Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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 Transmissions have included 4- and 5-speed manuals, plus the (obviously outdated) 3-speed automatic.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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closeEndingFirst-genGolfJettaMk1ProductionRabbitSouth AfricaSouthAfricaVolkswagen GolfVolkswagen Mk1Volkswagen RabbitVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenMk1VolkswagenRabbitVW Mk1VwMk1Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf pricingGolfPricingGTImpgrabbittdivolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf tdivolkswagen golf vivolkswagen jetta tdivolkswagen rabbitvolkswagengolfVolkswagenGolfTdiVolkswagenGolfViVolkswagenJettaTdiVolkswagenRabbitVW GTIVW RabbitVwGtiVwRabbitwolfsburgMon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Golfikraine sinkholeIkraineSinkholepotholepotholesRabbitrussiarussian potholerussian sinkholeRussianPotholeRussianSinkholesinkholeukraineukraine potholeUkrainePotholeVolkswagenVolkswagen GolfVolkswagenGolfVW GolfVW RabbitVwGolfVwRabbitThu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Every time Porsche re-does its core product - the 911 - we anticipate a staggered roll-out of new derivatives. Now that Porsche has Volkswagen by the reins, we can expect VW to undertake the same as it unveils new versions of its core offering, known here as the Rabbit and elsewhere as the Golf, now out in the open in its sixth iteration. Short of a new R32, enthusiasts are undoubtedly looking forward most to the new GTI. And if the latest reports are any indication, Volkswagen won't be keeping its fans waiting any longer as the MkVI GTI is tipped to be unveiled next week at the Paris show. Of course we'll be on hand to see if that's the case, so stay tuned, sports(car) fans.

[Source: CarScoop]

Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf rabbitGolfRabbitgtiparis volkswagenParisVolkswagenrabbitvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf gtivolkswagen gtivolkswagen rabbitvolkswagen rabbit gtiVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenGolfGtiVolkswagenGtiVolkswagenRabbitVolkswagenRabbitGtivwvw golfvw gti parisvw parisvw rabbitVwGolfVwGtiParisVwParisVwRabbitMon, 22 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen offering 0% financing on all 2008 models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/volkswagen-offering-0-financing-on-all-2008-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/volkswagen-offering-0-financing-on-all-2008-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/volkswagen-offering-0-financing-on-all-2008-models/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen typically shies away from massive rebates, but tough sledding on the sales floor had led the German automaker to take drastic measures. All 2008 models can be had with 0% financing for a limited time, which should help VW dealers clear inventory before the '09 models arrive. The 0% deals vary in duration depending on the model, with most models receiving the special financing for 60 months. You can even get a GTI interest free for five years.

Almost every automaker is breaking the bank with incentives to keep declining sales and increased inventories in check. VW is one of the few automakers that fared fairly well in August sales, so something as drastic as 0% financing is a bit of a surprise. Given that the competition is doing it, though, the German automaker may just be keeping up with the Joneses. Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen offering 0% financing on all 2008 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0 financing0FinancinginterestjettarabbitroutanvolkswagenVWThu, 04 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Golf Mk VI not U.S.-bound?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/15/report-volkswagen-golf-mk-vi-not-u-s-bound/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/15/report-volkswagen-golf-mk-vi-not-u-s-bound/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/15/report-volkswagen-golf-mk-vi-not-u-s-bound/#commentsFiled under: ,



Germany's Spiegel Online is reporting that currency concerns will force Volkswagen to not sell the upcoming Mk VI Golf in the United States, Brazil, and Australia. It all boils down to profitability, and it appears that the forthcoming Golf simply cannot be sold in our market (or Brazil or Australia) in the current economic climate without falling short of VW's targets. Thus, Spiegel reports that VW boss Martin Winterkorn told a meeting of the board that the next Golf won't make an appearance here in the States, period. The original article (in German) is here, and any German-speaking readers are welcome to add clarity to the report in the comments below.

In the US, the Golf (Rabbit) family is VW's second-highest seller behind the Jetta. If this drastic measure does indeed come to pass, we're left wondering what, if anything, would fill that void. Would the current Mk V soldier on, much in the same way VW continues to offer the Mk IV in markets like Canada under the City moniker? This is going to be an interesting story to follow, regardless of what ultimately transpires. Thanks to all who sent tips.

UPDATE

[Source: Spiegel Online (Translated)]

Volkswagen Golf Mk VI not U.S.-bound? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinggolfgolf 6golf cancelledGolf6GolfCancelledmk VMk VIMkVMkVimx VIMxVino golf 6 in usno golf mark vi in usNoGolf6InUsNoGolfMarkViInUsrabbitvolkswagenvwwinterkornSun, 15 Jun 2008 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Rabbit gets a carrot from Consumer Reports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



If Consumer Reports is right, Volkswagen is well on its way to attaining its dream of outselling Toyota by 2015. In the magazine's June 2008 issue, CR threw a handful of hatchbacks into the ring and the VW Rabbit hopped out the winner. The magazine cited the Rabbit's "very well finished" interior for its class, agility, braking and transmission as reasons to choose it over a growing field of small hatchbacks. CR also expects the Rabbit to have an "above average" reliability record.

The biggest negative the staff found in the VW was "mediocre" fuel economy for a car its size, though many SUV drivers looking to downsize will love seeing its 24 mpg figure. Staffers also complained about the large C-pillars blocking their view and engine lag after stops.

Consumer Reports has routinely praised the Mazda3 as one of its favorite hatches, but in overall scoring, the car now comes in third, slightly behind the Toyota Prius Touring. Rounding out the top five are the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport and the newly redesigned Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe twins. At the bottom of the list are the Dodge Caliber and the Chevrolet HHR.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

VW Rabbit gets a carrot from Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 May 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsConsumerReportspriusprius hybridprius reviewPriusHybridPriusReviewrabbitrabbit reviewRabbitReviewToyota priustoyota prius reviewToyotaPriusToyotaPriusReviewvolkswagen rabbitVolkswagenRabbitvw rabbit reviewVwRabbitReviewSun, 11 May 2008 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Golf MkVI delayed to 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/volkswagen-golf-mkvi-delayed-to-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/volkswagen-golf-mkvi-delayed-to-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/volkswagen-golf-mkvi-delayed-to-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Back in January we told you that new VW boss Martin Winterkorn ordered a strategic review of the Golf, Tiguan, and Scirocco. The goal of the review was to spice up design, and an unfortunate side effect is delayed product launches. Auto Express is reporting that the Golf MkVI is now scheduled to be unveiled in Paris next fall; six months later than the original plan to debut the car in Geneva. Here in the US, we're used to waiting longer than expected for an updated Golf, but this is undoubtedly a big letdown for fans of one of the world's most popular compacts. If Europe isn't getting the Golf until 2009, there is a good chance our Rabbit won't receive its overhaul until next decade.

[Source: Auto Express]

Volkswagen Golf MkVI delayed to 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Martin WinterkornMartinWinterkornRabbitSciroccoTiguanVolkswagen GolfVolkswagenGolfVWFri, 26 Oct 2007 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VW recalling 340,000 vehicles in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/vw-recalling-340-000-vehicles-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/vw-recalling-340-000-vehicles-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/vw-recalling-340-000-vehicles-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Those of you rolling in a Volkswagen Jetta or Rabbit that was hecho en Mexico, take note: VW is recalling 340,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. due to a headlamp defect. The recall stems from rubber caps that could be missing from the horizontal and vertical headlight alignment screws, something that's apparently required by federal safety standards. A V-Dub spokesman said that there was no danger to drivers, and beginning today, owners could have the parts replaced at a local Volkswagen dealer.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

VW recalling 340,000 vehicles in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alignmentdefectheadlampheadlightjettarabbitrecallrubber caprubber capsRubberCapRubberCapsvolkswagenvolkswagen recall jettavolkswagen recall rabbitVolkswagenRecallJettaVolkswagenRecallRabbitvwMon, 01 Oct 2007 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VW says Adios! to Auburn Hills - move to D.C. confirmed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/vw-says-adios-to-auburn-hills-move-to-d-c-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/vw-says-adios-to-auburn-hills-move-to-d-c-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/vw-says-adios-to-auburn-hills-move-to-d-c-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The workforce exodus in Southeast Michigan is slated to continue, as Volkswagen's North American headquarters is officially heading over to Washington D.C. VW currently employs 1,500 workers in Auburn Hills, just a stone's throw away from Chrysler's epicenter. The move to D.C. comes as VW has lost about $2 billion in North America in 2005 and 2006. Past headquarter moves, like Nissan's shift from California to Tennessee, have helped pare-down a company's white collar workforce, and VW feels its workforce is bloated and in need of fresh blood.

While it's unfortunate for Michigan to lose yet another large employer, the move promises to be a big win for the D.C. area. It'll be tough for VW to improve its bottom line, however, with the Euro worth so much more than the Dollar at the moment. Perhaps a view of the White House and Lincoln Memorial will motivate the new VW North America workforce to keep making great products, but with price tags that are a bit closer to the competition.

[Source: The Car Connection]

VW says Adios! to Auburn Hills - move to D.C. confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auburn HillsAuburnHillsbreakingEuroGolfJettaRabbitVolkswagenVWMon, 03 Sep 2007 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Oldest VW diesel found in California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/oldest-vw-diesel-found-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/oldest-vw-diesel-found-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/oldest-vw-diesel-found-in-california/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for high-res gallery

Back in January when Volkswagen unveiled its new diesel Jetta TDI in Washington D.C., the German automaker began a campaign to find the oldest running diesel VW in the U.S. The search is over, with the eldest VW oil burner being a 1977 Rabbit owned by Clint Wilson in Tehachapi, California. The 1977 Rabbit was the first diesel passenger car sold in the U.S. by Volkswagen, and it appears that Wilson's is still in great shape, something VW no doubt hopes isn't lost on today's prospective diesel customers. The car's age was verified by Volkswagen of America and Family Volkswagen, a VW dealer in Bakersfield, CA. The search is still on for the VW diesel with the highest mileage, but in the meantime, VW has provided Wilson with a Touareg V10 TDI to drive for six months.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: 1977 VW Rabbit - Oldest VW diesel in the U.S.

Continue reading Oldest VW diesel found in California

Oldest VW diesel found in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1977 rabbit1977 volkswagen rabbit1977 VW Rabbit1977Rabbit1977VolkswagenRabbit1977VwRabbitcaliforniaclint wilsonClintWilsondieseloldest dieseloldest vw dieselOldestDieselOldestVwDieselrabbitvolkswagenvwvw dieselVwDieselThu, 16 Aug 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Gen VI Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/29/spy-shots-gen-vi-rabbit-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/29/spy-shots-gen-vi-rabbit-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/29/spy-shots-gen-vi-rabbit-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , ,

KGP Photography was spending its weekend in beautiful Death Valley when its photogs snapped a whole lot of pics of the next VW Rabbit in testing. Judging from the VW engineer flipping off the camera (will they ever learn how bad that looks?), we're pretty sure the Volkswagen testers didn't want any pictures out just yet. A new, stronger character line can be seen spanning the Rabbit's flank, and the door handles no longer intersect said crease. The front and rear of the car are pretty well covered, but the general shape doesn't look very different than the Rabbit we already know and love. Powertrains are likely to remain largely unchanged, with a Euro-style range of petrol and diesel engines.

The Rabbit/Golf is perhaps the most important car in the VW stable, as it sells worldwide at very high volume. One place where the Rabbit isn't as popular is here in the States, which is part of the reason we didn't get the Gen V Rabbit until only recently. Expect to see the new Golf swing in to European showrooms in 2008, with the bunny-monikered version arriving here a couple of years later. Click the read link below to view more spy shots of the Rabbit over at Winding Road.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Gen VI Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jul 2007 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GolfKGPRabbitVolkswagenVWSun, 29 Jul 2007 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. or Bust: Volkswagen China developing car for North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/u-s-or-bust-volkswagen-china-developing-car-for-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/u-s-or-bust-volkswagen-china-developing-car-for-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/u-s-or-bust-volkswagen-china-developing-car-for-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,



Volkswagen makes good-looking vehicles with terrific interiors, very good fuel economy, and spirited driving dynamics. In the US, those virtues alone don't make a high volume automaker, as price tends to play a major role in buyer's decisions. Due to the strength of the Euro, VW has much higher fixed costs than its competitors, even when production in Mexico is taken into account. As a result of their large financial burden, Volkswagens usually cost more than most of the competition. To strengthen their competitive position and leverage cheap labor in developing countries, VW is planning on producing vehicles in China for the US market.

VW, along with partner SECI Motors, is a juggernaut in the land of the Great Wall, as the Germans automaker has been entrenched in China since 1984. The SECI/VW partnership will replace the Chinese market Passat Lingyu with a sedan that will also be sold on our shores. Many automakers have utilized China's inexpensive labor for cheaper parts, but as of yet, no US-sold vehicles have been assembled there. If VW can make cars in China that can meet US safety and emissions standards, Europe's only volume automaker with a presence in the US will go a long way towards closing the cost gap.

[Source: Auto News (subscription req'd)]

U.S. or Bust: Volkswagen China developing car for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinaJettaPassatPolorabbitShanghaiVWThu, 19 Jul 2007 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rabbit diesel under consideration]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/rabbit-diesel-under-consideration/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/rabbit-diesel-under-consideration/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/rabbit-diesel-under-consideration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When an automaker introduces any kind of expensive technology, one of the first things it does is to try to distribute the cost of production of said tech across its lineup. For Volkswagen, that could include stuffing their new diesel mill into the vehicle-formerly-known-as-the-Golf, the Rabbit. Great news for fuel misers and penny pinchers alike.

The turbocharged two-liter diesel will find its way into the new Jetta TDI come next spring, with sales expected to be between 15,000 and 20,000 units annually.

Although nothing has been firmed up yet, Norbert Krause, VW of America's director of engineering and environment, is well aware of the demand, noting that 40-percent of Jettas sold in 2006 were diesel-equipped. And considering that the crossover segment is expanding rapidly, a diesel-powered Tiguan, like the one shown at the 2007 LA Auto Show, is assured when it goes on sale in mid-2008.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Rabbit diesel under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselgolfjettarabbittditiguanvolkswagenMon, 09 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Snatched! VW R32s selling quickly before hitting dealerships]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/snatched-vw-r32s-selling-quickly-before-hitting-dealerships/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/snatched-vw-r32s-selling-quickly-before-hitting-dealerships/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/snatched-vw-r32s-selling-quickly-before-hitting-dealerships/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The last R32 was a favorite of tuners and VW enthusiasts alike, and from the looks of the early orders, the 2008 MK V R32 is going to be in hot demand. The kind folks over at Volkswagen gave current GTI and R32 owners first dibs at the 2008 model, and the VW loyalists didn't disappoint. Of the 5,000 R32s destined for the US, nearly 1,000 have already been spoken for.

The 2008 R32 will retain its 3.2l engine with 250hp, and 4Motion permanent AWD will be standard. The starting price of the hot hatch will be a breath-taking $32,990, putting it in 3-Series territory, but we don't think this will be much of an obstacle for those who covet the R32. After seeing the souped-up Golf in person in Chicago, it's difficult to foresee the R32s hanging out on dealer lots for long. The R32 roles out in the fall.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Snatched! VW R32s selling quickly before hitting dealerships originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GolfGTIR32RabbitVWThu, 21 Jun 2007 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen has been down this road before with the Jetta Trek back in the late '90s. This time, though, they're putting a green spin on it. Lime, to be exact. Chi-town Volkswagen dealers are giving buyers a bicycle and roof rack for the next month. The premise is that the dealer will encourage you to take your bike on quick, short-distance jaunts. Not driving a car at all by riding a bike is super effective at reducing fuel consumption, gridlock, and CO2 emissions. Biking is also way cheaper than exotic technological solutions; plus, you'll get some exercise, which is hard to come by in stop and go traffic. The cycle is still a Trek, dubbed the Lime, which is one of their newest models and has a three speed automatic transmission that automatically changes gears for you, in the hopes that you'll find it a more enjoyable way to ride. We'd probably hate it. It really is a great, simple solution that could work for a lot of folks. We know this is Autoblog, and this has turned into a bicycular love-fest, but we have to applaud the marketing stunt as an elegant (if gimmicky) way of focusing on our vast appetite for fuel.

[Source: VW via AutoblogGreen]

Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikecarbonchicagoco2cycledealerfreefuelgreenrabbittrekvolkswagenvwWed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: VW Golf R36]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/spy-shots-vw-golf-r36/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/spy-shots-vw-golf-r36/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/spy-shots-vw-golf-r36/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For those following the development of Volkswagen's hottest of hot hatches, it's common knowledge that the automaker has been hard at work adapting the engine from the R36 Passat to fit within the confines of the new Golf. Hans Lehmann and his clandestine photogs were able to catch this new breed of hatch undergoing cold weather testing, but according to the shooters, those R32 badges on the deck lid don't tell the truth about what lies beneath.

The Golf R36 prototype benefits from the aforementioned engine upgrade, producing power somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 HP and sending it to all four wheels via a DSG gearbox. Although the exterior hasn't benefited from any extensive modifications, those gaping air intakes in the front fascia certainly speak to the R36's sporting creds.

If we ever see this thing Stateside, we hope that those roof-mounted driving lamps are offered as a factory accessory.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: VW Golf R36 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfr32r34r36rabbitvolkswagenTue, 13 Mar 2007 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Next VW Rabbit to take cues from IROC Concept?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/next-vw-rabbit-to-take-cues-from-iroc-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/next-vw-rabbit-to-take-cues-from-iroc-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/next-vw-rabbit-to-take-cues-from-iroc-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for more speculative renderings of the next Golf/Rabbit

The next-generation Golf/Rabbit will take many of its key design themes from the forthcoming Scirocco, according to enthusiast website InfoMotori. The Scirocco, as you know by now, is the name the production version of the IROC concept car introduced last year will wear when it heads to showrooms. To illustrate what this could translate into visually, they contracted designer Andrea Rosati to create renderings of a Golf sporting the IROCized design language. InfoMotori was kind enough to permit us to reproduce the images here for you.

Obviously, there's nothing final about any of this. Whether or not you like the possible new look will have a lot to do with how much you like the IROC. We still think that new face makes the car look like some sort of Pokemon critter. But that's just us.

Tell us what you think. For visual help, we've attached a gallery of the IROC as well.

[Source: InfoMotori]

Gallery: VW Golf VI renderengs by Andrea Rosati


Gallery: Volkswagen IROC

Next VW Rabbit to take cues from IROC Concept? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf VIGolfViIROCnext-gen golfNext-genGolfrabbitsciroccoWed, 07 Feb 2007 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VW drops prices on three models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/vw-drops-prices-on-three-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/vw-drops-prices-on-three-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/vw-drops-prices-on-three-models/#commentsFiled under: ,



When Volkswagen originally began production, the idea behind it was simple: provide people reliable, inexpensive transportation. Oh, how far we've strayed, eh?

Well, Volkswagen has decided to get back to that core principle of affordability after a brief foray into upmarket motoring (ahem, Phaeton), by reducing prices on some of its entry-level rides. VW determined that $18k was a good ceiling for some of its base models, so you'll be able to pickup an '07 Rabbit for $15,620, compared to $16,660 for its badge-swapped sibling, the Golf. The 2006 Jetta would have set you back $18,530, but the '07 model comes in at just a tad over $17k. The 2007 Beetle will also benefit from a reduction, dropping $690 from its 2006 predecessor.

Considering the success of the Rabbit and the competition provided by its competitors (Civic and Corolla), VW might be making some of the right moves. Now about that German-engineering thing...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

VW drops prices on three models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlegolfjettarabbitvolkswagenTue, 09 Jan 2007 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Five-door GTI is bound for the US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/30/five-door-gti-is-bound-for-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/30/five-door-gti-is-bound-for-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/30/five-door-gti-is-bound-for-the-us/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Not wanting to be left in the sales dust by the quattroporte Civic Si, Volkswagen intends to bring the 5-door version of the GTI mkV stateside for 2007. That's great news for those who love the driving dynamics of the GTI, but need or want the additional doors. It will add $500 to the bottom line, and 60 pounds at the scales, but other than that, you'll come out unscathed. The latest generation of the Golf/Rabbit platform is peerless in its class, and the GTI model has had its teeth sharpened big-time. Paying homage to the original GTI formula while leaving room for updates to equipment levels and safety gear, the latest GTI is a winning combo of well-assembled efficiency and frisky motoring. The 200hp FSI engine is plenty powerful, while offering good chassis balance due to reduced weight vis-a-vis the VR6. Coupled with the pre-selector DSG gearbox, you can really wring this thing out while feeling like a racecar driver. We love the nods to the original badass GTI like the red stripe around the grille and the plaid cloth for the seats. The GTI was one of the bright spots in a dark automotive age, and this latest version channels that ethos in the best of ways. Not bad for a buy-in starting at about $23K.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Volkswagen via germancarblog]

Continue reading Five-door GTI is bound for the US

Five-door GTI is bound for the US originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007207 GTI207Gti5 door5DoorGolfGTIRabbitVolkswagenSat, 30 Dec 2006 13:49:00 EST