Category: Volkswagen

TopGear is telling us they have the scoop on the Golf VII GTI, which they reckon is due to be revealed later this year. If true, the most likely date would be the Paris Motor Show. That’s when the garden variety Golf is scheduled to debut and it would be unusual to show the GTI at the same time. So we won’t be surprised if we’re not seeing the next GTI in any official capacity until 2013.

Anyway, we’ve summarised the key features reported for the new GTI in dotpoint form. Follow the source link below if you want more.

• Greater separation between Mk7 GTI and other Golf models
• Patented welding process allows for aluminium roof on GTI, while using same production line as steel-roofed models
• Weight saving for GTI expected to be around 100kg (regular Golfs to lose 70kg)
• 2.0 TSI engine to feature Audi’s valvelift system for greater torque
• Peak numbers around 165–175kW/350Nm (up from 155kW/280Nm)
• MQB platform allows front axle to move 40mm forward, which should offer improved handling balance
• Electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip diff for better grip
• More direct steering rack
• Forward facing cameras for advanced safety features like automatic cruise control, automatic braking and lane assist

[Source: TopGear]

Volkswagen Australia has updated the pricing for its Polo range. Not all models are affected, the Polo GTI, for example, remains the same list price it was when originally launched in late 2010.

Entry level pricing for the Polo now begins at $16,990 for the five-door Trendline with 5-speed manual. This model was previously only available as a three-door and was priced from $16,690. Prices for other models, except the GTI, have dropped by $860 across the range.

Volkswagen has increased the level of specification across the board, too, with features like Bluetooth and Media Device Interface (iPod connectivity) finally being added as standard equipment. Daytime driving lights have been thrown in for good measure.

The Polo GTI is the real winner, though, also gaining RCD510 touchscreen audio system, climate control, rain sensing wipers and an auto dimming rear-view mirror.

This latest spy shot of the Mk7 Golf show Volkswagen is in full swing as it prepares to launch at the Paris Motor Show in September this year. On that basis pencil in a 2013 launch for the Australian market.

Speaking to Car, Volkswagen Group boss Martin Winterkorn said, “The modular transverse matrix [MQB platform] opens a new set of opportunities. By being significantly more space-efficient, MQB offers distinct packaging advantages—which in turn will directly influence the shape of the car. Don’t worry: the next Golf will again be instantly recognisable as a Golf. But it will also push out the envelope in a way no previous transition from one model generation to the next has done.”

As more info on the soon to be ubiquitous MQB platform comes to light we have learned it can be applied in at least three different wheelbase dimensions: 2630mm for hatchbacks (Golf), 2680mm for mid-size (Jetta, Tiguan and Golf Wagon) and 2790mm (Touran and Tiguan XL).

The Golf looks set to feature shorter overhangs than past models, thanks to an increase in its wheelbase. It should also come packed with (or at least able to be optioned with) latest generation gadgets like Adaptive Cruise Control, lane assist technology and even traffic sign recognition.

MQB can also be adapted to suit Polo and Passat sozed models.

[Source: Car]

The Volkswagen up!, originally launched as a two-door only, has achieved strong market success in Germany. It’s little surprise then that a four-door up! will be launched in May.

Volkswagen expects the four-door will represent over half of future sales for the up!. They’ll probably also be quite happy with reports suggesting the MINI Rocketman has been cancelled.

The four-door up! range will consist of the same modest and frugal engines from the two-door. Details from VW below.

UPDATE: The up!, in both two and four-door bodystyles, should be on sale in Australia by the end of the year.

The latest tip on the new Golf VII says it will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September. This spy shot of a three-door GTI prototype, captured last year, shows the Golf will continue its well proven evolutionary path. It will be a bit longer and a bit wider, as is the norm with new models these days, but it will still look like a Golf.

The Mk7 Golf will ride on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform and will represent a much greater step in development than we saw from Golf V to Golf VI. The new model architecture will underpin several models; one of the first will be the new Audi A3.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via WCF]