In the sixth generation of the world bestseller, this is the fourth body version to be launched after the three- and five-door Golf and the latest Golf Plus. The Estate is one of the most successful models on the market, particularly in the company car market. Read the rest of this entry »

The Golf model lineup has been growing by leaps and bounds: At the end of 2008, the sixth generation of the bestseller was launched. Shortly thereafter, in early 2009, the new Golf Plus appeared. Then, the current Golf GTI was vaulted to center stage, closely followed by the new Golf Variant. And now the lineup continues: with the new Golf GTD. Its 125 kW / 170 PS power level makes it the highest-performance production Golf with a diesel engine today. The code letters GTD have a magical effect on diesel drivers and carry on a long tradition: 27 years ago the first GTD debuted and revolutionized the diesel market with its turbocharged diesel engine; for the first time, a diesel was not only economical but exceedingly sporty too. The GTD paved the way for the worldwide breakthrough of the TDI – the direct-injection high-tech diesel of the Volkswagen Group. Read the rest of this entry »

Volkswagen will begin accepting advance orders for the new Golf Estate this Friday. In the sixth generation of the world bestseller, after the 2-door and 4-door Golfs and the latest Golf Plus, this is the fourth body version to be launched. The estate is one of the most successful models on the market, particularly in the company car market. The extensive redesign of this Estate should ensure that the all-around talent further extends its position as a business estate car and as a first car for families as well. The base price of the new Golf Estate in Germany, including ESP, six airbags, daytime running lights, roof railing, power windows all around, upshift indicator, power and heated outside mirrors, 1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear bench seat and seatback, central locking with RF remote control, climate control and 1,495 litres of cargo capacity is € 18,500. Read the rest of this entry »

The Golf GTI and the new Polo are Volkswagen highlights this spring. Both are launching right now, and both are successors to absolute bestsellers. Both are prime examples of affordable automotive dreams. The GTI for sure, because it is the icon among compact sports cars. And the Polo, because it is small but not meager. That is why these cars have what is possibly the biggest active fan club in the world. Once a year they meet at Wörthersee. This time Volkswagen has brought along two sensational concept cars of the new bestsellers: special “Wörthersee 09” editions of the Golf GTI and Polo. Read the rest of this entry »

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After the Polo, the BlueMotion offensive and the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is pulling the next arrow out of its quiver: this time it is the Golf GTD. It is extremely fuel efficient yet exceedingly sporty, and it is debuting as a world premiere at the Auto Mobil International in Leipzig (March 28 to April 05). The GTD code letters carry on a tradition: the first Golf GTD appeared back in 1982 – it was the GTI among diesels. Now Volkswagen has perfected the various aspects of sportiness. The new Golf GTD with its 125 kW / 170 PS is aimed at all diesel fans who value a maximum in dynamic performance. This is where the GTD shows a clear affinity to the new GTI (155 kW / 210 PS). While the GTI is in its own league with an efficient turbo gasoline engine that offers the same performance as far more expensive sports cars, the Golf GTD is making its appearance with phenomenal fuel economy. Every 100 kilometers, just 5.3 liters of fuel flow through the piezo injection valves of the common rail engine that can hardly be pegged as a diesel. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. This contrasts with a top speed of 222 km/h and 8.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h. Read the rest of this entry »

“What else was there in 1976?” calls out “Strietzel”, also known as Hans-Joachim Stuck, from the driver’s window as he starts up a first generation Golf GTI after more than thirty years. “Whenever a person had a chance to drive a 911, it was a real experience. And then all of a sudden this experience was possible in the GTI too. Clearly on a different level, but affordable for everyone. That was the genius of this car, and it has stayed that way right up to today. The new GTI is a prime example of this.” Stuck – one of the true giants of international car racing – works closely with Volkswagen AG. As a representative and driver in car racing, and as an expert in chassis and powertrain tuning in vehicle development, he also put the final touches on the new Golf GTI together with the experts of team “Hackenberg”. On the Nürburgring as well, where development chief Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg and Hans-Joachim Stuck competed in parallel, driving Sciroccos for glory and professional experience in last year’s 24-hour race. Read the rest of this entry »