New Models Drive Sales at Volkswagen Canada

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Fourteen Consecutive Record Months
AJAX, ON – December 1, 2011

For the fourteenth consecutive month, new vehicle sales at Volkswagen Canada have set a record. A total of 4,015 cars were sold at Canadian Dealerships during the month of November, bettering last year’s mark of 3,934.
Through the first eleven months of the year, 49,039 Volkswagens have been sold, an 18% increase over the same period in 2010. This figure has already established 2011 as the most successful in the company’s 59 year history in Canada.
"With ample supply of the new Passat at our Dealers, along with the recent introduction of the Beetle, Tiguan and Jetta GLI, our product lineup is broad enough to appeal to most Canadian car shoppers," stated John White, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada.
Leading the way continues to be the Jetta, which posted sales of 1,855 during the month. Year-to-date, 25,142 have been sold, making it one of the top-selling cars in Canada.
The 2012 Passat is now available in Dealerships across the country. Larger and with a much lower price tag, the new Passat was recently named Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year. With November sales of 454 reflecting a 114% increase over last year’s figure, it appears that Canadian car buyers have already caught on. Available from $23,975, the Passat offers a choice of three engines, including the award-winning TDI Clean Diesel.

Source: Volkswagen Canada

Record July Sales for Volkswagen Canada

 

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Tenth Consecutive Month of Best-Ever Results

AJAX, ON – August 3, 2011 –– Volkswagen Canada is pleased to report that it has established a new company record for sales during the month of July. This marks the tenth consecutive month during which an all-time high has been reached. The 4,522 new vehicles sold exceed last year’s total of 3,881 by 17%.

Year-to-date sales of 31,464 are 18% above the same period last year.

The all-new 2011 Jetta has established itself as one of the best selling cars in Canada. Noticeably larger than its predecessor, the Jetta offers more space, better fuel economy and a fresh, modern look despite a significantly lower starting price. During the month of July, 2,323 were sold, bringing its year-to-date total up to 16,364.

The Golf family, including hatchback, wagon and sporty GTI, contributed 1,292 to the overall sales figure, and continues to offer outstanding versatility and value to the Canadian consumer.

Volkswagen presently offers a wide range of vehicles. Each one delivers outstanding fuel economy and combines sportiness, safety and value in a fun-to-drive package. The range of available engines includes the award-winning TDI Clean Diesel, which can be found in the Jetta, Golf, Golf wagon and Touareg sport utility, and will soon be offered in the upcoming all-new Passat.

Volkswagen sales by model line for the month of July 2011: Volkswagen	July 2011	Year-to-date 2011
City Golf/Jetta	1	93
Golf / Rabbit	1,131	7,190
Golf GTI	161	1,023
New Beetle	5	196
Jetta	2,323	16,391
Eos	102	510
Passat	154	1,025
Tiguan	444	3,430
Routan	69	577
Touareg	132	1,029
TOTAL	4,522	31,464

Source: Volkswagen Canada

All-New 2012 Passat is here at VW Toronto

All-New 2012 Passat

Its time ladies and gentlemen! The All-New Passat has come to Volkswagen Downtown Toronto!

Introducing the All-New 2012 Passat, more styling and comfort with less sticker shock.

VW Toronto now has their very own 2012 Passat available for test-drive!

Join our VW team in test driving the All-New 2012 Passat.

Contact our sales department for more information at 416.865.9777

Email:  sales@volkswagendowntowntoronto.ca

Come in and visit our showroom, located at

550 Adelaide St E Toronto ON M5A 1N7

Click here for more information on the All-New 2012 Passat



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Second Consecutive All-time Record for Volkswagen Canada

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All New Jetta Continues to Lead the Way
 

With a total of 5,776 sales during the month of May, Volkswagen Canada has recorded its eighth consecutive record month. The figure broke the previous mark; set in April, for the highest single sales month in the company’s history, and was 26% above last year’s performance. Year-to-date, total sales of 21,936 are 19% above the same period last year.

The brand continues to be led by the all-new 2011 Jetta. In May alone, 2,964 new Jettas were delivered, and with a year-to-date total of 11,486, the Jetta has already sold more units than it did throughout all of last year.

Some 604 Tiguan compact sport utilities found new homes during the month, and sales of the Golf family, including the hatchback, wagon and sporty GTI numbered 1,593.

The “Volksfest” sales program, which has contributed to the outstanding results by offering very competitive financing and leasing, continues through the month of June.

Featuring a wide range of vehicles in virtually all segments, the combination of sportiness, safety and value has elevated Volkswagen to the top of many Canadians’ shopping lists. A range of engines, including the award winning TDI Clean Diesel, deliver excellent fuel economy while providing robust performance in a fun-to-drive package.

Source[AJAX, ON – VW Canada]

Volkswagen Downtown Toronto Parts Specials

You asked for it ladies and gentleman. Our parts department wants you to get what you want but save your cash!

The VW Toronto parts department has weekly specials of 15%off accessories and other Volkswagen collections. But that’s not all! We want you to save money on parts for your V-Dub! Like oil filters, monster mats and more!

Did you know that if you come in on Saturday and see us, we will give you 15% OFF your bill, just for coming in!

We have part specials all the time! Why pay more for the parts that are made for your Volkswagen, when you can just come see us and save your money!

Volkswagen Parts sale of this week is 20% off all in-stock monster mats!  

We are your VW Toronto parts dealership and we are here to help you with anything you need!

We have parts and accessories for every Volkswagen model; Jetta, Golf, Eos, Touareg, Tiguan, Routan, Golf GTI, Passat CC, Passat, Golf Wagon, New Beetle, City Jetta, City Golf, Beetle Convertible

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If you have any questions please contact us at

Phone: 416-865-9777

Email: parts@volkswagendowntowntoronto.ca

Address: Volkswagen Downtown Toronto

550 Adelaide St E

Toronto ON

M5A 1N7

GTI Treffen am Worthersee 2011 VW GTI Reifnitz

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Volkswagen Coaching GmbH unveiled a specially prepared GTI MK6 at the GTI Treffen show in Worthersee, Austria to mark the joint anniversary of the 35th birthday of the VW GTI and the 30th GTI Treffen at Worthersee. VW Coaching marked this very special joint anniversary with a truly unique and extensively individualized GTI MK6 created by their apprentices and training staff.

Intricately detailed, it is safe to say the GTI Reifnitz is the most individualized VW on display at Volkswagen AG’s main display. The exterior received a special paint design and areo styling by the VW Coaching team and the interior is extremely detailed as well. Not to be left untouched, the engine was reengineered to 370 PS and 480Nm of torque with a production APR Stage III Turbocharger System, APR Intercooler and APR RSC Performance Exhaust.

VW Coaching staff was available throughout the day to answer questions and when asked about power, a quick reach in the glove box brings a dynamometer certification chart of the power and torque delivered by APR’s Stage III Turbocharger System. In typical show fashion and by request, VW Coaching staff were starting the 2.0 TSI engine and revving for the public producing an exotic, yet reserved exhaust note that only an APR RSC Performance Exhaust System can deliver.

APR is proud to be a part of one of the most beautifully crafted individualized GTI’s to be presented on the Main VW Display at GTI Treffen am Worthersee. You may not be able to purchase this unique GTI MK6 at your local VW dealership but you can prepare yours to same level of engine performance through APR’s extensive product line for VW’s 2.0 TSI engine no matter the chassis you choose.

Source[VW Vortex]

The Golf R Cabriolet Concept

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Turbo Charged, Top down.

Volkswagen unveils the Golf R Cabriolet concept car at GTI-Worthersee 2011.

Designed to show the inexhaustible potential of the Golf, this concept is represented by the aggressive front fascia, aerodynamic side skirts and, with all Golf R’s, a center-mounted dual exhaust system. Other features include sport-tune suspension, a high performance braking system and, the cherry on top, 19-inch alloy wheels.

There are no interior pictures released yet but it features Nappa Leather sport seats, carbon fiber accents and piano black trim.

Like all Golf R’s, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engines provides 266 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. This allows the all-wheel drive convertible to accelerate from 1-100 km/h in “less than six seconds” and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.

The Golf R Cabriolet is the fastest convertible Golf ever!

Source [WorldCarfans]

The 2011 Touareg

I found this great article online about our 2011 Touareg and wanted to share it with you guys! Source is the Toronto Star!

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 Exceptional in every sense of the word

Peter Bleakney- Special to the Star

Volkswagen, the “people's car,” has had a long history of bringing affordable cars to the masses — of delivering a product to those who might otherwise not be able to afford it. So what does this have to do with the five-seat 2011 VW Touareg TDI Execline that lightens the billfold to the tune of $63,135 before freight and taxes? Quite a bit if you're in the market for a premium German SUV that goes down the road courtesy of a six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine.

With a starting price of $53,190 for the well-equipped 2011 Touareg TDI Comfortline (Bluetooth, navigation, powered tailgate), VW is significantly undercutting the competition. The BMW X5 xDrive35d bows at $62,800, the Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec at $63,900, and the Audi Q7 TDI, which uses the same engine, at $58,900. The mid-range Touareg TDI Highline, which has leather, proximity key, heated wheel and rear seats, and panoramic sunroof lists for $58,645.

The redesigned 2011 Touareg is an impressive piece, featuring a lovely interior, typical VW dynamics (read: engaging and refined), and a structure that feels as solid as the day is long. Like its sister ship, the Porsche Cayenne, this Touareg is a little longer and wider than the outgoing model yet looks more compact thanks to sleeker styling and a slightly lower roofline. Horseshoe-shaped LED running lights make for a nice touch.

The 2011 VW Touareg (in 3.6-litre V6 gas trim) was named Best CUV/SUV over $50,000 at the most recent Automobile Journalists Association of Canada TestFest. This diesel version is better. Of course there's no free lunch, as the premium for 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 is approximately $4,000 — money you'll likely never recoup despite the TDI's impressive fuel economy.

 I observed a saintly 9.4 L/100km during a week of largely highway driving. Official numbers are 11.9 L/100 km city and 8.0 L/100 km highway versus 12.3 and 8.8 for the 3.6-litre gasoline V6. The TDI is a terrific engine, putting out 225 hp and 406 lb.-ft. — the latter available from 1,750 rpm. As with all 2011 Touaregs, the transmission is a smooth eight-speed Tiptronic well-suited to the diesel's relatively narrow power band.

As such, the TDI punches ahead from almost any speed with modest throttle application. One hundred km/h comes up in 8.6 seconds and it'll whoosh from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.8 seconds. Power is transferred to the ground via VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive.

While there is no low-speed transfer case, turning a dial on the console from On Road to Off Road rejigs the transmission mapping, traction control, stability control, braking and electronic differential lock for off-road duty. VW has done a great job in isolating the cabin from any diesel-like sounds or vibrations, bettering both the Merc and BMW in this regard.

Unlike the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel VWs, this V6 needs the AdBlue system to clean up its exhaust. Urea from a reservoir (filled during regular service visits) is injected into the exhaust upstream from a special catalytic converter, wherein most of the NOx (nitrogen oxide) is eliminated.

Working in conjunction with a particulate filter, there is zero smoke, soot or smell coming from the VW's tailpipes. The Touareg's cabin is exceptionally well-crafted, and this top-trim Execline featured real mahogany veneer and dark brown “saddle” leather. The 12-way seats, in typical VW fashion, find a balance between long-haul comfort and firm support. A large touchscreen dominates the upper console, and all systems are easily accessed and negotiated. The audio system sounds very good but this is the first vehicle I've tested without a CD drive. Sign of the times? Allowing plenty of light to fall on these lovely surroundings is the gigantic panorama sunroof with a front panel that tilts and retracts. The Execline gets adaptive xenon headlights with curve lights, powered tilt and telescope wheel (heated), heated rear seats, side rear sun shades, park assist, rearview camera and sports suspension with 20-inch alloys. On the road, there is no question this VW is dynamically superior to most SUVs.

The steering is tactile with great on-centre feel and the brakes are smooth and progressive. Body control is exceptional for a tall 2,256-kilogram sport-ute, but here comes that free-lunch thing again.

Over rough surfaces, the pitching and head-jostling is a reminder that firm underpinnings are generally a necessary ingredient for sporty handling. Still, refinement is key here. There are no crashes or thumps and on smoother roads the Touareg's manners are impeccable.

Utility is up with this redesigned 2011 Touareg. The 38-mm wheelbase stretch gives increased rear legroom and more load capacity. The rear seats flip forward, liberating 2,000 litres of cargo space. In the Highline and Execline the seat back releases are powered, as is the tailgate. The Touareg (both gas and diesel) will haul up to 3,500 kilograms with the $705 optional tow hitch.

Volkswagen has been selling diesel vehicles in North America since 1977, so it's fair to say the company knows a thing or two about oil-burners. The 2011 Touareg TDI Execline is an exceptional vehicle in every sense of the word. Frugal, fast, functional and exquisitely crafted, it can also be thought of as a relative bargain.

Peter Bleakney reviews vehicles for Wheels. He can be reached at pebleakney@sympatico.ca

2011 VW Touareg TDI Execline

PRICE: $63,135, as-tested $63,840

ENGINE/POWER: 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, 225 hp; 406 lb.-ft.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (L/100km) city 11.9, hwy 8.0 claimed

COMPETITION: BMW X5 xDrive35d, Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec, Audi Q7 TDI

WHAT'S BEST: Quiet and torquey diesel power, economical, quality interior WHAT'S WORST: Stiff ride, $4,000 premium for TDI

WHAT'S INTERESTING: For the 2010 calendar year, the TDI accounted for 75 per cent of Canadian sales

Volkswagen creates edible ad for the Golf R

Mmm... advertising

Volkswagen has been known to use some pretty memorable ads, but their latest effort certainly takes the cake.

Designed to promote the Golf R in South Africa, the edible "Eat the Road" ad was prominently featured in several local automotive magazines. While there's no word on how it tastes, the ad was made with glutinous rice flour, water, salt, propylene glycol FD&C color and glycerin.

Source [worldcarfans]


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Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet unveiled - Geneva Show

New Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet sports several different design features from the standard Golf model.

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the new Golf Cabriolet model for its premiere at the Geneva auto show today.

The Golf Cabriolet has a long tradition for a convertible in this class and VW has a difficult challenge in maintaining the cachet of the model.

This next-generation Golf Cabriolet sports several design features that make it differ from the standard Golf model. That includes a more sloped windscreen, lower profile roof line and a new rear-end design.

A new soft-top was developed for this Golf Cabrio which can open or close at speeds up to 30 km/h (18.7 mph). Safety features include the automatically deploying roll-over bar, side airbags for the head/thorax and a knee airbag for the driver.

A slew of engines will be on offer with the Cabrio ranging in output from 105 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) to 207 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS) for the 2.0 liter TFSI variant. Transmissions offered will be the six-speed manual or the DSG double-clutch gearbox. The 77 kW 1.6 liter TDI with BlueMotion technology has a fuel-economy rating of 4.4 liters/100 km (64 mpg imperial) and CO2 emissions of 117 g/km for clean driving.

The VW Golf Cabriolet goes on sale in Europe this spring with prices in Germany starting at €23,625.

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Source: [Worldcarfan]

Volkswagen confirms plug-in hybrids for 2013

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The best of both worlds

Volkswagen has announced plans to introduce a series of plug-in hybrids starting in 2013.

While the company declined to identify which models would gain the technology, Volkswagen has previously shown off a Golf TwinDrive plug-in hybrid and an Audi A5 e-tron plug-in hybrid prototype.

According to Volkswagen chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn, "Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential because it combines the best of two worlds in one vehicle." 

Source: [Worldcarfans]

2014 VW Passat could spawn coupe & convertible variants - report

With Volkswagen aiming to become the world's largest automaker by 2018, its clear the company will have to expand their product lineup.

We've already reported about several models under consideration, but a new report is indicating the next-generation Passat (Euro-spec) could spawn coupe and convertible variants. Details are vague, but the models - if approved - would slot below the Audi A5 and compete with the upcoming Opel Calibra.

We're taking everything with a grain of salt, but the redesigned Passat is due in 2014 and should be larger and more luxurious than the current model.

Source [worldcarfans]

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan facelift revealed in Geneva

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The face lifted 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has been revealed at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.

Building upon the 572,000 units delivered worldwide, the little brother of the Touareg features redesigned front and rear ends plus two top trim level models, "Track & Style" and "Sport & Style".

The "Sport & Style" which is mainly intended for urban use can handle inclines of 18 degrees while the "Track & Style" which is spec'd for off-road/light trail driving can handle a larger 28 degree angle of approach.

Other features include new assistance systems such as fatigue detection, camera-controlled high beam Light Assist as well as Lane Assist. Also new in the Tiguan is the XDS electronic differential lock.

In Europe there are four direct-injection TSI engines available, three of which are new to the Tiguan, producing between 120 bhp (90 kW / 122 PS) and 208 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS) while three diesel TDI engines range from 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) to 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS).

The 7-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option. Available with BlueMotion equipped Tiguans is a new Start/Stop system which reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 l/100 and is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive 4MOTION.

The 2012 Tiguan launches in Europe this August at a starting price of 24,175 euros in Germany.

Source: [Worldcarfans.com]

VW wants to take Bulli Microbus to production

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Microbus will be sold around the world in different variants

VW wants to take the Bulli Microbus Concept it premiered at the Geneva show last week to production.

According to Autocar, VW's research and development chief Ulrich Hackenberg says that the Microbus is based on the MDS [Modular Design System] platform and will likely be made at VW's Pueblo plant in Mexico.

The MDS system that Hackenberg is referring to may be part of (or the same thing as) the new MQB modular transverse architecture ("Modular Querbaukasten" in German) that VW has developed which will underpin many future models including the next-generation A3 and Golf models. The architecture is flexible enough to allow for models of varying track and wheelbase dimensions to be built on a shared platform. The Bulli Microbus can also be made on that platform.

Hackenberg told Autocar that the Microbus will have different market variants so that it can be sold around the world. In the United States, it will provide some competition to the Scion XB.

The VW Bulli Microbus is a 3+3 (two rows of three-seat benches) minivan measuring 3.99 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 1.70 m in height. Wheelbase is 2.62 m and the Microbus has a wide track for those 3-seater benches at 1.50 m.

The concept VW debuted in Geneva was an electric vehicle but the automaker said that it can easily be adapted to be powered by the VW Group's various small diesel and petrol power plants, putting it closer to a production-fit model.

Source [worldcarfan.com]

An armored VW Bora (Jetta) - but only for Mexico

The Bora Protect costs about $70,000 (€48,000), is bullet-proof and features run-flat tires

Security is a huge factor in Mexico these days. So, VW devised this armored Bora model (based on the previous-generation Jetta), which it has been offering in Mexico for a while now, as a less expensive option vis-a-vis those large armor-plated SUVs that are the norm for those needing protection.

The Bora Protect costs about $70,000 (€48,000) and comes with the 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 200 bhp (149 kW / 203 PS), coupled to VW's six-speed DSG gearbox. It is bullet-proof and features run-flat tires so that a round through the tire rubber won't prevent you from speeding away.

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Source [worldcarfans.com]

VW partnering with Silicon Valley players such as Google and Oracle Corp. to develop technologies such as a self-parking car

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VW has opened a new Electronics Research Laboratory in Belmont, California, tasked with creating the technologies that will go into the cars of the future.

The lab has an annual budget of $20 million, and a staff of 100 designers and engineers. There are even psychologists on the payroll, mainly to make sure that the "cool" functions technicians invent have a real value to the driver.

VW previously had other research labs in Silicon Valley which have now moved into this new facility. To assist in the development of new cabin technologies, VW is partnering with the best of Silicon Valley - companies such as Google, Nvidia and Oracle Corp.

So just what functions are they working on? How about this - you drive into a parking lot, even a multi-level one, you get out and head for the entrance to the building while your vacant car drives around on its own, searching for its own spot, and then parks itself. Then, when you leave, you just call your car and it comes back to greet you. All that's missing is the wagging tail.

Also being researched is a driving awareness system that can detect traffic lights and speed limits, and adjusts the movement and capabilities of the car accordingly.

All great stuff, yes, but while they're at it, why don't they simply make a car that drives itself completely so that we can sit in the back and take a nap on the way to work?

Source [worldcarfans.com]

2012 Volkswagen Golf R First Drive

The Volkswagen Golf R

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We're getting a 2012 Volkswagen Golf R with a pumped-up version of the VW GTI's turbocharged inline-4 engine with 266 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. But we have to wait. While the rest of the planet gets its Golf R starting now, North America has to wait, because our Golf R won't arrive until the second quarter of 2011 as a 2012 model.
Payoff being at least that the Golf MkVI VW360, known as the Golf R with the new fourth-generation version of Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive, is a better all-round hottie than any like competitor on the planet and is therefore worth the wait.

The VW Golf R smothers the overrated old 247-hp VW R32 V6 in all ways but exhaust sound satisfaction, and we think it feels more a premium effort than the 263-hp Mazdaspeed 3.

R32 VR6-Withdrawal Group Hug
On American soil, the VW R32 with its VR6 engine and previous-generation Haldex all-wheel-drive setup became a bit of a legend, complete with breathless Internet bulletin boards all a-gush with how it kicked so much damned ass.
The 4Motion was the big draw for most R32 buyers — VW's survey says so, so we aren’t just guessing here — and then there was that we-don't-need-no-stinkin'-turbo 3.2-liter VR6. Apparently it just didn't matter how underpowered and fuel-sucking that heavy, narrow-angle V6 has been, because it did the Pavlov thing for Americans, who could say, "at least it's a V6, dude." The engine was never really any good in the Audi TT either, and for the same reasons. But, boy, did VW Group make a lot of money on each one sold. Admittedly, too, the thing could sing real pretty through those pipes.
VW's R32 survey says you're almost all guys, as in males. Like roughly 100 percent. The whole VR6 engine program has been scrapped already. It is time for the exceptionally better EA113 inline-4, in this case the turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter TSI that we've recently driven with much delight in the VW Scirocco R.
One thing that should help us break this tortured sort of man-hug and move on to the better 2.0-liter turbo is the matter of 266 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,000-5,000 rpm. And you can't deny that 12.6 pounds of Golf R that each 2.0 TSI horse has to carry is much better than the 14.2 pounds that every VR6 pony had to pack. In fact, the brand-new MkVI GTI with the latest EA888 turbo-4 burdens each horse with 15.8 pounds.

A Man's Car
This VW Golf R with the 2.0 TSI is exactly what we need to stop the criticism leveled at small cars with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. There's so much premium-ness built into this car that it is not to be believed, and we mean that in the amazingly good way. A long list of upgrades in both manufacturing and anti-NVH development has made every member of the Golf MkVI family feel as substantial as an Audi A6.
And then there is the long list of features. Like the latest quick-acting all-wheel drive making snowy roads feel like dry roads, plus making serious acceleration numbers on dry roads and communicating in the corners through the flat-bottom R-type steering wheel. Like the sheer quality of the interior design that no longer seems as if it's compensating for shortcomings in another department.

And Then on Ice and Snow
You can probably see that the weather in the Austrian Alps for our drive of a 2012 Volkswagen Golf R ablaze in Tornado Red proved perfect for testing the majority of the reasons for buying one. Though there are engineering and dynamic reasons why we would prefer a mechanical Torsen center differential, no car built on the VW Group's PQ35 chassis has ever had anything but a Haldex. Some say it's due to cost issues in having to beef up the chassis to properly mesh with a Torsen's reactive properties, especially when the engine is transversely mounted.
No matter, this fourth-gen pro-active Haldex system is just right on this lighter Golf. Its most important innovation is the way that the hydraulically activated system (435 psi) is always prepared to manage the driving forces and weight transfer in far less time than the Haldex AWD system it replaces. The previous differential could also send 100 percent of traction to the front or rear axle, but this one reacts now like the proverbial lightning. While hammering around the local mountain roads and circling a local ice-racing circuit with studded tires, we learned that the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R is always under control, even while drifting the racing circuit's curves at 6,500 rpm.
On the slick stuff, at least, the stability control still has a safety net engaged even when you switch off the system, so it would still intervene while we were trying to be teenagers for life, kicking sideways and using the hand brake and so on. But this is not exactly a dumb move for a series-built car that is expected to spend some portion of its life in controlled sledding under similar conditions. It corrects things just enough to keep the less capable out of the snowbanks.

Das Fahren auf der Autobahn
There's a good chance that the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R for North America will be limited to 130 mph like the GTI and others, which might make police-chase television shows seem a little like restrictor-plate NASCAR weekends if the getaway car is a VW. We weren't in North America, though, were we? No.
At 155 mph on glorious portions of no-limit autobahn on the way back to Munich airport, there is that low hum from the turbo engine's twin-pipe exhaust that's very close to the note of the R32, only the greatly improved acoustic insulation of the cabin admits less of it than the R32 did. Meanwhile, the stability afforded by the suspension is very much as you'd expect in a premium car, a benefit from a sport setup for the suspension's Mubea springs (20 percent firmer than the GTI springs), which lower the car an inch. In Europe you have the option of Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), electronic control of the Sachs dampers for Comfort, Normal or Sport modes. Our sources in North America say, "Chances are that our cars will come loaded, so DCC would be standard in the price." (It's Christmas every day of the year, isn't it?)

Our lipstick-red test car had the standard 18-inch wheels instead of the optional 19-inchers, but it did have the optional, broad-shouldered VW Motorsports seats that, simply put, must be available for this car in the United States or we shall storm the gates of VW HQ in Herndon, Virginia. As with the Scirocco R, these Talladega wheels slay us bad, almost as cool as the optional 18-inch Khartoum black units for the GTI.
The six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment for this car, but if we were expecting to drive the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R daily, we'd get the optional dual-clutch automated DSG manual. Then again, if we were slamming around a bit regularly and given to saying things to passengers like "Watch this!" then we'd go with the manual. Projections have two-thirds of Golf R buyers taking the DSG. Also, about 70 percent will choose the four-door version of this car over the two-door.
Accelerating to 60 mph with the DSG gearbox and launch control and 225/40R18 82V Continental ContiWinterContact tires under the fenders took about a second less than an R32.

Is It Coming? Really? Really?
No one in Wolfsburg or Herndon will go on the record as confirming or denying, but the definite majority told us that we would not be far off if we say that yes, the Volkswagen Golf R is coming to the U.S. Volkswagen of America is just a little nervous about bringing it in too hot on the heels of the new 200-hp 2010 Volkswagen GTI that just arrived.
But it will come, however reluctantly VW's business people on both sides of the ocean might be about it. The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R will be a limited edition of between 1,500 and 3,000 cars, with prices starting at $32,500 or so for a manual-equipped two-door. We might even get four-doors for a slight premium. As one executive told us after a couple schnapps toss-backs, "I mean, hell, we build a lot of these. If the U.S. would want more Rs, then we would just make some more."
Love that attitude.

Source [Edmunds inside line]