Golf turns 40! NYIAS Celebrates With Releases and Debuts

Happy birthday to the most successful European car of all time! With more than 30 million Golf models having been sold worldwide, the Golf turns 40 this year. First introduced as the Rabbit, the Golf/Rabbit sold over 100,000 units in its first full year in the US in 1975. The Rabbit continued its success, steadily increasing sales over the next few years and moving production to Westmoreland, Pennsylvania in 1979. The Jetta would soon take over as the most popular Volkswagen model in the U.S., but the Golf would still be a key player, becoming the most popular Volkswagen in the world. Proof that even the small have a mighty roar. 

Hot Hatch is Back

The release of the GTI in Europe in 1976 coined the term "hot hatch", carving the way for vehicles like the Subaru WRX, Ford Focus ST, and Mazda 3. These turbo nuggets have come a long way from its 90 horsepower (1.8L I-4) days. The mk7's that will be on sale this upcoming June, will have the new EA888 TSI engine, gaining 10 hp, and 51 lb-ft of torque. 

The new GTI is bigger, yet about 220 lbs lighter, so faster, and more fuel efficient. New standard features for the GTI include driving mode selection feature, VW Car-Net, touchscreen radio, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights, and LED fog lights. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic as an $1100 option. Both two and four-door models will be available, except for the Autobahn trim level, which will only come as a four-door model. 

A Performance Package will be made available later in the year, which will include the torque-sensing electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and a 10 horsepower increase over the standard GTI for $1495. This Performance Package could give a stock mk6 Golf R a run for its money. To top it off, the new mk7 GTI was also named by WardsAuto editors as one of "2014 Ward's 10 Best Interiors". Fun and sheek? Say no more. The new GTI will start at $24,395, only a $195 increase from the previous generation. Considering this faster whip has grown and shown up with more bells and whistles, I'd say this new price point is a steal. 

Have Our Prayers Been Answered?

What is the holy grail for VW lovers? A manual, AWD, diesel, wagon. When was the last time one was available? Don't make me cry. For years, VW enthusiasts have cried out to the German automotive gods to please give us our dream wagon. Well, our pleading and patience may have paid off. At the 2014 New York International Auto Show, the Golf SportWagen Concept was unveiled. 

What makes this SportWagen special? 4MOTION. The TDI concept comes equipped with AWD, and is promised to go on sale early 2015, replacing the current Jetta SportWagen. Just like its Golf and GTI siblings, the SportWagen will be on the new MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, increasing in size, room, and fuel efficiency by 17% than the previous generation. The new 1.8L TSI engine and new EA288 2.0L 150 hp TDI engine will be offered with a choice of a six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Just like the mk7 Golf, the new SportWagen will offer new features like 12-way power driver's seat, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and Advanced Front-lighting System, and Park Distance Control. The SportWagen will also feature a standard new driver assistance system called Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The system engages the vehicle's brakes after an airbag deployed collision automatically to reduce secondary collisions and halt the vehicle. The driver can override the system at any time if the system recognizes that the driver is accelerating or the driver initiates braking at a higher rate than 0.6g. The SportWagen will be 1.1 inches longer, and 0.7 inches wider than its current predecessor, increasing rear leg room and cargo space, which will hopefully appease those disappointed with the death of the PassatWagen in the States. 

I cannot guarantee that this SportWagen 4MOTION manual TDI Concept that is being shown at NYIAS will in fact manifest in 2015, but hopefully this teaser will come true. We may have to wait a little longer to confirm that our dreams are becoming reality, but at least now the hope is real.

Share your thoughts with us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5