The Volkswagen Gold R takes one of the seven places for Automobile Magazine All-Star List of cars.

Lauded for its performance and value, the Golf R joins Automobile’s list of the seven outstanding model year 2016 vehicles

Volkswagen of America, Inc., is pleased to announce that the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, commended for its “practicality and punch,” was named today to Automobile’s “2016 All-Star” list. Automobile,a leading automotive lifestyle print and online brand, selects exceptional vehicles each year to its prestigious list based on style, class, importance, and desirability. This is the first time that the Golf R has been named anAutomobile “All-Star”.

“The Golf R has won the hearts of enthusiasts and everyday drivers since its introduction last spring, and we are honored that it has earned a coveted spot on Automobile’s ‘2015 All-Star’ list,” said Vinay Shahani, Vice President, Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This award is a testament to the Golf R’s stellar combination of performance and value.” 

“Volkswagen Golf R wowed us with its potent performance on both road and track,” said Mike Floyd, Editor-in-Chief, Automobile. “But more than that, it’s also an incredibly practical package that can haul the mail as well.”

Automobile chooses its “All-Star” contender list from the entirety of all-new, heavily revised, or newly significant variants on sale or otherwise available in the U.S. in the 12 months preceding the publication’s fall test. 

Editorial staff and contributors cast private ballots for their favorite vehicles, including passenger cars, sports cars, sport-utilities, minivans and trucks. Winners are determined solely by staff preferences.

The latest Golf R, introduced for 2015, is the most powerful version of the Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market. It redefines the hatchback category with enough space for five adults and more trunk space than most mid-size sedans. 

It features an even more advanced version of Volkswagen’s EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® 2.0-liter engine that’s fitted to the Golf GTI, which was named anAutomobile “2015 All-Star.” 

Boasting 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the R model is also fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission. 

The 2016 Golf R features a suite of new connectivity features that includes USB and VW Car-Net® App-Connect technology, as well as a number of newly available driver assistance systems. 

The Golf R comes standard with Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the DCC and Navigation model is available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot). 

The 2016 Golf R (along with the Golf, Golf GTI and Golf SportWagen models), earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Pricing for the 2016 Golf R starts at $35,650.

USA - Volkswagen debuts the 2017 Golf Alltrack to the American market.

• Adds 4MOTION® all-wheel drive to Golf SportWagen’s on-road acumen
• Body cladding and additional ground clearance give Alltrack a rugged off-road look
• “Off-Road Mode” adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control
• Golf Alltrack offers cargo volume on par with compact SUVs for size and versatility
• Available driver assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist).

Volkswagen of America, Inc., debuted today the U.S. production version of the all-wheel-drive Golf Alltrack, which goes on sale in the Fall as a 2017 model. The Golf Alltrack is based on the successful Golf SportWagen—Volkswagen SportWagen models have long been a top choice for customers who want a versatile and dependable vehicle that provides a sportier driving experience than compact SUVs.

“We heard from dealers and customers that they wanted to see a Golf SportWagen with the all-terrain capability that comes from an all-wheel drive system,” said Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy of Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We are excited to introduce the Golf Alltrack to meet the active lifestyle needs of our customers."

The Golf Alltrack shares its underpinnings with its Golf family siblings, from its MQB architecture to the turbocharged and direct-injection powertrain. The fun-to-drive EA888 1.8-liter, four-cylinder TSI® gasoline unit puts out 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. At launch it will be mated to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG® automatic transmission: a six-speed manual transmission will be available at a later date.

While it boasts the on-road manners and fuel economy of a compact wagon, the Alltrack’s defining characteristic is its 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system uses the latest generation Haldex-5 coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump. 

In normal driving, the Alltrack acts like a front-wheel-drive car for better fuel economy, but as soon as the system detects wheel slip, up to 50 percent of the drive torque can be shipped to the rear wheels. In addition to the Haldex coupling that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDL) at the front and rear axles act laterally in concert with the electronic stability control system. 

The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. The Golf Alltrack also features nearly an inch higher ground clearance over the SportWagen.

From the outside, the Golf Alltrack’s rugged appearance is easy to differentiate from the SportWagen. Cladding for key body pieces, including the unique bumpers, wheel wells and side sills, gives off-road protection and the front fascia incorporates foglights and a unique honeycomb grille. The S and SE trimlines have 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the topline SEL trim has 18-inch wheels. Silver detailing, including roof rails, matte mirror caps and diffusor, adds a premium touch.

Inside, Alltrack mimics SportWagen in layout, but gets a more upscale feel. Leatherette seating surfaces are standard and Alltrack receives a unique brown leatherette option in addition to aluminum pedal covers, door sills with Alltrack branding and ambient lighting. Standard infotainment features include: a 6.5-inch capacitive color touchscreen with proximity sensor, rearview camera, and VW Car-Net® App-Connect connectivity.

A Drive Mode selector includes “Off-Road Mode,” which adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control for off-road terrain. The Off-Road HMI displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road. The Alltrack has a spacious trunk that’s in line with those of compact SUVs. With the rear seats up, it boasts 30.4 cu ft of space: when the 60:40 split rear seat is fully folded, that figure rises to 66.5 cu ft of storage. The split folding rear seats are accessed by release levers in the cargo area, maximizing convenience.

Like the rest of the Golf line, the Alltrack provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems. Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System. Available driver assistance systems include: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Assist, and front and rear Park Distance Control with Park Assist.

Stunningly beautiful LEON ST CUPRA 280, the ultimate SEAT estate.

• New Leon ST CUPRA 280 combines effortless performance, style and versatility
• In the UK, ST CUPRA to be offered with 280 PS and choice of six-speed DSG or manual transmission
• A practical, yet fun, estate with SEAT Drive Profile (Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), Progressive steering) and mechanical differential lock
• Exclusive equipment, with array of individualisation options, including ‘Sub8 Performance Pack’
• UK pricing and specification to be announced shortly, ahead of launch in March 2015

SEAT has begun a new chapter with its iconic CUPRA sub-brand through the unveiling of its first ever high performance estate, the Leon ST CUPRA. Combining effortless performance with style and spaciousness in spades, the latest addition to the Leon stable boasts a load space of up to 1,470 litres and can shift from nought to 62 mph in just 6.0 seconds – only a shade, 0.2 seconds, slower out of the blocks than its five-door sibling.

The SEAT Leon CUPRA range already has hordes of admirers, from media all across Europe to those who sample their charms on a daily basis. The new Leon ST CUPRA adds a new dimension. For work and family, for sports and hobbies – with its added versatility, it’s the ideal everyday sports car.

“The new Leon ST CUPRA is the perfect complement to our high-performance model line-up. The combination of refined performance and expressive dynamics with relaxed long-distance comfort and compelling utility make it utterly unique,” says Jürgen Stackmann, President of SEAT S.A. “The Leon ST CUPRA shows the SEAT brand values at their best. We are proud of the technical excellence and quality it conveys.”

In the UK, the ST CUPRA’s 2.0 TSI engine with dual injection and variable camshaft timing will be tuned to 280 PS. The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), front differential lock, progressive steering, CUPRA Drive Profile and standard-fit full-LED headlights are further examples of its state-of-the-art technologies.

“The new Leon ST CUPRA is pure SEAT – emotion and performance, design and dynamics deliver driving fun mile after mile. It boasts state-of-the-art technology evident in its great precision, but also in its amazing efficiency,” stresses Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President for Research and Development. “We have invested a great deal in the fine details to ensure the Leon CUPRA has the same ride and the same athleticism in its estate form – but with plenty of additional utility.”

With the new Leon ST CUPRA, a success story is moving onto the next level. The first generation was launched in 1996 with the Ibiza, followed since by an array of dynamic CUPRA models which have developed to become icons of the SEAT brand. In the latest generation, the Leon three-door is being offered for the first time as a CUPRA - and now the Leon ST is too.

The Drive – high performance as standard

CUPRA stands for power, performance, dynamics – and the new Leon ST CUPRA fulfils each of these promises perfectly. The ST CUPRA 280 with optional DSG transmission, the brand’s top model, catapults from zero to 62 mph in just 6.0 seconds (6.1 seconds with the manual gearbox). Its broad spread of torque, ranging from 1,700 to 5,600 rpm, guarantees impressive pulling power in every situation.

Against this, the new Leon ST CUPRA is astonishingly efficient, with fuel economy of 42.8 (DSG) and 42.2 (manual). This equates to CO₂ figures of just 154 and 157 grams per kilometre.

Making it even more intriguing is the availability of the ‘Sub8 Performance Pack’ on ST CUPRA. The optional pack includes larger Brembo brake callipers, specially-designed 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels in either black or orange and body-coloured side skirts. For £2,025 including VAT. Semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, as fitted to SEAT’s fastest production car when it became the first front-wheel-drive production car to dip under the then elusive eight-minute Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit lap time, are available for £460.

Hi-tech engine components

As a true high performance engine, the 2.0 TSI reacts spontaneously to every brush of the accelerator pedal and is deliciously high revving – paired with a rich and refined sound that is aided and modulated by a sound actuator. The all-new power unit with its exceptionally responsive turbocharger is packed full with hi-tech and groundbreaking features – in the dual-injection system, the gasoline direct injection is complemented under partial load by manifold injection. Its optimum set-up reduces fuel consumption and particulate emissions. 

Cylinder fill is always in the optimum range – the camshafts are adjustable, with the valve lift system regulating opening on the exhaust side. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head and is part of the innovative thermo management system. An improved coating and alloy for the aluminium pistons and the bearings keeps friction to a minimum. The CUPRA efficiency package also includes the start/stop system and brake energy regeneration.

The Chassis – hi-tech for precision and dynamics

CUPRA has always been synonymous with outstanding dynamics, precise agility and sporting character. The latest Leon CUPRA, however, manages to set the bar a good deal higher – in every dimension. With Dynamic Chassis Control, front-axle differential lock and progressive steering all fitted as standard, it achieves considerably faster laps on the track than its already impressive predecessor. At the same time, it is significantly more relaxed to drive, with a surprisingly refined level of comfort even on long motorway journeys. Safe and reliable deceleration comes courtesy of the CUPRA-specific, high-performance brake system, recognisable by its red callipers.

DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control)

The key fundamentals of the dynamics are low weight and a stiff structure. The systematic lightweight design of the new Leon family is also evident on the ST CUPRA. The new generation of Dynamic Chassis Control developed specifically for the CUPRA is even more sensitive and responsive, adapting the chassis characteristics to the prevailing conditions in a matter of milliseconds. The same applies to the driver’s preferences, with the CUPRA Drive Profile able to be tailored specifically to their mood.

Front-axle differential lock

The new front-axle differential lock significantly improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel-drive car. The system uses a multi-plate package that is hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled. The maximum locking force is 1,600 Nm and, in extreme cases, 100 per cent of the drive can be sent to one wheel. The differential lock is integrated into all the handling systems like ESP and EDS. It not only improves the traction, but also eliminates torque steer. Furthermore, its sensitive control has no negative impact on steering feel.

Progressive steering

Also included as standard equipment, the progressive steering improves the agile handling of the new Leon ST CUPRA. The driver experiences a precise and relaxed steering feel, less steering movement is required, reducing the number of grip changes, especially in cornering or parking manoeuvres. The steering in the new Leon CUPRA works with a progressive ratio through variable toothing on the rack.

The ESP handling system has been further developed especially for the new Leon ST CUPRA and enables a very sporty driving style with full retention of safety functionality. For extremely dynamic use, such as on a race track, it can also be deactivated in two stages – the first stage deactivates the traction control and puts the ESP into sport mode, permitting greater yaw angles. The second stage deactivates the ESP completely.

CUPRA Drive Profile

The CUPRA Drive Profile enables the characteristics of the new Leon ST CUPRA to be adapted across a very wide range to meet the individual preferences of the driver. Alongside the Comfort and Sport modes, the CUPRA mode was, of course, a focal point for the engineers in Martorell. Throttle response is particularly sensitive in this setting, while the DSG operates in its sportiest shifting mode and the sound actuator supports the full tone of the turbocharged engine. The Dynamic Chassis Control, progressive steering and the front-axle differential lock also operate at their sportiest settings.

The Design ­– emotional and powerful

Emotional design is a great strength of the Leon family. For the new CUPRA, this has been developed one step further. The stretched silhouette of the ST estate version fits perfectly to the big, distinctive wheels. The new front end with its large air intakes and full-LED headlamps ensures a powerful look, as do the rear skirt with its diffuser effect and the two oval end pipes. The alloy wheels are exclusive to the CUPRA, while the red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windscreen underline its individuality.

The focus of the interior is on the CUPRA sports steering wheel in its own unique design complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission, as well as the top sports seats in black Alcantara finished with white stitching. Black leather upholstery, likewise with white stitching, is also available. For extreme lateral grip, there are optional bucket seats. The pedals and door sills are made from aluminium.

The ST CUPRA 280 is visually differentiated through its unique 19-inch wheels with a titanium paint finish, the Aerodynamic Pack with the spoiler on the rear roof edge, CUPRA lettering on the brake callipers and black door mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this top sporty variant are a deep glossy

The Equipment – exclusive and individual

The Leon ST CUPRA 280 also states its position as the top model in the SEAT range through the progressive steering, dynamic chassis control, front-axle differential lock, CUPRA Drive Profile and high-performance brake system with 19-inch wheels.

Also standard equipment, are the full-LED headlamps and the LED rear lights. Alongside their distinctive design, LED headlamps have many further benefits – they illuminate the road ahead at a colour temperature of 5,300 Kelvin. Because this is very similar to daylight, it places very little strain on the eyes. When it comes to efficiency, the LEDs consume minimal energy – dipped beam, for instance, draws just 20 watts per unit.

The top sports seats in alcantara, the CUPRA steering wheel and Media System Plus with a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen are all among the standard interior features. One particular feature in the CUPRA interior is the ambient lighting. LEDs in the door panels emphasise the contours of the interior design and add to the premium feel of the passenger compartment. At the same time, the ambient lighting offers occupants improved orientation and an even greater sense of spaciousness. The colour of the LEDs can be adapted via the CUPRA Drive Profile – they glow red in CUPRA mode, with the standard setting being white.

The look of the Leon ST CUPRA can be enhanced with the optional White Line, Black Line and Orange Line packs. The surrounds of the radiator grille and door mirrors and parts of the two-tone aluminium wheels are painted in the respective colour – with the Orange Line standing for Cup Racer orange.

USA - Volkswagens 7th Generation Golf GTI wins Autoweeks Best of the Best/Car award.

The seventh-generation “hot-hatch” is recognized for its perfect combination of performance, economy, fit and finish, design and value

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is proud to announce today that the 2015 Golf GTI has wonAutoweek’s annual “Best of the Best”/Car award. The all-new Golf GTI was evaluated against every new or significantly updated model throughout the year, prior to competing against three other finalists for the overall honor. In winning, judges praised the “hot-hatch” for its thoughtful design, superb handling, quality and value.

“Featuring Volkswagen’s improved 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and a choice of two great gearboxes, the Golf GTI is an approachable, practical performance car,” said Dutch Mandel, Publisher, Autoweek. “The car satisfies on every level and the new chassis makes it a blast to drive on the track or the street. It's a car any driver can have fun with."

“Our team is very excited to be named the Autoweek “Best of the Best”/Car for 2015,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It’s an honor to receive this award from a publication whose readership has the same kind of passion about driving and performance as we have at Volkswagen.”

Autoweek selects its annual “Best of the Best” based on performance, economy, fit and finish, design, value, and personal taste as well as statistical data and consumer conversation. Alongside the Golf GTI, finalists for the 2015 Car award included the Alfa Romeo 4C, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Ford Mustang.

Equipped with a sophisticated EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, the 2015 Golf GTI delivers 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque—an increase of 10 hp and 51 lb-ft from the previous generation. The optional Performance Package ups the ante with 220 horsepower, a torque-sensing electronically-controlled limited-slip differential and larger brakes.

Despite increased horsepower and torque, the new Golf GTI is also more fuel efficient than its predecessor. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Golf GTI records an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway—a 4 mpg city and 3 mpg highway improvement from the previous-generation GTI.

Thanks to Volkswagen’s versatile modular transverse matrix (MQB) vehicle platform, the 2015 Golf GTI retains the classic design cues of the Mk1 and Mk4 models, while gaining a more upscale appearance and added utility, including increased cabin and trunk space. Pricing for the all-new Golf GTI starts at $24,395 for the entry-level S trim in two-door form with the six-speed manual transmission.

Volkswagen's Golf GTi joins Automobile’s list of the 10 outstanding model year 2015 vehicles.

Lauded for its exceptional handling and power, the Golf GTI joins Automobile’s list of the 10 outstanding model year 2015 vehicles

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI, commended for its exceptional handling and performance, was today named to Automobile’s “2015 All-Star” list. Automobile, a leading automotive lifestyle print and online brand, each year selects 10 exceptional vehicles to its prestigious list based on performance, features, and overall value. This is the seventh time that the Golf GTI has been named an Automobile “All-Star”.

“The 2015 Golf GTI has met great critical and sales success since its arrival in U.S. dealerships this past summer, and we are honored that it has earned a coveted spot on Automobile’s ‘2015 All-Star’ list,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “This accolade reaffirms the Golf GTI as a vehicle that seamlessly intersects performance with efficiency and value.” 

“After seven generations, you expect a performance car like the GTI to be fabulous, and it most certainly is. Volkswagen has done a masterful job turning its seminal hot hatch into an outstanding all-around vehicle that more than handles its own at the track and out on the back roads,” said Mike Floyd, Editor-in-Chief,Automobile.” There is plenty of power for the application, torque steer is minimized, and the DSG®-equipped car we had shifted as you’d expect— flawlessly. All that made it an easy choice as a 2015 Automobile ‘All-Star.’”

All current model year vehicles that are on sale in the U.S. during Automobile’s fall testing are eligible for the annual “All-Star” award. Editorial staff and contributors cast private ballots for their favorite vehicles, including passenger cars, sports cars, sport-utilities, minivans and trucks. Winners are determined solely by staff preferences.

The 2015 Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation. It redefines the hatchback category with enough space for five adults and more trunk space than any mid-size sedan. It also features Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, providing 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is 10 hp and 51 lb-ft higher than in the previous generation. The optional Performance Package, available later in the model year, adds another 10 hp for a total of 220 hp, larger brakes, and an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential.

The Golf GTI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems, and has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations. All Golf GTI models are available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds a Forward Collision Warning system and front and rear Park Distance Control systems.

Standard equipment on the all-new Golf GTI also includes a new Driving Mode Selection feature, VW Car-Net® connected services, a touchscreen infotainment system, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights, and LED foglights. Pricing for the all-new Golf GTI starts at $24,395.