If you’re looking back at Volkswagen’s 2012 lineup—whether browsing city streets in Europe, checking classifieds in North America, or researching models for parts—it’s useful to see everything at a glance. That year saw a mix of compact hatchbacks, sedans and crossovers that are still common in the used-car market.
There are 27 2012 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from Beetle to Vento. For each model, you’ll find below Body style,Key 2012 trims/engines,Markets (2012) so you can quickly compare body types, common engines and where each model was sold; this helps when confirming a VIN, parts fitment or regional specs you’ll find below.
Which 2012 Volkswagen models offered the best fuel economy?
Generally the diesel TDI variants and smaller petrol engines in models like the Golf, Jetta and Beetle delivered the best economy in 2012; results vary by transmission and trim, so check the specific engine code or trim listed in the table below to compare official and real-world figures.
How can this list help when buying a used 2012 Volkswagen?
The table’s Body style,Key 2012 trims/engines,Markets (2012) layout makes it easier to spot regional variants, know which engines were offered for a model and verify that a advertised trim matches the market it was sold in—useful for pricing, maintenance planning and confirming correct replacement parts.
2012 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Body style | Key 2012 trims/engines | Markets (2012) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up! | Hatchback | 1.0 MPI petrol; basic trim | EU, Select global |
| Polo | Hatchback | 1.2/1.4 TSI;1.2/1.6 TDI | EU, Global |
| Fox | Hatchback | 1.0/1.6 petrol | Brazil, Latin America, Select markets |
| SpaceFox/Suran | Wagon | 1.6/1.8 petrol;1.6 TDI (markets vary) | Latin America |
| Golf | Hatchback | 1.2/1.4/2.0 TSI;GTI;R;TDI | Global |
| Golf Variant | Wagon | TSI;TDI (estate variant) | EU, Global (select) |
| Golf Plus | MPV | TSI;TDI options | EU |
| Scirocco | Coupe | 2.0 TSI;R performance variant | EU, Select global |
| Beetle | Coupe/Convertible | 2.0 TSI;TDI;turbo variants | Global, US |
| Eos | Convertible | 2.0 TSI;TDI (markets vary) | EU, US, Select |
| Jetta | Sedan | 1.2/1.4 TSI;GLI performance;TDI | US, EU, Global |
| Jetta SportWagen | Wagon | TDI diesel;TSI petrol | US, Canada, Mexico, EU |
| Passat | Sedan | 1.4/1.8/2.0 TSI;TDI | EU, US, Global |
| Passat Variant | Wagon | TSI;TDI estate | EU, Global (select) |
| CC | Coupe | TSI;TDI;premium trims | Global, US, EU |
| Tiguan | SUV | 2.0 TSI;2.0 TDI | Global, US, EU |
| Touareg | SUV | V6 TSI;V6/V8 TDI | Global, US, EU |
| Touran | MPV | TSI;TDI;7-seat options | EU, Global (select) |
| Sharan | MPV | TSI;TDI;7 seats | EU, Global (select) |
| Transporter | Van | TDI diesel range;passenger Kombi | EU, Global |
| Multivan/Caravelle | Van | TDI diesel;passenger comfort trims | EU, Global |
| Routan | Van | 3.8 V6 petrol;family trims | US, Canada |
| Phaeton | Sedan | V6/V8;W12 top engine option | EU, China, Select |
| Santana | Sedan | 1.6 MPI;1.4 TSI (market dependent) | China, Latin America (select) |
| Lavida | Sedan | 1.6 MPI;1.4 TSI | China |
| Sagitar | Sedan | TSI petrol;TDI diesel | China |
| Vento | Sedan | 1.2/1.6 TSI;diesel options | India, Mexico, Latin America |
Images and Descriptions
Up!
Volkswagen’s city car introduced shortly before 2012, sold mainly in Europe. Simple, efficient 1.0 petrol engines aimed at urban buyers; positioned below the Polo as an affordable, minimalist hatch with modern styling and low running costs.
Polo
Compact hatchback in its Mk5 era for 2012. The Polo offered efficient TSI petrol and TDI diesel choices, good build quality and wide international reach; a core small-car offering across Europe, Latin America and other markets.
Fox
Small hatch sold primarily in Latin America and some other markets in 2012. The Fox was an entry-level, practical city car in VW’s lineup for regional markets, with simple petrol engines and affordable trim levels.
SpaceFox/Suran
A compact wagon variant of the Fox platform sold in Latin America (SpaceFox/Suran). In 2012 it offered extra cargo flexibility and family-oriented equipment, popular where compact MPV-style practicality was in demand.
Golf
Core compact hatchback (Mk6 in many markets) and Volkswagen’s global volume model in 2012. Available in mainstream and performance GTI/R forms plus efficient TDI diesels; central to VW’s lineup for versatility, tech and broad international sales.
Golf Variant
Estate/wagon derivative of the Golf offering extra cargo room. In 2012 the Variant was sold across Europe and some other markets as the practical family alternative to the hatch, sharing engines and many features with the Golf.
Golf Plus
Tall-roof compact MPV based on the Golf platform, offered in Europe in 2012. Positioned between the Golf and Touran, it provided increased interior flexibility and higher seating position for buyers wanting compact size with more space.
Scirocco
Sporty three-door coupe distinct from the Golf. In 2012 the Scirocco offered turbocharged petrol performance and a high-performance R model, aimed at buyers wanting a compact coupe with strong handling and coupe styling.
Beetle
Modern Beetle (A5) in both coupe and convertible forms in 2012. A retro-inspired compact with contemporary engines; offered as a style-focused alternative to the Golf, with petrol and diesel power and family-friendly options.
Eos
Four-seat hardtop convertible in production in 2012. The Eos combined coupe-like styling with a folding hardtop and practical features; aimed at buyers wanting year-round convertible versatility with mainstream VW engines.
Jetta
Compact sedan that served many global markets in 2012. In North America the Jetta was a mainstream compact; GLI sport variants and diesel TDI options expanded appeal. Positioned as a practical, spacious sedan in VW’s range.
Jetta SportWagen
Wagon version marketed in North America as the Jetta SportWagen in 2012 (related to Golf Variant in Europe). Offered diesel TDI and petrol options, combining compact dimensions with extra cargo capacity for families and enthusiasts.
Passat
Mid-size family sedan refreshed into the B7 generation around 2011–2012. The Passat was sold globally with a mix of turbo petrol and diesel engines, focused on a comfortable ride, roomy cabin and broad trim availability for families.
Passat Variant
Estate/wagon form of the Passat primarily for European and other markets. In 2012 it offered the same mechanical range as the sedan but with substantial cargo capacity, a practical choice for families and long-distance drivers.
CC
Four-door coupe-styled sedan marketed as the CC (later “Passat CC”) in 2012. Positioned as the more upmarket, stylish alternative to the Passat, it offered refined interiors, coupe-like roofline and available higher-spec engines and equipment.
Tiguan
Compact crossover SUV in Volkswagen’s early SUV lineup. In 2012 the Tiguan combined car-like handling with higher ride height, available petrol and diesel engines, and was a key entry in VW’s growing crossover family across many markets.
Touareg
Mid-size SUV offering full-size comfort and available diesel or petrol power in 2012. The Touareg focused on refinement, towing and light off-road capability, aimed at buyers seeking a premium Volkswagen SUV experience.
Touran
Compact MPV for families, offering flexible seating and practical packaging in 2012. The Touran targeted buyers needing space and modular seating in a compact footprint, popular across Europe and in markets favoring MPVs.
Sharan
Large MPV with sliding doors and seven-seat capability in 2012. The Sharan was Volkswagen’s family transporter in many markets, emphasizing practicality, long-distance comfort and flexible seating configurations for larger families.
Transporter
T5 Transporter van family included passenger Kombi/crew versions in 2012. Sold under the Transporter name in many markets, it served commercial and passenger roles with durable diesel engines and multiple body configurations.
Multivan/Caravelle
Passenger-focused iterations of VW’s van family, sold as Multivan or Caravelle in 2012. These offered more comfort and seating for passengers than cargo variants, aimed at families, shuttles and premium people-mover buyers.
Routan
North American-only rebadged minivan sold by VW in 2012. The Routan was a mainstream seven-seat minivan based on a Chrysler platform, offering familiar American minivan packaging under Volkswagen branding for the US/Canada market.
Phaeton
Volkswagen’s flagship luxury sedan in 2012, offering high-end features and powerful engine choices including a W12 in some markets. Sold in limited numbers, the Phaeton showcased VW’s luxury capabilities rather than mass-market volume.
Santana
Long-running compact sedan nameplate adapted for China and some other markets in 2012. The Santana was a region-specific, value-oriented compact sedan produced locally, popular with fleet buyers and conservative private buyers.
Lavida
China-only compact sedan built in partnership with FAW and a strong seller in 2012. The Lavida offered localized features, familiar VW engineering and multiple engine choices, designed specifically to meet Chinese market tastes and pricing.
Sagitar
Chinese-market name for variants of VW’s compact sedan (Jetta family) in 2012. The Sagitar was tailored to local tastes with specific trims and engine choices; a popular sedan offering in China’s large compact segment.
Vento
Name used for Volkswagen’s compact sedan in some markets in 2012 (based on Jetta/Polo platforms depending on region). The Vento provided a sedan option with a mix of petrol and diesel engines for emerging-market buyers.
