Volkswagen Golf 2011 News

Buying a used car is difficult enough in normal times.

US owners of VW cars with diesel engines that can cheat emissions tests have already been given $500, but local owners still have no compensation.

Three weeks after the global scandal broke, Australian owners of VW diesel cars finally know if their car is affected or not.

There are now more than 11 million Volkswagen diesel cars -- and possibly 50,000 in Australia -- caught up in the software cheat that secretly tricked emissions testing equipment.

An aggressively-styled VW Golf prototype believed to be the upcoming R400 hyper hatch has been spotted at the Nurburgring. Featuring wider front and rear tracks than the ordinary Golf R, along with bigger wheels and tyres, a roof spoiler and enlarged intercooler, the pumped up mule carries all the hallmarks of a future production model in the mold of the R400 concept. The R400 was shown at the Shanghai motor show last year, hinting at plans to develop a powered-up Golf to rival the Mercedes A45 AMG and Audi RS3. Recent reports suggest that VW Group powertrain boss Heinz-Jakob Neusser has already given the Golf R400 project the green light for production. The R400 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 294kW (400hp, hence the name) and 450Nm.  VW claims a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds for the concept, making it comfortably faster than Audi’s hottest hatch, the RS3. As the premium brand, Audi has always had the upper hand when it comes to hot hatches in the VW Group, now however, it seems there could be a gloves-off sibling rivalry brewing between the two brands.The R400 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 294kW and 450Nm.The R400’s numbers also represent a significant leap over the standard Golf R, which in Australia produces 206kW/380Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine and can hit 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. One of the main challenges of converting the R400 concept into a feasible production model is believed to be finding a gearbox that can handle its extra grunt. In order to appeal to a wide range of markets, the R400 would need to come with the option of a manual or an automatic gearbox. However, the six-speed dual-clutch automatic in the ordinary Golf R is only rated for up to 380Nm. It’s more likely the R400 will adopt the seven-speed unit found in the RS3. These spy images suggest the Golf R400 is in its early stages of development and therefore unlikely to go on sale until 2016. 

Volkswagen has issued a worldwide recall of 2.6 million vehicles --including more than 44,000 cars in Australia -- for possible fuel leaks, electrical faults and gearbox problems.It is the second significant recall in Australia in five months for the German car maker, which is suspected by industry observers of taking shortcuts in its bid to overtake Toyota to become the world’s biggest car maker by 2018.The recall comes as the Victorian Coroner today announced there was no evidence of a mechanical fault with a Volkswagen Golf involved in a fatal crash in Melbourne in 2011.The car was struck from behind by a truck. The coroner investigated the incident after it was alleged the car lost power suddenly, following similar complaints from other Volkswagen owners.The vehicles in the latest recall include more than 17,000 Tiguan SUVs because "a fuse may blow … thus resulting in failure of one of the two vehicle light circuits".Approximately 16,000 Volkswagen Amarok pick-ups are being recalled because "some Amarok utes with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine may be affected by leaks to the fuel pipe within the engine compartment".Furthermore, about 11,000 Volkswagens across various models equipped with the company’s controversial twin-clutch automatic "DSG" gearbox will be recalled because "electric malfunctions could occur in rare cases in the gearbox power supply if synthetic gearbox oil is used".In June 2013 Volkswagen recalled more than 25,000 cars in Australia for gearbox problems after a fortnight of unprecedented pressure from disgruntled customers, following the announcement of the Victorian Corner's investigation.The vehicles affected in the June 2013 recall were built between June 2008 and September 2011 and included the Golf hatchback, the Jetta sedan, the Polo hatchback, the Passat sedan and wagon and the Caddy van.Complaints highlighted in the lead-up to that campaign included cars that conked out or lost power suddenly, high oil use, and gearbox reliability issues.Several customers reported having their engines and/or gearboxes replaced while others complained about the  $5000 to $10,000 expense of fixing these parts once the warranty had expired.In addition to the previous recall announced in June, Volkswagen Australia also called about 2800 diesel cars back to dealerships for inspection.The company says anyone experiencing faults with their Volkswagen to contact their local Volkswagen dealer.Volkswagen Australia has set up a dedicated customer service line to answer customer queries -- 1800 504 076. 

Volkswagen is issuing recalls and advisories for about 2.6 million vehicles world-wide, including about 43,700 in Australia, for a range of three defects. The Australian vehicles include more than 16,700 Tiguan SUVs recalled for a fault that means a fuse can blow, causing one of the two vehicle light circuits to fail. About 16,000 Volkswagen Amarok utes are being recalled because of fuel pipe leaks affecting the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.The remaining 11,000 cars range across various models that have VW's twin-clutch automatic DSG gearbox, in which an electrical defect could occur if synthetic gearbox oil is used," Volkswagen says..A large proportion of the 2.6 million global recall is in China -- VW's largest market -- after a problem was found there in the same gearbox that triggered a recall earlier this year. The Chinese recall affects 750,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that use the Chinesee-built DSG gearbox there.  Vehicles on the China recall list include the Volkswagen Golf, Beetle and Passat and several Audi models.It's the second recall this year on the DSG. In June more than 25,000 Australian cars were recalled for gearbox problems after pressure from disgruntled customers. Those vehicles included the Golf hatchback, Jetta sedan, Polo hatchback, Passat sedan and wagon and the Caddy van.Volkswagen said it is recalling 800,000 (2008-11) Tiguan SUVs and 239,000 Amaroks around the world, bringing the total number of cars affected in the three safety actions to 2.6 million.While the number of vehicles is large, analysts estimated the cost of the repairs could be relatively small. Still, the fresh problems that have surfaced with the gearbox might further dent Volkswagen's reputation in China and strain its relations with its local venture partner, SAIC.The gearbox only has problems in hot and humid climates, said Volkswagen spokesman Peter Heinz Thul. In warm climates, additives in the synthetic oil can damage the electronics. VW is proposing to replace the oil with a mineral oil that has been used previously without problems, Mr. Thul said.Volkswagen issued a recall in March in China for nearly 400,000 vehicles to fix an electronic malfunction on the same DQ200 gearbox. It said the problem was resolved with a software fix.VW officials told Chinese regulatory officials about the most recent problem earlier this week, Mr. Thul said. The automaker then agreed that a recall should be issued.Volkswagen Australia is yet to determine the impact on local models for this latest recall, but will "ensure these recalls are conducted promptly and efficiently", according to Managing Director John White, and relevant owners will be notified by mail.This latest recall follows the 25,928 Volkswagen vehicles recalled in June over similar issues with DSG transmissions manufacured between 2008-11, of which 40 per cent have been rectified to date and is expected to be completed next year.Volkswagen Australia says that this progress is in line with the timeframe anticipated, and that vehicles already attended to will not be affected by this new recall as their transmission fluid will have already been replaced.The company says concerned owners should contact their local Volkswagen dealer or can call a dedicated customer service number: 1800 504 076.

British supercar maker McLaren is riding a wave of big models, with the 12C and 12C Spider already out, the P1 just being launched -- and reportedly already sold out -- and the 3.8-litre V8-powered P13 sportscar in the works to face off against the Porsche 911.But now McLaren's design boss has suggested a hot hatch could be on the cards for the Woking line-up. Speaking with Dutch magazine Autovisie, head designer Frank Stephenson said he can invision something similar to the Volkswagen Golf."I see a car like the VW Golf for 30 to 40,000 EUR ($43,000-$58,000, however the Golf GTI sells here from $41,490), but for McLaren with a carbon fiber monocoque, to happen in the future," is reported as telling the magazine.And while he's designed the 12C and P1 for his current house -- and the F430 for Ferrari -- Stephenson's experience certainly doesn't stop at supercars. He also penned the BMW X5, Mini Cooper, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo Mi-To so a hot hatch could be a familiar drawing board snack for him.Stephenson also reportedly sledged Audi in the Autovise story, saying the German brand's design broth was spoilt by having too many chefs. "Groups are like a large oil tankers, it takes a lot of time to change the course. Too many people with different ideas that you have to convince, and designs that are toned too far," he said.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Volkswagen's latest Golf R performance hatch is due to hit showrooms early in the new year alongside the seventh-generation Golf. We were recently treated with a first look at the track star but now we have a full gallery and even a video. The Golf R makes its world debut next week at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show and is expected to go on sale overseas mid-2014 as a 2015 model. Powering the car is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder found in the 2015 Audi S3, and as the video above confirms it has a meaty sound that should see the Golf R stand out from other Golf variants including the GTI. The engine delivers 221kW of power and 380Nm of torque, although Australia's hotter climate always meant the Golf R we got here was detuned. Australian-spec Golf Rs produced just 188kW and 330Nm, compared to the European-spec 200kW/350Nm. The new R’s extra power brings a performance hike, with the 0-100km/h time claimed to be 4.9 seconds with the six-speed twin-clutch auto and 5.3 seconds with the six-speed manual. Driving the car in the above video is VW’s star rally driver Sebastien Ogier, who is currently leading the points table in the 2013 World Rally Championship.  It appears he’s equally at home in the new Golf R as he is in his Polo R WRC car. Like the MkVI Golf R this new MkVII replaces, a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system is standard, as is a cross differential lock (XDS) for both the front and rear axles. The car’s stability control system can also be fully deactivated for track driving, alleviating one of the major downsides of the previous Golf R. Watch the video here. www.motorauthority.com  

Volkswagen has revealed its 2015 Golf R ahead of the car’s official debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The car is the high-performance variant of the latest MkVII Golf family and should arrive in showrooms within 12 months. We can confirm that power will come from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine shared with the 2015 Audi S3. The engine delivers a stout 221kW, a gain of 30kW on the outgoing MkVI Golf R. Better yet, the 2015 Golf’s MQB platform is around 100 kilograms lighter than the unit replaces, which should guarantee that this latest Golf R is better all ‘round than its predecessor. The good news is that a conventional manual transmission is still offered, but a six-speed DSG dual-clutch unit is also on offer. The 0-100 km/h time will take you just 5.3 seconds in manual-equipped models, versus 5.7 seconds for the outgoing model. Opt for the DSG ‘box and you’re looking at a time of just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h and combined fuel economy is expected to be around 7.1L/100km. Like its predecessors, the new 2015 Golf R benefits from an all-wheel-drive system. It is a Haldex system capable of sending up to 100 percent of the driving force to the rear wheels when needed. To ensure great chassis dynamics, there's a new sport suspension, the progressive variable-ratio steering system, and a stability control system which can now be fully deactivated for track driving. Other highlights include the optional DCC dynamic chassis control system that features a “Race” mode. In this setting, damping is increased and engine response and the shift points of the DSG transmission are configured to be even sportier. Finally, the car also comes with a cross differential lock (XDS) at the front and rear axles. When the car is cornering, brake pressure is applied to the inside wheel to aid traction as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads. The XDS thereby operates as a transverse differential lock that helps compensate for understeer during fast cornering. Key visual features include a sporty body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, quad-exhaust tips and R badging. Inside, owners will find Alcantara trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats. www.motorauthority.com