Volkswagen Cars

2012 Volkswagen Eos

2011-01-03T22:04:00.001-08:00

2012 Volkswagen Eos

The Titan goddess of dawn better known as Eos has taken rebirth in the form of the Golf-based folding-hardtop convertible from Volkswagen. The car was displayed at the recently concluded Los Angeles auto show and it came with a very heavy face lift which gave it the similarity to the goddess of dawn. The chrome tongue design of the grille which company’s former design chief Murat Gunak, had created and had been the company’s signature design till now has been replaced with a wide horizontal grille. The stylistic clutter has also been cleaned up. The headlights have been replaced by rectangular units instead of the former round ones. This mounting holds the car’s LED daytime running lights, and the LED taillights too lose their glitzy white circle for an M-shaped look. To cater for higher cornering speeds the rear diffuser has been incorporated.
The folding roof design of the Eos has been retained as has been the other major design aspects of the car. As an engineering feat, if it is to be so termed, a built in sunroof can be opened even while the car is closed.

Volkswagen Electric Taxi Concept

2011-01-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen Electric Taxi

Volkswagen is planning to introduce its Up-based electric Taxi Concept. The company is seriously thinking to begin the production of this concept vehicle in 2013. The company believes that in the future the lawmakers will compel the inner-city vehicles to offer low emissions and zero exhaust pollution.

The company said that the 180-mile range and one-hour charge time will fit into the work patterns of nearly all taxi drivers around the world. The battery-powered vehicle will be as a future vehicle for large cities. As reported by autocar, the designers at the VW said that they made a particular study of the classic London cab when it designed the Taxi Concept.

Designers at the company borrowed a London black cab from a company in Wolfsburg and spent three days studying, measuring and driving it. The designers noted that considered the London cab as an inspiration to the new concept vehicle since it is the most function-specific taxi in the world.

Volkswagen's India Models and its plan

2010-06-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen recently announced the launch of its high-end luxury car, the Phaeton, in India. Named after the son of Phoebus, the Greek Sun God, it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2002, and it hit the market in 2003. But the sales fell short of expectations. It was positioned against top-end brands like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Volkswagen’s own Audi. But it lacked the appeal of the rival brands — hence the lacklustre performance. But so keen is Volkswagen to make the Phaeton work in India that it has taken the car back to the drawing board. The result: LED daytime running lights, 18-inch wheels, a new dashboard, 18-way adjustable seats, better upholstery and even new air-conditioning to suit the Indian climate.
Earlier in the month, Volkswagen, headquartered in Lower Saxony in Germany, had announced that it will launch an all-new sedan, the Vento, in autumn. It will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s factory at Chakan in Pune, and has been completely designed to the needs and expectations of the Indian consumer. Also in the works is a small car. At present, there are six cars in Volkswagen’s stables: The Beetle, Polo, Passat, Jetta, Phaeton and Touareg. It could expand to eight. It fits petrol as well as diesel engines into its cars. Volkswagen thus straddles the entire spectrum of the Indian market. Its factory at Chakan, put up at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore, can make 110,000 cars in a year. Those who have seen the factory say this capacity can easily be doubled because of the modular nature of the plant.

Along with its other brands, Skoda and Audi, Volkswagen has a share of less than 1 per cent in the 1.3-million per annum Indian car market. From here, Volkswagen wants to raise it to 10 per cent in five years. India is vital for Volkswagen’s plan to become the world’s largest car maker by 2018. In 2009, it sold 6.29 million cars. This had placed it on the third spot after Toyota (7.23 million) and General Motors (6.50 million). Volkswagen is the largest player in China, Europe and South America. In China, it sold 1.4 million cars in 2009 — more than the entire Indian market — and its share of the market was an impressive 18 per cent. India, which is expected to grow to 3 million cars in five years, is the final frontier. By itself it may not catapult Volkswagen ahead of Toyota and General Motors, but it is one of the few markets left with large sale volumes up for grabs.

Volkswagen Vento to launch on July 6

2010-06-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Vento

Volkswagen India is all set for the launching of Vento — the company’s premium entry level sedan in the country. The new sedan was designed to compete against Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Toyota’s upcoming Etios sedan, Maruti Suzuki SX4, and Ford Fiesta.

This C-segment sedan would be available in petrol and diesel versions, powered by 1.6 L engines and will be available in manual and automatic (petrol version with AT) transmissions in the market. Price was estimated to be between Rs. 9-10 lakh.

Vento is the latest addition to VW’s Passat, Jetta, Touareg, New Beetle, Phaeton and the very recently and successfully-launched Polo hatchback car. The company believes that their new baby will set a benchmark in its class — timeless, pure and authentic design clubbed with quality engineering, sturdiness and driving dynamics.

Neeraj Gard, board member and director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd said that “The new Vento is a major milestone for the Volkswagen Brand in India. We have taken into consideration all the preferences and requirements of our customers in India for this vehicle. It will meet the premium demands of our future customers.”

Volkswagen Beetle most popular with U.S. women

2010-06-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

2010 Volkswagen New Beetle

The analytical geniuses over at TrueCar have released their second automotive industry demographic study, which is based on over 13 million actual vehicle registrations, covering the last two years. The data shows that more men than women – at a rate of 64 percent to 36 percent – register vehicles in the United States even though females make up 51 percent of the country’s population (according to the U.S. Census Bureau).

Brands with the highest percentage of male registrations included exotics and pickup brands. When it comes to females, there were 6 brands with 10 percent or less female registrations. Bugatti has 0 percent female registrations while Ferrari had 5.6 percent and Lamborghini had 6.5 percent. Tesla had 9.8 percent and Aston Martin had 9.9 percent.

Women Love VW Beetles

2010-06-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

The results are in, and we finally know which vehicles are truly “chick cars.”

"Still irresistible after all these years, the Volkswagen Beetle is the top car among women," writes the Wall Street Journal. "Following closely are the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson compact SUVs and Volkswagen Eos convertible." Just over 56 percent of registered Beetle owners are women.

In other news, the sky is blue, water is wet, and bacon is delicious.

The findings come from a study conducted by TrueCar Inc. It "was based on over 13 million actual vehicle registrations, covering the last two years." The study looked at gender differences in car registration.

Aside from the cars most popular with women, Autoblog points out, "There was some other interesting info gleaned from the research, including the revelation that 64% of all cars are registered by men despite the fact that there are more women (at 51% of the population, just a tad) than men in America."

Still, you should take the numbers with a grain of salt. Kicking Tires points out that "the number of women registering cars is different from the number driving or buying them, so these numbers may not reflect precisely who is behind the wheel."

Volkswagen Jetta Going Hybrid In 2011

2010-06-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen have made no secret of their intentions to carve out a large space in the hybrid car market over the past few years and the next VW to get the hybrid treatment is set to be the popular Jetta model. 2011 will see the introduction of a hybrid gas/electric version of the 4-door sedan heading to US shores, hoping to take a bite out of the current hybrid king of the hill, the Toyota Prius.

We expect to see the car selling for just over $20,000 USD, which will lob it into direct competition with hybrids like the Prius and the Ford Fusion and will make it a fair bit cheaper than the upcoming Chevy Volt. Volkswagen introduced a hybrid version of their SUV Touareg which is set for release this fall in the US at the somewhat consumer-unfriendly price tag of $90,000+, many have been critical of the Touareg but this new hybrid Jetta has been widely viewed as a genuine play for notable market share in the explosively popular hybrid car sales arena.

Volkswagen unveils the 2011 Jetta

2010-06-24T23:34:00.001-07:00

Times Square in New York is probably one of the most happening places on Earth with a hustlebustle of activity emanating from a true melting pot of various cultures - locals, settlers, tourists, shoppers and a whole bunch of people that simply mesmerise you at first glance.

If there's something to be done that needs grabbing attention, it's best to do it in Times Square. And if you're Volkswagen trying to break ground and gather up a significant market share in the US autospace , Times Square becomes an even more obvious choice for a venue. The event in question was the global showing of the 2011 Jetta and it was done in style!

With Katie Perry turning on the heat with a sizzling performance of her hit singles, media from around the world as well as regular people just passing by Times Square were in full attention towards the artificial beach-themed pavilion created by Volkswagen of America. The new Jetta was unveiled by Volkswagen of America, Inc. CEO Stefan Jacoby along with Klaus Bischoff - German Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand.

2011 VW Jetta Revealed

2010-06-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen has revealed the all-new sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta. The 2011 Jetta will start at about $16,000 and focuses more on luxury than the utilitarian Golf it shares mechanical parts with.

The 2011 VW Jetta will have four engines available. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, as well as the 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engines are carryovers from the current generation of the VW Jetta. New for 2011 will be the 2.0 TSI engine, a four-cylinder engine that has both a supercharger and a turbocharger. Combining a supercharger and a turbocharger on one engine will give 2011 VW Jetta TSI models excellent low-end grunt as well as lots of power high up on the tachometer.

The 2011 VW Jetta is completely redesigned inside and out. The new Jetta is 3.5 inches longer than the last generation. Because of that, leg room has gown by 2.6 inches to 38.1 inches. If you’re interested in customization, the interior accents on 2011 Volkswagen Jettas can be switched out at a dealership for a different look.

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

2010-05-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sales of the new 2010 Volkswagen Golf (MkVI) is picking up pace all around the country and considering the car’s solid feel, classy styling and German engineering, it’s easy to understand why. Oh, did we mention that it’s also available with a dual clutch transmission and a frugal turbodiesel engine that returns more than 40 mpg on the highway?

It’s little wonder the Golf is such a sales success all around the world--but in a country that prefers sedans over hatchbacks, there’s one very important model in the Volkswagen lineup that’s yet to be released. Volkswagen’s new Jetta sedan is just around the corner and has been spied testing in Germany in prototype form.

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to arrive in local showrooms early next year as a 2011 model. Previewed by Volkswagen’s New Compact Coupe Concept back at January’s Detroit Auto Show, the new Jetta will feature slightly different styling to the Golf hatchback on which it’s based. A more chiseled front end, sculptured flanks and a conventional trunk at the back will feature on the latest Jetta.

Volkswagen reveals new Golf Match

2010-05-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

The Volkswagen Golf SE has been replaced with a better-equipped Match trim level, which adds over £1,600 worth of extra equipment while costing just £300 more than the outgoing car.

On top of the SE’s standard seven airbags, climatic control, ABS, ESP, cruise control and iPod connectivity, the Match is fitted with a different design of alloy wheel, leather multi-function steering wheel, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors and a touch-screen stereo system with CD changer.

The Match is available across the engine range, which includes a 121bhp 1.4-litre petrol, 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI or 138bhp 2-litre TDI – the first two of which come with Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG gearbox.

It is also available as an efficient 103bhp 1.6-litre and a new 138bhp 2-litre diesel Bluemotion, which are capable of returning 68.9mpg and emitting just 107g/km of CO2, or 65.7mpg and 114g/km respectively. This means that the former is free to tax for the first year.

Three-years or 30,000 mile free servicing is also available for a £250 fixed price premium.

The Volkswagen Golf Match is available now for first deliveries in June, with prices starting at £17,730.

Volkswagen, Maruti start integration talks

2010-05-20T03:35:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen (VW) India and Maruti Suzuki have begun the process for integration between the two companies. “I can confirm that visits have been taking place and teams from the two companies have been sitting together to discuss and define common projects,” said Joerg Mueller, president and MD, Volkswagen India (VW) and chief representative India.VW acquired 19.9% stakes in Suzuki Motor Corp in December last year.

“Discussions have begun between the two teams. The proposals are being studied at Volkswagen headquarters and a final picture will emerge in two to three months,” Mueller told media persons in Pune. Recent reports suggest that the VW could be possibly looking at the new Wagon R and Ritz models from the Maruti Suzuki stable to be re-badged as VW cars in India. Mueller however, preferred not to comment on this issue. The two companies are also learnt to be looking at possibilities of sourcing Maruti's engines, components and aggregates for Volkswagen' s Indian models.

Mueller confirmed that the company was still interested in the VW Up! model for the India market. “We still need to look at the Up! concept because small cars form the biggest segment in India, around 50% of the market, he said. Should the model be considered for the India market, the company could be looking at pricing it between Rs 3-4.5 lakh,” he added. A couple of days ago, Volkswagen released its first official sketch of its sedan for the India market.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

2010-05-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

Automakers generally feel compelled to have an offering in every market segment. However, in the US, they've pretty much ignored the compact diesel department, a niche Volkswagen is only too happy to have to itself.

Today's test car, a 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI, is testament to VW's perseverance to market a 50-state compliant diesel. To this driver, the surprise is that more Americans aren't coming home from their international travels and looking to buy the diesels they've experienced abroad.

The Golf is a car built for a day when gas prices climb above $3.50 a gallon and folks are looking for an upscale smaller car that can achieve 35 or more miles per gallon. Savvy buyers aren't waiting.

Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion

2010-05-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen is set to descend on the yearly Audi/Volkswagen meet up in Worthersee, Austria with a pair of reworked GTI hatches. First up is a collaboration with Adidas that features a rash of aesthetic changes, including new wheels and sports seats. You'll also find the stock headlights and tail lights swapped out in favor of the trick hardware found on the Golf R. VW says that it will push 4,410 examples of the Adidas-branded GTI via European dealers.

Volkswagen GTI Limited Edition

Then there's the Golf Excessive Edition. As far as we can tell, the company hasn't bothered to breathe on the stock turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Instead, VW has a wider track with bodywork to match. Throw in a reworked set of springs, bigger brakes and a free-breathing exhaust and you've got a recipe for getting us all hot and bothered.

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

2010-04-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

Along with a refreshed Phaeton, Volkswagen also pulled the satin off a refreshed Tiguan here in Beijing. Like the flagship, the Tiguan has adopted the new corporate horizontal bar grille that we've seen on other recent VWs, including the Mk VI Golf. As near as we can tell, not much else has changed. The new look serves the Tiguan well, giving its face a lower, wider appearance. We're guessing the refresh will hit U.S. shores this fall when the 2011 models arrive.

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton

2010-04-26T03:47:00.000-07:00

new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton, that was unveiled at the Beijing auto show. The 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton comes complete with a classier front – a pair of bi-xenon headlight units, re-profiled front bumper and bonnet, chrome strips and a new grille. The rear features a redesigned bumper, fitted with an intricate series of tail lights. On the inside, the VW Phaeton features a new steering wheel and an electronic display panel that are joined by new trim finishes. It also comes with the option of using, for the first time, Google maps on the RNS810 navigation system.

2010 Volkswagen Amarok Price

2010-04-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

This car that you can see in the photo and that we have to talk about looks similar to the cars that you see all day long but we’re going to make it unique by talking about it. I would like first to remember that this 2010 Volkswagen Amarok debuted at the Geneva Auto Show.

Before starting to mention the prices of this car, I would like to say that they are applied on the German auto market. The cheapest one, the front wheel drive version is priced from €26,200 having a 2.0 TDI engine which is able to develop up to 122 horsepower while the prices for the all-wheel drive version are starting from €28,100. You can also opt for the switching all-wheel drive option.

For a rear-wheel-drive version with a 2.0 TDI engine which develops 122hp, you have to pay €28,100 while the prices for the top equipment all-wheel-drive version are starting from €37,160.

I want to say that when I look at the front lights of this 2011 Volkswagen Amarok, I remember the new Dacia Duster who has just been released on the Romanian market. The cars are not even axed on the same public but at that part, they just look similar.

Volkswagen Golf R

2010-03-29T10:53:00.001-07:00

Volkswagen Golf R

When ABT Sportsline deals with the VW Golf, the result is traditionally a compact super sports car. This is because the world's largest tuner of vehicles from the Volkswagen group has given all generations of the successful Wolfsburg car an optical and technical boost. The current super Golf answers to the letter R, which announces the most important characteristics of the car: the "R" stands for "racing" - it transports the experience of ABT, which has recently defended its DTM title and won the ADAC GT Masters. Instead of the series-standard 270HP (199 kW) the engine now offers a dynamic 310HP (228 kW). With a high-speed of 261 km/h the ABT R is especially fast - and it is also capable of quick acceleration: it sprints from a standstill to a speed of 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.

2010 B&B Volkswagen Scirocco R

2010-03-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

2010 B&B Volkswagen Scirocco R
Always trying to please the enthusiasts with fresh and powerful products, the VW and Audi cars aftermarket specialist B&B announces its latest addition, a stunningly boosted Volkswagen Scirocco R. The sporty ride’s new output figures are normally found on the top-end sports cars, but the specialists at the German-based automotive engineering company have reached them with no problems.

Volkswagen Golf R

2010-03-15T10:34:00.001-07:00

Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf R

2011 Volkswagen Cross Polo: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

2010-03-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

2011 Volkswagen Cross Polo: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

Volkswagen Polo Vivo: South Africa

2010-03-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Picture

Volkswagen renews its attack on the highly competitive budget-car segment in South Africa with the Polo Vivo

Volkswagen new polo in India

2010-02-24T08:06:00.002-08:00

Volkswagen new polo

India is a key market for Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker overall strategic growth plans and with launch of the New Polo, it affirms company’s commitment to offer the best quality products to Indian customers at affordable prices. The New Polo will establish a leadership position in its class with category defining attributes of space, style, comfort, safety and fuel-efficiency. It is manufactured at Volkswagen’s state of the art Chakan plant with an annual capacity of 110,000 cars. In India, Volkswagen also sells the Passat and Jetta which are assembled in Aurangabad.
On February 23, 2010 Volkswagen introduced its much awaited premium hatchback the New Polo in Mumbai. The polo has 1.2L petrol variant is priced at Rs 4.34 lakhs, ex showroom New Delhi while the 1.2L diesel variant comes at Rs 5.32 lakhs ex showroom New Delhi.

Mr. Lutz Kothe, Chief General Manager,Marketing & PR said “The New Polo stands for German engineering and top technology. The New Polo is a key player in our ongoing strategy to establish our brand presence in India. We are confident this offering will set a new benchmark in its segment.”

Deliveries of the new 1.2L 75HP New Polo petrol variant will begin from March 2010 onwards across all Volkswagen dealerships.The 1.2L Diesel variant will be available for customers from May 2010.

The New Polo Features

The New Volkswagen Polo is now available with a petrol engine and will soon be followed by the diesel variant.The petrol variant is equipped with a 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @ 3750 rpm.

The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm.The New Polo comes in three trim levels Highline, Comfortline and Trendline; is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box.

The interior is equipped with storage compartment in front doors for 1.5 litre bottles, sunglass storage inside glove box, folding rear seat backrests and the two-tone dashboard are proof of the sure instinct of high design quality which interprets the classic elements of the New Polo in a contemporary way.

Unique to this segment, the New Polo offers remote keyless central locking that includes remote window up / down on the Highline. Standard for all cars are the tilt & telescopic steering that allows for perfect ergonomic seating for driver for fatigue free driving. It is also the only car in this segment offering green-tinted heat-blocking glass as standard.

In exteriors too, the New Polo offers body coloured bumpers halogen headlights and galvanized body with 6 years Anti Corrosion Warranty.The New Polo Highline has large 15” alloy wheels, ensconced in their flared arches; give it a higher and more commanding stance. It is also equipped with advanced occupant safety with Dual airbags, driver and passenger side and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).

Electronic anti theft immobilizer is available as standard across the line-up.
On comfort the car has a number of unique, thoughtful touches. It is equipped with CD MP3 Player changer with 4 speakers, power steering for better drivability, central locking with unique boot opener in company logo and height adjustable driving seat which improves visibility.

The New Polo Price List**
Engine/ Trimline Price (INR in Lakhs)
1.2L 75 HP Petrol Trendline 4,34,000
1.2L 75 HP Petrol Comfortline 4,83,800
1.2L 75 HP Petrol Highline 5,72,000
1.2 L 75 HP TDI Trendline 5,32,000
1.2L 75 HP TDI Comfortline 5,81,800
1.2L 75 HP TDI Highline 6,70,000
*1.2 L Petrol Trendline – Ex Showroom New Delhi
** All prices are Ex Showroom New Delhi

Price drops across Volkswagen range

2010-02-24T08:06:00.001-08:00

Brady's Arva wants everyone to know about the price reductions on the Volkswagen range and to spread the word it's hosting an open weekend it its showroom from tomorrow, Thursday, February 25 to Sunday, February 28.

The dealership is open longer hours - till 8pm from Thursday to Saturday and till 6pm on Sunday - to give you as much time as possible to view all the lovely new VWs... and take in the fantastic value that's available. Brady's Arva is celebrating Volkswagen's price reductions and the scrappage scheme, and the sales team will be there to talk to you about the offers and the finance options. They'll be offering test drives so you can sample for yourself the feeling of having a new Volkswagen, one that few other manufacturers can rival in terms of quality and durability.

Combined with the lower prices is extra standard equipment for the majority of the model range: the Golf is 10% cheaper and electronic stability control has been added across the range; the Passat costs 11% less and the Comfortline and Highline models have up to €1,500 worth of additional specification. Volkswagen also has pack options (Safety, Comfort, Sport and Media) of new technology which represent savings of up to 40% compared to single options.

If one of the VWs catches your eye ask the Brady's staff about Volkswagen Bank Ireland, which can arrange finance at competitive rates for you to buy your new car (the Polo is available from as little as €236 a month, for example).

Volkswagen sets aggressive sales goals

2010-02-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

Jochen Eckel/Bloomberg News Service

Marko Sanft cleans the logo on a Volkswagen at a dealership in Berlin.

Volkswagen, buoyed by strong sales, a growing portfolio of products, a mammoth new factory in Tennessee and a loyal fan base, set a goal to sell 800,000 vehicles in the United States by 2018 - a target that some analysts think may be unrealistic.

Though Volkswagens have been selling better than many brands, figures show that the German automaker has a way to go to reach its sale goal. Volkswagen of America sold 213,454 units in 2009, a decrease of 4.3 percent from 223,128 units sold in 2008.

One factor in Volkswagen's favor is that sales for some of its models have been on the rise. Sales of the Jetta, the company's bread-and-butter model line, for instance, jumped 26.9 percent in December, and GTI sales were up 75.9 percent. And December was Volkswagen's sixth consecutive sales month in which it beat 2008 totals.

Volkswagen NCC Hybrid Coupe Concept

2010-01-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

New Compact Coupe (What an Original Name)
Volkswagen had a pretty nice-looking hybrid coupe to unveil in Detroit. It's just a concept for now, though unlike many other concept cars, this one actually looks like it could be turned into a production model with only small modifications. VW's approach to squeeze the most miles from every gallon of fuel is to combine its already-existing fuel-saving technologies. Read on for the technical details.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

VW NCC Technical Specs
The NCC gets a 1.4-liter TSI gas engine combined with a 20-kilowatt electric motor powered by a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 7-speed DSG (dual clutch) transmission.

The gas engine alone produces 150 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque, but when combined with the electric motor, the combined total climbs to 177 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.

0 to 60 mph time is 8.1 seconds, and top speed is 141 mph.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

What About Fuel Economy?
In VW's words: "Combined fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km* (45 mpg)! CO2 emissions: 98 g/km!" (the exclamation points are VW's)

Not to beat a dead horse, but this is a bigger and more powerful car than the just unveiled Honda CR-Z hybrid, yet it gets (on paper, anyway) significantly better fuel economy.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Coasting Trick
One interesting feature that should probably be used on more cars:

Frequently coasting: As soon as the driver releases the gas pedal, the TSI is disengaged from the transmission. This so-called "coast-down" is even possible at higher speeds, as in freeway driving. Since drag losses are eliminated here too, the NCC coasts for a very long time. And this promotes an anticipatory style of driving that leads directly to reduced fuel consumption.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

No word yet on availability, but I wouldn't be surprised if the next generation VW Jetta kind of looked like this (and maybe they'll bring back the Jetta Coupe).

Volkswagen Unveils New Concept Coupe (NCC) Hybrid

2010-01-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen kick-started 2010 on a positive note with the world premiere of the snappy New Concept Coupe (NCC) at the 2010 Detroit auto show. Not withstanding the expected mint-fresh and pleasant look pre-production, this four-seater car has much to offer in terms of futuristic imagery that we see with most concept cars. As expected the car achieves a decent fuel economy at around 45 mpg (combined).

This parallel-hybrid vehicle runs on either a combination of gas-engine and electric or electric power only. It employs a 147 horsepower 1.4 L TSI engine and a 20-kilowatt (equivalent of 27 horsepower) electric motor, a 7 speed DSG gearbox and 177 lb-feet of torque besides CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. With a top speed of 141 mph and a performance figure of 60 mph in 8.6 secs in a combination engine state, it employs regenerative braking to charge the 1.1 kWh lithium battery.

The NCC comes in Tungsten Silver Metallic with sharp edges and clean lines, large wheels and a wide but aerodynamically efficient grille which gives it a more aggressive look with exceptional features of sculpted bucket seats in Berry White and Grigio Quartz leather, bi-xenon headlights and 19-inches Lugano allow wheels. There is an 8-inch touch screen on the dash that is angled towards the driver to give him access to the new navigation system. It comes with a multi-purpose steering wheel that is brand new in terms of design and other state-of-the-art features like analog speed and taco displays with additional navigation information.

There has been no official confirmation of production by the personnel at Volkswagen, however we’re guessing we wont have to wait long, and could see it as early as 2012.

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Wallpapers

2010-01-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Front View

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Wallpaper

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Side View

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Interior

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Picture

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Rear View

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

2010-01-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

(All photos: Bill Griffith/Boston.com)

Over the winter last year I was interested in test driving - and likely purchasing - a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. The TDI is the clean diesel engine that now has become legal to sell in all 50 states.

However, the dealer I contacted said there would be a wait because he had a waiting list and no demos.

Thus I abandoned plans to try and find that black SportWagen TDI with a saddle interior.

So what is today's test car? It's a black 2009 Jetta SportWagen TDI with a saddle interior. It even has the manual transmission I would have preferred. Sometimes it's strange how the fates treat us mortals. In this case, in addition to writing a review, I get a chance to write about "what might have been."

Let's jump to the bottom line: Would I have wound up buying this car? Most likely yes.

This is an upscale, sporty wagon with German styling, good handling, the diesel's mother lode of inherent torque, and nicely proportioned ergonomics. The interior space is nicely apportioned among the front-seat passengers, rear-seat riders, and cargo area. It's a minor example, but Mrs. G and I both noted that there was plenty of elbow space for each of us in sharing the center armrest.

Need more space? Fold the rear seats and cargo space jumps from 32.8 cubic feet to 66.9 cubic feet.

Since my winter search, the price of diesel has dropped to roughly the same as unleaded regular, making the TDI's EPA mileage range of 30 city to 41 highway even more attractive. We averaged 38.6 mpg in a mix of driving. Frankly, that was a bit disappointing because I remember early diesel Rabbits, despite their clatter and smoke, averaging in the 50 mpg range - or so their owners claimed.

The reasons I was originally attracted to the SportWagen remain. It's pretty much in a niche of its own as a reasonably priced European wagon with a decent list of upscale standard features including air conditioning, heated seats, cruise control, leatherette interior, and stability control, plus EDL (electronic differential locking) and EBA (engine braking assist).

Base price of the SportWagen is $23,870. Add a $700 destination charge and you're at $24,570. Our version didn't have the touch-screen navigation ($1,990) or large, panoramic sunroof ($1,300). Also available are some alloy wheel and tire packages in the $1,300 to $1,800 range, Bluetooth ($325) and several iPod adaptors ($199 and $250).

It's easy to tell you're driving a diesel. For starters, there's a minimal but noticeable bit of clatter and vibration. There's also a ton of torque (236 lb.-ft) off the line at the lower and most used rpm range (1,750 to 2,500 rpm).

2010 VW Golf TDI

2009-12-28T04:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-28T04:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-28T03:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T06:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T04:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T04:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T04:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

“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

2009-11-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T06:48:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-04T10:45:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-25T01:06:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-25T01:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-23T07:52:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-23T07:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-23T07:50:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-23T07:50:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-23T07:49:00.001-07:00

Volkswagen Touareg 2010

Volkswagen Touareg

2009-10-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-18T18:42:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-18T18:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-02T23:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Volkswagen India plans 40 outlets by end-2009

2009-10-02T23:51:00.001-07:00

On the sidelines of inaugurating a new dealership outlet in Chennai, Volkswagen India has confirmed that its plans to double its distribution in the country to 40 outlets by the end of this year. Currently, the Indian arm of the German automaker has 22 dealership outlets in the country.

"As a precursor to our high-volume model Polo, we are expanding our distribution network. By the end of this year the company will have 40 dealers," Neeraj Garg, director (passenger cars) of Volkswagen Group India, told reporters here after inaugurating a new dealership. Depending on the market, company would further increase the number of dealers, Garg said. He added that the company would step up spending on brand promotion activities in the country to meet the mounting competition challenges. "It is true the Volkswagen brand is not well known in the country. This will be corrected with appropriate branding strategy," he was quoted as saying to reporters.

European largest carmaker has also confirmed that its ‘Polo’ is well on track and is posed to hit the Indian market by early next year. The small car, Polo, a hatchback model would compete with B+2 segment, Volkswagen India (Passenger car) director Neeraj Garg told reporters in Chennai. He also said, “We have heavily invested in the plant at Pune and right now, the pre-production stage is going on and we should launch Polo by next year."

Volkswagen India has recently established a greenfield facility at Chakan in Pune, with a capacity to manufacture 110,000 cars annually, where its sister company Skoda began its Fabia’s production and where the Polo model will be also rolled out next year. Currently, VW assembles its luxury sedans – Passat and Jetta-in India at Skoda's Aurangabad plant.

The company imports its SUV Touareg as a CBU. It is now gearing up to launch its high-end luxury sedan Phaeton and SUV Tiguan in the next few years, apart from the iconic Beetle, through the CBU route. It also plans to bring in its concept car Up! by 2011, which would be positioned below the Polo-based model. The Pune plant would be exclusively manufacturing Polo range of cars

Volkswagen Golf Estate

2009-10-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen’s newest model is looking to put the boot into rivals in the compact load carrier market.

Adding a dash of style to this competitive yet relatively small sector, the MkVI Golf Estate also promises to bring the standard hatch’s impressive refinement and fine road manners to the table, too.

Although it is based on the same chassis as its predecessor, the MkV Golf Estate, virtually every element of the car’s body has been redesigned.

The new headlamps are the same as those fitted to the standard MkVI, while the tailgate gets fresh lights and a smoother design.

Inside, cabin materials have been given the same upmarket treatment as in the hatch, and the soft-touch dash covering is highlighted with brushed aluminium-effect panels.

Ergonomically, the cockpit is first-rate. The thin-rimmed steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment, and the supportive seats feel firm yet comfortable.

With the newcomer measuring 4,534mm in length, 1,781mm wide and 1,504mm tall, there’s plenty of space for rear-seat passengers, while practicality is superb thanks to a 505-litre boot that will provide up to 1,495 litres of stowage space if the back bench is folded flat.

We drove the 1.6-litre TDI turbodiesel model, which has 103bhp and 250Nm of torque, and is also available in economical BlueMotion trim.

The four-cylinder 1,598cc powerplant is a little noisy at start-up, but it quickly settles into a smooth idle.

Fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the car will sprint from 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds and is capable of returning up to 58mpg.

But as impressive as all this is, it’s the way the Golf rides and drives that really makes a mark. From behind the wheel you would be hard-pressed to tell that you are driving the estate variant, rather than the sweet-handling hatchback.

Volkswagen Golf GTI 5door

2009-10-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

VW may Buy Stake in Suzuki by the End of the Year

2009-10-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

VW is expected to buy a stake in Suzuki by the end of 2009 according to the German industry publication Automobilwoche report.

The publication quoted an unnamed Suzuki executive, "For Suzuki and VW this connection would be a win-win situation. Suzuki would have access to a variety of VW's technology, while Volkswagen would have a solid supporting leg in India and Southeast Asia."

VW has declined to comment, but last week VW's Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn stated that Suzuki's current product lineup would work well with VW.

There has been speculation about a tie up between the two automakers since August.

Volkswagen Golf GTI US-Version (2010)

2009-10-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

For nearly three decades, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has represented a potent combination of sports car-like finesse and tuned driving excitement in a versatile hatchback design. The all-new 2010 GTI ushers in the sixth generation of Volkswagen's "hot hatch" lineage, and continues the evolution of an award-winning formula that has impressed driving enthusiasts across the globe.

With its fully redesigned exterior, including a more aggressive front end, cleaner side profile, and sleeker hatch area, the Volkswagen Golf GTI upholds its sporty nature. New interior enhancements help set the GTI apart not only from the competition, but also previous generations, and allow both the driver and passengers to enjoy total control and comfort. Starting at $23,290, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI stays true to its heritage by providing a dynamic driving experience at an affordable price, and is ready to reward its owners with every start of the ignition.

Exterior

As an icon heading into the next decade, the 2010 Golf GTI two and four-door models take a number of styling cues from the original Mk I, as well as the more recent past, and revitalizes them. In true Volkswagen Golf GTI style, the more aggressive front end starts with the hallmark black honeycomb grille with the GTI badge on the passenger side, and the distinct red stripe outline, which flows into the new angled teardrop headlight housings (High Intensity Gas-discharged Xenon headlamps with AFS are optional). Sitting between two halogen fog lamps, the lower front fascia's cooling duct is blacked out.

2009 Volkswagen Eos

2009-01-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Eos is a 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Komfort to the Lux PZEV.

Upon introduction, the Komfort is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The Lux PZEV is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2009 Volkswagen CC

2009-01-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

The 2009 CC is a 4-door, 4-passenger sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Sport to the VR6 4Motion.

Upon introduction, the Sport is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The VR6 4Motion is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.