What we know about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, next-gen GTI

Lighter, faster, stronger, better. That's what we can expect from the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf, due to be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show before it hits dealerships across Europe this fall and eventually lands on U.S. shores as a 2013 model.

So what makes it special? A combination of new manufacturing processes, an all-new platform, a range of upgraded engines and what will go down as one of the greatest democratizations of active safety and in-car technology in automotive history.

What's more, the next GTI will be an order of magnitude better because of it, bringing it back in line with the original hot hatch while packed with even more standard features.

It all starts with Volkswagen's new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, which is set to underpin every front-wheel-drive VW product from the Polo to the Passat, along with the 2013 Audi A3. To hear VW tell it, it will redefine the automaker's manufacturing processes while curing world hunger and eradicating leprosy.

Article source: www.autoblog.com

Double honours for Volkswagen in What Car? used car awards

Volkswagen has been honoured with two class victories in What Car? magazine’s Used Car of the Year 2011 awards.  The 2006 Passat Estate claimed a win in the Estate car category, while the 2009 Golf TDI was crowned with the best Green used car accolade.

The What Car? Used Car of the Year judging panel was made up of experts from all areas of the motor industry including car dealerships, auction houses and What Car? magazine itself.

The Volkswagen Passat Estate was highly praised for its blend of style, substance and value, as well as its capacious boot, ample cabin space and supple but engaging ride.  Commenting on the win, one of the judges, Kurtis Williams from Lex Autolease, said: ‘The Passat is a brilliantly built premium estate with excellent diesel engines,’ and added, ‘it’s surprisingly handsome for such a practical car.’

Meanwhile, the economical, practical and well-specified Golf SE 1.6-litre TDI was judged to be the best Green used car available, with What Car?’s used car editor, Matt Sanger, summing it up by stating: ‘Great to drive and very efficient, the Golf should be at the top of every green driver’s wish list.’

It’s not only the products which make Volkswagens a good used buy, but also the service.  In April this year, Volkswagen rolled out its ‘Das WeltAuto’ used car programme which is designed to make the purchase of a secondhand car as appealing as the new car process.  

Behind the scheme is Volkswagen’s Dave Wilding.  He comments: ‘Despite our best efforts there is still a gap between the new and used car purchase experience.  In launching Das WeltAuto, we’re attempting to close that gap and to match the used car and the package that comes with it to the requirements of the customer.’ 

He continues: ‘We’ve worked hard to develop the right components for the programme and also on branding and marketing.  Wherever customers see the orange Das WeltAuto branding they’ll know they’ll get a great customer experience.’

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

 Look no hands - Bluetooth kit adds more value to Polo range

 

Customers buying a new Volkswagen Polo will now get value worth talking about (even if they’re alone in the car), thanks to the addition of standard Bluetooth hands-free phone connection kits on all models above S specification.

All Polo models from the BlueMotion up will now come fitted with the Touch Phone Kit, which was previously a £245 option.  The Touch Phone Kit adds a 2.8-inch colour touchscreen to the Polo’s dashboard.  This can display a phone book, call lists, reception status and more, depending on the make and model of the phone to which it is connected.

The Touch Phone Kit also offers voice control of functions including dialling and answering, and can even ‘read’ out text messages and emails that are received.  Two telephones may also be connected at the same time.

All Polo models also now come with DAB digital radio as standard, giving customers a greater choice of radio stations to which to listen, and all models from Match trim up also come with an MDI multi-device interface, for seamless integration of portable music devices such as iPods.

It’s not just the Polo that customers will be calling home about.  Bluetooth is also standard on all High up! city cars; all Golf, Golf Estate, Golf Plus, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan and Sharan models above S specification; and all Golf Cabriolet, Scirocco, Eos, Passat, Passat Estate, CC, Touareg and Phaeton models.

For more information visit click here to explore the Polo range.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

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VW Specialist London Blog