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Volkswagen

Golf GTD spotted in Sydney

VW Golf GTD spotted in Sydney

Thanks to AUSmotive reader Ben for sending in these pics of a Tornado Red Golf GTD he first sighted on Sydney’s M4 last night.

Ben’s handiwork confirms first and foremost that eager buyers, and there will be a few, don’t have too long to wait until they can get their hands on what is effectively a diesel powered Golf GTI. Latest speculation from November last year suggested the GTD would be on sale in Australia before the end of 2009. That didn’t ever sound quite right to me. A mid 2010 launch always seemed more likely. It now appears that this will be the case.

The Golf GTD is powered by a 125kW 2.0 TDI engine and its chassis components are pretty much taken straight from Volkswagen’s hot selling all-rounder, the Golf GTI. The GTD’s body kit is also sourced from the GTI, with the only major difference being chrome detail on the front grille, replacing the red of the GTI.

Volkswagen’s diesel hot hatch can reach 100km/h in 8.1 seconds, but its real party trick is its in gear acceleration. Thanks to the 350nM of torque on offer the GTD will have masses of pick up once moving. The torque rating is actually 20Nm more than the soon to be released VW hot hatch hero, the Golf R.

Speaking of the Golf R, AUSmotive understands the Australian launch will take place well before the end of June. Will the GTD be launched around the same time?

UPDATE 9 May: More pics can be seen at the VWwatercooled forum.

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Drive Thru Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Passat R36

VW Passat R36

The Volkswagen Passat R36 has been around for a while now. After a recent drive, though, I learned the R36 still remains a worthwhile option for those who crave performance from their family car.

Its mid-60s asking price makes it something of a performance bargain in the Volkswagen range. Although, compared to some rivals, the R36 does ask a premium.

Given its R badge, VW reckon this car has some go. And they’re right, too. The R36 is the fastest car Volkswagen currently sells in Australia. You’ll need just 5.6 seconds to propel the sedan to 100km/h, with a further 0.2 seconds in the wagon. At well over 1700kg this is no mean feat, but possible thanks to a 4motion all-wheel drive system and a sublime six-speed DSG transmission, which is mated to one of the most charming engines on the market.

The R36 is powered by a narrow angle 3.6 litre V6 offering 220kW. That’s around 300 horsepower in the old money. It’s an engine that can trace its roots back the Golf VR6 from the 1990s. And the R36 represents the last chance you have to enjoy its delights before Euro V emissions consign it to the history books. A fate that has already claimed the Golf R32.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Auto China: 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton

Volkswagen Phaeton

Volkswagen have just released images of their newly revised Phaeton luxury saloon ahead of its official debut at Auto China in Beijing. With its restyled exterior, most notably the front end, this updated Phaeton couldn’t possibly offend buyers. But, does it have the excitement to lure customers away from the more established brands?

Well, whatever the answer to that question is it cannot take away from some of the trick technology inside the car. For example, an optional front facing camera can be used to read road signs which can then be repeated to the driver through an in-dash screen between the rev counter and speedometer. Internet-based Google functionality is available with the Phaeton’s in-car navigation system, offering users easy access to route planning and points of interest.

More conventional electronic aids include Dynamic Light Assist, ACC (automatic distance regulation), Front Assist and Side Assist (lane change assistance). The standard bi-xenon headlights also feature adaptive cornering capability.

The solid VW badge on the front grille not only has a new 3D like look, it also houses the sensors for the automatic distance regulation. LED technology features in the main headlight cluster, as well as M shaped rear taillights.

The revised Phaeton goes on sale in European markets in the latter half of this year and will feature four engine choices. Entry level spec is a petrol powered V6 offering 206kW. A V6 TDI can also be had, with 176kW. While those looking for more power can opt between a 246kW V8 or a 331kW W12.

Seating can be optioned in either four or five seat configurations and a long wheel base offering an extra 120mm of legroom will also be available.

More pics and detail can be viewed after the jump.

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BMW Volkswagen

Would you buy a GTI over an M3?

Edmunds, Golf GTI v BMW M3

Michael Jordan would. Not that Michael Jordan, no, the Michael Jordan from Edmunds Inside Line. In fact, MJ not only reckons the current Golf GTI is better than the BMW M3, he says it is twice as good!

It’s true, this is what he said, “This is some great car. It’s not that it’s less than half the price as an M3; it’s that it’s more than twice as good as an M3.”

There is some method to his madness, though, “I’m tired of driving 4,000-pound sedans masquerading as coupes. Most of my disappointment in the BMW 1 Series has to do with its unwillingness to embrace a new personality as a light car rather than simply perpetuate the old 3 Series template.”

Jordan continues, “For me, the Volkswagen GTI is the kind of M3 that I prefer, less like a V8-powered truck and more like the Whispering Bomb.”

I can see where he is coming from, and the price gap is exacerbated to greater extremes here in Australia, but if presented with the choice of a GTI and an M3, budget aside, the M3 would get my vote. Read the full article and let us know what you think.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line | Thanks to Adam for the tip]

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VII rendering

VW Golf VII rendering

The current Golf VI is not even two years old yet, but renderings and speculation for the new Golf VII are already building. Dutch website Autointernationaal is the latest to throw their hat in the ring, and here’s a round up of what they’re saying.

Continuing the evolution theme so well mastered by the Golf it is understood Volkswagen design chief Walter de’Silva has said the next generation Golf will draw heavily on the original Mk1 from the 1970s, as well as the Mk4 which originally debuted in the late 1990s.

The new engine range will feature a mix of turbo-diesel, petrol, hybrid and electric options. It is expected the new Golf will grow in width and length, but overall height will be reduced. We should start seeing official appearances from the next-gen Golf in 2012 prior to the MkVII entering the market in 2013.

[Source: Eurocar Blog | via Autointernationaal]

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Volkswagen

Good vibrations

Volkswagen Touareg - lane assist TVC

Volkswagen is responsible for some of the best car advertising of all time, this one, though, is a little bit esoteric. The ad is promoting Volkswagen’s Lane Assist technology and does so by using a man dressed a bear while using a jack hammer.

Lane Assist will be seen in VW models such as the new Touareg, which means Australian readers won’t have too long to see just how well it works. If you’re already falling asleep at the thought, then take the jump, watch the ad and let us know what you think.

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Volkswagen

Blue is the new green

VW BlueMotion range - World Green Car 2010

The good news keeps coming for Volkswagen with the announcement that its BlueMotion range has been granted the World Green Car title for 2010. The BlueMotion line up consists of Polo, Golf and Passat models and employs various fuel saving methods, aligned with diesel power to offer class-leading economy.

Volkswagen’s BlueMotion range was honoured ahead of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. WCOTY jurors spoke glowingly of VW’s TDI technology, stating, “It is not necessary to add an electric motor and a heavy battery pack to achieve class-leading efficiency. Based on Volkswagen’s common-rail diesel engines, the BlueMotion models are among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In fact, the Passat BlueMotion can travel just about 1,000 miles on one tank of fuel in the European cycle. As far as internal combustion engines go today, these models are the ultimate you can get.”

As far as local availability of BlueMotion range goes, Volkswagen Australia has this to say, “BlueMotion models are currently not available in Australia but are under consideration for introduction in the future.”

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R docks down under

VW Golf R

Thanks to AUSmotive reader Ed who has sent in these two images of the Volkswagen Golf R. The pictures were snapped at Fremantle wharf this morning. The great news here is that, firstly, the Golf R is closer to its local launch, but, also that the car in the picture is a three-door model.

Recently, there has been growing speculation that the Golf R would only be available in Australia in a five-door format. These pics would tend to indicate otherwise. Don’t be surprised, though, if Volkswagen Australia limits supply of three-door models. This is just a hunch I have, and is not based on any firm information.

More on the Golf R, including expected specification levels, can be read below.

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Volkswagen

Official: Volkswagen R GmbH announced

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Volkswagen have announced the formation of a new performance division; titled Volkswagen R GmbH. The company will be based in Warmenau, a few kilometres from VW’s Wolfsburg headquarters. Today’s news confirms speculation which first came to light in late January.

With over 350 staff assigned to the program Volkswagen R will assume responsibility for existing models such as the Golf R and Scirocco R as well as the R Line and Volkswagen Exclusive range of cosmetic enhancements (generally not available in Australia).

The scope of Volkswagen R appears to closely mirror quattro GmbH’s role for stablemate Audi. So let’s hope we see a few more cars adorned with R badging and the associated performance upgrades. Australian customers should get their first look at the 188kW Golf R in a few months when it goes on local sale.

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Volkswagen

EXCLUSIVE: VW Scirocco one step closer to Australian shores

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Cast your mind back to December last year, when news emerged that the 155kW Scirocco 2.0 TSI and 195kW Scirocco R had been granted approval under the Federal Government’s Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS). A post in the comments section of AUSmotive’s article revealed that this approval had been sought not by Volkswagen Australia, but by Melbourne-based importers the Australian Vehicle Import & Compliance Company (AVICCO). At the time I promptly fired off an email to AVICCO seeking further clarification of what this SEVS deal involved. Nothing…

…until yesterday morning. That was when I received the following news from a representative of AVICCO, “After a few ups and downs over a few months, we got the good news yesterday that we can bring USED Sciroccos under the RAWS scheme into Australia.”

Okay, the key word there is “used”. Perhaps not the way many Scirocco fans in Australia were hoping the car would arrive here, but given Volkswagen Australia’s apparent lack of willingness to introduce the model down under, this is a welcome step indeed. The variants of the Scirocco approved under the scheme, as noted, are the 2.0 TSI and R versions.

AVICCO have confirmed with AUSmotive that they have a client ready and willing to pony up the cash to bring in a sample car, sourced from the UK, to be used for compliance purposes. Assuming that process is given the sign off by the Feds, AVICCO expects to be in a position to offer the Scirocco to Australian customers in the second half of 2010.

Warranty and pricing information is still unconfirmed at this stage, but the 2.0 TSI version could well be in the same ball park as the current Golf GTI.

It’s hard to believe that it is as far back as May 2008 that it first became clear the Volkswagen Scirocco had a willing audience here in Australia. Now, almost two years on, it appears someone is ready to do what Volkswagen Australia won’t, and that is to bring the reality of the Scirocco on Australian shores within touching distance.

If you would like to be kept up to date on the progress of the Scirocco coming to Australia, I have been asked to invite you to send an email to AVICCO: sciroccoproject@avicco.com

UPDATE 14 March: Further clarification from AVICCO has been received on what the definition “used” might mean for their planned Volkswagen Scirocco imports. To qualify as a used vehicle under the relevant scheme a car only needs to have been registered in the original country, in this case the UK, before being put on a ship. For example, the registration period could be as little as one day. According to AVICCO, Australian customers could order a Scirocco to their exact spec and they will handle the rest. Sounds a bit better than importing a low mileage car that could have some question marks over it.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva: Volkswagen wants to dominate hybrid market

Volkswagen Golf Hybrid due in 2013

Volkswagen have announced at the Geneva Motor Show that they want in on the hybrid vehicle market. And they want in in a big way. In 2013 Volkswagen will launch hybrid models of the volume-selling Golf and Jetta models. A move VW expects will lead them to “dominate the hybrid and electric vehicle market”.

Indeed, Volkswagen’s Chairman, Professor Martin Winterkorn, has stated, “The goal is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018.

“We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the brand will also beat with electricity.”

The move to mass market penetration will begin next year when Volkswagen releases an evaulation fleet of 500 Golf hybrids. Volkswagen also expects electric drive technology to filter across all of its group brands.

Of course, Volkswagen have already dipped their tow into the hybrid market with the new Touareg. Audi, too, has it’s e-tron lineup. And the Porsche 918 Spyder is the undisputed star of the Geneva Motor Show so far.

More after the break.

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Motorsports Volkswagen

Geneva: Volkswagen CrossGolf

Volkswagen CrossGolf

Volkswagen claim the Golf is “the most successful vehicle concept of all times”. Presumably they have reached this conclusion based on total sales. So, is it any wonder that they are milking the platform with the CrossGolf, the sixth model line in the Golf range.

Essentially what you see is what you get. A body based on the GolfPlus, including an extra 20mm ride height, a few exterior plastic bits and some model specific interior trim. Voila, a new model.

It is unlikely we will ever see the CrossGolf in Australia. Which is a shame. A real shame. Just wait until you see the new Subaru Impreza XV, which will be here mid-year. Somebody really needs to tell Subaru’s designers to stop the madness!

I digress, more pics and details of the comparatively attractive, but probably quite pointless CrossGolf can be seen after the jump.

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