Volkswagen Golf

#222, Author Russell Hayes’ new book: everything VW Golf

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:12 — 38.7MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreThe VW Golf is the third best-selling car in history, behind the top-selling Toyota Corolla and Ford F-Series of pickup trucks. More than 35 million of the versatile vehicles have sold since the car’s debut as a 1974 edition. With the motoring icon approaching its 50th anniversary, author Russell Hayes has expanded and upgraded his book The Volkswagen Golf Story to include the full Golf 7 range and the latest incarnation, the Golf 8. The new edition is available from Behemoth Publishing  Co-host Bruce Aldrich is on assignment, so I interview Hayes this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. “Europe has always been the

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R will mark the return of the manufacturer’s top-performance model after a three-year hiatus. While similar to its predecessor, the new VW Golf R will have its differences. The upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder will deliver 315 horsepower, an increase of 27 horsepower from the previous edition. The new Golf R will be propelled by a six-speed manual transmission or an automated seven-speed, dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox. According to the manufacturer, the new Golf will advance from zero to 62 miles per hour (100km) in 4.7 seconds. The top speed is 155 miles per hour. New, lighter 14.1-inch disc brakes will be featured as will a new ABS braking system and an improved pedal feel. New, Faster A

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2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Review: Humble, proud, best in class

Throughout its long history in the United States, Volkswagen has manufactured two of the most recognizable cars in history, the VW Beetle and the VW Van. It also makes the Golf, and it’s arguably the most understated vehicle on the road. The Golf’s humble exterior and simple, efficient interior define its personality. It’s about as far-removed from its individualistic siblings as possible, and that’s its appeal. It’s no-nonsense and versatile. And it’s the best-selling VW in history and third on the all-time global sales list behind the Toyota Corolla and Ford F-150 series trucks. Key Takeaways 170 horsepower from a 1.8-liter gas-turbo engine, with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. $23,935 MSRP, and $30,500 as tested. Cargo: 30.4 cubic feet

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VW scam settled, entitled owners can find the money

With the announcement of the VW settlement in its diesel scandal that emerged in September 2015, owners of the affected vehicles now can focus on their choices of compensation and one key question: Where do the owners of the nearly 500,000 vehicles in the United States eligible for a settlement start? According to details of the settlement announced June 28, here’s a list of what vehicles are included and what owners should do: Eligible vehicles: Volkswagen, Beetle, Beetle Convertible 2013-2015, Golf 2-Door 2010-2013, Golf 4-Door 2010-2015, Golf SportWagen 2015, Jetta 2009-2015, Jetta SportWagen 2009-2014, Passat 2012-2015; Audi – A3 2010-2013, 2015. A settlement to address some 80,000 affected 3.0-liter vehicles sold by Volkswagen in the United States is still pending.

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VW diesel scam $10 billion settlement pending

After months of negotiating and legal maneuvering, owners of overtly polluting VW diesel cars will receive as much as  $7,000 in a settlement levied upon Volkswagen AG. It’s more than 10 times the amount the manufacturer originally offered owners of its vehicles that emit up to 40 times the amounts smog-forming nitrogen oxides. The embattled carmaker has also agreed to to fund a grant program to offset air pollution. It’s part of a $10 billion settlement being negotiated for submission to a federal judge next week. Volkswagen will provide cash payments worth between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on the vehicle’s age and other factors, to compensate nearly 500,000 affected cars. The automaker isn’t expected to be able to repair all

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2013 Volkswagen Golf R Review: Turbo hatchback a smooth, powerful, fast gem

The new hot rod Golf R hatchback is for driving enthusiasts and is unchanged from its 2012 debut. Demand was strong for last year’s model, so Volkswagen said the R is being offered again in 2013 in limited numbers. The R is the heir to the 2004 and 2008 Golf R32 models. It’s up against formidable rivals such as the BMW X128i, Ford Focus ST, Mitsubishi Evo, Mazdaspeed3 and Subaru WRX STI . The Golf R’s turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder is the most powerful Golf engine ever offered in the United States. It’s a gem that produces 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The smooth engine features dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves, variable valve timing and direct fuel injection. Throttle

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2012 Volkswagen Golf R Review: Tease is over, power and panache in new sports car

Once every four years VW brings over a high performance Golf model to appease the enthusiast crowd and to amp up the Golf’s image. The past two iterations of the R32 brought over in 2004 and 2008 were outfitted with a normally aspirated 3.2-liter VR6 6-cylinder engine and AWD. This time VW takes a slightly different track and brings over the Golf R from Europe with more power, better performance and improved fuel economy. After teasing the media and public for months, the Golf R is now available on North American shores in two-door and four-door models, and is rarin’ to go. The 2012 VW Golf R gets the party started with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 6-speed manual transmission.

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Volkswagen recalls 380,000 Jetta, Golf, Rabbit, Beetle models with fuel leak potential

Volkswagen has announced the recall of nearly 380,000 vehicles, including Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Golf and Rabbit models from the 2007 to 2009 because potential fuel leaks which could lead to a fire. A total of 266,936 of the above-mentioned models are affected as well as an 110,350 hardtop and convertible New Beetles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) official bulletin read: “The Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Golf and Rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. “The New Beetle and the New Beetle Convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in

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Volkswagen Golf, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Thirty-seven years later, the sixth edition in 2010 continues the car’s legacy without missing an RPM. Through 2007, more than 25 million of the cars had been built. According to the manufacturer, it’s the best-selling Volkswagen in history and the third best-selling vehicle of all-time. The sixth generation Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit model features a more spacious interior and slight changes to the grille, headlights and air intake. It’s also now called the Golf again after four years as the Rabbit. Golf is the more global name for the car. Beyond the name switch and design changes, the Golf remains an easy-to-like, sturdy and handsome hatchback — inside and out. Equipped with a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower, inline 5-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission,

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Step aside, Toyota Prius (51 mpg). Meet the 2010 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion (61.9 mpg)

And therein lies the problem. Debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show with its sibling, the Golf R (the most powerful Golf at 270 horsepower), the second-generation Golf BlueMotion is the most fuel efficient Golf of all time. But it’s not likely going to be available in the United States, according to a report by the Car and Driver journalist attending the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. The Golf BlueMotion is currently available in Germany starting at € 21,650 (approximately $28,000). The European price includes German and EU taxes. The new Golf BlueMotion features a 1.6-liter TDI diesel engine with 105 horsepower. The power is delivered via a front-wheel, five-speed manual transmission. The Golf BlueMotion also benefits from aerodynamic changes, plus

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