Autoblog

Volkswagen Golf voted 2013 European Car of the Year

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf just went on sale in Europe, but it is already off to a promising start. Announced as the Geneva Motor Show kicked off, the newest Golf was named European Car of the Year for 2013 in dominating style over cars like the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 twins, Volvo V40, Ford B-Max and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

According to Automotive News Europe, the MkVII Golf won handily over its rivals with a total of 414 votes. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 received 202 votes finishing in a distant second, while the Volvo V40 (189 votes), Ford B-Max (148 votes) and Mercedes-Benz A-Class (138 votes) round out the top five. The new Golf marks the third Volkswagen product to receive the prestigious award with previous cars including the MkIII Golf and the most recent iteration of the Polo.

Continue reading Volkswagen Golf voted 2013 European Car of the Year

Volkswagen Golf voted 2013 European Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2014 Volkswagen GTI to start a new hot hatch era in Geneva

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

The upcoming Geneva Motor Show is going to be stocked with important new production models and sexy concept cars, but hot hatch enthusiasts will undoubtedly see it as the coming out party of the MkVII Volkswagen GTI. And while we've only got European specifications and pricing to go on for now, we can tell from the get-go that the new GTI will be a proper heir to VW's hot hatch legacy.

This seventh-generation GTI is powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in base form. For the first time ever, Volkswagen is also offering a performance pack for the GTI as well, which ups the horsepower to 230 (torque remains unchanged). With a slightly lower curb weight to push around - the new base car weighs 2,978 pounds versus 3,034 for the current three-door GTI - 0-62 miles per hour is now achieved in 6.5 seconds, and top speed is 153 mph. (Cars with the performance pack offer 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds, and a 155-mph top speed.) Buyers may choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed DSG unit.

Visually, the new GTI has obviously adopted the slant-nosed looks of the MkVII Golf, though with plenty of added drama. The exterior is dominated by the 17-inch "Brooklyn" wheels wearing 225-section rubber, and the aggressive front fascia gets black honeycombed inserts in the upper and lower grille sections. At launch, Volkswagen will offer the GTI in three colors: the Pure White seen here, Tornado Red and Black. Tartan patterned seats are of course still an option for the interior, while the GTI-specific steering wheel and shift knob are standard.

The new car is set to go on sale in Europe in May of this year, with an asking price of 28,350 euros to start. North American timing and pricing are still up in the air, however. There's a bit more information about the 2014 Volkswagen GTI in the press release below for your perusal. Expect plenty more in the way of information and images when we see the car live at Geneva, too.

Continue reading 2014 Volkswagen GTI to start a new hot hatch era in Geneva

2014 Volkswagen GTI to start a new hot hatch era in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

As Volkswagen prepares for the launch of the seventh-generation Golf, it continues to show off some of the car's different variants. With the standard Golf and the ultra-efficient BlueMotion Concept out of the way, now we're finally starting to see some of the sportier versions planned for the hatchback. Confirmed for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen has now given us our first glimpse at the Golf GTD.

Just think of the GTD as a diesel version of the GTI with all the handling and styling upgrades, and then add a torquey engine to the equation. (We had the chance to sample the current GTD over the summer, so click here to read more.) To go with the new body style, VW also gave the GTD a new TDI engine consisting of a similar turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four layout but with an output of 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque - that's an increase of 14 hp and 22 lb-ft over the current GTD. That's a pretty good oomph, but the GTD won't be setting any acceleration records with VW quoting a 0-62 mile per hour time of 7.5 seconds thanks to the car's 3,036-pound curb weight.

The styling of the MkVII Golf lends itself quite well to the more aggressive body kit found on the GTD (and likely matching the GTI). The new front fascia and blacked-out grille give the GTD a sporty look up front, while 17-inch sport wheels, rocker panel extensions and smoked LED taillights finish off the visual changes. The GTD will only be offered in three exterior colors: Tornado Red, Black and Pure White. As expected, the interior gets the plaid seat inserts and flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, but the car also gets stainless steel pedals, a black headliner, ambient cabin lighting and a specific gauge cluster readout.

Aside from saying the GTD will get a "lowered sport suspension," there is word on what specific changes were made, but if that slammed stance is anything to go by, this is going to be one fun car on the track. Volkswagen has yet to say whether or not the 2014 GTD will be sold in the US, but buyers in Germany can get their hands on this car in June with a starting price of 29,350 euros, which will include standard features such as park assist and a touch-screen infotainment system.

Continue reading Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD

Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Volkswagen Golf MkVII could come by end of 2012

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (MkVI) - Click above for high-res image gallery

The MkVI (sixth-generation) Volkswagen Golf has been around since 2009, and according to a report from Reuters, the next all-new Golf may be approaching sooner than we thought. According to a spokesperson for Volkswagen, the automaker will have the MkVII Golf ready for public consumption by either the end of 2012 or beginning of 2013.

Golf generational changes typically occur in much larger intervals, but this rapid introduction for the MkVII is a result of the Volkswagen Group's new cost-savings model architecture called MQB. Different makes and models that share the same underpinnings will be built in a similar manner to save large percentages of money.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

Report: Volkswagen Golf MkVII could come by end of 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments