Volkswagen is one of the few auto manufacturers that have been prospering during this economic downturn. In fact, for the first quarter of 2009, it was actually the No. 1 car company in sales in the world.

In the midst of all the turmoil, Volkswagen has taken the bold step of introducing a new edition of its most popular model the Golf. The Golf can rightly be described as the bread-and-butter model. It’s one of the best selling cars in the world with more than 24 million in total sales.

As good and fun as the old Golf/Rabbit was, the new one is even better.

Historically, with respect to cars, we equate small, with basic and boring. One of the accomplishments of the Golf is that it taught us that an inexpensive small car could actually be interesting, well designed, well-built and fun. The Golf still follows that path and with this new model, actually improves upon it.

The new Golf comes in a base model powered by the 2.5 liter gas engine and the TDI model powered by a new 2.0 liter clean turbo diesel. The way the vehicle is packaged, the TDI is also the upscale model with more standard features and higher price tag. The gas engine version of the Golf is equipped with either 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic yielding good power and 23/30 EPA mileage ratings. The TDI is equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG auto- matically shifting manual transmission and posts a fuel economy rating of 30/42…and those numbers are understated. We’ve tested the larger VW Jetta with this same engine and transmission and were routinely posting 55 to 60 miles per gallon on a freeway cruise.

The Golf is a very attractive car. The interior is handsome, comfortable and predictably precise. The car rides nicely; its movement is easily controlled by the driver and the seats are firm. Golf owners love their cars because they have such a quality feel and they are fun to drive. The Golf is a responsive vehicle and handles winding roads with confidence.

Golf’s are well equipped. Standard features include air conditioning, power steering, door locks and windows. Cruise control, a tilt/telescope steering column and a very nice audio system complete the offering. Optional equipment includes a sunroof, navigation system, upgraded audio, xenon high output headlamps and many custom wheel choices.

We recently had the opportunity to drive the new Golf on the autobahns in Germany. We discovered that even the TDI diesel models would comfortably cruise for hours at the 80 to 90 mph posted speed limit with little effort and astoundingly good fuel economy.

The new Golf is the right car at the right time. It’s trim in size with a roomy cabin. It’s attractive, upscale, high quality, fun and delivers high fuel economy and low emissions.

In response to unyielding market changes, GMC the professional truck division of General Motors has gone small in the marketplace. GMC has a long history of producing large pickups and SUV’s, but the public demands smaller more efficient vehicles that still retain interior flexibility. The new Terrain meets that demand head-on and actually competes very well with other similar vehicles currently in the class.

Compact CUV’s are a car-based light duty unit with front wheel drive and a 4 or 6 cylinder engine. The Terrain drives like a car but has a very flexible and configurable interior. The seating position is elevated for excellent visibility, yet entry and exit is very comfortable. For many people, it’s the perfect vehicle.

The Terrain has some unique features. It and its Chevrolet Equinox cousin have an outstanding fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon on the highway. This is 15 percent to 25 percent better than any other vehicle in the class. That mechanical magic is possible because of a modern direct injection 2.4 liter 4 cylinder Ecotec engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle has plenty of power, yet sips fuel very sparingly. The Terrain is also offered with a 3.0 liter V-6 with greater towing capacity and all-wheel drive if needed.

The styling of the Terrain is bold and angular. The shape allows for a spacious interior. The second row of seats has class-leading space and there is about a foot of fore-aft slide adjustment. These seats also recline for comfort and fold flat for maximum cargo area.

Upscale features are also offered on the Terrain. Items like sunroof, navigation, dual DVD screens on the seat backs of the front two seats allowing two different DVD’s to be played at the same time are very nice. Leather seating, modern connectivity and an upscale audio system increase the owner satisfaction of the vehicle.

Standard features include a rear backup camera, a programmable liftgate which lets you control how far it opens so you don’t bang it on the ceiling of the garage, USB connections for audio devices, Bluetooth and a 5-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Safety peace of mind comes from standard 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with hill hold control, stability and traction control, front, side and side curtain airbags, plus OnStar, which helps in the event of a collision.

The Terrain is a real joy to drive. Its car-like handling made driving, whether around town or on the freeway, a pleasure. Visibility is absolutely superb and entry and exit were very easy. The Terrain is quiet, comfortable and responsive. The navigation system works very well and the audio connectivity is also very good. It’s an excellent all-around performer that fits many people’s busy modern life.