With the average price of a new vehicle in Canada nearing $70,000, you might be wondering if it's still possible to get a model with a solid set of features for less. Fortunately, the answer is yes.
As you can imagine, being an automotive journalist, I'm often asked what someone should buy within a certain category or from a specific brand. Of course, my first question is always about the budget, and most people tell me that $50,000 would be ideal. That's why I decided to do the exercise with you and answer everyone based on this budget — this time focusing on the Volkswagen brand.
An Everyday, All-Purpose Vehicle
The Tiguan remains a staple in Volkswagen's lineup and is a model that fits perfectly within our budget today. In fact, its starting price is well below $39,310. The good news is that this leaves plenty of room to go for a better-equipped trim. You can even choose the top-of-the-line Highline R-Line version for just $310 over the budget.
An Electric Option
For $51,310, you can get the base version of the Volkswagen ID.4 — a very appealing option. Technically, this model doesn't exceed the budget since it still qualifies for government incentive programs. Not only is the purchase price attractive here, but you'll also save even more in the long run thanks to its electric powertrain, which further justifies the $50,000 budget.
Accessible Performance
I would love to tell you that the Golf R is the obvious choice here, but unfortunately it's well over the budget — and that's before even considering options. Luckily, the Golf GTI remains an exceptional car, offering a high level of driving pleasure. Like the Tiguan, its base price is well under $50,000, which means you can splurge a little and go for the Autobahn edition at $43,160. The Volkswagen Golf is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower. It offers incredible handling and is a very solid, well-built vehicle.
That wraps up my Volkswagen recommendations for a $50,000 budget. The brand offers plenty of other very interesting models to suit all budgets. In any case, you'll enjoy refined driving dynamics and an experience that comes surprisingly close to what you'd expect from a high-end luxury brand.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
