Autoblog

Volkswagen Golf Variant Concept R-Line puts the sport in SportWagen

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen

With the introduction of the newest Volkswagen Golf Variant, we get an early look at what will most likely be the next-generation Jetta SportWagen here in the US. To further whet our appetities, VW is now teasing something a little sportier with the Concept R-Line. Looking the part of a GTI wagon (or a stretched Golf R), the Golf Variant Concept R-Line has a production-ready appearance that has us hoping we'll see this sporty wagon sooner rather than later.

The R-Line starts off with a new fascia that isn't quite as aggressive as the recently introduced GTI, but it gives the new styling some extra punch. Below the fascia is a lower splitter that visually carries back into the rocker panel extensions, and the rear of the car gets some bright exhaust tips and a rear diffuser. The Lapis Blue Metallic paint job probably does enough on its own to add a sporty flair to the Golf wagon, and it's all finished off with 18-inch split-spoke wheels. Inside, the Concept R-Line shows off sport seats wrapped in carbon leather featuring blue nappa inserts in the middle.

Rightfully so, VW brought the Concept R-Line to Geneva with its TDI and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. A sporty, all-wheel-drive diesel wagon? Yes, please. Scroll down for the full press blast with all the details.

Continue reading Volkswagen Golf Variant Concept R-Line puts the sport in SportWagen

Volkswagen Golf Variant Concept R-Line puts the sport in SportWagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Golf Variant will make a lovely Jetta SportWagen

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Volkswagen, Diesel

In addition to several other versions of the Golf, Volkswagen is debuting the new Golf Variant (read: wagon) here at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. And if this bigger version of the Golf looks like it might fit right at home in the States, it's because we could possibly see some version of this car as the next-generation Jetta SportWagen here on our shores.

Volkswagen is debuting the Golf Variant with two efficient diesel engines, rated at 110 and 150 horsepower, the smaller of which is good for an impressive 71.3 miles per gallon on the European cycle (when mated to a six-speed manual transmission). The Golf Variant also gets a version of Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, making it incredibly all-weather capable.

It's a handsome estate, and it wears the new Golf's design language well. We can't say for sure if this car will actually make its way Stateside, but given the fact that the current Jetta SportWagen still rides on the old Golf platform, the odds look to be in our favor.

Continue reading Volkswagen Golf Variant will make a lovely Jetta SportWagen

Volkswagen Golf Variant will make a lovely Jetta SportWagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europeans get first crack at new Golf Variant wagon

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Volkswagen, Diesel

Just last week, when we brought you news of a new Volkswagen Golf variant out and testing in Europe, we had no idea we were being so literal with out description. For it seems that VW has every intention of calling its new Golf wagon, making its Geneva debut, the "Golf Variant."

Odd/interesting sobriquets taken as read then, there's a lot to like about this new small wagon from VW. The Variant will shed some 232 pounds in this generation, and will come to market with two efficient TDI engines. Volkswagen isn't giving us displacement figures for either yet, but we're told the diesels will come with outputs of 110 and 150 horsepower. The 110-hp TDI BlueMotion Varient will be good for a whopping 71.3 miles per gallon on the European cycle, when mated to the six-speed manual transmission.

The German automaker has brought along an all-wheel-drive 4Motion version of the Gold Variant to bow in Geneva, as well, and a natural gas-burning TGI BlueMotion is said to be "in the pipeline."

No word yet has to when or how the Golf Variant will make its transition to the US market, though there's a decent likelihood that some version of it will become our new Jetta SportWagen. Europeans can expect the Variant to appear for sale in August of this year.

Continue reading Europeans get first crack at new Golf Variant wagon

Europeans get first crack at new Golf Variant wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Golf Wagon leaked ahead of official unveiling

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:10:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen

Wagons ho! These three images of the upcoming Volkswagen Golf Wagon have leaked online ahead of the car's official debut, which may very well be at the Geneva Motor Show. Looking over the photos doesn't really bring any surprises - after all, this is a VW Golf with a wagon rear end grafted on, or basically what we expect next Jetta SportWagen will be.

We can only share these three images at this time, but fret not, folks. There's little doubt that all the details and images will be flowing from Volkswagen in short order. In the meantime, click on the images above to view them in high resolution.

Volkswagen Golf Wagon leaked ahead of official unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Golf Wagon caught completely uncovered

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Volkswagen

Without a lot of information to go with them, our camera-toting spies have captured some new images of a Volkswagen Golf wagon variant that is almost completely undisguised. In fact, the one piece of camouflage on the tidy wagon would probably have gone unnoticed to most casual viewers. Look closely at the rear three-quarter view of the car and you'll notice that the apparent taillight clusters are actually fakes - the outline of the real units is faintly visible behind the blue bodywork and the sticker-like fake taillights.

It's a good guess then, that this Golf wagon (called a Golf Kombi by our spy photographer) is a prototype that's pretty far along in the development cycle for Volkswagen. We can't be sure what impact this will have on the company's small wagon offering here in the US, but we'd be pretty surprised if something very like this didn't end up as the next Jetta SportWagen. We might well have more information on that front, after we visit Geneva next week.

Volkswagen Golf Wagon caught completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen caught testing next-gen Golf Variant, aka Jetta SportWagen

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is currently testing the next-generation Jetta SportWagen in Europe, and our spy photographers managed to grab a few shots of the long-roof in action. From the looks of things, the new model will be considerably larger than the current generation, pushing ever closer to the girth of the European Passat. Technically, the SportWagen will continue to ride on the Golf platform moving forward, and there's some indication that buyers in the EU will get a shot at both GTI and R versions. Of course, the SportWagen goes by the name Golf in the old country.

Details are scarce on what we can expect to see under the hood, and Volkswagen hasn't said when the new Golf/Jetta SportWagen will debut, but smart money is on seeing the next-generation vehicle at either the Geneva Motor Show in March of next year or the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. In the meantime, check out the full gallery for a closer look.

Volkswagen caught testing next-gen Golf Variant, aka Jetta SportWagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stop-sale issued for Volkswagen Jetta and Golf TDI diesel models, recall imminent?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

According to a post by TDI Club, Volkswagen has issued a stop-sale on all 2009-2012 Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen and Golf TDI vehicles equipped with the company's 2.0-liter TDI turbo-diesel engine pending a voluntary safety recall. It's unclear whether or not the 2012 Passat will also be impacted. In a written communication attributed to Volkswagen, the problem stems from the fact that the fuel injector pulse rate happens to occur at the same natural frequency as injector line number two. Over time, the line could fail. That's especially true on certain lines manufactured with tube material that contains scratch marks from a grinding process. Volkswagen says that the inferior piece can't stand up to the stress of the injector pulse rate.

Vehicles manufactured in December 2008, January through February 2009, April 2010 and October through December 2010 all contain the faulty part. The document states that the automaker is currently working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a recall.

Autoblog spoke with a Volkswagen representative who said that in order for any recall to be official, it will have to go through NHTSA (though we're thinking the same can't be said of a stop-sale).

Stop-sale issued for Volkswagen Jetta and Golf TDI diesel models, recall imminent? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen recalling nearly 380,000 cars over fire risk

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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

Volkswagen AG has just issued a recall of nearly 380,000 cars due to the potential for fuel leaks which could lead to a fire. According to The Detroit News, A total of 266,936 Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Golf and Rabbit models from the 2007 to 2009 model years are affected, as well as an additional 110,350 New Beetle models (both hardtop and convertible).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an official recall bulletin, stating:

"The Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Golf and Rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The New Beetle and the New Beetle Convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line."

In both instances, chafing could result in a fuel leak, which in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

NHTSA states that dealerships will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir or, in the case of the New Beetles, inspect the position of the fastening clamp. Either way, the fix won't cost owners a thing, and the recall is expected to ramp up by the end of January.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

[Sources: The Detroit News, NHTSA]

Volkswagen recalling nearly 380,000 cars over fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Jetta SportWagen TDI: Newest cop car on the block?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen, Police/Emergency, Diesel

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen gifted to Chattanooga PD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is building the plant for its coming New Midsize Sedan (NMS) in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. And what better way to make friends with soon-to-be neighbors than to give them new cars? That's what the German company did in handing over two Jetta SportWagen TDIs each to the Chattanooga police and the Hamilton County police.

To make sure the wagons are as stylish as they are secure, they get body kits and chrome exhaust tips for an "imposing presence" to go along with the custom interior to hold the authorities' communications and lighting gear. All this really means to you is another set of headlights to learn. You can start practicing with the gallery of high-res photos below, and learn more about the plant and the gesture in the press releases after the jump.

Gallery: VW Jetta SportWagen TDIs gifted to TN law enforcement

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Jetta SportWagen TDI: Newest cop car on the block?

VW Jetta SportWagen TDI: Newest cop car on the block? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Safety, Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercury, Volkswagen

2010 Insurance Institute For Highway Safety rollover tests - click above for high-res images

Perish the thought, haters! The above Lincoln MKT is getting its roof caved in not on aesthetic grounds, but rather to test its ability to survive a rollover accident. If you haven't guessed by now, the MKT did so well in the roof-crush test that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) handed parent company Ford a much coveted Top Safety Pick award. Actually, the IIHS handed FoMoCo a hefty total of five rollover-related Top Safety Pick awards. However we should note that one of the Ford products earning top marks is in fact the soon to be extinct Mercury Millan, so really Ford only nabbed four - but who's counting? Other good-to-rollover-in Ford products include the Flex, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.

Speaking of thick-sculled corporate cousins, Audi and Volkswagen were handed a couple of Top Safety Picks, too. The 2010 Audi A4 and Q5 as well as the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen all earned top marks from the IIHS. As far as the Jetta goes, that's just one more reason to choose wagon over sedan. Finally, the new 2010 Hyundai Tucson gets the coveted TSP, and having recently driven the overly-stiff compact CUV, we're not at all surprised that its roof holds up to crushing. To get the dirt on the IIHS's methodology/read the press release, make the jump.

Gallery: 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks – Rollover

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE

Chris Tutor — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Wagon, Volkswagen

2009 VW SportWagen SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

A while back, my wife and I decided we would become parents. As soon as I saw the little wand TURN blue, I knew we'd need a bigger car. That was almost three years ago. We still need a bigger car. The problem with knowing a little bit about cars is the dizzying plethora of choices and the rumored promises of what's on the horizon. We didn't want the soccer-mom stigma of a minivan, or an SUV that drove like a truck and got 12 mpg. We wanted a car with room for two parents and one, possibly two, baby seats, and all the gear that comes with a growing family. I insisted the car have handling as near a sports car as possible, burn as little gas as possible and cost less than $25k. Oh, and is it too much to ask for style?

My mom said, "You want it all, don't you? Just buy something." Which, of course, only incited me to a new level of stubbornness and a vow to find the perfect car. After more than TWO years shopping, our family car Holy Grail just might be German.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Sportwagen SE

Continue reading Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE

Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW adds Jetta Sportwagen, pricing to site

Chris Tutor — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Volkswagen

For those of you impatiently waiting for the VW Jetta Sportwagen, there's something new over at VW.com to keep you busy a few more days. Along with photos of the car inside and out, there are stats, options and a base price that's closer to the true price than the rough estimate we had before. Entry-level price for the anxiously-awaited wagon is $24,500. The site says you get an 8-speaker stereo with aux-in, ABS and traction control for that number.

We assume that's with the 5-speed and 170 hp, 2.5 liter gasoline engine that gets 21 city, 29 highway. Which ain't too bad, actually, but not nearly as good as the mid-50s highway mileage the site brags about for the optional TDI. Sadly, there's no mention of how much you'll pay for ticking the TDI box on the option sheet. Or for the 6-speed Tiptronic or the panoramic sunroof or those sweet-looking leather seats. VW also let slip on the site that the Tiguan will be available this spring. Thanks, Julio, for the tip!

[Source: VW.com]

Gallery: 2008 Jetta Sportwagen First Drive

VW adds Jetta Sportwagen, pricing to site originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2007: Volkswagen unveils Golf Variant RaVe 270

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 10:11:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Europe, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

What happens when you take a Jetta Wagon, give it GTI-topping power, a stereo to wake the dead, and 4Motion all-wheel drive? You get the Golf Variant RaVe 270 concept that VW's showing off in Essen. The car's name is derived from its hopped-up GTI engine's 270 horsepower and the techno beats being emitted from its 13-speaker 1400-watt audio system. (Get it? Techno...Rave. Yeah, we rolled our eyes, too.) A full body kit including an aggressive new front fascia lends the RaVe some visual presence to go along with its extra ponies, with 19" five-spokes and a pair of double-barreled exhaust tips finishing off the lowered wagon's visual upgrades.

Strip out the ridiculous audio/video system and you've got something that seems pretty doable from a production standpoint. An AWD sportwagon with more power than an R32 and better fuel economy to boot (9.1l/100km or 25.8 mpg) is an attractive proposition, indeed. We're sure VW's paying close attention to the reaction the RaVe's getting from show attendees.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: VW Golf Variant RaVe 270 Concept

Continue reading Essen 2007: Volkswagen unveils Golf Variant RaVe 270

Essen 2007: Volkswagen unveils Golf Variant RaVe 270 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More on the 2007 Station Wagon Owners Association of America convention

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Volkswagen

Click image for photo gallery

"Obsessively covering the auto industry" means that when presented with an opportunity to check out some historically interesting cars, we do it. If you don't like station wagons, you might want to scroll down and check out one of our other articles for the time being. For the rest of you who grew up with the classic Detroit-style land barges, check out some of the pictures that we were able to snap last weekend's Station Wagon Owners Association of America convention. With the help of some Volkswagen media guys (who truly went the extra mile to get "the shot") and some station wagon lovers in attendance, we lined up a pretty cool shot that illustrates the progression of VW's station wagon offerings in America. This brings up an interesting point. Volkswagen wanted to show that it sees itself as being a genuine part of classic Americana. With vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and Karmann Ghia receiving admiring stares from those who remember them from their youth, it's not hard to see why VW feels that way. Likewise, the next generation grew up seeing Volkswagen GTIs on the roads, effectively starting the "hot hatch" category. The Jetta is a particularly American success. While it is the best-selling Volkswagen here in the States, it's hardly mentioned in Europe. So, an argument could be made that the new Jetta Sportwagen belongs right beside the big American station wagons of yesteryear. And so that's where it went, as you'll see in the attached gallery.

Gallery: Station Wagon Convention

More on the 2007 Station Wagon Owners Association of America convention originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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