Tag: VW

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Amarok picks up international award

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen’s new Amarok (think of it as a German Hilux) has just been named the International Pick-Up of the Year for 2011. The prize was awarded for the first time ever at the Hanover Truck Show recently.

The gong was presented to the Amarok by a jury representing over 20 countries. They reckon the new VW truck possesses effortless off-road abilities while being a class leader for on-road performance, as well.

A statement from the jury reads, “The new Volkswagen Amarok distinguishes itself by fantastic driving qualities, both on- and off-road. It sets new standards in the pick-up category in respect to load capacity, payload, interior room, comfort, ergonimics and fuel consumption.”

This news is perfect timing for Volkswagen Australia who are expected to show a production version of the Amarok for the first time at the Australian International Motor Show, which starts in Sydney this Friday. In 2009, at the Melbourne International Motor Show, Volkswagen had the Amarok concept vehicle on display.

A press release from Volkswagen UK follows.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Paris 2010: Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen revealed their new Passat at the Paris Motor Show overnight. It is the seventh generation Passat and worldwide sales have amassed 15 million since the first model was introduced in 1973.

Frankly, after the Audi quattro concept and the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, the new Passat is a bit ho-hum. In truth, it is exactly what you would expect from Volkswagen’s mid-size nameplate. You know it will have a class leading interior. You know it will be well built. You know it will be a safe bet.

The styling is not cutting edge, but there’s enough smart detailing to ensure the overall look is not boring. Mind, the metallic bronze paint and brown leather interior probably tell you a lot about the target market for this new Passat.

There are a raft of engine choices available to European customers. It’s not sure when will be offered to the Australian market just yet, or when the new Passat will arrive. There’s also some new nifty seat/cargo configurations available. And you’ll also find a number of electronic safety systems to ensure the car achieves the expected five-star EuroNCAP crash rating.

Full details after the break.

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Volkswagen

VW Polo GTI spotted in Sydney

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Thanks to AUSmotive reader Brendan for sending in these pics of a new five-door Volkswagen Polo GTI, spotted near Maroubra beach in Sydney. It seems almost certain now that the Pogo will be joining the Golf GTI adidas on the Volkswagen stand at the Australian International Motor Show next month.

The sighting follows news of the basic specification levels and options for the Polo GTI, which have been circulating for a couple of weeks now. Volkswagen dealers are, at this stage, keeping pricing information very close to their chest.

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Volkswagen

All day I dream about Sydney

Volkswagen Golf GTI adidas

The Volkswagen Golf GTI adidas is coming to the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Even better, perhaps, is news that you will be able to buy one as well. The list price for this special edition model is $45,990.

Using the familiar and highly successful GTI as a starting point the adidas version includes dedicated badging and interior seat trim, along with unique 18″ “Serron” alloy wheels. Also thrown in are bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering functionality, rear LED tail lights (previously only seen on the Golf R) and an RCD510 stereo system complemented with Media Device Interface and Bluetooth connectivity.

The adidas will be available in Candy White or Tornado Red only. In Australia they will also be limited to five-door and DSG specification. More details after the break.

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Volkswagen

Australian launch of Volkswagen Polo GTI imminent

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen’s mini-me GTI, the Polo GTI, is due for local release prior to the end of 2010. October has always seemed the most likely month for the car to find its way into Aussie showrooms. Perhaps the Polo GTI might even make an appearance at the Australian International Motor Show, which kicks off in Sydney on 15 October.

This scenario now seems all the more likely following the revelation of basic specification levels posted on the VWwatercooled forum earlier today. The information is from a customer who has pre-ordered a new Pogo and is expecting to take delivery in early October.

The information reveals the Polo GTI will be available in three and five door platforms, both come standard with a 7-speed DSG transmission. The Polo GTI is currently not available with a manual gearbox. It will be available in five colours, Candy White, Flash Red, Reflex Silver, Shadow Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect.

Other standard equipment includes 17″ Denver alloy wheels—wearing 205/45/17 rubber, cruise control, ESP, XDL (Extended electronic Differential Lock), daytime running lights, leather multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles and an MP3 compatible stereo system featuring six-stack CD player and aux in plug.

If you fancy ticking a few options boxes, you can choose from touch screen Sat Nav, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, climate control, Alcantara/leatherette seat trim and more. Interestingly, there is no mention of a sunroof option.

Follow the source link below for the full list. Once official details have been released by Volkswagen Australia you’ll be able to read them here at AUSmotive.

[Source: VWwatercooled]

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Volkswagen

VW Touareg R rendering

Volkswagen Touareg R rendering

Following the last week’s news that Volkswagen’s R GmbH division is expected to add some herbs to the new Touareg comes this rendering courtesy of the Motor Authority website. All the key “R” exterior features are there; huge air intakes in the lower grille, signature blue paint and gloss black mirrors.

It seems the 5.0 litre V8 will feature twin turbo technology to help it reach 500bhp, an engine likely to be found elsewhere in the VAG line up; Audi S8, for example. Of course, the Touareg R hybrid will have an electric motor providing another 50bhp or so.

The Touareg R is expected to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2011.

[Source: Motor Authority]

UPDATE 3 September: Car and Driver have thrown something different into the mix by reporting the Touareg R will be powered by a 4.2 litre V8 diesel.

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Volkswagen

VW Touareg R wants a piece of BMW X5 M action

Volkswagen Touareg

News has emerged suggesting Volkswagen’s R division are ready to spice things up with the new Touareg SUV. Accordingly they’ve set their sights on the very big target of the BMW X5 M.

The big Beemer has a mighty 555bhp accompanied ably by a more than respectable 680Nm of torque. It has some balls, in other words. In return, it is understood the Touareg R will pack a 500bhp punch from a normally aspirated V8 engine. Realising this is not enough, the chaps at R GmbH are planning a Hybrid assault by using an electric engine to held nudge power to at least 547bhp.

A relatively low limit of 47bhp applies to the electric motor in the garden variety Touaregs, but perhaps an R version could have that limit increased, offering more power.

Usual R bodywork and suspension enhancements would also apply. This Touareg R might actually go alright. If you’re into that sort of thing.

[Source: Zer Customs]

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Volkswagen

The new New Beetle to reveal “radical design”

Volkswagen New Beetle rendering

According to a report from UK publication Autocar, Volkswagen sources have confirmed with them the new New Beetle will be a “radical design”. The rendering above is Autocar‘s interpretation of that comment. It looks okay. I guess. Radical? Not greatly. If the above rendering is on the money, then the Beetle will be taking on a more masculine look than the first New Beetle.

Apparently, we’ll know for sure what the new New Beetle will look like at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January, if not a bit before.

The Beetle will be built in Mexico alongside the new Jetta. The two cars will share many chassis and engine components. It is expected the new New Beetle will be on sale in Europe before the middle of next year. Add somewhere in the vicinity of 9 months for an Australian release, maybe pre-Christmas 2011 at a guess. A convertible New Beetle will follow in 2012.

[Source: Autocar]

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Volkswagen

VW Jetta drives around San Francisco

VW Jetta

Here’s a brief promo for the new Volkswagen Jetta. It is seen driving around the streets of San Francisco. Fortunately for Volkswagen, Steve McQueen was not at the wheel.

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Volkswagen

New VW Jetta Estate rendering

VW Jetta wagon

Earlier this year Volkswagen Australia launched a new Golf wagon model. It’s the first time such a variation of the familiar Golf platform had been offered down under. And, well, it looks a bit of an afterthought. Clearly not one of VW’s greatest triumphs in automotive design.

This new rendering from Car and Driver, then, gives new hope to those who like a bit more practicality in the Golf-sized segment. They reckon this is what a new Jetta wagon might look like. Or, more to the point, it’s probably what the next Golf wagon will look like. The article states the next “SportWagen” will remain based on the Golf VI chassis. Remember, the Jetta is now an independent model line.

Whatever the underskin origins of this new Estate car, one thing is certain, it is shaping as being a vast improvement over its predecessor.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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Drive Thru Reviews Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Golf R

VW Golf R

Details of the all-paw Golf R first came to light in September last year. Since then there’s been a sense of anticipation building here at AUSmotive HQ. On paper, Volkswagen’s 188kW hero puts forward a compelling case. As with any car the final judgement can only be revealed through first hand experience.

First, a quick glance at how Volkswagen have set the R apart from its lesser siblings. Up front there’s an angular lower grille with large open vents. Fog lights have made way for LED daytime running lights; the only Golf in the range to feature the latest in lighting fashion. Xenon headlights, with cornering assist, are standard fitment, too.

At the back of the car centre-mount twin exhaust tips have carried over from the Mk5 R32. Continuing the nod to current lighting trends are trick LED rear lights, as well.

The front grille, wing mirrors and rear skirt feature gloss black paint detail. Likewise the brake calipers, which are adorned with R badges up front. Model specific 18” alloys complete the look and 19” wheels in the same style can also be optioned.

Inside, think Golf GTI without the tartan seats and red contrast stitching. The steering wheel loses the GTI’s metal insert in favour of a gloss black finish. There are three seat trim choices, including cloth/micro fibre standard trim and optional leather. There’s also racing-style Recaro buckets to tempt your cash reserves.

The overall look of the Golf R is classic Volkswagen and, in this case, the term velvet sledgehammer is perhaps most appropriate. Actually, inside and out, the Golf GTI offers more drama with its splashes of red detailing and standard tartan seat fabric. Despite that, the Golf R gets it pretty much bang on in the looks department.

Under the skin is a 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder with peak numbers of 188kW and 330Nm. The engine was first seen in Australia in 2007 under the bonnet of the Audi S3. Like the current model S3, the Golf R is fitted with the latest Haldex IV all-wheel drive system.

But, the real story of the Golf R is told out on the road.

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Volkswagen

VW Amarok single cab spy shots

VW Amarok single cab

Until nowimages of the new Volkswagen Amarok have been dual cab models. Recently spotted near the Nürburgring, of all place, was this single cab Amarok without any of the familiar disguises manufacturers like to use.

Compared to the dual cab variant the rear tray for the single cab is obviously longer. Really keen Amarok spotters, and I know there are a few out there, will also notice the b-pillar is a bit wider now. Presumably this offers some small storage space behind the seats.

Its is expected the single cab Amarok will go on sale early next year. On that basis I would suggest Australian sales would commence in the latter half of 2011.

[Source: World Car Fans]

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