Category: Volkswagen

Volkswagen is yet another manufacturer to show off its wares ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, with the release of information for the new Mk7 Golf GTD. The GTD follows the same proven path as the Mk6 model, whereby they’ve pretty much taken a new GTI and swapped over the 2.0 litre petrol engine for a turbo diesel of the same capacity.

In the transition to the seventh-generation Golf, the GTD has been given a modest power increase, up 10kW to 135kW. Torque has also been boosted, by 30Nm to a new maximum of 380Nm, available from 1750rpm. All this has been achieved while slashing fuel consumption as well. Fitted with a 6-speed manual Volkswagen says the GTD will use just 4.2l/100km, while the 6-speed DSG is rated at 4.7l/100km.

The good news keeps on coming, too, with the sprint to 100km/h being reduced from 8.1 seconds to a new mark of 7.5 seconds. The new engine also meets EU6 emissions standards, which aren’t due to be introduced for a few years yet.

It’s all pretty standard fare from Volkswagen in many respects. We expect the GTD will be a very competent warm hatch able to cater to almost all the needs of its owner. And we reckon it looks pretty good as well.

There’ll probably be more details from Geneva, until then there’s some introductory guff from VW after the break.

Volkswagen’s brand new rally weapon wasn’t the only bit of machinery in the company’s arsenal on display in Monte Carlo overnight. They also brought along the promised road-going version of the Polo R WRC. Confusingly, both cars carry the same title.

A quick glance over the spec sheet of the production model Polo R WRC will be sure to bring a smile to most hot hatch fans. Volkswagen has managed to stuff a 2.0 TSI engine under the bonnet and, crucially, a 6-speed manual gearbox too. That last bit will be music to the ears of Polo GTI fans who have hitherto been lamenting the fact that car was only available with a DSG transmission.

On paper, outright performance from the Polo R WRC doesn’t look earth shattering. Volkswagen says 0–100km/h takes 6.4 seconds, thanks to the 162kW/350Nm being sent through the front wheels. Indeed, we’d not be surprised if there’s some sort of torque-limiting trickery in first gear, and possibly second as well. However, once up and going we expect the in-gear acceleration to provide the driver with a wide grin.

Given the drama displayed by the rally car, the bodykit on the road-going Polo R WRC is a little tame, although the 18″ Cagliari alloys do look quite nice. VW has perhaps tried to help the conservative body by adding competition-inspired decals on the bonnet and just above the side skirts. They won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but considering the Polo R WRC will be limited to just 2500 examples worldwide, it’s not like you’ll be seeing them everyday.

Available only as a three-door and exclusively in white you’ll need €33,900 and a bit of patience to get your hands on one of these. The order book opens next week, but deliveries are not scheduled until September 2013.

In case you’re wondering, the asking price is the best part of €11K more than the German list price for a Polo GTI. It’s even more than €6K more expensive that an entry-level Golf GTI. Hmm, perhaps, price may be the killer from preventing the Polo R WRC coming to Australia; we’re not actually certain than any RHD models will be made in any case. Emails are being sent to VW HQ now.

For now, Volkswagen has really given us just the single photo to go with this unveiling. So, after the press release below we’ll include the pics of the Polo R WRC “Street” which was displayed at the Wörthersee show in May.

UPDATE 11 December: Just read a report elsewhere suggesting the road-going Polo R WRC will be left-hand drive only. Yesterday, we asked VW Australia for a comment on its availability down under, the reply was along the lines of “It’s too early to say, ask again next year.”

After showing off a Mk7 Golf GTI concept in Paris, Volkswagen is continuing the development and testing of its hero hot hatch, as these spy shots from South Africa show.

The pics were taken yesterday in Upington, in South Africa’s Northern Cape, where temperatures in the mid 40s are not uncommon.

The new 162kW/350Nm GTI is set for a European launch early next year. AUSmotive’s prediction, based on the phases of the moon and not much else, says the Australian launch will follow before the end of 2013.

[Source: opelclub.co.za]

Volkswagen will introduce a special Herbie-inspired 53 Edition of its latest Beetle. For now it appears the model will only be offered for sale in Spain.

As you’d expect the latest ‘Love Bug’ features blue and red decals over a white body and the the number 53 proudly displayed on the bonnet and rear hatch. Beetle 53 badging also appears internally.

Engine options start with a 77kW 1.2 litre TSI engine and a 1.6 litre TDI also offering 77kW. Volkswagen’s latest 2.0 TDI, developing 103kW, tops the 53 Edition range, which is priced from €22,090.

Oh, if you’re wondering, the ‘Escarabajo’ badging on the back, simply translates from Spanish into English as ‘Beetle’.

[Source: Autoblog.es via WCF]

Over recent weeks rumours of a budget brand to be created by Volkswagen have emerged. That talk has now been given credibility thanks to Volkswagen’s R&D boss, Ulrich Hackenberg.

Speaking to Autocar, Hackenberg admitted to “following the Dacia story very intensely”. Dacia is owned by Renault and is perhaps best known for the light-hearted jokes made at its expense by James May on Top Gear. However, it turns out the brand is kicking goals with increasing sales.

Hackenberg hasn’t missed the opportunity a budget brand presents, either. “There is now a big segment growing below us,” he said.

“In China for example, we’re selling cars for less than ever for €8000 but there are brands selling for €6000. It makes sense to rival these brands, we’re analysing it and pre-thinking it.”

It would appear that any Volkswagen sub-brand would likely use recently retired model lines as a basis, thereby ensuring costs can be minimised. “We have technology that has been invested in and improved over time, and it is easy to share costs with parts that are already available,” Hackenberg explained.

While acknowledging the success of Dacia, Hackenberg hinted Volkswagen would have eyes on a much bigger prize. “Dacia is not in big markets like China, so there is a lot of space to grow more,” he said.

[Source: Autocar]