Volkswagen Golf 2015 News

A cheap and cheerful car brand introduced to Australia in 1986 by a savvy Perth car dealer and colourful businessman, the late Alan Bond, has done the unthinkable.Hyundai has shocked the Australian motor industry by becoming the top-selling car last month. It is the first time the South Korean brand has been in the top spot since the plucky Hyundai Excel knocked the Holden Commodore off its perch in June 1998.Driven by a special offer of $19,990 drive-away with automatic transmission and a rear-view camera -- about $7000 off full price -- the Hyundai i30 hatchback outsold the reigning champions the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 in June, according to preliminary figures.More than three out of every four Hyundai i30s sold were of the cut-price $19,990 model, dealer sources have told News Corp Australia.Sales of utes were also strong in the rush to the end of the financial yearMore than 5500 Hyundai i30 hatchbacks were delivered last month, easily eclipsing the tally of 4150 Toyota Corollas and 4130 Mazda3s.The result is more remarkable once you take into account the Hyundai i30 tally is for hatchback sales alone, whereas the Toyota and Mazda totals include both sedans and hatches.The sedan version of the Hyundai i30 is sold with another badge, otherwise the leading margin would have been even greater (more than 680 Hyundai Elantra sedans were sold in June).Sales of utes were also strong in the rush to the end of the financial year, filling three of the Top 10 places and the Toyota HiLux claiming second outright.Industry insiders believe the car industry is on track for a new record yearIn other upsets, the Volkswagen Golf, driven by sharp discounting to $24,990 drive-away, edged ahead of the Toyota Camry and just behind the Holden Commodore.Seven of the Top 10 brands posted significant sales gains, but Holden, Ford and Nissan were down on the same month last year.The Ford Falcon was once again outsold by the Mercedes-Benz C Class (530 deliveries versus 900).Figures for the total market are not due to be published until Friday, however industry insiders believe the car industry is on track for a new record year.Record low interest rates -- rather than the $20,000 tax incentive for small businesses announced in the latest Federal Budget -- are the driving force behind the sales surge, say dealer sources."People are still trying to get their head around what the $20,000 tax break means for their business, but they also need to have the money to spend in the first place," said a finance expert at a leading metropolitan Toyota dealership."The biggest driver is interest rates. People are figuring out they can pay less than what they were paying three or four years ago and get a brand-new car. Or they can make the same repayments and get a dearer car."Figures supplied to News Corp Australia show that the weekly repayments on a $20,000 car today can be as low as $387 per month, or $89 a week, in a best-case scenario of 6 per cent interest.But three years ago, a $20,000 car typically cost about $486 per month, with the buyer paying more than $9000 in interest over five years, versus $3200 in interest over the same period today.Alternatively, the repayments of $486 per month at today's low interest rates will buy a $25,000 car rather than a $20,000 car.Meanwhile, the industry is still coming to grips with Hyundai’s shock result just 29 years after arriving in Australia.Hyundai cars were introduced locally in 1986 by Perth car dealer John Hughes — who went on to become the company’s biggest retail outlet in the southern hemisphere from 1997 to 2003 — with financial backing by Alan Bond.But with Bond Corporation suffering financial difficulties, the distribution rights in Australia were then handled by a Singapore-based company from 1990 until Hyundai established a head office locally in 2003.Indeed, Hyundai is now a challenger for third place outright if it can overtake Holden and push the former Number One to fourth by the end of the year.Holden is currently third place behind Toyota and Mazda when the year-to-date tally is calculated, but is locked in a bumper-to-bumper battle with Hyundai.Hyundai has been ahead of Holden for three of the first six months of this year, and the two brands are separated by just 1100 sales.After being beaten by Hyundai in May, Holden leapt ahead in the June sales tally thanks to the biggest month ever for the Trax baby SUV, Captiva5 compact SUV, the Colorado ute, and Colorado7 seven-seater.It was also the best result in 18 months for the Barina hatch and the Commodore ute, while the Captiva7 posted its highest sales in a year.Hyundai i30 - 5520Toyota HiLux - 4280Toyota Corolla - 4150Mazda3 - 4130Mitsubishi Triton - 3530Ford Ranger - 3370Holden Commodore - 2770Volkswagen Golf - 2680Toyota Camry - 2600Mazda CX5 - 2510Toyota - 21,500 - up 3.3 per centHolden - 11,930 - down 3.3 per centMazda - 11,520 - up 23 per centHyundai - 11,005 - up 10 per centMitsubishi - 9015 - up 8.9 per centFord - 7250 - down 16.8 per centVolkswagen - 7105 - up 7.7 per centNissan - 6645 - down 16.9 per centHonda - 5310 - up 70 per centSubaru - 4500 - up 16.9 per cent * Preliminary figures. Official VFACTS data published Friday 3 July, 2015.

June is by far the biggest month for new-car sales as dealers push hard to close their books for the financial year.The devaluing Aussie dollar means the deals for all brands are not as sharp as in previous years — but if you know where to look you can still drive a bargain.Some models are in run-out, so there is an extra push on those, while other brands have taken the knife to the RRP because they're chasing volume for their overseas parent companies.Here are the 15 best deals for the end of the financial year plus a few tips on those either to avoid or to haggle harder on.Suzuki CelerioThe cheapest car from a mainstream brand isn't discounted — because it launched with such a sharp price: $13,990 drive-away with automatic transmission effectively makes this a $10,000 car plus on-road costs. Astonishingly cheap and giving plenty of reason to cheer. With a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, it'll run on loose change.VW Polo 66TSIRecent deals on the Toyota Yaris ($17,990 drive-away with auto) and Hyundai i20 ($14,990 drive-away with auto) have evaporated this month (still might be worth a try). The Holden Barina and Ford Fiesta deals are not that sharp either. Enter the Polo 66TSI at $18,490 drive-away with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Its turbo 1.2-litre four-cylinder is powerful (for its size) and super-efficient. Stock is thin on the ground so be sure to shop around.Kia CeratoDeals on the VW Golf ($25,490 drive-away with auto), Toyota Corolla sedan ($23,990 drive-away with auto) and Mazda3 (you're invited to talk a deal) are not as generous as in previous months, while Nissan is offering $2800 of "extra value" but no driveaway deals on Pulsar SSS. No-one can compete with the South Koreans this month. The Cerato sedan or hatch with automatic is still an incredible $19,990 drive-away (with seven-year factory-backed warranty). At $4300 off, we called it deal of the decade — until...Hyundai i30Holy smoke. This wasn't a misprint: $19,990 drive-away — with automatic transmission — for the recently updated i30 hatch, with the new nose and standard reversing camera. That's more than $5000 off full price, eclipsing Kia's deal.VW JettaFancy some European flair? Don't mind driving a sedan? The VW Jetta is $24,490 drive-away with auto. That's $1000 cheaper than the Golf with which it shares its engine and underpinnings. And it has a bigger boot.Kia KoupTreat yourself to something a bit sporty — the Koup has European styling and a 1.6-litre turbo engine and can be had for $23,990 drive-away, about $6000 off full price.Holden TraxIt may not be the prettiest on sale, but it's one of the roomiest and best equipped for the money. Now $23,990 drive-away for the LS with free auto, and $24,990 drive-away for the Active with free auto. Both are about $6000 off the full RRP.Ford Kuga MkIIAn unsung hero of the compact SUV segment, it's good buying at $29,790 drive-away (about $3000 off). Don't be put off by the 1.5-litre four-cylinder in such a big car. It's turbocharged, so it has plenty of oomph, and the smaller capacity makes it more fuel efficient. Only blot: no rear camera.Mitsubishi ASXRecently updated, the ASX gets a sharp price: $25,000 drive-away for a manual or $27,500 drive-away for an auto. That price is for cash or via Mitsubishi's own finance deal — which has a catch. You must have a 20 per cent deposit.Mazda CX-9The CX-9 is nearing the end of its model life. Its petrol V6 isn't the most fuel-efficient but this is the biggest seven-seater for the money. The 2WD base model is a bargain at $39,990 drive-away (about $6000 off full price).Holden Colorado7 LTWant to get off the beaten track and don't mind a bouncy ride around town? The Colorado7, normally $47,490 plus on-roads (about $50,000 drive-away), is available until June 30 from $43,990 drive-away, about $6000 off — with five-year warranty and three years' free servicing.Mitsubishi ChallengerThe Challenger is fairly crude, even by heavy-duty 4WD standards, and ageing. Its replacement is due within months — which is why the price is a super-sharp $37,990 drive-away, about $10,000 off full price.Holden ColoradoThere are a couple of good deals, starting with $36,990 drive-away for the base model LS (auto adds $1000). The range-topping LTZ with all the bling is $42,990 drive-away for the manual (aim for $44,990 drive-away for the auto). This is a mega discount of more than $10,000. Holden includes a five-year warranty and three years' free servicing.Toyota HiLux SR5With a completely new HiLux due in October, discounts are steady on the run-out model. The SR5 crew-cab manual is back to its previous low of $47,990 drive-away, auto is $49,990 drive-away.VW AmarokJoining in the tradie discount war, VW continues its free eight-speed auto deal on all Amaroks. The base model crew-cab Core is sharp buying at $38,990 drive-away while the Trendline adds bigger alloys and some bling for $43,990 drive-away. Both are about $6000 off full price.

Cheap tradie utes bolted out showroom doors last month as small businesses appeared to be quick to take up the Federal Government's tax incentive on $20,000 company vehicles.Sales of the most basic versions of the Toyota HiLux ute increased by 12.4 per cent while the Mitsubishi Triton -- both of which scrape below the $20,000 threshold -- surged by a staggering 42.7 per cent, as both brands cleared old stock and took advantage of new tax rules.However, the actual number of bargain basement utes delivered was relatively small (996 Toyotas and 421 Mitsubishis), and they appear to be the only two winners in a dark month for the rest of the car industry.New-car sales hit the brakes for the first time in four months in May, figures due to be released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries at midday Wednesday are expected to show.The number of new cars reported as sold was down by 1.3 per cent compared with the same month the previous year, to 93,327 deliveries, making it the weakest May result in four years.The tally has surprised the industry as it had been forecasting another record after a strong start to the year. Sales year-to-date, however, are still up, by 2.5 per cent.Half of the Top 10 brands were down, including market leader Toyota, Holden, Ford, Hyundai and Nissan -- and German car maker Volkswagen closed to within just 460 sales of former top-seller Ford.The Toyota HiLux ute was the top-selling vehicle across all types -- for the 14th individual month since 2008 and the first time in almost two years -- however its sales were down by 4 per cent (once all versions of the HiLux are tallied) compared with the same month last year.Sales of utes in general were down by 0.9 per cent, as the majority of models fall outside the Federal Government's $20,000 threshold on company purchases.The car industry warns it is too early to determine if the Federal Government's stimulus package -- which is due to run until the end of the 2016/17 financial year -- is a success or a failure."None of us were ready for it, it was really only the last two weeks of the month, and there were really only a handful of cars across the entire market that were eligible," one Toyota dealer told News Corp Australia."This deal will be around for a while so I think you will find several brands try to put something together that meets the $20,000 criteria," said the industry veteran.Following changes announced in last month's Federal Budget, small businesses and sole traders will be able to claim a deduction on company assets valued up to $20,000 in this financial year, rather than have the refunds spread out over eight years, as is usually the case with motor vehicles.The changes mean sole traders will be eligible for a refund of up to $8500 on a $20,000 work vehicle, while small businesses could pocket up to $5400 -- providing quarterly tax instalments or pay-as-you-go taxes are up to date.Sole traders in the maximum tax bracket of 47 cents in the dollar stand to make the most gains, while companies with a turnover not exceeding $2 million may be eligible for an instant tax refund of 30 cents in the dollar on $20,000 purchases.Private buyers, however, will not benefit from the new scheme.Meanwhile, the industry is bracing for a boom in June, customarily the biggest month of the year for new-car sales.Toyota - 15,928 - down 7.6 per centMazda - 8717 - up 12.5 per centHyundai - 8269 - down 1.6 per centHolden - 7956 - down 11.7 per centMitsubishi - 6149 - up 6.4 per centFord - 5994 - down 13.8 per centVolkswagen - 5534 - up 12.5 per centNissan - 4467 - down 28.9 per centSubaru - 3776 - up 14.4 per centHonda - 3086 - up 21.5 per centToyota HiLux - 3173 - down 4 per centMazda3 - 2876 - down 12.6 per centToyota Corolla - 2688 - down 30.6 per centMitsubishi Triton - 2679 - up 18.8 per centFord Ranger - 2411 - up 4 per centHolden Commodore - 2217 - down 16.3 per centVolkswagen Golf - 2093 - down 9.0 per centMazda CX-5 - 1981 - up 15.5 per centHyundai i20 - 1920 - up 36.6 per centHyundai i30 - 1666 - down 34.7 per cent Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Sales in May 2015 and the percentage change compared with the same month last year.

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. 

Strewth! Aussies are now consistently buying more Hyundai cars than Holdens.Figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show Holden finished fourth behind Toyota, Mazda and Hyundai in April – and the two brands are in a bumper-to-bumper race for third place this year.Holden and Hyundai are barely 1000 sales apart in the year-to-date tally but the South Korean brand is closing the gap after beating Holden for the third month in a row and the seventh time in two years.The age-old Holden versus Ford battle is about to be revived – but it will be for the minor placingsThe change in fortunes means the age-old Holden versus Ford battle is about to be revived – but it will be for the minor placings as the former family and fleet favourites are overtaken by imported cars.The Ford and Holden fall from grace comes as the Australian new-car market continues its record-setting pace, up by 3.5 per cent year-to-date.Sales in the first four months of this year are also higher than in the same period in 2013 – the previous record year – with 359,250 new vehicles reported as sold versus 358,165 two years ago.Buoyed by an artificially devalued Yen, Japanese-branded cars continued to dominate.The Toyota Corolla outsold the Mazda3 for the third month in a row in April to remain our top-selling car while three utes made it into the Top 10, including the second-placed Toyota HiLux, fifth-placed Ford Ranger and ninth-placed Mitsubishi Triton.Sales of SUVs (up 15.7 per cent) and four-wheel-drive utes (up 9.1 per cent) continue to drive the market while sales of traditional passenger cars hit the brakes (down 4.4 per cent), according to figures that compare the first four months of this year with the same period in 2014.Mercedes-Benz C Class also outsold the Ford FalconOther movers and shakers include the Volkswagen Golf, which made it into the Top 10, and the Hyundai i30 which nearly overtook the Mazda3.Mercedes-Benz (2654 sales in April) edged out Honda (2559) to make it into the Top 10 for the fourth time in 12 months, and increased its sales lead in the luxury-car class ahead of Audi (1714) and BMW (1554).The Mercedes-Benz C Class (681) was the second best-selling medium-size car after the Toyota Camry (1141) and ahead of the Mazda6 (415).The Mercedes-Benz C Class also outsold the Ford Falcon (446), whose sales are down by 11.9 per cent despite the recent arrival of an updated model.Holden is selling four times as many Commodores as Ford is selling Falcons, but sales are down by a greater margin: 16.8 per cent.New-car sales in May are expected to remain steady as the industry braces for June, the biggest month of the year.Toyota Corolla – 3238, down 2.3 per centToyota HiLux – 2789, up 8.4 per centMazda3 – 2365, down 22.6 per centHyundai i30 – 2298, up 1.2 per centFord Ranger – 2200, up 5.1 per centHolden Commodore – 2043, down 16.4 per centMazda CX-5 – 1868, up 21.1 per centVolkswagen Golf – 1728, up 22.5 per centMitsubishi Triton – 1538, up 12.1 per centToyota RAV4 – 1399, down 9.6 per centToyota – 15,299, up 2.0 per centMazda – 8068, up 4.5 per centHyundai – 7210, down 1.2 per centHolden – 7072, down 10.1 per centFord – 5163, down 18.9 per centVolkswagen – 4572, up 13.6 per centNissan – 4188, up 15.7 per centMitsubishi – 4079, up 11.2 per centSubaru – 3052, up 3.8 per centMercedes-Benz – 2654, up 22.7 per centSales and their percentage change with the same month last year. Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

A vote by 75 motoring journalists from 22 countries has awarded the compact prestige car the World Car of the Year award for 2015.It finished on top of a 24-car field and eventually beat the two other finalists, the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Passat.The other big prizes for 2015, Green Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year, went to the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe.The winners were announced at the New York Motor Show today at an event hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and Autoneum at the culmination of a six-month voting process.The C-Class delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.The awards are in their 11th year and previous winners include the Audi A6, BMW 3 Series, Lexus LS460 and Volkswagen Golf, Polo and Up.To be eligible for the overall World Car award, candidate cars must have become available for sale on at least two continents between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015.The WCOTY wins by Mercedes-Benz follow its victories in the Green Car contest in 2007 with the E320 Bluetec and 2012 with the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and its Luxury Car success with the S Class in 2014.“We are extremely delighted of winning the honour of World Car of the Year,” says the chairman of Daimler, Dr Dieter Zetsche.The WCOTY victory follows a similar success for the C-Class in the CarsGuide Car of the Year award.The WCOTY judging panel says: “Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminium/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.” WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015Overall winner: Mercedes-Benz C-ClassGreen Car: BMW i8Performance Car: Mercedes-AMG GTLuxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S CoupeDesign: Citroen CactusPREVIOUS WORLD COTY WINNERS:2014: Audi A32013: Volkswagen Golf2012: Volkswagen Up2011: Nissan Leaf2010: Volkswagen Polo2009: Volkswagen Golf2008: Mazda22007: Lexus LS4602006: BMW 3 Series2005: Audi A6

As the Australian economy shows signs of slowing, sales of new cars got a boost in February – the first solid increase in five months – as dealers cleared last year's stock and buyers continued to cash-in on record low interest rates.Deliveries of new cars rose by 4.2 per cent in February to 90,424, compared to the same month last year, figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show.Prior to last month, new-car sales had been stable or in slow decline for the better part of a year.Discounts across most mainstream brands have been particularly aggressive in response to price cuts from Japanese marques after a new Free Trade AgreementPrivate buyers – not business fleets – were the driving force, pushing sales up 6 per cent among those who pay for their own cars, and accounting for more than half of all new vehicles sold in the month.The turnaround in car sales is likely due to a combination of low interest rates which have enabled many buyers to update to a brand-new model with the same – or lower – monthly repayments.Furthermore, the discounts across most mainstream brands have been particularly aggressive in response to price cuts from Japanese marques after a new Free Trade Agreement axed the 5 per cent tariff on the landed wholesale cost of every vehicle from Japan.The adjustment typically saw price cuts of between $300 and $900 on Japanese cars in the $15,000 to $40,000 price bracket.For example, the Mazda3 price was trimmed from $20,490 to $19,980 and the Toyota Corolla hatch went from $19,990 to $19,490 plus on-road costs.Sales to fleets were down by 3.0 per cent while government departments also had the handbrake on (down 0.5 per cent).Sales to rental companies were much higher than average (up a staggering 59 per cent for the month), however this is more likely a sign that some brands "pushed" cars out at heavily discounted rates, rather than being indicative of a boost in tourism.Seven of the Top 10 brands posted increases. But former market leaders Ford and Holden were hit hard – with sales declines of 20.1 per cent and 10.2 per cent respectively – as they adjusted to weakening demand for their locally-made vehicles in the lead-up to their factory closures in 2016 and 2017.A sign of the times – and our changing taste in cars – luxury brand Mercedes-Benz rounded out the Top 10 for only the fourth time ever.Most luxury marques continued to shine, with Audi (up 9.4 per cent), BMW (up 14.8 per cent) and Porsche (up 14 per cent) all posting increases that outpaced the overall market.The Toyota Corolla overtook the Mazda3 to become the nation's top-sellerPrestige brands customarily account for 8 per cent of car sales globally; in Australia they make up more than 11 per cent of new vehicle deliveries.Other highlights for the month of February: sales for small-car specialist Suzuki were up 20 per cent while ute and SUV specialist Isuzu was up by a massive 54 per cent.Meanwhile the Toyota Corolla overtook the Mazda3 to become the nation's top-seller – but the Mazda3 still leads the sales race in the year-to-date tally by a narrow margin of just 90 cars.The two small cars have been duking it out for Number One for the past four years after the Mazda3 ended the Holden's Commodore's record 15-year winning streak in 2011.The Mazda3 went on to lead the new-car market for two years in a row, but was overtaken by the Toyota Corolla, the world's biggest selling car, in the two years that followed and is currently the reigning champion.With no other challengers to Number One in sight, the year 2015 looks set to be a repeat of the past two years with the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 battling for top-seller status.Toyota 16,243 – up 0.3 per centMazda 9057 – down 1.2 per centHyundai 8003 – 2.6 per centHolden 7809 – down 10.2 per centMitsubishi 6242 – up 33.3 per centFord 5022 – down 20.1 per centVolkswagen 4889 – up 11.7 per centSubaru 3223 – up 3.3 per centHonda 2901 – up 9.0 per centMercedes-Benz 2744 – up 15.5 per centToyota Corolla 3939 – up 18.2 per centMazda3 3598 – down 9.3 per centToyota HiLux 2861 – down 14.5 per centHolden Commodore 2517 – down 9.4 per centHyundai i30 2126 – down 10.4 per centMazda CX-5 2085 – up 19.0 per centMitsubishi Triton 1988 – up 62 per centFord Ranger 1953 – up 2.7 per centToyota Camry 1767 – down 6.6 per centVolkswagen Golf 1735 – down 2.5 per centSource: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

New Volkswagen Golf Wagon and Tiguan R-Line models added to existing Golf hatch, Beetle and Touareg R-Line lineup.Volkswagen has expanded its range of R-Line sports-flavoured models with new R-Line option packs for the Golf wagon and Tiguan, along with a new standalone Tiguan 155TSI R-Line flagship.The R-Line packages bring unique body styling and wheels, chassis improvements and other spec upgrades, without going for the full-house GTI or R performance boosts. Golf Wagon with R-Line packageUnlike the Tiguan 155TSI R-Line and the larger Touareg V8 TDI R-Line, the Golf R-Line is not a standalone model, but a $2200 option pack that can be applied to both the Golf 103TSI and 110TDI Highline versions of hatch and now wagon bodystyles.The R-Line package brings with it special front and rear bumpers, colour-coded sideskirts, tinted windows, R-Line badging, aluminium trim and 18-inch alloy wheels on the Golf's exterior.Inside the cabin there is aluminium finished brake and accelerator pedals, leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and sports seats.The R-Line package also improves the handling of the Golf by giving it 15mm lower sports suspension and progressive power steering for a sportier feel.Tiguan R-LineThe standalone Tiguan 155TSI R-Line takes its model name from the 155kW/280Nm  2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that sits in the engine bay.It's coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission - with paddle shifters on the steering wheel - that delivers drive to all four wheels via VW's Haldex 4Motion system.The Tiguan R-Line gets similar R-Line external styling to the existing models - rear roof spoiler, unique front and rear bumpers, and R-Line badging. It also receives leather upholstery, adaptive suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and satnav.A $2500 R-Line package is also optional for the regular Tiguan 132TSI and 130TDI models, which comes with all of the 155TSI R-Line's extra goodies aside from the leather trim and adaptive suspension.

Tiguan R-Line, new Scirocco R, expanded Golf range, new Polo GTI, revised Jetta and new Passat to help maintain Volkswagen sales growth.  Volkswagen has a range of revised and new models planned to help maintain the brand's current sales strength, despite the overall Australian new car market being down 2.1 per cent so far this year. VW Australia's managing director John White expects these new models to help strong sales of the existing Golf, Polo, Tiguan and Touareg to top the brand's 54,892 unit 2013 result, particularly considering the 32,562 units sold by VW to the end of July already represent a 3.8 percent increase year to date. "Overall this year, we believe that even with a market that's going to be down, we should be ahead of last year," he said.Starting with the revised Polo light hatch that arrives in showrooms this week, a revised version of the strong-selling Tiguan SUV will also touch down in September, strengthening its appeal ahead of an all-new model that is still at least two years away. TIGUAN R-LINEThis will see the Tiguan fitted with a standard reversing camera, rear parking sensors and a colour touchscreen display for the first time, plus the addition of a performance-themed Tiguan R-Line model with a 130kW turbodiesel engine as a new range-topper. GOLF R-LINE WAGONA wagon version of the Golf R-Line will appear in October, based on the success of the sports styled option pack available on existing Highline Golf hatch models.SCIROCCO RThis will be followed in November by the surprise arrival of the refreshed Scirocco R performance coupe, which was widely tipped as a non-starter for Australia after the also slow-selling Up and Eos models were discontinued in April. The revised Scirocco R made its first appearance at the Geneva motor show in March, with styling that has been brought in line with the Mk7 Golf R that arrived here in April.Mr White cited a positive response from the public, media and dealers as a key reason for the model's return to our shores, but it will be accompanied by a new sales strategy."There is going to be significant simplification in terms of colours and option packs, and significant reduction in the expectation of sales, where we are going to focus on making the Scirocco R a low volume, highly desirable vehicle," he said. POLO GTIA revised version of the hot Polo GTI is set to appear at the Paris motor show in September, before arriving down under in the first half of 2015. The GTI will score similar visual and interior upgrades to the regular Polo, but will boost power from 132-141kW and is also tipped to bring a manual transmission for the first time in a Mk5 Polo GTI.JETTAA refreshed Jetta mid-size sedan will also make its way to Australia in the first half of 2015, and John White is expecting the new model to better challenge segment leaders like the Toyota Camry and Mazda6, unlike the current model which has fallen 35 per cent year to date and is currently outsold by the 6 by more than 3:1."We're taking a look at the way that we're going to be configuring the car line, and you can count on the car line having more features and benefits to it, as we look to maximise the opportunities for the Jetta and make it a much better volume competitor," he said.  GOLF ALLTRACKMr White also confirmed the local future of a high-riding all-wheel drive Golf Alltrack wagon near the end of the first half of 2015, with the new model to follow a similar formula to the Alltrack version of the Passat wagon.PASSATRounding out 2015 for Volkswagen will be the all-new Passat that is due to make its public debut at the Paris motor show in September. Mr White confirmed that we will see  the new model late next year, and will be available in sedan, wagon and Alltrack bodystyles.NOT COMINGVW Australia Polo product manager Todd Ford confirmed there are no plans to put a Polo R into production, despite various reports to the contrary and the media being given the chance to drive prototype versions of the Audi S1 mechanical twin earlier this year."We'd love it if we could, but there won't be an R version of the current generation Polo," he said.Mr Ford was also unable to shed any light on the expected Golf R wagon's local future, despite several prototypes being spied testing in recent months."There  has been no model confirmed for production, so I cannot speculate on any Australian future," he said.  He also reiterated that there are no plans to bring the Mk7 version of the hot diesel Golf GTD to Australia, due to a lack of suitable business case.  Upcoming Volkswagen modelsTiguan spec upgrade and R-Line – September 2014Golf Wagon R-Line – October 2014Scirocco R update – November 2014Polo GTI update – first half 2015Jetta update – first half 2015Golf Alltrack – mid-2015Passat redesign – late 2015

Volkswagen could add an off road-ready Alltrack wagon model to its Golf lineup, following a similar formula to the larger Passat Alltrack model.Speaking at the Australian launch of the new Mk7 Golf Wagon this week, Volkswagen Australia PR boss Karl Gehling admitted that an Alltrack version of the Golf is “something we are looking at with this generation.”A beefed-up Golf Alltrack would likely be the first mainstream all-wheel drive Golf to be sold in Australia, after the performance-focused all-paw R32 and Golf R models, and form a wagon alternative to all-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan SUV.Volkswagen already produces 4Motion all-wheel drive Mk7 Golf hatch and wagon models for overseas markets, and the layout will also appear in the new Mk7 Golf R later this year.If given the green light, we could see a Golf Alltrack within the next 18 months, following the same timeframe between the current 3C-generation Passat’s April 2011 local arrival, and the Passat Alltrack’s October 2012 Australian debut.Mr Gehling also suggested that a GTI version of the new wagon is “not likely at this stage”, despite the appearance of the GTI-like Concept R-Line wagon shown at Geneva in 2013. This concept ultimately previewed the range of R-Line trim options available for overseas Golf models. Volkswagen has toyed with spreading the GTI and R performance monikers across body styles in the past, with GTI and R Cabriolets produced toward the end of the Mk6 Golf’s model life, but neither of these models made it to our shores.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn