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On the daily I get emailed press releases. Whether it's for something as uninteresting as caliper covers, which I can assure you are the lamest thing ever, to an all-new accolade for an automaker or nameplate, they tend to clog up my email box.

I must admit every once and a while they're helpful. 90 percent of the time though it's just noise in the ether. 

Having said that, I received a note from Volkswagen in my inbox today. And when I read it, I sort of chuckled. That's because Kelley Blue Book recently named its 10 Coolest Cars of 2017 under $18,000 and the Volkswagen Jetta made the cut.

Say what? The Jetta? Cool? Eh? That bar of soap? Really?

So, I've got to ask: Can YOU do better and find a COOLER car under $18,000 and is NEW? 

Let us know in the comments below, Spies!


Volkswagen's press release follows:

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA NAMED ONE OF KBB.COM’S 10 COOLEST CARS OF 2017

May 23, 2017

Volkswagen’s best seller honored for driving dynamics and upscale interior

Herndon, VA (May 23, 2017)  — Volkswagen of America, Inc. is proud to announce that the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has earned a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 of 2016 list. The annual list is the publication’s longest running accolade, going back to 2003.

“Volkswagen is honored to receive this award from Kelley Blue Book,” said Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Jetta represents the heart and soul of Volkswagen, with its sporty driving dynamics and high-quality workmanship.”

“The most affordable European sedan on the market combines the uniquely satisfying driving manners and rich interior sensibilities that help define and distinguish its pricier, luxury-badged brethren,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

Two longstanding criteria – that the vehicle is both fun to drive and fun to own – are critical among the deciding factors of what Kelley Blue Book editors freely admit is a very subjective “cool factor,” the over-arching No. 1 criterion for a vehicle to place on this list.  Each vehicle is available for purchase starting at $18,000 or less, using Kelley Blue Book’s exclusive Fair Purchase Price as the yardstick.  Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price and Fair Market Range are part of KBB.com’s Price Advisor tool, showing what consumers can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for a new vehicle when purchasing from a dealer.  Factors such as current market conditions, vehicle availability, local demand, and seasonal buying trends all help determine a vehicle’s Fair Market Range and Fair Purchase Price.  For more information about KBB.com’s 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 of 2017, please visit https://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/coolest-new-cars-under-18000/2100004174/.

The sixth-generation Jetta has held the crown as the best-selling Volkswagen in America for many years, a title that has continued to this day. The 2017 model added more standard equipment across a simplified lineup, making features like a sunroof, KESSY® keyless access, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers and Climatronic® automatic dual-zone climate control available at lower price points. Starting MSRP for the Jetta is $17,895 for the S with manual transmission.

The 2017 Jetta has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Jetta models equipped with Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), standard on the SEL trim, have earned a TOP SAFETY PICK for 2017 by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. A rearview camera comes standard on all Jetta models, and available driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.



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KBB Names VW Jetta One Of Its 10 COOLEST Cars Under $18k — Can YOU Do Better?

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