Volkswagen UK : Golf News Feed

Golf claims second Green Car of the Year award

2011-09-07T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion has claimed its second What Car? Green Car of the Year accolade. The Golf’s success was announced last night at an awards ceremony at Battersea Power Station in London, which is also currently playing host to this year’s EcoVelocity low-carbon motor show.

For the second consecutive year, the Golf BlueMotion was named best Green Small Family Car by the What Car? judges. What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: ‘The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion shows that it is still possible to be green by simply improving the technology that is already proven and available at the moment. The Golf offers a seamless driving experience that is hard to differentiate from a regular diesel Golf. It also has loads of luxury and safety features.’

At the heart of the Golf BlueMotion is a 1.6-litre TDI engine, producing 105 PS and 250 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm. Its remarkable economy and low emissions – 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and 99 g/km of CO2 – are achieved through a package of measures which includes a Start/Stop system, low-rolling-resistance tyres, battery regeneration, revised gearing, a multifunction computer that provides visual gearchange recommendations, and aerodynamic changes.

Collecting the award on behalf of Volkswagen was Head of Group Environmental Management, Andrew Bannister. He said: ‘I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of the Golf. Amid a raft of environmental developments in the industry, the BlueMotion remains one of the most solid performers and sensible choices. It retains all the safe, practical and reliable virtues of the standard Golf model while returning class-leading fuel economy and carbon dioxide figures. A best-selling family favourite made even better.’

BlueMotion is Volkswagen’s umbrella term for a raft of innovations that help to cut the cost of motoring by making every drop of fuel take you further. In addition to the Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion models is acomprehensive line-up of BlueMotion Technology products that use a range of economy measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Key to all BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology vehicles, however, is that they all remain as practical, comfortable and desirable as the standard models on which they are based and are just as easy to service, repair and maintain.

The What Car? title comes on top of the Volkswagen BlueMotion range winning the Auto Express inaugural green award last month, and adds yet another honour to the brand’s long list of accolades.

For more information please click here or enquire at your local Volkswagen Retailer. To see and experience BlueMotion products at EcoVelocity at Battersea until 11 September, visit www.ecovelocity.co.uk.

Celebrations begin as Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 goes on sale

2011-09-01T23:00:00Z

A 35^th birthday can mark the onset of a mini midlife crisis, the tipping point between the big 3-0 and even bigger 4-0. Luckily the iconic Golf GTI is in no such predicament, but rather celebrating in style with a special edition model which has an uplift in spec and appearance and, underneath the skin, the most powerful production Golf GTI engine to date. Clearly those gym sessions have paid off.

On sale from today, the Golf GTI Edition 35 – which made its debut at the GTI enthusiasts’ meeting on the shores of Lake Wörthersee in Austria at the start of June – has a 1,984 cc four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which produces 235 PS (25 more than the standard GTI) at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lbs ft) of torque at 2,200 rpm. Like the standard GTI, the Edition 35 is front engined and front-wheel drive. Standstill to 62 mph takes 6.6 seconds and top speed is 153 mph. The model still returns a very respectable 34.9 mpg on the combined economy cycle (35.3 DSG) and emits 189 g/km of CO₂ (185 for the DSG model).

Bespoke exterior styling changes include a more sporty bodykit incorporating new side skirts and a revised front bumper which sits below bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. Unique lightweight 18-inch ‘Watkins Glen’ alloy wheels, finished in ‘Dark Steel’ or – at no additional cost – silver, distinguish this model from the standard GTI, along with an Edition 35 badge on the front wing, gloss black door mirror casings, rear windows with 90 per cent tinted glass and rear tinted LED lights.

Subtle ‘35’ signatures are carried through to the interior, featuring on the head restraints of the heated Vienna leather front sports seats as well as the door sills and floor mats, along with a red stripe on the seatbelts and the now famous GTI ‘golf ball’ gearknob which is available on both manual and DSG transmissions.

Prices for the GTI Edition 35 start at £27,525 (RRP OTR) for the manual three-door model. There is a £1,295 premium for the DSG gearbox and £585 for five doors.

Although the new car is a special edition model, there is not a specific restriction on the number available. Volkswagen Retailers will begin taking orders now with first customer deliveries due next month. For more information contact your nearest Retailer or click here.

Hat trick for Volkswagen at Auto Express New Car Awards 2011

2011-08-09T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has won a trio of honours at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2011, with class victories for the Golf and Golf GTI as well as a triumph for the BlueMotion range.

The awards recognise the best cars on sale today, as judged by the editorial team at Auto Express. Both new and existing models are eligible and the best vehicles in every class are selected for an award.

For the third year in a row, the Golf has been awarded the title of Best Compact Family Car. Auto Express acting editor Graham Hope said: ‘The all-conquering Golf has turned winning Auto Express road tests into an art form and the beauty of the handsome hatchback is that there is something in the range for everyone. Whichever model you choose, you’re guaranteed the best cabin quality in the sector, as well as superb refinement and affordable running costs.’

The Golf, now in its sixth generation, has accounted for over 28 million sales worldwide since it was launched in 1974, making it the most popular model Volkswagen has ever produced, surpassing the 21 million sales achieved by the original Beetle.

The second award was won by the most iconic iteration of the Golf – the Golf GTI – which retained the title of Best Hot Hatch for the third year running. Despite 35 years having passed since the Golf GTI was launched, the car that defines the hot hatch remains the benchmark in its class.

Graham Hope added: ‘The Golf’s talented underpinnings can easily handle the GTI’s extra power, and its spacious cabin and high-quality trimmings help to make our winner both hugely desirable and very easy to live with.’

The third award went to Volkswagen’s BlueMotion range, the umbrella term for a raft of innovations that help to cut the cost of motoring by making every drop of fuel take you further.

Graham Hope commented: ‘The winner of our inaugural Green Award could have been a car, a person or a piece of technology – but in the end it went to an entire brand. The Volkswagen BlueMotion range takes the prize for the way its economy boosting kit delivers real-world gains to consumers with so few compromises.’

Chris Craft, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: ‘We’re delighted that the Golf has retained these coveted titles, and especially proud to have won the Green Award for our BlueMotion range, which shows that it is possible to offer practical real-world fuel economy benefits without compromising on practicality, affordability, quality, safety or comfort.’

The Auto Express award adds to the list of accolades claimed by Volkswagen in the past year from such prestigious titles as What Car?, Top Gear, Fleet News, Honest John and BusinessCar.

Volkswagen presents latest findings of electric mobility research

2011-06-29T23:00:00Z

Today, Volkswagen – in cooperation with six project partners and the German Ministry of the Environment – is presenting the current status of the “Fleet study in electric mobility” that was initiated in July 2008. The primary goal of the project which runs until June 2012: consistently utilise renewable energy sources for electrically powered vehicles. Within the framework of the fleet study, Volkswagen is implementing a total of 20 of the latest generation Golf Variant twïnDRIVE cars as research vehicles.

Their plug-in hybrid drives operate with zero emissions in urban operation using an electric motor. The Golf Variant twïnDRIVE enables distances of up to 57 km on pure electrical power; an additional small internal combustion engine provides for a total range of about 900 km. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn,

Chairman of the Management Board of Volkswagen AG, comments on the twïnDRIVE: “When it comes to driving with zero emissions within cities while covering far greater distances as pure electric vehicles – the twïnDRIVE system by Volkswagen sets new standards and could over the mid-term develop into the ideal form of mobility for the vast majority of car drivers.”

Fleet study encounters transition in energy production

The “Fleet study in electric mobility” is now assuming a high level of importance, in the wake of events in Japan and the German federal government’s mandatory exit from nuclear energy production. According to plans by the federal government, the number of pure electric vehicles will reach one million units in Germany alone by 2020. And these vehicles must be operated sustainably – i.e. from renewable energy sources – to attain significant progress in environmental protection.

Volkswagen counting on renewable energies

Before the transition in energy policy, Volkswagen had already appealed for the intensified use of renewable energy sources. During a workshop on electric mobility in Shanghai in mid-2010, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn emphasised that: “Future electric cars offer us tremendous opportunities for reshaping mobility to become even more sustainable. However, we must – on behalf of the environment – ensure that the energy used to operate these electric cars is also generated renewably, i.e. from renewable resources. Since carmakers do not make decisions on which types of power plants will be built, governments must assure that environmentally-friendly energy sources are utilised. Only then will we experience a genuine transition to a new era.” This new era is now within reach.

Optimising the stability of the power grid

Over 16 per cent of Germany’s electrical needs are already covered by renewable energy sources, and plans are afoot to extend this share to 30 per cent by 2020. Volkswagen, for example, has installed one of the highest performance wind power systems in the world at its German plant in Emden; it already supplies one-third of the factory’s energy requirements. In parallel, more and more electricity is being generated from solar and water power. These forms of energy must also be used for mobility. However, the amount of renewably generated energy is subject to fluctuations due to natural factors (e.g. sunshine duration, wind strength). This means that it is necessary to control intelligently electrical demand to avoid load peaks. In this context, the “Fleet study in electric mobility” is analysing the usage behaviour of drivers of cars with electrical charging, electric load control and intelligent strategies in the charging process. In addition, a scenario is being tested, in which some of the daily peak electrical demand might be buffered by the cars’ lithium-ion batteries in the future.

Plug-in hybrid will assume much greater importance

Through its “Fleet study in electric mobility”, Volkswagen is acquiring valuable knowledge on how cars with plug-in hybrid drives like the Golf Variant twïnDRIVE handle continual use. As already noted, the 20 Golf Variant twïnDRIVE cars can be driven over long distances in pure electric mode, i.e. with zero emissions. The expression “environmental zone” takes on an entirely new meaning in cities.

One of the goals of Volkswagen AG is to launch numerous plug-in hybrid cars on the market in the years 2013/2014. In the area of electric mobility, they are intended to supplement the Group’s hybrid models that are already being produced today (these models currently include cars by Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen), as well as the pure electric vehicles that will also debut from 2013. Clearly, plug-in hybrid models – i.e. cars with combustion engine, E-motor and a battery that can be charged by an external power source – will acquire special significance in the urban environment. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn comments on this: “Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential here, because it unites the best of 2 worlds in one vehicle.” The plug-in hybrid, according to Winterkorn, enables precisely what many customers expect: an unlimited driving range with internal combustion engine mobility and an attractive electrical driving range in everyday driving.

Fleet study brings together specialists in Germany

The large-scale introduction of plug-in hybrid cars and pure electric cars continues to be associated with great challenges. Prof. Dr. Winterkorn: “Electric mobility will be a century-long endeavour for Europe as a centre of automotive production and industry. Carmakers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians – everyone must step up to the plate.” In Germany, the “Fleet study in electric mobility” is bringing together precisely these partners.

Six project partners

The “Fleet study in electric mobility” is being conducted by six project partners from research and commerce under the leadership of Volkswagen AG. Representing the energy industry is energy provider E.ON. From the research area, the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft ISIT (representation of the battery systems and development of new battery chemistry), Heidelberger Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU; creating eco-balance), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR; analysis, forecasting traffic scenarios) and the Westphalian Wilhelm University in Münster (development of methodologies, laboratory testing of battery cells) will contribute their expertise and know-how to the fleet study.

Depreciation

2011-06-28T23:00:00Z

You may have recently seen this advert running in national newspapers, magazines or on poster sites around the country and are wondering how we calculated this rather “unbelievable” figure. Well it’s time to believe, over 12 months or 12,000 miles, the average Volkswagen really does retain an average 10% more of their original value than competitors.

In order to make this a fair comparison we chose several of our most popular models from different categories, in this instance the Golf from the Lower Medium Hatchback sector, the Polo from the Supermini Hatchback sector, the Passat Estate from the Upper Medium Estate Sector and the Passat Saloon from the Upper Medium Saloon, and compared them with equivalent models from Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Suzuki, Toyota and Vauxhall. In order to be fair we have chosen models that have engines with a similar engine capacity and power output, where possible we have also tried to match equal levels of specifications across the models we compare.

We then use an Independent data source: Derwent Management Services to analyse the results. In this calculation we have used Derwent Management Services to forecast the likely depreciation of the vehicles over the course of 12 months (April 2010 to April 2011.) The last step is to compare the models average residual value with comparative competitors residual values and then work out the percentage difference. The last step is to compare the models total running costs with each other and then work out the percentage difference.

We compared all models, doors, transmissions. fuel types and trims of the Volkswagen Polo to all models, doors, transmissions fuel types and trims of the equivalent models within the Supermini Hatchback sector (the Peugeot 206, Peugeot 207, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C2, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corse, Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz, Fiat Grande Punto, Hyundai i10, SEAT Ibiza, Honda Jazz, Ford Ka, Mazda2, Nissan Micra, Suzuki OneSwift and Toyota Yaris)

For the Volkswagen Golf we compared all models, doors, transmissions. fuel types and trims to all models, doors, transmissions fuel types and trims of the equivalent models within the Lower Medium Hatchback sector (the Peugeot 307, Peugeot 308, Vauxhall Astra, Toyota Auris, Fiat Bravo, Citroen C4, Kia C’eed, Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Colt, Ford Focus, Hyundai i30, SEAT Leon, Mazda 3 and Renault Megane.)

For the Volkswagen Passat Saloon we compared all models, doors, transmissions. fuel types and trims to all models, doors, transmissions fuel types and trims of the equivalent models within the Upper Medium Saloon sector (the Peugeot 407, Honda Accord, Toyota Avensis, Citroen C5, Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb.)

For the Volkswagen Passat Estate we compared all models, doors, transmissions. fuel types and trims to all models, doors, transmissions fuel types and trims of the equivalent models within the Upper Medium Estate sector (the Peugeot 407, Honda Accord, Toyota Avensis, Citroen C5, Renault Laguna, Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo and Skoda Octavia.)

The selected Volkswagen models (Polo, Golf, Passat Saloon and Passat Estate) retain an average of 69.29% residual value for this period, whilst the competitive models retain an average of 59.65%. Making these Volkswagens retain an average of 9.64% more of their original value than the competitors. We have rounded this number to 10% to achieve a whole number.

Golf 3 year costs

2011-06-26T23:00:00Z

You may have recently seen this advert running in national newspapers, magazines or on poster sites around the country and are wondering how we calculated this rather “unbelievable” figure. Well it’s time to believe, the average Golf really is up to 10% cheaper to run over 3 years or 36,000 miles.

In order to make this a fair comparison we chose one of the most popular specifications of Golf, in this instance the Golf S TSI 85 5dr 1.2L and compared it with equivalent models from Ford, Toyota, Honda and Vauxhall. In order to be fair we have chosen models that have engines with a similar engine capacity and power output, where possible we have also tried to match equal levels of specifications across the models we compare. (The Ford Focus Edge 105 5dr 1.6L, Toyota Auris Edition 5dr 1.3L, Honda Civic i-VTEC SE 5dr 1.4L and Vauxhall Astra Exclusiv 5dr 1.4L)

We then use an Independent data source: KeeResources KWIKCarCost to analyse the results. In this calculation we have used the independent data source to forecast the likely depreciation and running costs of the vehicles over the course of 3 years and with an average annual mileage of 12,000. The running costs calculation is based on the likely service, maintenance and repair bills as well as fuel costs (calculated using an average price per litre), we have also included the cost of registering the vehicle and the vehicle excise duty. The last step is to compare the models total running costs with each other and then work out the percentage difference. In this instance the Golf is up to 14.678% cheaper to run than its competitors but, in the interests of presenting the most accurate figure we have averaged the results of all 4 competitors which results in the Golf being 9.54% cheaper to run than its competitors, which we have rounded up to 10% to achieve a whole number.

The exact figures are:
Volkswagen Golf S TSI 85 5dr 1.2L costs £14,160 to run over 3 years
Honda Civic i-VTEC SE 5dr 1.4L costs £15,479 to run over 3 years (8.521% more)
Ford Focus Edge 105 5dr 1.6L costs £14,975 to run over 3 years (5.442% more)
Toyota Auris Edition 5dr 1.3L costs £15,558 to run over 3 years (8.985% more)
Vauxhall Astra Exclusiv 5dr 1.4L costs £16,596 to run over 3 years (14.678 % more)

To compare any of our models against any competitor for yourself please visit our comparison tool which uses data supplied by KeeResources KWIKCarCost . http://www.volkswagencomparison.co.uk/VWComparator.html

Details: Data supplied by KeeResources Kwik Car Cost June, 2011. Based on a comparison of equivalent models from Honda (Civic i-VTEC SE 5-door 1.4), Vauxhall (Astra Esclusiv 5-door 1.4), Ford (Focus Edge 105 5-door 1.6) and Toyota (Auris Edition 5-door 1.3) to the Volkswagen (Golf S TSI 85 5-door 1.2T). Assumes vehicles cover 36,000 miles over 36 months and cost includes depreciation, fuel costs and road tax over 3 years. Official fuel consumption for the Golf S 1.2 85 PS 5-speed, 3-door manual mpg (litres/100km): urban 40.4 (7.0); extra urban 61.4 (4.6); combined 51.4 (5.5). CO2 emissions 129g/km.

Passat demonstrates pulling power as it claims top towing gong

2011-06-16T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has given a demonstration of its impressive pulling power by claiming two category wins and the overall title at the Towcar Awards 2011. These are judged by experts from What Car? and Practical Caravan magazines as well as The Camping and Caravanning Club.

The new Passat Estate TDI 170 PS, which went on sale in January, won the ‘1425 -1574 kg kerbweight’ class as well as the Towcar Awards champion trophy, while the Golf was once again the winner of the ‘under 1425 kg kerbweight’ category.

Judges praised the Passat for its common rail diesel engine, gearbox, towing stability, refinement and space. Commenting on the car’s performance, Nigel Donnelly, editor of Practical Caravan summed up their views by saying: ‘The Passat Estate is very good at just about everything. In many respects, it’s borderline brilliant. Great to tow with, practical and economical.’ In voting for the overall winner, he said: ‘There’s no shortage of impressive towcars this year. That made choosing one overall champion a tough job. Our judges are a demanding bunch. We want a car that tows brilliantly, is a pleasure to travel in, economical to run and easy to live with. The car that fits that brief better than any other is the Volkswagen Passat.’

He added: ‘It’s superb to tow with. Some cars have the knack of relaxing the driver. The Passat is one of them. Unshakeable stability and steering which is responsive but never nervous mean you’ll end long tows in the Passat feeling fresh, ready to unhitch and start enjoying your holiday.’

On the Golf, Donnelly summed up: ‘The Golf easily won this class last year. In 2011, the competition is much tougher, but the Golf is still our favourite small towcar. Some lightweight cars feel nervous with a caravan behind them. Not the Golf. Even in strong crosswinds our judges found the VW stable and reassuring, a subjective impression backed up by the Al-Ko ATC sensors on the caravan, which showed very little movement from the tourer.’

In total, 50 cars were put through their paces at the MIRA testing ground in Warwickshire for their towing ability and were assessed for a host of other qualities including driving performance when not towing, practicality, value for money and safety.

On receiving the award, Kevin Rendell, Product Marketing Manager for the Passat in the UK, said: ‘I’m really proud to accept these trophies for the Passat Estate. The towing market is a hugely important one for us. This isn’t just a car people buy to get them from A to B: it’s often the key to all their holidays and leisure activities. They need it to be practical, economical and comfortable – and just take everything they throw at it! We’re delighted that the panel of judges have seen that the Passat Estate ticks all these boxes, and hope that in turn our car will delight its towing owners.’

Volkswagen Golf is named as the 'honest' choice

2011-05-22T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Golf’s successful run continues this week, with the car winning the Small Family Car category at the inaugural Honest John Awards.

The winners were announced at an event in London last night, and were awarded based on the popularity of the ‘most searched for’ models on the consumer focused HonestJohn.co.uk website.

A number of other models in the Volkswagen range have also proved popular throughout the past year on the Honest John site. The Polo (Small Hatchback), Passat (Large Family Car) and Touran and Sharan (People Carrier) all scored highly with the site’s users and were shortlisted in their respective categories.

The ‘Honest’ Awards claim to use the best experts around to select the winners: website users. Their interaction with the website gives a clear indication of the models that are really in demand.

The Honest John award adds to the titles of Best Small Family Car by What Car? and Best Compact Family Car from Auto Express, as well as a number of fleet accolades claimed in the past year.

Volkswagen Golf claims coveted Fleet World Honours crown

2011-05-11T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Golf has claimed the coveted Fleet World Honours Award for Best Lower Medium Car of 2011, adding another title to its name. The trophy was presented at a special ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in London today.

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: ‘The Volkswagen Golf just keeps performing, whatever point in its lifecycle, and the Mark VI is no different. Strong residual values, dependable on-fleet performance and classy styling mean it never goes out of fashion. And in BlueMotion guise it does something few cars can do: it matches its on-paper claims.’

The judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, and includes Ken Rogers, Natalie Wallis, John Kendall, Alex Grant and Ross Durkin from the Fleet World editorial team. Residual value, maintenance cost and reliability data is provided by ALD Automotive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions and ING Car Lease. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass, while fleet registrations data is provided by SMMT.

The award was collected by Lee Rabjohn, Volkswagen’s Regional Fleet Manager, who commented: ‘I’m delighted to receive this award on behalf of the brand. The Golf has long been a fleet stalwart – and it’s a huge credit to the car that it continues to win awards such as this. Vehicles that appeal to drivers and fleet managers in equal measure are not easy to find, but the Golf consistently remains one such car.’

In addition to its Fleet World Honour, the Golf also holds the titles of ACFO Car of the Year, Fleet News Best Lower Medium Car and What Car? Best Small Family Car.

For more details on the Golf visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/new/golf-vi

Volkswagen hits the road to get the nation Thinking Blue

2011-03-30T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen is set to take to the road for the next six months, visiting a number of shows and exhibitions with its BlueMotion Technology products, encouraging the nation to ‘Think Blue’ and find out about the latest innovations which help cut the cost of motoring by making every drop of fuel take you further.

Visitors to events including the Gadget Show Live, the Ideal Home Show in Glasgow and Gardeners’ World Live will have the opportunity to learn about Volkswagen’s range of BlueMotion Technologies by engaging with an interactive touchscreen experience and riding the ‘rollercoaster’ which takes them on a journey of discovery into the innovations which reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

They will also get the chance to get up close and personal with one of Volkswagen’s BlueMotion products and see for themselves that these cars are standard vehicles – but better. The Golf BlueMotion, for example, looks like a Golf, has the same safety and technology features, is conventional to drive, service and maintain – and yet returns 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 99 g/km of carbon dioxide making it exempt from VED and the London Congestion Charge.

Volkswagen will also be giving away tickets to some of the shows via an online competition through its Twitter feed. Keep an eye on @UKVolkswagen for details.

For more details on the events, please visit the websites shown below or the Volkswagen UK Facebook page. For more information on BlueMotion Technologies go to www.volkswagen.co.uk/bluemotion.

Gadget Show Live 2011:
NEC Birmingham; 13 – 17 April
www.gadgetshowlive.net

Ideal Home Show Scotland:
SECC Glasgow; 27 – 30 May
www.idealhomeshowscotland.co.uk

Drive the Future at Motorexpo:
Canary Wharf London; 6 – 12 June
www.motorexpo.com

Gardener’s World Live:
NEC Birmingham; 15 – 19 June
www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com

EcoVelocity:
Battersea Power Station London; 8 – 11 September
www.ecovelocity.co.uk

Polo and Golf retain class honours at 2011 Fleet News Awards

2011-03-18T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen has retained its lead at the top of two key vehicle categories at this year’s Fleet News Awards, with the Polo once again crowned ‘Best Small Car’ and the Golf crystallising its position as the ‘Best Lower Medium Car’ fleets can buy.

The awards were presented at a ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, honouring the fleet industry’s top achievers for the past 12 months.

Cars were judged on a range of criteria, including operating costs (depreciation, fuel, servicing, maintenance and repair, lease rates, tax liability), suitability for their use as business cars and the level of support from the manufacturers and their corporate sales teams.

A panel made up of fleet industry experts as well as senior members of the Fleet News editorial team were involved in the lengthy judging process, chaired by former SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan and audited by Deloitte.

Commenting on the winning cars, the judges said: ‘A broad range of engines with low-CO2 choices and a choice of three door and five door models make the Polo appealing to fleets and drivers.’

They added: ‘The Volkswagen Golf offers unrivalled depth to its range from BlueMotion right up to GTI and R models. It is a strong proposition on running costs and attractive to drivers thanks to its image.’

Collecting the award for Volkswagen was Head of Fleet Services, Vincent Kinner. He said: ‘I’m delighted to claim these awards for two of our key fleet models. It’s a shame the new Passat saloon and Estate models, which are proving so popular with company car managers and drivers, wasn’t eligible in the Upper Medium Car category this year. But watch this space!

‘We look forward to maintaining a strong performance in the fleet market in 2011 and working with our customers and their drivers to provide the highest levels of support and customer care through new products and initiatives.’

Volkswagen starts Golf Cabriolet production in Osnabrück

2011-03-18T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen officially started production at the new facility in Osnabrück yesterday on the occasion of a fact-finding visit by German President Christian Wulff. The President, Lower Saxony’s Premier David McAllister, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Dr. Horst Neumann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for Human Resources, and Bernd Wehlauer, Deputy Chairman of the Volkswagen Group Works Council, were at the plant to open production of the new-generation Golf Cabriolet.

During their tour of the site followed by a meeting with the workforce, President Wulff and Premier McAllister were very impressed by the spirit of optimism at the Osnabrück plant. They visited the modern training workshop – where 53 young people are currently training in 14 industrial and technical professions. The new Golf Cabriolet in Sunset Red which left the assembly line today officially marked the start of production in Osnabrück.

German President Christian Wulff said: “I am very pleased we have been able to safeguard the future of Osnabrück as a car making location. Osnabrück has enormous potential. The strengths of the employees and their comprehensive enormous know-how, for example in building cabriolets, are a perfect fit for Volkswagen Osnabrück as part of the wider Volkswagen Group.”

“It is only just over a year since we got down to work,” Prof. Dr. Winterkorn said. “Since then, we have safeguarded many car making jobs and have also integrated the technical development and metal units. Above all, though, the team in Osnabrück has successfully managed the Golf Cabriolet start-up within the space of a year. The biggest compliment I can pay you today is that this car, your car, is a genuine Volkswagen! Osnabrück has made a masterful debut with the Golf Cabriolet!”

“As premier I am particularly delighted that Volkswagen now has six locations in Lower Saxony and produces in Osnabrück as well as in Wolfsburg, Hanover, Emden, Brunswick and Salzgitter. Osnabrück’s long car making tradition is being continued. Volkswagen Osnabrück will establish itself in the Group as a competence centre for small series vehicles,” Premier McAllister commented.

Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources Neumann stated: “Volkswagen Osnabrück currently has a workforce of some 1,250, and a total of 1,800 people will have a job here by the end of the year. In addition, we are increasing the number of vocational training places further to cater for the larger number of school leavers caused by the change in Germany’s education system which shortens the time it takes to study for a high school diploma by one year. This will raise the total number of vocational trainees and students on the integrated study and training program.”

Deputy Chairman of the Group Works Council Wehlauer underscored: “The future of jobs at the Osnabrück automotive location came with the decision to finally put another Golf Cabriolet on the road. Many past joint projects unite us with the colleagues here. Together with the Volkswagen workforce in Osnabrück we are now shaping a piece of the automotive future with the Golf Cabriolet.”

The Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück covers the entire automotive process chain from vehicle development through tooling to production. Apart from the Golf Cabriolet it is also planned to use the Osnabrück plant as an overflow facility for manufacturing the Porsche brand Boxster and Cayman models going forward. The plant has a total annual capacity of roughly 100,000 vehicles. Volkswagen will have invested approximately 300 million euros in the new Osnabrück plant by the end of this year.

First signs of summer appear as new Golf Cabriolet breaks cover

2011-02-23T00:00:00Z

The first images of Volkswagen’s all-new Golf Cabriolet have been revealed ahead of the car making its public debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.

The two-door, four-seater, front-engined soft top is the first Golf Cabriolet available since the Mk IV Golf, and builds on the company’s heritage for producing popular convertibles which started with the original Beetle cabriolet and still continues today with the Eos. With sales of around 1.42 million units, Volkswagen is one of the world’s most successful producers of convertibles.

But the latest Golf Cabriolet marks a whole new era of open-top motoring, boasting an electrically-powered soft top which can be lowered in just 9.5 seconds including on the move at speeds up to around 18 mph, a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines as well as the highest levels of quality, refinement and safety.

Measuring 4,215 mm in length, 1,424 mm in height and 1,779 mm in width, the Golf Cabriolet is smaller than the Eos. Yet despite being 208 mm shorter than the Eos, the cars share a 2,578 mm wheelbase, resulting in maximum interior space for all four passengers. From the front the new model is unmistakeably a Golf, and adopts the now familiar ‘face’ incorporating the latest Volkswagen ‘design DNA’. The heavily raked windscreen gives it a sportier appearance than the hatchback model, while at the rear, new LED lights and a deep crease in the bootlid endow the new Golf Cabriolet with its own individual style. Inside the Golf Cabriolet’s appearance matches very closely that of the hatchback, adopting the same high-quality materials and design.

The new Golf Cabriolet will be offered in the UK with a choice of trim levels – S, SE and GT – and all will have a high level of standard specification which is likely to include 16-inch alloy wheels, a fully automatic electro-hydraulically operated soft top, DAB radio and Bluetooth.

As customers would expect from any car in the Golf family, the Cabriolet will be equipped with the highest levels of safety equipment. This will include an active roll-over protection system, ABS, ESP, airbags all round and a driver’s knee airbag.

In addition to active safety equipment, protection is built into the Golf Cabriolet’s design. A reinforced window frame and structural modifications to the underbody, side panels, cross-members and doors endow the new car with an extremely high level of torsional rigidity which benefits safety, comfort and refinement.

Also having a positive impact on noise reduction and refinement is the advanced design of the Golf Cabriolet’s fabric roof which has an additional exterior skin, as well as new window and door seals. The heated rear windscreen is integrated in the soft top with high frequency welding. When the top is down, the upper side of the leading edge (the segment the directly connects to the windscreen frame) covers the entire top surface of the roof storage box, eliminating the need for a separate cover. This contributes to the very rapid opening time, and means it does not need to descend as deep into the bootspace. Even with the roof down, there is 250 litres of available space.

A choice of six engines will be available: three from launch (a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 1.6-litre 105 PS TDI) and a further three later in the year (a 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS, 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS and a 2.0-litre TDI with 140 PS). BlueMotion Technology modifications will be applied to the diesel engines to ensure high efficiency and low emissions.

Volkswagen UK plans to begin taking orders for the new Golf Cabriolet in July, with the first customer orders arriving in September. More details and pricing information will be available closer to launch.

CAR Magazine undertakes epic US road trip in Golf BlueMotion

2011-02-15T00:00:00Z

The Golf BlueMotion is one of the most efficient and low CO2 emitting cars currently on sale in Europe. To test just how efficient, CAR Magazine recently embarked on a unique road trip, taking the Golf BlueMotion out of its normal environment.

A right-hand drive Golf BlueMotion was shipped to Miami, Florida where it was joined by CAR Magazine’s Assistant Editor, Chris Chilton, and photographer and occasional navigator Greg Pajo. The pair then set out to cross America from Miami to Los Angeles driving entirely normally, discovering en route how a European diesel hatchback would cope in a country where petrol is king and diesel-powered cars (as well as fuel pumps dispensing diesel…) remain a rarity.

The epic trip lasted ten days, crossed seven states and took in a total of 3,144 miles on a mix of interstates and winding back roads as well as occasional jaunts into thick urban traffic. Along the way they survived brushes with curious traffic cops and snakes (fortunately not at the same time) and battled fatigue as they sought to hit a deadline to meet Governor Schwarzenegger in California.

On arriving in Los Angeles the Golf BlueMotion was found to have consumed just £120 of diesel in the course of the trip – equating to driving from Edinburgh to Rome and back again.

On returning, Chris Chilton commented: ‘I don’t think anyone is going to be signing us up for those crazy hypermiler competitions, but what we did prove is that even if you make no concessions to economical driving other than obeying the speed limit, the Golf BlueMotion could still save you a fortune at the pumps.’

To read the full story, take a look at the March edition of CAR Magazine which is on sale tomorrow. For details on Volkswagen’s range of efficient BlueMotion vehicles, click here.

Volkswagen tees up crazy Golf for 2011 Nürburgring 24-hour

2011-02-10T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen has announced that it is to return to the demanding Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2011 with an all-new challenger – the Golf24. Equipped with four-wheel drive and developing 440 PS, the dramatic racing version of Volkswagen’s best-selling model has already undergone initial testing ahead of the legendary 24-hour race, regarded as one of the toughest tests in the motorsport calendar, which this year takes place from 23 to 26 June.

The Golf24 is fitted with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 440 PS and maximum torque of 540 Nm. Power is transmitted to the permanent four-wheel drive by a sequential six-speed gearbox with paddle shift operation.

Volkswagen’s last factory fielding of the Golf on the famous roller-coaster circuit of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife dates back to 2007, at which time the 300 PS front-wheel drive vehicle that delivered about 300 hp finished in eighth place overall, ahead of numerous favourites. Successive class victories for the Scirocco GT24 over the past three years have followed but the competitiveness of the event has increased enormously meaning a new technical concept was required.

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen explains: ‘With the new Golf24 we are continuing our successful commitment at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. The event enjoys huge popularity, is one of the true classics in motorsport and, due to its extreme distance and unique race track, also represents a very big technical challenge, With our spectacular Golf we want to provide an additional highlight in front of a large audience – right in time for the 35th anniversary of the GTI this year.’

Before lining up on the grid of the gruelling 25 km circuit in June, the Golf24 will undergo an extensive testing and development programme. This began at the end of last year at Portugal’s Portimão circuit and further tests have been completed at Vallelunga in Italy. The Golf24 will also compete in three races in the Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

For more information about the Golf24 or Volkswagen Motorsport, please visit www.volkswagen-motorsport.info

Five in a row for Golf as Volkswagen claims brace of What Car? awards

2011-01-17T00:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Golf has added yet another accolade to its name, being crowned What Car?’s Small Family Car for the fifth year running. Volkswagen also claimed the prestigious Security Award, which is given in partnership with Thatcham, the Motor Industry Repair Research Centre.

The awards were presented last night at the motor industry’s glittering annual ‘Oscars’, the What Car? ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Commenting on the winning car, the Golf Match 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS five-door, Steve Fowler, What Car? Editor in Chief, said: ‘Volkswagen’s Golf is all the car most people will ever need – it has an unbeatable combination of quality, space, fun and frugality that keeps it ahead of ever-improving rivals.’

Before deciding on the winner of the Security Award, Thatcham experts examined thousands of models, testing every element of a car’s security, including break-in tests to see how long it would keep a determined thief at bay. Volkswagen was also the overall winner of Thatcham’s annual BIVSA awards in 2010. Steve Fowler added: ‘Volkswagen continues to take car security seriously while some carmakers think it’s yesterday’s problem. Buying a new Volkswagen is a great way to keep your car and its contents secure.’

Accepting the awards, Chris Craft, Director of Volkswagen UK said: ‘I’m very proud of these awards and delighted to see Volkswagen performing well tonight. The Golf is our biggest selling model and it’s tremendous that on top of a raft of other accolades – which have included World Car of the Year and three fleet car of the year awards – the mainstay of our brand has retained its What Car? title for the fifth consecutive year.’

Polo and Golf BlueMotion now exempt from London Congestion Charge

2011-01-04T00:00:00Z

Not only are the highly efficient Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion and Golf BlueMotion models exempt from road tax but, as of this week, they are also exempt from the London Congestion Charge.*

Under changes made to the rules governing the London Congestion Charge, vehicles emitting less than 100 g/km of CO2 are no longer required to pay the £10 daily charge to enter the Congestion Charge Zone. The Polo BlueMotion (91 g/km) and Golf BlueMotion (99 g/km) both fit this criterion, allowing owners to save potentially over £2,500 a year based on a daily commute into the capital.

Beyond the confines of London the Polo and Golf BlueMotion are capable of demonstrating incredible efficiency and low running costs while retaining all the virtues of comfort, quality and refinement you would expect from a Volkswagen. The Golf BlueMotion, for example, can travel over 899 miles on a single tank of diesel yet is driven, maintained and serviced like any conventional Golf.

All BlueMotion variants feature a series of subtle yet effective modifications aimed at maximising efficiency. These take the form of optimised aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres, Start/Stop, battery regeneration and longer gearing. The result is less strain is put on the common rail diesel engine, which in turn leads to lower emissions and greater economy.

The effectiveness of these changes was proved last year when a BlueMotion vehicle broke the Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel. A Passat BlueMotion travelled a total of 1,527 miles – the equivalent of London to Gibraltar – between fill-ups to set the record.

Despite the keen focus on economy, both the Polo and Golf BlueMotion models are equipped with alloy wheels, air conditioning, a CD/stereo system, electric windows, Hydraulic Brake Assist and ABS as well as driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags and, on the Golf, a knee airbag.

Click for more information on Polo or Golf.

* Customer must register with the TfL and make an annual £10 payment per vehicle. Failure to register will result in a fine.

Volkswagen wins the inaugural RAC Future Car Challenge

2010-11-08T00:00:00Z

A Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion prototype electric car is the overall winner of the inaugural Future Car Challenge. The car also won its category, Most Economic and Environment Friendly Regular Passenger EV.

The Royal Automobile Club Gold Medal for the winning vehicle was presented to Jim Holder, Editor of What Car? and Volkswagen engineer Folko Rohde who shared the driving. The pair joined a total of over 60 entrants in travelling from Madeira Drive in Brighton to Pall Mall in London – a distance of 57 miles – with the aim of consuming as little energy as possible.

The Challenge attracted a diverse range of entries, from pure electric vehicles such as the Golf blue-e-motion, to hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and highly efficient diesel cars such as the Polo and Golf BlueMotion.

Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Golf blue-e-motion has an electric motor with a peak power output of 115 PS and a range of around 100 miles in normal conditions. It can reach a top speed of 86 miles per hour and accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds. The car features regenerative braking that can activate when the accelerator is released and during the initial travel of the brake pedal. This reduces the amount of energy that would otherwise be wasted during driving. Despite its unconventional motive power the Golf blue-e-motion appears at first glance like any other Golf with a slightly reduced boot volume of 279 litres and space for five adults.

This is the first time that a Golf blue-e-motion has been brought to the UK. It was found to have consumed the least energy of any of the diverse range of vehicles in the competition from Brighton to London which took in a challenging mix of country roads, and some severe London traffic jams.

On arrival in London the Golf blue-e-motion had its data recorder removed by the RAC scrutineers and then joined the Polo BlueMotion and Golf BlueMotion entries plus all the other competing vehicles for a special display in Regent Street. Despite its conventional appearance this particular Golf attracted a lot of attention from members of the public, particularly when its bonnet was raised.

On receiving the award, Jim Holder said: ‘It's a testimony to the abilities of the Golf blue-e-motion that it won despite the fact I'd never competed in any sort of eco driving challenge before. Folko was a superb tutor in getting the best from the car, but the fact is that this was a challenge on real roads and, in my case, without an expert 'eco' driver at the wheel. That just underlines how efficient the blue-e-motion is now – so to think how good it will be when it goes on sale in three years time is extremely exciting.

‘Better still, we made it to London without any hint of a worry about range, and in total comfort. Already, this is a car that lives up to all the expectations that come with being a Golf; it's refined, a joy to drive and supremely practical. This should guarantee a great story for the readers of What Car? and whatcar.com.’

The Golf blue-e-motion is currently in the development stage. It is planned that it will be introduced to the market in late 2013.

Volkswagen offers Golf with value added Twist

2010-10-04T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has announced details and pricing for a new entry-level Golf model which offers added value and extra equipment as standard. The Golf Twist is available to order at participating Retailers now with prices starting at £12,995 RRP on the road.

Available in three- or five-door guise, the Golf Twist is fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine which develops 80 PS and 97 lbs ft of torque, channelled, via a five-speed manual transmission, through the front wheels. Acceleration from zero to 62 mph takes 13.9 seconds and the new model has a top speed of 107 mph. The Golf Twist has a combined cycle economy figure of 44.1 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 149 g/km.

The new entry-level model represents exceptional value for money with more than £700 of additional equipment over the Golf S on which it is based. The Twist adds 16-inch ‘Atlanta’ alloy wheels, RCD 310 radio system with MDI multimedia connectivity and a front centre armrest to the comprehensive list of standard equipment. As with all models in the Golf range, the Twist is fitted with a host of safety features including ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags.

The new Golf Twist costs £12,995 RRP on the road with a £585 premium for the five-door model. The previous entry-level Golf, the S with the same 1.4-litre engine, costs £14,880. Volkswagen is also offering further ways to save money and added peace of mind on the Golf Twist, with competitive retail and finance offers.

Along with all models in the Volkswagen range, the Golf Twist is available with a fixed-price servicing package for retail customers. A one-off highly competitive payment of just £250 covers servicing needs for three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Alternatively, the Golf Twist is offered through Volkswagen Solutions and is eligible for the existing finance offer available on all Golf models, with 7.9 per cent APR typical. This includes free servicing for three years or 30,000 miles helping to reduce the cost of ownership.

For more information on the Golf range visit your local Volkswagen Retailer or go to the Golf section of the website by clicking here.

Golf retains class crown in the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2011

2010-09-26T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen’s Golf has been named the winner of the £20,000-£25,000 price category in The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2011, retaining the title in spite of competition from ten new cars in that class. The award was presented at a prestigious ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

Voted for by a ten-strong panel of judges, the Golf was praised for its excellent performance in rigorous towing tests conducted at the Millbrook Testing Ground in Bedfordshire. Here, 35 vehicles were put through their paces to assess their towing ability, acceleration, braking, ability to cope with demanding hill starts and an assessment of usability in terms of everyday caravanning.

The judges said of the Golf: ‘It romps off the line, before you know it you’ve passed 70 mph and the engine is still offering more. On the hill circuit it snicked through the hairpins and off-camber downhill bends like it was on a roller-coaster’s rails.

‘The ride manages to be controlled yet compliant in just about the right amounts, while steering is well-weighted, nicely geared and accurate. A slick gearshift and smoothly-engaging clutch combine with an efficient handbrake to make hill stops and starts additional plus points,’ they added.

The Golf Match 2.0-litre TDI has a 140 PS common rail diesel engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and produces impressive amounts of torque – 320 Nm from just 1,750 rpm. Despite its compact dimensions, it has a generous noseweight of 75 kg. The judges added that the Golf is a good load carrier and ‘kind to the wallet in terms of running costs’.

For more information on the competition and all this year’s winners, visit www.towcarcompetition.co.uk.