Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats?

Parents are often searching for the automotive holy grail: a car that's not a minivan and can fit three child-safety seats across the backseat. It's a short list. In the nearly two years that Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays, Cars.com photographer Ian Merritt and I have been installing car seats into test vehicles, we've come across only a handful of cars that can hold three car seats across a backseat.

We recently tested the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class and it fit three car seats in it. To be considered a fit, there must be enough room between the booster seat and infant-safety seat for a child's hand to reach the seat belt buckle.

Most Popular Car Seat Checks

Parents, grandparents and caretakers know what a pain it can be to install child-safety seats into a car. Imagine doing it over and over and over again. That's what our Car Seat Check team does nearly every week as it tests new cars to find out how easy it is to use the Latch system.

Car Seat Checks are performed by Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays, Cars.com photographer Ian Merritt and Cars.com editor and certified car-seat technician Jennifer Newman.

Year-End Deal Reality Check: Volkswagen

So, Santa isn't bringing you a new car for the holidays, and the wife's Christmas present probably has nothing to do with a giant bow in your garage. Maybe it's time to be your own Santa. The end of the year really is one of the best times to buy or lease a new car. We'll be highlighting some of the best deals before the clock hits midnight Dec. 31.

Volkswagen's incentives program revolves around the number zero.

Its 0/0/0/0 deal means qualified lessees can drive home select 2012 Volkswagens for no money down, no money due at signing, no security deposit and the first month's payment is also waived. The deal excludes applicable title, tax, options and dealer fees, however.

All gas-powered 2012 models qualify including the new Passat and Beetle; TDI clean-diesel vehicles are excluded from the offer. One lease example is a 2012 Jetta S with a manual transmission for $219 a month for 36 months.

While the nationwide offer ends Jan. 3, expect dealers to make their best deals before the new year.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Headed to 2012 Detroit Auto Show

The 2012 Detroit auto show is shaping up to be one exciting event! Volkswagen is adding to the anticipation with news that it will debut the Jetta Hybrid, along with an all-new concept vehicle, at the show.

The Jetta Hybrid will be the first Volkswagen sedan to get a gas/electric powertrain. Right now, only the relatively expensive Touareg SUV has one.

It will be interesting to see whether Volkswagen goes for enhanced performance or pure fuel efficiency with Jetta’s hybrid powertrain; we’ll have to wait and see. VW will unveil the car and the concept Jan. 9.

2012 Volkswagen GLI Video

Loyal Volkswagen Jetta shoppers, who felt somewhat betrayed by the latest model’s downmarket approach, might take solace in the 2012 Volkswagen GLI. The model features a more sophisticated suspension, more powerful engine and some nicer interior amenities that echo features available on the last-generation Jetta. But for $8,000 more than a regular Jetta, there are better options in the category, according to Cars.com Editor Mike Hanley.

Naughty or Nice: Hotly Anticipated New Models

The process of seeing new cars evolve from sketches to concepts to production cars on sale creates anticipation and excitement over the months and years it takes to release or redesign a car. Driving these cars for the first time can quickly confirm our high hopes, or squash them flat like the chances of getting an unaltered “Han shot first” Blu-ray version of “Star Wars” this holiday season.
 
More Naughty or Nice Picks

Cars.com Announces Best of 2012 Award Nominees

Last year, the 2011 Kia Optima won Cars.com's Best of 2011 award for its outstanding combination of performance, practicality, style and value. This year, six new nominees will fight it out for our ultimate prize that will be revealed during the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Our highest honor will go to one of the following vehicles:

Naughty or Nice: Car Sound Systems

As our 12 days of highs and lows from the past year continue, we look at the oft-forgotten car stereo. We've seen high-end makers like Bowers & Wilkins and Bang & Olufsen invade the nicest of vehicles, but one name stood out among all others for making an impressive splash, while the naughtiest name is one we've long wanted to send some coal.

Volkswagen Beetle R Concept: Photo Gallery

 

Volkswagen's Beetle R Concept previews what a high-performance Beetle could look like if given a head-to-toe go-fast package.  

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Add-ons include 20-inch wheels, aggressive front and rear styling, hood vents and a massive rear wing. The inside also gets a race-ready treatment.

Volkswagen Beetle R Concept at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show

• Looks like: Less of an April Fools' joke than you'd think
• Defining characteristics: Aggressive bodywork, 20-inch wheels, racing-style bucket seats
• Ridiculous features: Giant rear wing
• Chance of being mass-produced: It's just a concept for now, but it wouldn't take much to make it a reality

With the Beetle R Concept, Volkswagen provides a view of what a future high-performance Bug could look like. There's no word on what engine might power a production version of the Beetle R, but it wouldn't take much to bring the styling changes to market.

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Numerous exterior cues give the Beetle R Concept a more aggressive stance. The wider front bumper has gaping openings for engine and brake cooling, and there are subtle body-colored hood vents. Wider fenders surround 20-inch alloy wheels.