Autoblog

They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years

Michael Harley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen CitiGolf - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 arrived as a replacement to the Volkswagen Beetle way back in 1974. Sold in the States as the Volkswagen Rabbit, the early front-wheel-drive hatchback had a transverse-mounted (water-cooled) 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at just 70 horsepower. It was good for a 93 mph top speed and nearly 38 miles per gallon. While the standard Rabbit was rather ho-hum, the late-to-arrive Mk1 "GTI" ushered in the hot-hatch movement with its 90-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, slick manual transmission, and upgraded suspension. It was a seriously cool car.

In 1984, Volkswagen introduced the Golf Mk2. As the successor was bigger, wider, and more expensive than the original - and customers may have been turned-off by the "improvements" - VW chose to continue the Mk1 production and sell it as the low-cost Econo Golf, or CitiGolf.

Over the past 25 years, more than 500,000 units of the venerable Mk1 have rolled out of a South African assembly plant for sale in markets abroad. Variants have been fitted with a wide range of engine choices (both gasoline and diesel), from 1.1-liters up to 1.8-liters of displacement. Transmissions have included 4- and 5-speed manuals, plus the (obviously outdated) 3-speed automatic. Lacking nearly all of today's necessary safety equipment (a driver's airbag was eventually fitted), time finally caught up with the CitiGolf this summer and the South African plant was closed in late August.

Interesting side note: the tooling used to build the CitiGolf all these years in South Africa was reportedly originally used to make the Rabbit at Volkswagen's Westmoreland plant in Pennsylvania. Thanks for the tip, Doug!

Gallery: Volkswagen CitiGolf

[Source: in4ride]

They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK

VW Golf R and Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery

For those of you in the U.K., the R-line versions of the Golf and Scirocco have been priced and can now be ordered. The Scirocco is the bargain of the two, going for £26,945 ($44,257 U.S.), while the Golf takes you slightly higher up the currency chart, priced at £28,930 ($47,518 U.S. -- nota bene: U.S. prices don't directly translate). They both come standard with a 6-speed manual, but if you want the car to shift for you, the DSG transmission option adds £1,300 ($2,135 U.S.) to either car.

They're the fastest and most powerful versions yet in their respective models: the 261-hp, front-wheel-drive Scirocco runs to 62 in 6 seconds; the 266-hp, 4MOTION-equipped Golf in 5.7. If you get the manual you can add 0.2 seconds to those times. The cars will make it to U.K. showrooms in February of next year, but in the meantime follow the jump to read all the specs and watch the video, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Volkswagen UK Golf R and Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]

Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drive, Diesel

2010 Volkswagen Golf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Outside of North America, the Golf has been Volkswagen's bread-and-butter model for more than three decades, making the diminutive hatch one of the best selling global vehicles since its mid-Seventies launch as the Beetle's successor. But in the States, it's a totally different story. Except for a few brief periods when fuel prices spiked, the Golf/Rabbit has always played second fiddle to the Jetta - little more than a Golf with a trunk.

While the sixth generation Golf has been on sale in Europe for nearly a year, U.S.-spec versions are beginning to trickle into retailers on this side of the Atlantic. But before you head down to your local V-Dub dealer to check out the newest Golf (and buy a Jetta instead), we made the trek to Germany to sample the latest iteration of VW's workhorse in and around its Wolfsburg birthplace. Is the new Golf finally enough to woo hatch-averse Americans out of their sedans and into something with an added helping of practicality? Follow the jump to find out our first impressions.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback

First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

2010 VW Golf GTD - click above for high-res image gallery

Prior to the U.S. launch of the Volkwagen Golf MK VI, a few months back rumors emerged that the Americans were going to get a crack at the GTD version of the hatchback. For those unfamiliar with the GTD, it's essentially the much loved GTI but with a 170 hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI diesel. Unfortunately, when we got the details on the Golf lineup last week, the GTD wasn't included. While in Germany this week to drive the new Golf lineup, we spoke with VW of America product planner Andres Valbuena about the GTD's fortunes, and the news is promising.

According to Valbuena, while the GTD didn't make the cut for launch, it is still under consideration. In fact the GTD could arrive within the next 18 months. Originally, it was speculated that the GTD would likely carry the existing 140 horsepower diesel along with all of the other good bits. Valbuena tells us that if they do offer the GTD in the U.S., VW will do it right and bring the high output 170 hp engine.

One car that's definitely coming is the Jetta TDI Cup model. This is essentially a street legal version of the race car but without the race bits like the roll cage. It will get the same front fascia available from the VW performance parts catalog, along with the bigger brakes, suspension upgrades and interior bits from the GLI sedan. Unfortunately, the TDI cup replica keeps the standard 140 hp engine instead of the 170 hp unit in the race cars. The cup car will probably have its public debut at LA Auto Show in December prior to going on sale in January.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD

VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Possible Volkswagen BlueSport coupe mule spotted

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Volkswagen

When Volkswagen unveiled its BlueSport concept in Detroit last January, the big question on people's mind was "When can we buy one?" If the most recent spy shots from the Nurburgring are any indication, it could be soon. A development mule based on a three door Golf MK VI has been spotted circulating with what looks like a dislocated rear axle.

It's not uncommon to see test mules using existing bodies with new hardware underneath, and it looks like this example has both a wider track and shorter wheelbase than the Golf, which could correspond to testing chassis bits for the BlueSport. It's not clear from this batch of photos whether this vehicle has the engine mounted up front or behind the front seats, and although there aren't any visible ducts or air intakes feeding an engine mounted amidships, that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Only time will tell if we get this high mileage diesel powered sports car, or more predictably, one using VAG's delectable turbocharged 2.0-liter.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Possible Volkswagen BlueSport coupe mule spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R20 and Scirocco R track-side -- Click above to watch video

In another astronaut-ish commercial, VW has thrown two test drivers in a G-force simulator and on the track in two of its blistering blue R-line cars: the Scirocco R and the Golf R20. It's like the Ferrari video, but with less yellow and red... and less money. We're not quite sure what's happening with the G-Force segments, but we'd like to be driving those track portions ourselves. Follow the jump to check out the video. Hat tip to Mehdi

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20 is our kind of bolt of blue

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen R20 returns some brawn to the styling of the body Golf after a lengthy flirtation with smaller, svelter lines. And we, for one, are happy about it. Things get started right up front with the lower grille and it's Audi-RS-and-R8-reminiscent openings and strakes. From there it's an easy flow back over a body a-bulge with just the right taste in creases and lines. We're still waiting for a less hipster tailpipe treatment to return, but we're happy with the car nevertheless. The interior gets the trim-and-texture treatment to identify it as a 270-hp flyer, and the seats complete the job by letting your butt feel what your eyes can see. Speaking of feeling, those earlier 60-mph runs were a little off: the manual gets to 62 in 5.7, the DSG in 5.5. Should we get it, we have a feeling we'll enjoy it.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20 is our kind of bolt of blue

Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20 is our kind of bolt of blue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010 - Click above to begin

Before we begin, let us say that when it comes to cars, Time Magazine can get it right. Like the time they hired Dan Neil to write The 50 Worst Cars of All Time. That was really good. However, now Time has the "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010," and boy is it really awful. In fact, it's so awful that we're dying to hear what Dan Neil thinks of it. Time's list isn't just regular bad, it's take all your credibility on a given subject and light it on fire bad. Akin to letting Glenn Beck run the civil rights desk. OK, but in car terms how bad? The Volkswagen Golf is one of Time's most exciting vehicles of 2010 - and that's not even the really terrible part. We're making you follow the jump for the really bad stuff.

Gallery: Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010

Continue reading Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

2010 Volkswagen Golf - Click above for high-res image gallery

For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf name used in the rest of the world's markets. The European hatchbacks will begin arriving in the U.S. in the coming weeks, beginning with the GTI. The standard Golf will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that arrived last year in the Jetta TDI. Although they aren't linked to from the main VW site, new GTI and Golf websites are now live and include TDI information, specs and pricing.

The base two-door, 2.5-liter gas-powered Golf starts at $17,490 and the four-door will command $19,190. Like the Jetta, TDI models come with a higher level of equipment and therefore start at $21,990 and $22,590 with a six-speed manual gearbox. The new GTI, meanwhile, starts at $23,290.

What's interesting are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen website lists both the manual and DSG versions of the new Golf TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However, a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows that the Golf TDI rates even better at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level of improvement over the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. Thanks to Jay for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

[Source: Volkswagen]

2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated at 29/40 mpg city/hwy or maybe 30/42?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:17:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf - click above for a high-res image gallery

For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf nameplate used globally. The new cars will begin arriving in the coming weeks, starting with the GTI. The standard Golf models will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter TDI that arrived last year in the Jetta. Although it isn't linked from the main VW site, the new GTI and Golf pages are now live and include the TDI information with pricing.

The base 2-door, 2.5-liter gas engine Golf starts at $17,490 while the 4-door starts at $19,190. Like the Jetta, the TDIs come with a higher level of equipment than the base Golf and start at $21,990 (2-door) and $22,590 (4-door) with a 6-speed manual. The new GTI starts $23,290.

Of greater interest are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen site lists both the manual and DSG versions of the Golf TDI as getting 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows the Golf TDI rated even higher, at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level an improvement from the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. Thanks to Jay for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

[Source: Volkswagen]

2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated at 29/40 mpg city/hwy or maybe 30/42? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Wagon, Volkswagen, Diesel

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales and a whopping 81% of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder.

Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40% were diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41% overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29% of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69% in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September, including a TDI - and if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could see a huge sales spike as well.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Specialty

Click above for a gallery of the Volkswagen Golf GTI V50

Singapore has been singled out to receive a hotted up version of their Mark V Volkswagen GTI dubbed GTI V50. This gift to the island nation gets upgrades from APR including a Stage 1 ECU tune that adds 36 more horsepower and an additional 74 lb-ft of torque. Also underneath are a VW R32 brakes and calipers and a VW Performance exhaust. Together they'll turn your 0-to-60 run into a 5.6-second affair, which takes more than a second off the standard GTI.

Outside, the body is adorned with go-fast cosmetics like a VW Performance body kit, white turn signals, blue-tinted glass, along with some bespoke 18-inch VW wheels and Pirelli rubber to round the whole thing out. The paint job is one we'd describe as "novel." The GTI V50 will be a limited run, so expect a commensurate premium as another added feature. Check out the gallery of photos below, and the press release and tech specs after the jump.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI V50

[Source: VW Asia]

Continue reading Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50

Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Humor, Russia

Click above for a gallery of the VW Golf that was swallowed by a pothole in Ukraine

Think the roads are bad in your neck of the woods? Growing up just a bit south of Detroit before moving to the sunnier climes of Arizona, this particular blogger has always assumed that Michigan's harsh winters and heavy traffic conspire to make the frost heaved and potholed highways of the Motor City the worst in the world. Apparently, that's not the case, and it's not even close.

The dubious distinction of the world's worst pothole must go out to our friends in Ukraine. The story accompanies the set of photos seen below explains that an underground water pipe may have burst, which created a sinkhole large enough to swallow an entire Volkswagen Golf whole. Fortunately, the car's occupants were able to escape out the back window, which was just about the only portion of the hatchback that wasn't covered by a few tons of dirt and asphalt.

Gallery: Ukrainian pothole swallows VW Golf

[Source: English Russia]

Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20 snapped on the 'Ring

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf G20 - Click above for a high-res gallery

Spy shooters have managed to snap a few pictures of Volkswagen's upcoming Golf R20 lapping the Nürburgring in Germany, in this case disguised as a mild-mannered 2.0 TDI.

The new hot hatchback will reportedly be available in both three- and five-door styles, and it will take the place of the now-departed R32. As the name suggests, the R20 will feature a four-cylinder engine displacing just 2.0 liters. Fortunately, that little engine looks to be direct-injected and pressurized by a big 'ol turbocharger, boosting output to an estimated 270 horsepower. Those ponies should be funneled to the front tires (not through all four contact patches as with the R32) through either a standard six-speed manual or VW's excellent DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Expect 0-60 mph times of around five seconds.

Besides the influx of power, VW's new R20 is expected to arrive equipped with a set of upsized brakes cribbed from the Audi A3. We're hoping that rumors of the new VeeDub R20's entrance into the States as a 2010 model come true, but in the meantime, it seems that the car will make its debut at the 24-hour Nürburgring race in May.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20 snapped on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone itching to bring home a brand new Volkswagen Rabbit had better act fast. As expected, VeeDub has just confirmed that 2009 will be the last year that the American version of the automaker's popular hatchback will be called the Rabbit. The renamed 2010 Golf will be shown at next month's New York Auto Show in production form with an expected sale date here in the States sometime this fall.

Says Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, "The Golf is an iconic nameplate for the Volkswagen Brand and it is known throughout the world. The Golf is Volkswagen's best selling global nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in over 120 countries. Making the change back to Golf is an important step in realigning with our global heritage."

We couldn't agree more, which is why we were all left scratching our heads back in 2006 when the German automaker chose to reintroduce the Rabbit name in America for the fifth-gen Golf in the first place. Oh well, that was a mistake that the automaker can easily rectify. Read the official press release after the break.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf

Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leapin' Leipzig! Volkswagen Golf GTD details and photos released

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD - Click above for a high res gallery

Volkswagen is set to introduce the world to its new Volkswagen Golf GTD at the Leipzig Motor Show in Germany. What we have here is the basic GTI package, except that the wonderful gas-powered 2.0-liter turbo engine that powers VW's latest hot hatch has been yanked in favor of a new high-performance turbo diesel engine (also displacing 2.0 liters) that offers up 168 horsepower and, just as importantly, about 260 lb-ft of torque. VW says the new drivetrain package is enough to scoot the new GTD to 60 mph in about eight seconds. European combined fuel economy is rated at 44.4 mpg (U.S.) with CO₂ emissions of 139 g/km.

On the outside, the GTD features all of the exterior differentiation of the GTI, except that the red exterior accents are now done in chrome. Step inside, and you'll be greeted with VW's signature plaid seating surfaces, though the red fabrics and stitching are now done in light grey. German sales of the GTD will begin in May, with the rest of Europe likely following shortly thereafter. So far, there's no official word on whether the GTD is coming to America, but signs point to "Yes." Press release after the break.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Leapin' Leipzig! Volkswagen Golf GTD details and photos released

Leapin' Leipzig! Volkswagen Golf GTD details and photos released originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wassership Down: VW seen euthanizing the Rabbit. Again.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Back in 2006, Volkswagen of America's public relations department had what they thought was a brilliant idea to rename the fifth-generation Golf as the Rabbit... again. Back when VW's first front-wheel-drive hatchback replaced the iconic Beetle in the United States, it was introduced as the Rabbit, despite the fact that the rest of the world knew it as the Golf. VeeDub apparently thought that we megalomaniacal Americans preferred our own personalized nameplate over what the rest of the world got. Not anymore.

It seems that the marketing move did little to influence actual sales of the vehicle, so it's back to the drawing board. According to Car and Driver, when the sixth-generation hatchback hits American shores, probably as a 2010 model, it will once again be christened the Golf, and hopefully for good this time.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Car and Driver]

Wassership Down: VW seen euthanizing the Rabbit. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Golf VII already in the cards

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rendered Speculation

The current Volkswagen Golf (a.k.a. "Rabbit"), which is a 2010 model, hasn't made it through the front nine, and already the next Golf is being teed up behind it. The new model is planned for 2012, two years earlier than planned, perhaps because VW wants to recast what the Golf represents with a return to frugal-yet-sporty motoring.

If these AutoExpress renderings are at all accurate, the reskin won't make your jaw drop, as there is little planned for the hatch's exterior save for a few tweaks. It is the philosophy of the car that takes a new stand, however: the Mk VII is rumored to ride on a smaller platform than the MkVI, borrow parts from the Polo, employ lightweight body panels, and get VW's Twin Drive plug-in diesel hybrid engines.

The focus on reduced weight will mean more punch from VW's smaller TDI engines. The Twin Drive, which is three electric motors mated to a 1.5-liter diesel, works on battery power alone at 31 miles-per-hour or below, and doubles the gas mileage of the 2.0-liter TDI. VW is also working on a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) that ditches the spark plugs in a gas engine to give it the fuel efficiency of a diesel. If VW can bring all of those things together in a couple of years and keep the fun-to-drive factor, the MkVII Golf sounds like a clear winner.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Golf VII already in the cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Lifestyle

Click above to see the VW Golf commercial

So it's not just America that gets up in arms over commercials. Remember the Matrix-styled ad with the Volkswagen Golf designer fighting various versions of himself? It seems a number of British telly viewers think the commercial "is in breach of the broadcast advertising code for featuring excessive violence that could be copied by children." So they complained to the Advertising Standards Authority, and the ASA is now investigating.

The complaints could mean the spot won't be aired before the 9 p.m. watershed, which is when programs for "children" ages 15-and-up get aired. We've seen more frightening things on YouTube -- in fact, even the G-rated The Tale of Despereaux has more chilling moments than this commercial -- but maybe the parents are afraid their kids will end up fighting... their clones.

[Source: The Guardian]

Continue reading FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints

FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MkVI VW Rabbit & GTI coming to America next September

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen customers in the United States have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the new sixth-generation Rabbit and its GTI performance variant. And while it's still a little ways off, at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel as the German automaker has announced that the new model will hit the U.S. market in early September 2009. European customers, meanwhile, already began taking delivery of their new Golfs last month, with the GTI due to arrive there next summer.

American versions will initially be available with the current 2.5-liter inline-five, a new 2-liter turbodiesel in the TDI version and the GTI's 2-liter TSI. A new 1.8-liter TFSI is expected to replace the base 2.5-liter unit, with 4Motion all-wheel-drive, TwinDrive hybrid and LPG versions to follow, as well as a possible all-electric version and a replacement for the current top-of-the-line R32 performance model. North American models will also come equipped with adaptive cruise control, adaptive chassis control and 19-inch wheels as standard. Of the current (fifth-generation) Rabbit, the GTI version accounted for roughly one third of models sold, which Volkswagen expects to continue with this new generation. In the meantime, you can check out the high-resolution images in the two galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI LIVE

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Inside Line]

MkVI VW Rabbit & GTI coming to America next September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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