“It’s not surprising to see a Subaru recognized for time-tested value,” said Bob Cameron, general manager of Quirk Works Subaru. “The Impreza WRX has made huge strides recently in both its design and performance quality. Massachusetts Subaru buyers who know that resale value matters just as much as purchase price and fuel economy will find everything they want in this car.”

A turbocharged version of the all-wheel drive, four-door Subaru Impreza, the WRX features a 265-horsepower Subaru Boxer engine that boosts performance by 95 horsepower and raises the three-year resale value by 4 percent compared with the standard Impreza. Racing and speed enthusiasts seeking rally-worthy performance can choose the Impreza WRX STI, which is powered by a 305-horsepower engine and offers the same enhanced resale values as the WRX.

The importance of resale value in a new car can be illustrated through simple math. If a customer purchases a $20,000 car that only retains 30 percent of its value after five years, it will be worth $6,000 at trade-in time. A more expensive, higher-quality car costing $30,000 with a five-year resale value of 40 percent will be worth $12,000 at that same point in the future. The buyer of a $20,000 car may have spent $10,000 less, but that vehicle will be worth half as much as the $30,000 car after five years.

Fueled by models like the Impreza, and its growing reputation for superior resale value, design and performance, Subaru’s March sales increased 46 percent over 2010. Those March sales wrapped up Subaru’s best first quarter sales ever, with the automaker selling 57,494 vehicles.

“The excellent resale values of the standard Impreza, the WRX and the WRX STI prove that you do better in the long run by choosing quality when you buy,” Cameron added. “The excellent resale values also mean more fun, because they show that the WRX is a car that will keep performing for years to come.”

About Quirk Works Subaru:
Quirk Auto dealerships have been servicing the automotive needs of their customers for over 30 years. Whether you’re looking for quality Subaru service or the best deals on new and used Subaru models, including the Forester, Outback, Impreza and Legacy, Quirk Works Subaru is guaranteed to leave you satisfied. To learn more about one of the top Massachusetts Subaru dealers, you can visit Quirk online at www.quirkworkssubaru.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkWorksSubaru, call them at 877-624-9954, or stop by their showroom at 442 Quincy Ave., Braintree, MA.