Category: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Australia has recently launched the updated CC to the local market. They’ll be offering two models for sale, the 2.0 litre 125TDI ($54,990) and the 3.6 litre V6 FSI ($64,990).

We reckon the CC has matured nicely compared to its predecessor, the Passat CC. We also reckon the 220kW V6 FSI is the model to buy, as it represents one of the last chances to get your hands on Volkswagen’s delightful bent six cylinder engine. To help sweeten the deal, Volkswagen has fitted its 4motion all-wheel drive system as standard to the V6 model.

As it is the CC range is quite well equipped, boasting features such as satellite navigation, rear view camera and a Driver Fatigue Detection system.

Optional equipment includes Adaptive Cruise Control with City Emergency Brake feature, Side Assist and Lane Assist, as well as Active Climate Control which also brings a gentle massage function to the front seats.

We hope you like DSG technology because that’s all you’re getting. In the CC, the transmission retains a traditional 6-speed set up.

Overall we give the CC a qualified thumbs up; we like the exterior but think the interior could do with a bit of a spruce up. There’s not much wrong with it, being a Volkswagen, but it’s starting to show its age.

We’ve brought you plenty of updates on the Golf VII GTI already, but now Autocar is predicting a significant power boost for the Golf icon. It was previously reported the 2.0 litre turbo in the next GTI would have around 165–170kW, but suggestions now predict as much as 195kW (260hp).

Due for sales release in 2013 the new GTI will feature a “VAQ” limited slip differential, which Volkswagen expects will provide noteworthy improvements to the car’s grip and handling.

Volkswagen’s new MQB platform will offer weight savings compared to the Mk6 Golf, which could be complemented by the use of aluminium body panels for the roof and floor on the GTI. It’s also worth noting the next Golf R may feature a carbon fibre roof.

We’re not entirely sure if those power predictions will be accurate. Although, when you consider the power provided by the Renaultsport Megane, perhaps VW is just playing catch up.

Make sure you check out the video below, showing the Mk7 GTI being tested at the Nürburgring.

[Source: Autocar]

If you look closely, beneath that heavy camouflage, trying to peek out is a honeycomb grille. That and the lowered stance of the Golf VII prototype are the best clues that we’re looking at the next-gen GTI.

The regular Golf is due for its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, so don’t expect to see the GTI in showrooms anywhere until 2013. And we’d say it’ll be late next year before there’s any chance of seeing one in an Australian dealership.

So far the gossip on the Golf VII GTI tells us we can expect it to weight 100kg less, have around 165–170kW and maybe even a mechanical LSD. We’re very keen to see how it shapes up.

While the sales debut of the new GTI won’t take place until next year, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Volkswagen got fans around the world a tad worked up by turning up to Paris with a “concept” GTI.

[Source: WCF]

A favourable response to the buggy up! and cross up! concepts has encouraged Volkswagen to seriously consider adding a crossover variant to its up! range, German newspaper Handelsblatt reports.

The up! is built at Volkswagen’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia and manager Albrecht Reimold says the up! was designed to carry a range of different models. Although, he would not go on record to confirm production plans for the up! crossover.

Handelsblatt claims the up! crossover would sell for less than €20,000—around three quarters of the price of an entry level Tiguan.

Australian sales data indicates the demand for SUVs has created a current that can’t be stopped. Would a wee SUV like the up! find a market here do you think?

[Source: Motor Trend]