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Volkswagen GTI-R with AWD coming to Frankfurt

The rumored Volkswagen Scirocco R20T never made an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show, but according to CAR, V-Dub has something else up its sleeve for this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The Brit pub is reporting the imminent arrival of the Volkswagen Golf GTI-R, a hotter version of VW’s iconic hatch with a more powerful variant of the turbocharged 2.0-liter motivating all four wheels.

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.

Volkswagen to sell two versions of Polo in U.S. in 2011

Volkswagen has every intention of selling its compact Polo in the States, but we won’t be getting the 2010 model that debut at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. Volkswagen of America CEO, Stefan Jacoby, says the fifth-generation Polo is still too small for the American market, so instead, VW is developing two versions for the U.S. – a small sedan and a five-door version – each featuring a longer wheelbase and a slightly taller roofline.

The sedan variant will be smaller than the current Jetta, while the four-door wagon will take aim at the Honda Fit. According to Jacoby, “It’s more like a cross between a compact minivan and a hatchback.” Sounds like a Fit competitor to us.

Pricing is still a long way off, but Jacoby admitted that the “sweet spot” is somewhere between $13,000 and $15,000. If VW wants to hit that price point, the U.S.-market Polo will need to be built in North America, likely at V-Dub’s factory in Puebla, Mexico. Expect the Polo to hit the States in 2011, equipped with a variation of the 1.2-liter inline four due to go on sale in Europe this June.

VW Golf 1.6S

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

VW Touareg Hybrid

It’s Volkswagen’s most powerful planet-saver yet! This all-new Touareg Hybrid SUV has been confirmed for production.

However, it doesn’t look too eco-friendly on the face of it, as most of the power comes from the 3.0-litre supercharged TSI V6 also found in Audi’s S4. That means 328bhp and 440Nm during normal driving.

The big green news, though, is the rear-mounted electric motor, as it can power the car independently at low speeds. It boosts the V6 in short bursts at the top end, too, taking power to 369bhp, torque to 550Nm and giving 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds.

Overall, this sees emissions cut to 210g/km and economy improved to 31mpg. Plus, a new eight-speed auto box provides smooth, seamless changes whatever speed you’re doing.

Regenerative braking recovers lost energy and transfers it to the electric motor for re-use at low speed. Together, the eco kit is claimed to bring fuel savings of 25 per cent in city driving and 17 per cent combined.

The Touareg Hybrid won’t see production until next year. But while it’s not as green and clean as the firm’s Polo BlueMotion supermini, it’s certainly easier on the conscience than most 4×4s.

Rival: Lexus RX400h
Swish, fashionable and practical, the Lexus has been a winner with the 4×4 brigade. But it’s been around for a while now and looks a little long in the tooth – so the fresh-faced Touareg will be a force to be reckoned with next year.
Details
Price: TBC
Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6/rear-mounted electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Power: 328bhp/369bhp (boost)
Torque: 440Nm/550Nm (boost)
0-62/top spd: 6.8sec/149mph
Econ/CO2: 31mpg/210g/km
Equipment: LCD screen with energy/power display, alloys, regenerative braking, CD stereo
On sale: 2010