2010 VW Golf TDI

Volkswagen is ever expanding their TDI offerings for 2010 to include redesigned Golf. Yes, we are losing the Rabbit nameplate once again, but the new Golf will be more than welcome with its fresher look and new list of features.

The big news for diesel fans is the addition of the 2.0 liter clean diesel engine that debuted last year in the 2009 Jetta. The 140 turbo-diesel four will be available with both a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed DSG transmission. Both gearboxes will provide a 0-60 acceleration time 8.6 seconds. That is not at all slow, and with the choice of transmissions promises to be fun too. Best of all, like the Jetta the Golf TDI will be also 50 state legal.

Standard features to the TDI model will include a premium touch-screen stereo system with 6 CD in-dash changer, satelite radio, and a handsome three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel. Other interior goodies abound like leather shift knob and E-brake handle, essentially giving you many of the interior upgrades found in the sporty GTI model.

2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Final Edition

The Volkswagen New Beetle entered production in 1998, and like it predecessors it was a very successful model. But Volkswagen is preparing to end the current generation of the iconic models; and to mark this even today at the Los Angeles Auto Show they have revealed the New Beetle Final Edition, for both coupe and convertible models. The company will build 1,500 units each, and prices will start at $20,240 for the coupe and $27,170 for the convertible model.

The Final Edition beetle features a special Aquarius Blue paint with a painted black roof on the coupe, and a two-tone Aquarius Blue and Campanella White paint scheme with a white top on the convertible. Both the coupe and the convertible have a full sport suspension and special 17-inch alloy wheels that provide a more fun-to-drive stance, and make getting from point A to point B even more exciting.

Delhi Auto Expo 2010 – Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG is fast becoming the world leader in the automotive industry. It has already become the largest producer surpassing Toyota. The company is now planning its aggressive marketing strategy in the Indian automobile market. It first push will come at the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2010. Volkswagen India is planning to introduce its small car model VW Polo. It will be the first family car from the company in its Indian product portfolio. VW currently sells its premium sedan models Jetta and Passat. It also introduced its luxury small car model Beetle in India which has been received well by the Indian customers. VW will display these models along with its SUV model VW Touareg in India.

The new VW Polo will be positioned in the A2 segment of small cars and will compete with models like Maruti Swift and Fiat Punto. The car will finally hit the Indian roads by March 2010. VW has booked a 1500 sq. mt pavilion at the Delhi Auto Expo to exhibit its existing product range along with its upcoming models in India.
Volkswagen is also planning to launch yet another small car model ‘Up!’ in India. It is expected that the model will be showcased at the Auto Expo. Up! will be placed below VW Polo but it is still not clear when the car will finally hit the Indian roads. VW may also showcase its sedan model VW Golf that is positioned above Polo in the international markets. Golf may not be introduced in the Indian market soon and may be present only for display purpose.

2010 Camaro’s designer headed for Volkswagen

The 2010 Chevy Camaro is one of the most polarizing and aggressively styled vehicles to hit the road in 2009, but now its designer is set to leave GM after 10 years of service. Designer Sangyup Lee is reportedly going to be taking post in VW’s California-based design studio in 2010.

Lee was born and raised in Korea, and as a result experienced virtually no American car culture – with his first experience with a Camaro being at the age of 20. Lee got his start in American car culture when he moved to the U.S. in 1995 and began his education at the Art Center in Pasadena studying transportation design.

After finishing his education, Lee moved to Europe where he spent time with both Porsche and Pininfarina, before moving back to the U.S. to begin his 10-year stay with GM. During his tenure with GM, Lee worked on the Buick Velite concept, Stingray concept and most famously, the new Chevy Camaro.

Volkswagen Passat Named as Large Used Car of the Decade

The fifth generation Passat, produced between 1996 and 2005, has been awarded the coveted title of Large Used Car of the Decade by the used car valuation specialists, CAP.

The ‘all-new’ Passat, revealed to the public at the 1996 Paris Motor Show, was hailed as a step forward in the upper medium class setting new benchmarks for quality, refinement, styling and performance. These improvements were recognised at the time with the Passat receiving a string of industry accolades including the prestigious European Car of the Year at the 1997 Auto 1 awards.

Mark Bulmer from CAP Black Book explained: ‘The Volkswagen Passat is a byword for quality, and the model launched in 1996 was a quantum leap forward in every area most important to the trade and the used car buyer. Volkswagen’s attention to detail meant that this Passat offered the sense of a prestige vehicle but at a mainstream purchase price. Legendary reliability means a deserved reputation as a dependable ‘workhorse’ and robust engineering and build quality means it is a safe bet even with mileage into six figures.’

Bulmer continued: ‘The new range of diesel engines offered a leap forward in terms of the balance between performance and economy, a combination at the very heart of success in the used car market. This quality set the 1996 – 2005 Passat apart from many other cars in its sector which could often prove prohibitively expensive to live with. By offering prestige quality at a mainstream price this Passat also influenced other manufacturers to up their game in terms of the quality of their own offerings.’

Commenting on the award, John French, National Used Car Manager for Volkswagen UK: ‘The Passat has always performed strongly and is well established on the used market with the strength of the brand image and residual values both ensuring high demand. I think it is a real credit to Volkswagen’s consistent focus on build quality and reliability that the previous generation Passat has performed so strongly and has been awarded this accolade.’

Volkswagen and Suzuki to Begin Work on Small Vehicle in January

Once Volkswagen and Suzuki employees return from the holidays on January 10, work will begin on joint projects, according to an Automotive News report.

It is expected that a low-cost car for developing countries is central to the tie-up between the two automakers. Recently, Volkswagen took a 19.9% stake in Suzuki. The stake was reported to be worth about $2.5 billion.

Prototype 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught

Hey there, odd looking, what you got cooking? Yes, we're pretty positive you're looking (or about to be looking) at the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught without its robe on. Visually speaking, not much has changed. The front clip and hood look more in line with the sixth generation Golf/GTI. From behind, you can see an awful lot of Porsche Cayenne – which is not surprising as the two SUVs are very closely related – especially these days.

We're always liked the Touareg. It's one of those special Volkswagens built almost entirely out of Ferdinand Piech's adrenal glands, akin to the Phaeton and Bugatti Veyron. All three are cars built (largely) without compromise. Don't believe us? Allow us to suggest a weekend with the twin-turbo V10 TDI model – it really will bring you around to our way of thinking. 553 lb-ft of blown diesel torque at 1,800 rpm tends to have that effect on people.

The question now is, will this new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg be anywhere near as phantasmagorical as the last one? We can't say (yet), but we're thinking VW's going to probably dial the "hell yeah!" back a bit. That's just the way of things. Of course, they may not. Either way, we just hope they figure out how to make the next one more reliable. A tip of our off roadin' flap hats to Paul!

Volkswagen's New Golf Crowned '2009 Carsguide Car of the Year' Winner

November The new Golf has taken top spot at the ‘2009 Carsguide Car of the Year’ awards, establishing itself as the benchmark in the small car segment with Australian motoring experts.

The new Golf was awarded ‘World Car of the Year 2009’ earlier this year and now uses its winning formula in Australia to continue the claim to fame. It went on sale in Australia in early 2009 and has received rave reviews since.

Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, commented on the significance of this award. “It is a very important achievement for the Volkswagen brand in the Australian market to succeed against such an impressive range of contenders. This win demonstrates that not only the consumers but the media have embraced the new Golf as a leader in its segment and the market.”

The National Motoring Editor of Carsguide, Paul Gover, commented: “The right car won. The Golf was voted World Car Of The Year when it landed in Europe and now it has claimed the big prize in Australia”.

The judging panel on the ‘2009 Carsguide Car of the Year’ Awards consists of Motoring editors and senior writers from Sydney's The Daily Telegraph, Melbourne's Herald Sun, Brisbane's The Courier-Mail, Adelaide's The Advertiser, Hobart's Mercury, Perth's Sunday Times and carsguide.com.au. Nine judges evaluated the best new car releases of 2009 resulting in one overall winner.

Brazil Volkswagen To Invest BRL6.2 Bln Between 2010-2014

Volkswagen do Brasil said Thursday it will invest 6.2 billion Brazilian reals, or EUR2.3 billion ($3.5 billion) in Brazil between 2010 and 2014 and aims to sell 1 million cars in the country by 2014 in an attempt to overtake Fiat (F.MI) as the country's number one car and truck retailer.

Volkswagen AG's (VOW.XE) local chief executive, Thomas Schmall, said that the money would come from European headquarters as well as the subsidiary offices in Brazil.

"We will enjoy significant growth in Brazil this year and win market share. Our target is to sell one million vehicles per year in Brazil by 2014, thus making an important contribution to the success of the Group's Strategy 2018," Schmall said in a statement.

Deliveries to customers by Volkswagen do Brasil have risen 70% to 585,000 units in 2008 since 2005.

The 2010-2014 budget marks Volkswagen's largest investment ever in Brazil.

Brazil has become an important market for European car makers. While car sales have declined in Europe and the U.S., Brazil car sales continue to rise and will break a record 3 million vehicles in 2009.

Lower interest rates, tax breaks, and Volkswagen's introduction of its new Gol model helped push national sales higher despite a recession.

Volkswagen GTI

“Meet the all-new 2010 GTI” proclaimed the opening page on VW’s Web site when we were researching our recent purchase. Maybe it’s déjà vu all over again, but like our 2010 Golf, an awful lot seems familiar here.

A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine? Check. Available DSG automated manual transmission (ours has the six-speed stick)? Check. Two- or four-door? Yep. Plaid cloth sports seats? You bet--they’re retrotastic.

Not everything is the same. The new car is lower and tauter. This time around we also opted for the four-door version. This one also has a set of wheels that look like a chopping tool from my Cuisinart food processor shod with Pirelli P-Zero all-season tires. Our GTI stickered for $27,504 with a sunroof, those 18-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlights, winter mats (safely put in the cargo area for now), and Bluetooth.

Volkswagen Amarok Will Be Official Support Vehicle for Dakar Rally

Volkswagen's stylish Amarok mid-sized truck has been crowned the official support vehicle of the famous Dakar Rally that's set to kick off next New Year's Day in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A total of 35 Amaroks are slated for duty as press and VIP shuttles, as well as officials' work trucks. Four trucks will be outfitted with extra rugged off-road packages. Their assignment to the 9000 km long Dakar Rally also means plenty of VW engineers will be on hand to test the truck in a variety of the world's most extreme environments.

VW's new truck will be built and initially sold in South America beginning in mid-to-late 2010.

The 31st running of the Dakar Rally begins and finishes in Buenos Aires and travels North through Chile before the end on January 17th. In 2008, the race was cancelled due to terrorist threats in Africa. Last year's race was moved to South American in response to further safety concerns. Organizers hope to return the race to the African continent by 2012.

Not many details are known regarding the Amarok, but we recently spotted some prototypes running around the Nurburgring wearing little disguise. Expect more images and details to arise in the coming months, so stay tuned.

2010 Volkswagen Polo

The new Polo is one of the safest cars worldwide. No other car in this class has such a mature and high-end image as the new Polo. Comfort, quality and safety have all taken a considerable leap forward.

In addition, the European version of the Polo now being presented is equipped with standard ESP electronic stabilization program with Hill Hold Control, and it has a highly effective network of airbags on board, including combined head-thorax airbags (integrated in the front seatbacks), belt tensioners and belt force limiters plus seatbelt warning indicator and head restraints that counteract the risk of whiplash injury (both front seats), three rear head restraints and Isofix child seat preparation.

2009 VW NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE

The New Beetle Convertible has charm, iconic exterior style and a solid ride, all within a competitive price range for its class. The Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible is a cute, retro-styled and able ride, with a recognizable shape and a convertible top for added fun.

The New Beetle Convertible is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I5, 150-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway with a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Volkswagen Passat R36

Volkswagen Passat R36

The new Passat R36, available in either saloon or estate bodystyles, is equipped with a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engine developing 300 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque. Drive is channelled via a six-speed DSG gearbox through a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system capable of diverting torque to either axle depending on the grip available. As a result the saloon is capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds while the estate takes 5.8 seconds. Both models have limiters in place to restrict the top speed to 155 mph.

Volkswagen Touareg Coming in 2009

After the Passat and the Jetta, Volkswagen will now officially introduce the Touareg, its first SUV for the Indian car market. The Touareg is currently available as CBU under special imports and as such cannot be registered as a company car, and the delivery period is 3-3.5 months. The Touareg shares its platform with the Porsche’s Cayenne, which is currently being sold in the Indian market.

Engine:
The Volkswagen Touareg could possess a 3.0 litre V6 TDI DPF heart. The DPF stands for Diesel Particulate Filter which like the catalytic converter converts the harmful gases and an additional feature of filtering the particulates. This powerplant can produce a torque of 500Nm at 1,750rpm and the 225 horses can do the 0-100kph run in less than 10 seconds.

Features:
Being a high-end sports utility vehicle, the car has active and passive safety features like ABS, six airbags, brake pad wear indicators and crash optimized pedals. The Touareg got a 5 star rating in terms for its safety features by the IIHS (Insurance Institure for Highway Safety) which country? India?. The Touareg also sports features like leather seats, parking assistance, mobile connection as in a bluetooth one or one in which you insert the SIM into the car itself?, automatic climate control cooling, electronically adjustable seats, etc.

Competitors:
The Volkswagen Touareg will compete with the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne.



Specs (Speculated)
Engine: 3.0 litre V6 TDI DPF
Power: 225bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Length (mm): 4754
Width (mm): 1928
Height (mm): 1726
Wheelbase (mm): 2855

Volkswagen Tiguan Images

Volkswagen Tiguan Wide Interior

Volkswagen Tiguan Pictures Model Car

Volkswagen Tiguan Price

Volkswagen Tiguan Cars Pics

Volkswagen Tiguan Front View

Volkswagen Tiguan Images

Volkswagen Tiguan : New Car Model 2010. Gallery Pictures #

Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVI

Perhaps the next best thing after driving a Golf GTI up and down scenic mountain passes is watching a video clip of someone else doing it.

In 1976 the Mk1 Volkswagen Golf GTI was the budget driver’s dream car with its 4-speed gearbox and 81 kW (110 PS) 1.6-litre engine. Today the GTI makes 155kW (210PS) and 280Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre TSI engine. It will go from 0 - 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). VW says it uses an average of 7.3 litres of fuel per 100km (38.7 mpg UK). Standard issue wheels are 17-inches but there are 18s available as options.

VW is harking back to this icon with the new GTI. Unveiled as a concept to the public for the first time at the 2008 Paris International Motor Show the Mk VI GTI boasts plenty of garb that many bigger more expensive cars cannot match. In styling the car the team kept the original car in mind. The red frame around the outer front grille is typical GTI and sets it apart from “lesser” Golf models. It has single chrome tailpipes on either side, a GTI rear spoiler, a rear air diffuser, an electronic diff lock, smoked taillights and green tinted windows. The brake calipers are painted red.

The GTI moniker appears on the left instead of the right as it was previously done. The car itself is longer and wider, and it looks more muscular as well. The interior features things like stainless steel pedals, radio/ navigation with a touch screen and heated front seats.

In a few days sales of the new 2009 GTI begin in Germany, in Europe within the next couple of weeks, and America and Asia follow towards the end of the summer.

2010 Volkswagen New Beetle

Well this time Winding Road is at it with some artist renderings. It’s actually a nice design with some nasty pieces like the hood. It does have some hints of “kit” to it. IMO, the ones we posted back in August were far better and looked like an actual Volkswagen design.

Volkswagen Robust

The long-rumored Robust pick-up is set for its official debut at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover, Germany that begins later this month. VW has likely chosen a commercial auto show to debut this truck because it has a long history of commercial vehicles in other parts of the world, and the Robust will likely have multiple variations with commercial applications.

The Robust will be built at the Pacheco plant in Argentina in late 2009 as a 2010 model. It will be offered in African and South American markets initially. While it is likely that some European markets will receive the new truck, there has been no announcement about North America.

Volkswagen Touareg 2010

Volkswagen Touareg 2010

Volkswagen Touareg

Facing a tough competition from BMW’s X5, Mercedes’ M-Class or Audi’s Q5, Volkswagen will introduce a new generation of the VW Touareg SUV, which is scheduled to go on sale in 2010. As we can see from these renderings presented by AutoExpress, the suv will have a more aggressive design, influenced by the current smaller Tiguan. We can see a new front part, with wraparound headlamps, a large grille and a big bumper while the rear has a distinctive kink in the C-pillar and a split tailgate which will allow owners to open the glass independently.

The new Volkswagen Touareg will be powered by a 276bhp 3.2 liter V6 petrol engine, while the top version will get a 345bhp 4.2 liter V8. There will also be diesel versions, two V6 TDI units, with 2.7 liters and 3.0 liters. These engines will be mated with a six-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Rumors also say that somewhere around 2012 Volkswagen will offer a hybrid version, which combines a powerful electric motor with the 3.2 liter V6 petrol engine.

2010 Volkswagen Golf R and Volkswagen Scirocco R Pricing Announced

Golf R and Scirocco R top models now available to order

-The most dynamic Golf ever consumes 21 percent less
-Scirocco R: after successes on the track, now also at dealerships
-R Line equipment for the sporty outfit
-1 million downloads of Scirocco R 24h Challenge for the iPhone

Volkswagen are proving that fuel consumption can be reduced even in the sporty high-end class with the 199 kW / 270 PS strong Golf R, which is now available to order.
Thanks to a turbocharged high-tech TSI engine, it uses only 8.5 litres – 2.2 litres or 21 percent less than its predecessor.

In place of the six-cylinder engine, which has been typical in this class up to now, the new R models use turbocharged 2-litre, four-cylinder TSI engines. The four-wheel drive Golf R (350 Newton metres of torque at between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm) sprints to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (5.5 seconds for the Golf R DSG) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Two of the many visually distinguishing features of the completely individualized, exceptional Golf are LED headlights and newly developed LED rear lights. The Golf R is available to order in Germany from €36,400 (Germany).

The Scirocco R is an equally exceptional powerhouse with its sharp 2.0 TSI engine, front-wheel drive, unique look and exclusive equipment. Output: 195 kW / 265 PS. Advantages: High performance and torque values with significantly reduced fuel consumption. An average of merely 8.0 litres (DSG) of Super Plus per 100 kilometres flow into the combustion chambers via direct injection, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 187 g/km – the best possible value for a 250 km/h (electronically limited) fast sports car. Eagerly anticipated following its successes at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, the model is now at dealerships from only €33,475 (Germany).

For all of the customers who wish to have especially dynamic bodywork and interior design in the spirit of the enhanced version of the R models, but a petrol or diesel vehicle
with less power, the finishing specialists at Volkswagen Individual have designed the R-Line. The Golf R Line and Scirocco R Line can now also be ordered with exclusive features. These include distinctive 17-inch “Mallory” alloy wheels (18-inch optional), roof edge spoilers, R-designed bumpers, high-gloss radiator grill and a likewise black diffuser in the rear section. In the interior, sill panel strips show the R Line family resemblance. Sport seats in new design “Kyalami” with R Line logo in the headrests, a sport steering wheel, pedal covers and footrest in stainless steel round off the sporty image.

The Scirocco R is also successful in the virtual world. In just three weeks, the iPhone application Scirocco R 24h Challenge achieved over 1 million downloads. The high-speed racing game reached the App Store’s number 1 spot in 32 countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Norway, Japan, Poland, Portugal and Mexico, and is already Volkswagen’s second successful form of mobile marketing after the successful Polo Challenge at the beginning of this year.

2010 Volkswagen Golf First Impressions

Driving the all-new Volkswagen Golf is like welcoming back an old friend. There’s a mix of familiar and unfamiliar, sweet and sour that captures the imagination and turns a trivial meeting into a memorable discovery. Journalists got a taste of the car during a media launch held by Volkswagen Canada in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec.

While the 2010 VW Golf boasts fresh new lines, it retains the core values and attributes that have made it so popular thus far.

This famous compact hatchback (whether bearing the name Golf or Rabbit) has been part of our automotive landscape for nearly 35 years. Much like the original Beetle or Toyota’s Corolla, it’s now a benchmark in personal transportation for many drivers around the world. In fact, over 26 million units have found takers since the model’s inception.

While the 2010 VW Golf boasts fresh new lines, it retains the core values and attributes that have made it so popular thus far, namely a versatile, ergonomic interior and pleasant driving dynamics.

The next-generation Golf also offers two options that you won’t find in such rivals as the Mazda3 Sport, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Toyota Matrix and Dodge Caliber: a genuine wagon variant and a diesel engine.

Interesting tweaks and twists
The new face of the Golf sports redesigned headlight clusters as well as subtle chrome accents on some models. The body sides are now marked by a strong character line that stretches from the front fenders all the way to the taillights.

The car also features "inverted" door handles like the ones found on the Passat CC. Plus, according to my colleague Mathieu St-Pierre, the wider taillights make this Golf look like a baby Touareg from the back!

Despite the new attire, little has changed from the Golf V (a.k.a. Rabbit in North America) in terms of architecture. The wheelbase is identical and most other dimensions are only marginally larger. That’s great news because the previous generation excelled on the road thanks to a taut, solid chassis.

Five different models make up the portfolio, including the 3-door Golf Trendline and Sportline and the 5-door Golf Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

The new face of the Golf sports redesigned headlight clusters as well as subtle chrome accents on some models.

2010 Volkswagen Golf

Over the last few years I have had the opportunity to experience things which many can only dream of doing. Though the path has been filled with many risks, trials and a lot of hard work, it’s moments like these when I realize how incredibly fortunate I am.

Over the last 2 years I have been driving race cars for Volkswagen in the Jetta TDI Cup. I was fortunate enough to earn a spot as a driver in the series and then was even more fortunate to be able to win the coveted Public Relations Contest in both years as well.

Last season the prize for winning was an all expense paid trip to race at the world-famous Hockenheimring for the Volkswagen Polo Cup event in Germany. This season, the prize was an all expense paid trip to Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg to attend the North American media launch of the 2010 Golf and Golf TDI together with dozens of this continents most influential automotive and lifestyle journalists.

Sitting in Executive Class on my return trip, I have had a short chance to reflect on the whirlwind events of the last few days. I was given a very unique opportunity to experience the life of an automotive journalist and also take a glimpse behind the scenes at what makes Volkswagen so special.

Allow me to give you a taste of what I’ve been privileged to experience over the last few days. The first thing that struck me was how much more pleasant it is to travel in Executive Class. It’s nothing overly luxurious but all of your needs are met every minute of the trip and you never go hungry. I met up with Jim Kenzie (arguably one of Canada’s most prominent automotive journalists) while connecting through Toronto on our way to Frankfurt and then Hannover, Germany.

Volkswagen Scirocco GT 2.0 TDI 170PS

At the time of writing, this is the most recent - and most expensive - model to have joined the Scirocco range. Before it came along in May 2009, you could already buy Sciroccos with two-litre turbo diesel engines, but they all produced a maximum of 138bhp. This one is a bit more serious, with a 168bhp version of the same unit and, in the case of the test car, a six-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox (though a more conventional six-speed manual is also available for £1305 less).

It falls 30bhp short of the faster and cheaper petrol-fuelled 2.0 TSI, and has about the same performance as the 1.4 TSI, but its 50.4mpg combined economy and 147g/km CO2 emissions - the manual is better still - puts it ahead of either. On top of that, what none of the figures can tell you is that the 168bhp TDI is an extremely good unit which is generally the point of any VW Group product to which it is fitted. Turbo lag is quite noticeable if you plant the accelerator quickly, but that's largely balanced by the excellent pull from low engine speeds once the turbo has woken up.

The DSG gearbox is a delight too, and it works extremely well with the engine. As far as the powertrain is concerned, then, there are no complaints whatever.

Personally, though, I'm not a big fan of the Scirocco, for two reasons. It's an attractive-looking car, certainly more pleasing to the eye than the neat but undramatic Golf on which it's based, but the design of the glass area means that it is very difficult to see out of, no matter whether you're looking forward, backwards or sideways.

And I'm sorry to say that it's rather dull to drive. That was my experience of the 2.0 TSI Scirocco (see road test), which was the first modern Volkswagen I've tried in which one of the main aims appears to have been to remove all vestige of enjoyment from the driving experience. The latest Golf GTI is like that too, and so is the top diesel Scirocco. It's certainly capable, but it's not interesting. There is a general feeling that it will get round a corner efficiently almost regardless of what the driver does, short of turning the steering wheel the wrong way, and I can't muster much enthusiasm for a car like that.

Other than the visibility, there is nothing to get worked up about. If you want a smart-looking car with a decent combination of performance and fuel economy, I can't think of any reason not to buy this one. But if you want something with a bit of heart and soul, I suggest you look elsewhere.

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Price: £23,660
Capacity: 1968cc
Power: 168bhp
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Maximum speed: 136mph
Economy: 60.1mpg extra urban, 50.4mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
Towing capacity: 1750kg braked
Insurance: Group 14
Volkswagen figures.

2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI

The Volkswagen Touareg TDI eclipses the fuel economy of other Touaregs without compromising drivability. Volkswagen has a longer and deeper history with diesel in the U.S. than perhaps any automaker beyond Mercedes-Benz, and maybe Freightliner, and the experience shows. The Touareg’s 3.0-liter TDI V-6—while smaller than the gas-fired 3.6-liter V-6 in the base ’Reg—is barely slower and decimates the gas engine’s fuel economy numbers. EPA ratings for the gas V-6 are 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway, while the TDI is rated at 17/25. We achieved 21 mpg combined over the duration of our two-week test, and on a 40-mile, 75-mph highway loop, we saw an indicated 25 mpg on the onboard computer. In vehicles other than diesels, actually achieving the EPA’s highway rating requires traveling well below real-world interstate speeds.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Rated at 42 MPG Highway

After much anticipation Volkswagen has finally released the fuel-economy numbers for the 2010 Golf TDI, with the DSG equipped model achieving a rating of 31/42 mg (city/highway). Manual transmission TDI models are rated at 30/41 mpg. As for the standard gasoline-powered Golf with the 2.5-liter engine, it is rated at 22/30 mpg.

The Golf starts at $17,490, while the TDI is priced from $21,990. The price increase for the TDI is based on VW’s decision to take it slightly more up-market, by equipping it with standard features like a stiffer and lower suspension and a touch screen audio system DSG models will get steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and expect to pay an $1,100 premium for VW’s advances DSG automatic transmission.