New VW Golf GTD VI Priced from £21,850 in the UK

The diesel-powered equivalent of the new Golf GTI, the GTD, will be arriving on UK shores on June 22 with a base price of £21,850 RRP 'on the road' for the three-door, six-speed manual model, Volkswagen announced. Those that prefer the practicality of the five-door model will have to pay a £585 premium while the six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox will cost you an extra £1,305.

The new Golf GTD is powered by 2.0-litre 4-cylinder common rail diesel engine, producing 170HP and a generous 258 lbs ft of torque channeled to the front-wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox. The 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint is completed in of 8.1 seconds while the GTD achieves a top speed of 138mph or 222km/h returning an average of 53.3mpg UK (44.3mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

The GTD's standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a leather gearshift, tartan cloth interior, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

New Golf GTD	Fuel economy, combined mpg UK	Price, £ (RRP OTR)
2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6-spd manual 3dr	53.3	21,850
2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6-spd manual 5dr	53.3	22,435
2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6-spd DSG 3dr	50.4	23,155
2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6-spd DSG 5dr	50.4	23,740

VW Golf Remains Europe's Best Selling Car in Q1 2009, Ford Fiesta Closing in Fast

Despite the fact that for the first time in 2009, Ford's warmly received new Fiesta hatchback managed to top the Golf VI in sales in March, overall, VW's bread-and-butter model was crowned once again king of Europe in the first quarter of the year with a total of 119,651 units (-3.9% compared to Q1 2008) versus the Fiesta's 113,576 units (+15.7% compared to Q1 2008). The Fiesta recorded a 15.5% increase in volumes in March with 52,805 vehicles sold while the Golf remained stable with a 0.1% decrease at 46,415 units.

The depressed European market, which according to Jato Dynamics' data, fell 16.9% (or 691,350 units) in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year, to a total of 3,401,473 units, is definitely more favorable towards smaller cars.

In March, behind the Fiesta, the top ten places were rounded off by the VW Golf, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207, VW Polo, Fiat Punto, Ford Focus, Fiat Panda, Renault Clio and Opel/Vauxhall Astra.

Overall in the first quarter of 2009, the European top sellers are the VW Golf followed by the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 207, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Focus, VW Polo, Fiat Grande Punto, Fiat Panda, Renault Clio and Opel/Vauxhall Astra.

And in case you didn't notice it, there's not a single Japanese or Korean model in the European bestselling car list...

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Data: Jato Dynamics

First 2010 VW Golf GTI Commercial Hits the Air

This is Volkswagen's first commercial for the brand-new, sixth-generation Golf GTI that just went on sale across Europe (North American sales will commence this summer). Shot at a port location in Long Beach, California, the German advert shows a driver fooling around with the Golf GTI. At the end of the video, the young passenger who appears to be the driver's son, asks for the keys only to be shunned. The video ends with the ticker "Nur fur Fortgeschrittene" which translates to only for advanced (drivers).

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

New VW Golf Plus: UK Pricing Announced

The facelifted Golf Plus that was revealed last December at the Bologna Motor Show is available for order at Volkswagen retailers across the UK with prices starting from £14,410 for the entry-level S model with a 1.4-litre 80HP petrol unit. Buyers can also opt for a 1.4-liter TSI with 122HP plus two common rail turbo diesels producing 110 and 140HP. Two trim levels are offered –S and SE – with first deliveries expected to arrive at the end of April.

Standard equipment on the entry-level S specification includes air conditioning, a CD player, multi-function computer, electric windows and mirrors, ABS, ESP, driver and front passenger's whiplash-optimised head restraints and six airbags. Moving up to SE trim will get you Park Assist, cruise control, a front centre armrest, leather steering wheel and 16-inch 'Atlanta' alloy wheels.

New Golf Plus	Combined mpg	Price, £ (OTR)
S
1.4-litre 80 PS 5-spd manual	42.8	14,410
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-spd manual	43.5	16,510
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 7-spd DSG auto	44.8	17,835
2.0-litre TDI 110 PS 5-spd manual	55.4	17,285
SE
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-spd manual	43.5	17,860
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 7-spd DSG auto	44.8	19,185
2.0-litre TDI 110 PS 5-spd manual	55.4	18,635
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6-spd manual	55.4	19,835
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6-spd DSG auto	50.4	21,185

VW Recalling 5,000 R32s in the USA over Fuel Tank Problem

Today Volkswagen announced it is recalling 5,000 MY2008 R32s (that's the fifth-generation Golf R32 for the rest of the world) in the USA due to a defective fuel tank ventilation valve. The German automaker said that when certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the valve may not remain fully closed. As well as causing performance issues (i.e., vehicle jerking), the problematic valve may lead to a fuel may leak, which as you all know, could result to a vehicle fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Volkswagen said that its dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009, but for more information, owners can contact Volkswagen directly at 1-800-822-8987 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-822-8987 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Giant Car Eating Pothole Swallows VW Golf in Ukraine

Talk about massive pot holes... What you see pictured above is most likely the result of a broken water pipe that caused this road which is located somewhere in Ukraine, to collapse and literally 'swallow' a bypassing VW Golf. Luckily, the passengers of the German hatchback managed to escape through the rear window. No word if anyone was injured or not in this bizarre accident.

No More Rabbit: VW Officially Announces Return of Golf nameplate in the U.S.

The Rabbit is dead, long live the Golf - again. Today, VW of America confirmed the rumors that the new, sixth generation Golf which was unveiled at last year's Paris Show (and not at the 2009 Geneva Salon as the press release states...), will be dropping the Rabbit moniker in favor of the Golf when it arrives in U.S. showrooms this fall. We remind you that back in 2006, VW of America decided to revive the Rabbit nameplate that was introduced on the first Golf, on the fifth-generation model. Apparently, the idea wasn't as bright as the company's execs initially thought...

Here's what VW's Director of Brand Innovation, Kerri Martin, said in a statement concerning the re-introduction of the Rabbit moniker in April 2006: "The Rabbit was always exclusive to the U.S. and Canadian markets; while the rest of the world had the Golf, we had the iconic Rabbit. The reintroduction of the Rabbit represents VW's commitment to this market and is a nod to the passionate North American enthusiasts who have an emotional connection with the Rabbit name."

Fast forward to March, 2009, and here's what Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America had to say about the revival of the Golf nameplate in the U.S.: "The Golf is an iconic nameplate for the VW Brand and it is known throughout the world. The Golf is VW's best selling global nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in over 120 countries. Making the change back to Golf is an important step in realigning with our global heritage."

Video: 2010 VW Golf GTI Test Drive in St. Tropez

If you didn't fancy VW's official promotional video of the new Golf GTI that much, here's an independent film that was (apparently) shot during the media presentation of the car in St. Tropez in France. Word of advice to the producers of the video; while we have no problem with the music overlay in the beginning of the film, we would have preferred to hear the sound of the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine unadulterated during the test drive.

Kudos to Maxime for the tip!

VW reveals sporty Golf GTD with 170HP and 44.3mpg Diesel engine

These are the first official photos of the new VW Golf GTD that was unveiled today at the 2009 AMI motorshow in Leipzig, Germany. As its nametag suggests, the GTD is the new Golf GTI's diesel counterpart and it is aimed at those who wouldn't mind trading off some dynamics for a thriftier ride. The GTD is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI common-rail turbodiesel producing 170HP at 4,200 rpm and most importantly, 350Nm or 258lbs of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. That's compared to the GTI's 210HP at 5,300 - 6,200 rpm and 280Nm or 207lbs between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm.

Like the GTI, the front-wheel drive Golf GTD will also offer, in addition to the 6-speed manual gearbox, an optional 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. With the standard gearbox, the GTD accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 sec (DSG: 8.1 sec) and reached a top sped of 222km/h or 138mph (DSG: 220 km/h or 137mph). The corresponding figures for the GTI with a 6-speed manual gearbox are 6.9 sec for the sprint to 100km/h and 240km/h or 149mpg top speed.

On average, the Golf GTD consumes 5.3lt of diesel per 100km or 44.3mpg US, which is significantly better than the GTI's 7.3 lt / 100km or 32.2mpg. Theoretically, the GTD can cover a distance of about 1,000 kilometers or 622 miles on one tank of fuel (55 liters).

The GTD come equipped with a sport suspension and 17-inch alloy "Seattle" wheels while the sportiest diesel-powered Golf borrows the designs of the front bumper, the radiator grille and the headlights of those on the GTI. However, the typical horizontal red strips in the GTI's grille are chromed on the GTD.

Inside, the GTD boasts sport seats in black and white plaid as well as a three-spoke steering wheel flattened along the bottom edge, a brake handle with a leather gaiter and light-grey seams and a black moulded headliner.

In Germany, the base price for the GTD which will be available in three- and five-door variants is €27,470 or with the current exchange rates, $US37,400.

Official: New VW Golf GTD with 170HP Diesel to Debut in Leipzig

Volkswagen has officially announced that it will perform the world premiere of the new Golf GTD at this week's 2009 AMI motorshow in Leipzig, Germany. The Golf GTD is the diesel equivalent of the Golf GTI -see our new gallery here- and it has been around in VW's range since 1982. The latest version is based of course on the sixth-generation Golf and it comes equipped with a 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel engine with 170HP that launches the hatch from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 222km/h or 138mph.

While the Golf GTD lacks the performance of the GTI (pictured above), it offers better fuel economy and in particular, it returns an average of 5,3lt / 100km (44.4mpg US) in the European cycle with CO2 emissions of just 139gr/km. That's compared to the Golf GTI's 7,3 lt /100km (32.2mpg).

Aside from the TDI engine, the GTD will also feature suspension and cosmetic upgrades over the standard Golfs. Official photos and detailed information will be revealed shortly, so stay tuned on Carscoop as we'll be updating this story as soon as we learn more.

VW Releases UK Pricing for Golf GTI VI, first Deliveries in May

The new, sixth-generation Golf GTI is available for ordered from today at Volkswagen's UK retailers with first deliveries set to arrive on the car's launch date, 22nd May. Powered by a new 2.0 TSI with 210HP that launches it from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 6.9 seconds, the Golf GTI is offered with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 6-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. Buyers can choose between a more sporty looking 3-door version or a more practical 5-door model.

Prices in the UK range from £22,410 for the 3-door GTI with a manual gearbox to £24,300 for a 5-door model with DSG. Standard equipment highlights on the new GTI include red and black tartan sports seats with red stitching and headrests featuring the 'GTI' logo, a flat-bottomed GTI multifunction steering wheel, red brake calipers, 17-inch 'Monza' alloy wheels and two-zone electronic climate control.

As with the rest of the Golf range, the new GTI comes with a bevy of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilization Programme) and seven airbags, including for the first time a knee airbag, all as standard. For our high-resolution image gallery of the production Golf GTI VI click here.

Golf GTI model line-up and prices

2.0-litre TSI 210 PS	'On the road'
3dr 6-spd manual	£22,410.00
5dr 6-spd manual	£22,995.00
3dr 6-spd DSG	£23,715.00
5dr 6-spd DSG	£24,300.00

Video: New VW Golf GTI 210HP Tackling Twisty Roads in St Tropez

It's all about the new 2010 Golf GTI today as Volkswagen released heaps of info, pictures (see here) and of course, a series of videos on its hot hatch that goes on sale across Europe this April followed by the U.S. and other markets in late summer. If you follow the jump, you'll get the chance to watch three videos of the 210HP Golf GTI that include beauty shots of the new model together with the first-generation 1976 Golf GTI and driving footage filmed on a picturesque mountain road in St. Tropez, France.

2010 VW Golf GTI VI: New Gallery with 45 High-Res Photos of Production Model

The wait for the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI is over as the German market launch of the hot hatch will begin in a few days with the rest of Europe following just after Easter at the end of April. North America and Asia will follow in late summer. As you can see in our mega gallery after the jump, nothing has changed compared to the 2008 Paris Show's so-called concept Golf GTI. The new model is powered by a new 2.0-liter TSI engine producing 210-horsepower at 5,300 - 6,200 rpm and 280Nm of torque between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm.

Even though its performance and displacement data might suggest that VW revised the GTI V's 200HP engine, according to the German firm, this 2.0 TSI is actually a new powerplant of the "EA888" generation of engines whose technical origins were in the 230-PS version.

The TSI used in the sixth GTI is a product of the second development stage of these engines and compared to the first "EA888" development stage, this engine has new components such as modified pistons and piston rings, a regulated oil pump, a new vacuum pump, a new high-pressure fuel pump and a new mass airflow sensor.

Like the previous model, the new GTI will be equipped with a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG). According to VW's forecasts, about 30 percent of all GTI drivers will order the sporty Golf with DSG.

With the manual gearbox, the car completes its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.9 seconds (same for DSG), while it handles a 1,000 meter sprint from a standstill in 27.3 seconds.. In fifth gear, the GTI accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in 7.5 seconds (9.5 seconds with sixth gear). The GTI's top speed is 240 km/h or 149mph (DSG: 238km/h or 148mph).

In terms of fuel consumption, the GTI consumes on the combined European cycle an average of 7,3 lt /100km (32.2mpg) with the manual gearbox and 7.4 lt /100km (31.8mpg) with the DSG.

As with the previous generation Golf GTIs, the new model will be available in three-door and five-door hatchback variants.