How to Distinguish Volkswagen Models?

[VanGabriela]

Volkswagen models can be distinguished by looking at the model number at the rear of the car. They can also be differentiated from the front. Below are the specific ways to distinguish Volkswagen models: 1. Rear Badge Identification: MAGOTAN - Magotan, SAGITAR - Sagitar, JETTA - Jetta, SANTANA - Santana, SANTANA-VISTA - Santana Vista, GOLF - Golf, GOL - Gol, LAVIDA - Lavida, BORA - Bora, BEETLE - Beetle, CADDY - Caddy, PHAETON - Phaeton, SCIROCCO - Scirocco, TIGUAN - Tiguan, TOURAN - Touran, TOUREG - Touareg, SHARON - Sharan, PASSAT - Passat, CC/POLO/EOS/MULTIVAN do not have Chinese names. 2. Front Grille Identification: The Magotan has four grille bars, the Passat has three, and the new Lavida has two.

[VonSawyer]

I often observe Volkswagen cars on the road and find that distinguishing them mainly relies on exterior details. At the front, the Sagitar features a chrome horizontal bar running through the headlights, while the Lavida has a dot-matrix design. For the rear, the Golf has a compact hatchback shape, and the Polo is even shorter; both the Magotan and Passat come with sequential turn signals, but the Passat's lettering is positioned below the center of the taillights. SUVs are more distinct—the Teramont is massive like a mobile fortress, the Tiguan L has sharp character lines on the side, and the Tayron features X-shaped taillights. Wheel size also helps differentiate models—the Bora uses small 16-inch wheels, while the CC comes standard with large 18-inch wheels. Remembering special designs is crucial, such as the Lamando's wide-body coupe style and the ID series' pure electric vehicles with closed grilles and illuminated logos.

[ReeseLee]

Insights from a veteran taxi driver with ten years of experience: Volkswagen models can be distinguished even from the inside. Upon entering the cockpit, the POLO and Santana feature a simple dashboard with strong plastic textures, while the Magotan uses soft materials with stitching. The steering wheels vary significantly—the Sagitar sports a flat-bottomed, sporty design, whereas the Lavida has a conventional circular one. On the instrument panel, the new Tiguan L boasts a full LCD display, while the Bora sticks to traditional mechanical dials. In terms of space, the rear seats of the Teramont offer ample legroom, allowing passengers to cross their legs comfortably, whereas the Golf's rear seats are relatively cramped. The layout of functional buttons also differs: the Lavida places its air conditioning knobs below the air vents, while the Magotan integrates them into the central control screen. As for the gearshift area, the ID electric models use a rotary knob for shifting, whereas traditional fuel-powered models retain the conventional gear lever.

[LeCamila]

Friends who have studied automotive history can easily distinguish that the generational classification of Volkswagen models is crucial. For example, the old Jetta and Santana had a boxy design, while the new models feature more streamlined contours. Early Passat models had vertical tail lights, which have now evolved into a full-width light bar design. Platform upgrades are even more critical—the Polo used the PQ24 platform with a compact size, while the Sagitar switched to the MQB platform, resulting in a longer wheelbase. Engine power can be identified by the badge numbers: 180 represents a 1.2T engine, while 330 indicates a low-power 2.0T version. For new energy vehicles, just check the badge—models like the Tiguan L plug-in hybrid are labeled PHEV, while the ID.4 pure electric is marked "electric." Classic models like the Beetle, with its unique round headlights and dome shape, are now discontinued but can still be spotted on the roads.