2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI SC 200
July 21, 2009
In order to safely bring the increased performance onto the road Sportec also recommends fitting the sport suspension that was exclusively devised for the tuner. Furthermore, a sports braking system is available for those drivers with special sports ambitions.
VW Golf Tops European Sales Chart in First Half of 2009
July 17, 2009
Despite the heavy competition from the new Ford Fiesta that increased its sales in Europe by a hefty 34.2 percent to 243,340 units in the first half of 2009, VW’s Golf continues to dominate the sales charts in the Old Continent with sales up 12.7 percent to 254,023 units in the same period, according to data released by Jato Dynamics. The rest of the top five list was rounded out by the Peugeot 207 with 193,778 units (-20,6 percent), the Opel - Vauxhall Corsa with 181,751 units (-14.1 percent) and the Renault Clio with 144,512 units (-28.0 percent).
Notably, the first ten places were occupied exclusively by European automakers - okay Opel / Vauxhall (at least for the time being) and Ford are controlled by their American parent companies.
Volkswagen was also Europe’s top-selling car brand in the first half of the year with 842,787 vehicles sold, up 0.7 percent over the same period in 2008. Ford finished in second place with 666,548 units, down 3.6 percent over last year, followed by GM’s Opel - Vauxhall division with 557,739 units (-16.8 percent), Fiat with 542,115 units (-1.4 percent) and Renault with 520,763 units (-18.4 percent).
Data: Jato Dynamics
Volkswagen Golf GTI by ABT
July 13, 2009
But an ABT Golf GTI is not only a hot piece of sports equipment for the road, it also looks like one: the bodywork package that designers have created underlines the car’s pure dynamics: no matter how you look at the GTI, it is always impressive. Rear spoiler and rear apron superstructure, side mouldings, front grill and apron as well as the diagonal 4-pipe exhaust system form one unit. ABT engineers also designed a front lip, which provide s a power-performance in combination with the front apron and the new ABT Daytime Running Lamp. The equally elegant as expressive colouring matches this: the paintwork in carbon steel grey metallic harmonises perfectly with side mouldings and front lip in the contrast colour red. The design also continues consistently in the interior, for all screens, the ornamental rings of the combination instrument and the steering wheel panels are painted in the signal tone. One look at the Allgäu sports car will tell you that it’s more than a “normal” Golf GTI - and consequently the sixth variation of the fast compact car with the large tailgate is steeped in the best tradition. Namely, its five predecessors also became powerful Golfs at ABT. ABT and GTI: these six letters have simply belonged together for 33 years.
Volkswagen Golf GTD - Comeback of a Classic
June 15, 2009
GTD key performance data: The new Golf GTD generation is powered by a highly advanced common rail TDI engine, which makes it stronger (350 Newton-meter), more economical (5.3 liter), cleaner (139 g/km CO2 / Euro 5) and quieter than ever before. The GTD is also sportier: 8.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h and a 222 km/h top speed prove it.
GTD affinities: The Golf GTD speaks to all diesel fans who value a maximum in dynamic performance. That is why the GTD shows such a clear affinity to the new Golf GTI (155 kW / 210 PS). While the GTI is in a league of its own with an efficient turbo gasoline engine that offers the performance of far more expensive sports cars, the Golf GTD is making its debut with phenomenal fuel economy and a range of approx. 1,000 kilometer (with a 55 liter fuel tank).
GTD high tech: The car’s technical ingredients are among the most advanced that the market has to offer. Naturally, the focal point of this high-tech composition is the TDI engine. Its specific torque is 177.8 Newton-meter per liter engine displacement. In practically any driving situation, the 16-valve four-cylinder engine offers the power of a sports car engine with six cylinders. Just as pioneering is the six-speed DSG gearbox from Volkswagen: Just as on the Golf GTI, on the Golf GTD too there will be an optional dual clutch transmission in place of the standard six-speed version; no other automatic performs more quickly or efficiently. The Golf GTD with DSG is capable of achieving 220 km/h, also accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and consumes just 5.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers on average (147 g/km CO2).
GTD exterior: The car’s visual appearance is impressive too. The GTD – equipped with a chassis lowered by 15 millimeters, 17-inch alloy wheels (”Seattle”) and 225 section tires – shows parallels and once again a similarity to the GTI in terms of its styling and features. Consider the front end, for example: Among the hallmarks of the GTD and GTI are their bumper designs with standard front fog lights in a typical vertical layout. Their headlights and radiator grilles share the same construction as well. In the case of the GTD, the horizontal stripes in the radiator grille – typical of the GTI – are styled in chrome. At the rear, the turbo-diesel also has a diffuser, but it is modified: The diesel Golf can be recognized by the twin chrome tailpipes of its exhaust system in the diffuser. The taillights are smoked on both top Golf versions.
GTD interior: The car’s interior follows Volkswagen’s GT philosophy as well. And this means ergonomics in its purest form, supplemented by features tailored to the Golf GTD. The “top sport seats” – the same as the ones used in the Golf GTI – define a higher standard. Their long-distance touring and racing properties are legendary, as is their styling. In contrast to the GTI, the black sport seats of the GTD are complemented by a light gray color in the diamond stripe pattern instead of red. Another highlight is the three-spoke leather sport steering wheel. And, as on the steering wheel, the parking brake grip and gearshift surround are also finished in leather. The instrument and door trim areas are treated with “Black Stripe” gloss-black accents.
GTD is fully equipped: Furthermore, Golf GTD features include details such as chrome bezels for various switches, a black roofliner and black roof pillar trim, automatic climate control, multifunctional display “Plus”, center armrests and the RCD 210 radio system. Standard features also include lowering of the passenger’s side mirror when backing up, heated windshield washer nozzles, headlight cleaning system, “ParkPilot” (with sensors in front and rear bumpers), ESP with countersteer assist and braking assistant, as well as seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver’s side.
Volkswagen GTI-R with AWD coming to Frankfurt
March 17, 2009
The turbo’d four-pot is related to the Audi S3’s mill, so expect output to be up and over 260 hp. And, according to the report, a major element of the GTI-R is weight reduction, so VW has opted to use the 2.0-liter turbo in favor of its 3.2-liter V6. The supposed weight-loss regime might come in the form of lighter structural and body components, along with a less luxurious interior that won’t infringe on the premium confines of the R32 and Scirocco. Then again, with the additional weight of the AWD system – versus the Focus RS and Renaultsport Megane 250, which both use a trick front differential to limit torque steer – the overall weight could be a wash over the standard GTI. CAR says the GTI-R should debut in Frankfurt this fall, with sales beginning in late 2009 or early 2010.
VW Golf 1.6S
March 13, 2009
Is there a weak link in the new Golf range? We’ve yet to find it! Auto Express has tested a number of models from the line-up, and all have impressed. But with a mix of hi-tech diesels and advanced TSI petrol units on offer, is there a reason to consider this humble 1.6-litre petrol model? Well, with 101bhp and 148Nm of torque, it’s not very rapid, but if you’re prepared to make the most of the five gears on offer, progress can be swift.
Emissions of 166g/km and combined economy of 39.8mpg are good. However, it’s no match for a diesel Golf, although a price tag of £14,372 means the 1.6 S 5dr is £1,683 cheaper than the entry-level 2.0 TDI. But best of all, you never feel like you’re driving an entry-level car. Build quality is beyond reproach, with sturdy materials throughout and a touchscreen display on the dashboard.
Engine noise is well insulated, so the lack of sixth gear doesn’t detract from the Golf’s motorway ability. The suspension absorbs bumps brilliantly, yet the springs and dampers are still taut enough to restrict body roll, resulting in strong grip when cornering. Equipment is rather basic in S trim, but you do get air-con and a trip computer. It all adds to up to another excellent Golf.
Rival: Ford Focus 1.6 Edge
If it’s sharp handling you’re after, the Focus is the car for you. However, in every other respect the Golf is as good or better than the Ford.
Details
Price: £14,372
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 101bhp
0-60mph: 11.3 seconds
Econ/CO2: 39.8mpg/166g/km
Equipment: Driver and passenger airbags, electric front windows, CD stereo with touchscreen centre console
On sale: Now
Golf VII - gets into shape
February 26, 2009
The MkVI Golf has only just gone on sale, but the firm is already working on its replacement, due in 2012 – two years sooner than anticipated.
Our illustrations show how the MkVII is likely to look. And as usual with VW’s most important model, the styling is evolutionary.
But it’s under the skin where this model plans to break new ground – leading the way in how cars of the future will be made.
Reports suggest the MkVII will differ so radically from its predecessor that it bears comparison to the giant leap Ford made from the Escort to the Focus in 1998.
Bucking the trend for ever-increasing dimensions and kerbweights, the newcomer will rely on a smaller platform than the current car, with many components borrowed from the forthcoming Polo. Lightweight body panels will reduce weight, so similar performance can be achieved from smaller-capacity forced-induction engines. And diesels are expected to make up an even bigger percentage of sales than at present.
VW’s highly efficient twin-clutch DSG gearbox will be offered across the range as well, while advances in its resilience mean high-powered versions such as the GTI will benefit from seven ratios instead of six for the first time.
The VW Golf GTI heritage special
January 20, 2009
That said, when I saw the first pictures of the new MkIV GTI, I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed. Was it really different enough from its predecessors to make a big impression?
Spending time with the car in the metal brings a fresh perspective. The next generation GTI is much lower than its predecessor, with a much more squat, muscular stance. Will that be enough to make it class leader? We’ll have to see if engineers have pulled off a similar trick under the skin.
If the standard MkVI Golf is anything to go by, we’ve got a hot hatch treat to look forward to in the spring.
And with a bloodline that stretches back over 30 years, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to chart the evolution of the Golf with an exclusive special feature, bringing together every GTI generation.
These exclusive behind the scenes snaps give a sneak preview of our photoshoot, which has just been completed at a top-secret photo studio in the UK. I was lucky enough to be there to smuggle out these shots, but read about every detail of their development, you’ll have to wait until January 21st, when the full 16-page pull-out magazine will be offered free with Auto Express, and featured in full on autoexpress.co.uk.
And the cars in our pictures aren’t just any old Golfs, either.
Granted exclusive access to Volkswagen UK’s heritage collection, we had all six generations of GTI in condition that had to be seen to be believed. There were no shortages of volunteers from the Auto Express road test team to go along to the studio shoot and get up close and personal with these legendary hot hatches - and we weren’t disappointed.
I’m lucky enough to have driven the MkI GTI in our pictures before - but it looked very different when I took the wheel five years ago. Since then it’s been re-built from the ground up, using parts from several other vehicles, including its legendary Pirelli ‘P’ alloy wheels. The result is a stunning time warp of a car that’s now kept under lock and key forever more.
However, the MkI wasn’t my personal favourite on the day. It was fascinating to see the proportions of the new MkVI, and I’ve got happy memories of long drives in the MkV, but it’s the black MkII that held the most appeal for me. Not only was it in absolutely perfect condition, but the styling looks just as good today as the day it was launched.
VW Golf MkVI 1.4 TSI
September 19, 2008
We’ve also driven the petrol version of Volkswagen’s latest Golf and it’s every bit as impressive as the diesel!
Petrol power is fighting back! The new 1.4-litre turbo and supercharged TSI engine under the bonnet of this thrilling new Golf proves when it comes to economy and low running costs, diesel is not necessarily the winning choice.
The 158bhp four-cylinder unit, which packs an impressive punch, debuts in the latest MkVI model, on sale in the UK from January. The engine is the only production unit on the market with both a supercharger and turbo.
As well as offering a great blend of build quality and luxury, what makes this model even more exciting is that it returns nearly 45mpg on the combined cycle. Pound for pound, that makes it the most efficient performance petrol engine money can buy. Exhaust emissions are low, too, as the car produces around 145g/km of CO2.
To make the most of the power on offer, Volkswagen has fitted this TSI motor with a new seven speed semi-automatic transmission. It is called a Dual Shift Gearbox, or DSG for short, and is operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles. The set-up provides smooth, seamless changes.
The manufacturer has also fitted this car with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). This electronic system helps fine-tune the suspension to give a good blend of comfort and control. By pressing a button on the centre console, drivers can choose from one of three specific suspension settings – Comfort, Normal or Sport – to suit road conditions.
There’s no doubt that the 1.4 Golf MkVI is an impressive performer – and, in our minds, better to drive than the diesel. That’s partly down to the snappy responses of the engine, but the seven-speed gearbox and lighter engine are also responsible.
Prices for the newcomer are still to be confirmed. However, they are expected to rise by around £700 over the current machine, so buyers can anticipate paying about £18,000 for a well equipped version of the newcomer.
VW Golf MkVI 2.0 TDI
September 19, 2008
It promises more luxury than ever, but has sixth generation of famous hatch been worth the wait?
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime! VW has unleashed its stunning new Golf – and Auto Express travelled to Iceland to see if it’s a winner.
As the famous family hatchback celebrates its 34th anniversary, its sixth major evolution has arrived. And the German company promises the newcomer will deliver unrivalled luxury and refinement.
To help substantiate those claims, our 2.0-litre TDI test car had an ultra-efficient engine and six-speed automatic gearbox, as well as touchscreen audio and navigation.
Flagship versions get computer-controlled suspension and a cruise control that scans the road ahead for slower traffic.
Up close, the bold new lights and revised grille give the Golf a sportier appearance than the MkV. But the changes represent an evolution rather than a revolution for the top-seller.
Inside, the difference is more obvious. VW makes much of the cabin which, as well as being lavishly equipped, gets fresh fabrics and trim, along with more comfortable seats. As before, there’s ample leg and headroom, and our five-door offered plenty of rear space.
The driving position is comfortable and provides a great view of the road ahead, while the chunky steering wheel in our SE-equipped car featured button controls for the sat-nav and climate control. On the road, refinement is impressive, too. At idle, the engine is virtually inaudible thanks to modifications VW has made to reduce vibration.
What’s more, performance and economy both remain competitive. The 138bhp oil-burner returns nearly 58mpg – which is 6mpg more than the previous model achieved – but also delivers a top speed of nearly 140mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of 11.2 seconds.
This is partly helped by the new dual-shift semi-automatic gearbox, or DSG for short. Although a six-speed manual transmission is also available, our test car was equipped with DSG, which provides near-instant up and downchanges.
Operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles, the ’box responds quickly to commands, sliding smoothly through the ratios. This aids poise and balance on winding, uneven roads – particularly under braking and when accelerating out of corners.
And even although the chassis is very similar to that of the 2004 Golf MkV, subtle but important changes to the design make it slightly stronger. This extra strength has been used in part to improve the car’s mid-corner stability, but is mostly aimed at upgrading refinement.
Coupled with the new, electronically controlled suspension that debuted on the VW Scirocco, it provides smooth, quiet progress which insulates the driver from harsh surface changes and potholes. But this new-found luxury has spoiled the steering, which lacks feel. We do, however, like the extra safety equipment which this Golf carries as standard. For the first time, there are knee airbags for the driver, bringing the total count to seven.
There is also a head restraint system, designed to reduce whiplash injuries, plus a revised and improved ESP electronic stability programme.
But the big question is: Has all this work really been enough to ensure the latest member of the Golf dynasty matches the high expectations of its fans?
When it comes to luxury and refinement, there’s no doubt this model scores a hole in one. However, the increased reliance on electronics to control the suspension and steering has robbed the car of some of its dynamic appeal.
Rival: Ford Focus
A recent redesign improved the looks and refinement… but that’s not enough any more. The new Golf has opened a gulf between the two that’s unlikely to be closed any time soon.
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