uk-mkivs Articles

MKIV Golf TDI wins the Silverstone 24 Hour Diesel Class

Tabs — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:49:00 GMT

A giant-killing Volkswagen Golf TDI has yet again rewritten the form book in the UK's only 24-hour sports and saloon car race, finishing 13th overall, ahead of some much more powerful opposition, and winning its class for the second year in succession.

Piloted by track veterans Ken Lark, Nick Starkey, Stacey Vickers and Tim Saunders - combined age 206 - the TH Motorsport Golf beat its nearest diesel class rival to the chequered flag at Silverstone yesterday (Sunday) by a 10-lap margin.

Former Volkswagen Racing Cup frontrunner Lark was delighted with his team's performance: 'The car ran like a dream. We made no unscheduled pit stops and there were no mechanical problems. In fact, we only stopped eight times during the whole 24 hours and each stop was for an average of two-and-a-half minutes.

'It was a great race, great fun and the Golf went like a typical Volkswagen - and that's why I race Volkswagen products.'

Though the near-standard Golf with its 1.9-litre engine rescued from a written-off road car was no match in terms of outright pace for its more powerful rivals, its frugal nature and ability to stay on track for three-hour stints more than made up for it.

The only drama the team suffered was a pre-qualifying turbo failure which entailed an all-night rebuild completed at 4.30 on the morning the event started.

There were 46 classified finishers and among the Golf's scalps were several Porsches, an Aston Martin, a Jaguar GT3 and a host of BMW M3s. Lark was especially pleased to have trounced the Top Gear team - Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and 'the Stig' - whose BMW turbodiesel finished 123 laps behind them.

The race winner, for the second year in succession, was the Duller Motorsport BMW MZ4 of Dieter Quester, Dirk Werner, Johannes Stuck and Jamie Campbell-Walter.

Video - Golf MKVI spied during desert testing

Tabs — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 17:19:00 GMT

This interesting video, shot by auto-motor-und-sport.de in the Californian Desert shows what appears to be live footage of the earlier reported spy shots of the long awaited MKVI (Mark 6) Golf. The model is penned to hit showrooms in towards the end of 2008 which some what cuts short the model life of the MKV Golf which is currently available.

Although the video shows what appears to be a heavily masked up test mule we can still pick out some interesting features of the car - all of which help to get a better idea of where Volkswagen plan to go with the new model. The side windows and door shape does seem very similar to that of the current MKV model and overall it could be argued this is simply a facelift out for testing. However, some have hinted that this model may be a repeat of the early MKII and MKIII era, which saw a cost effective mix of chassis design between the two, helping keep design costs down. Given that the MKVI has been brought forward we can only summise that the car must be, for want of a better term, a MK5.5....

[media height="392" type="swf" width="480"]http://flash.revver.com/player/1.0/player.swf?mediaId=nHTjfL9kjf8&width=480&height=392&affiliateId=0&javascriptContext=true&skinURL=http://flash.revver.com/player/1.0/skins/Default_Raster.swf&skinImgURL=http://flash.revver.com/player/1.0/skins/night_skin.png&actionBarSkinURL=http://flash.revver.com/player/1.0/skins/DefaultNavBarSkin.swf&resizeVideo=True[/media]

View original media here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHTjfL9kjf8

Golf BlueMotion: First facts from VW

Tabs — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:34:00 GMT

Volkswagen's latest BlueMotion incarnation, the MK5 Golf BlueMotion, has been scheduled for launch at this years the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. In total, six new models with technology that is as economical as it is environmentally friendly, will debut at the world’s largest car show. Its fuel consumption has been reduced by a full 0.6 liters compared to the original, 1.9 TDI model. Similarly, CO2 emissions have been reduced from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. Actions taken on the BlueMotion make it so efficient that now distances of more than 745 miles are possible on just one Golf tank of fuel (55 liters).

Now, 745 miles to a full tank (55 liters) is not to be sniffed at, making a rough estimate of 61.5 mpg, which considering the size of it's engine (1.9), is somewhat of a high figure. Performance has obviously suffered, however this was always going to be the case given the design and background to the BlueMotion initiative. So don't got booking that 'Ring trip just yet.

A software intervention in engine management reduces the idling speed of this diesel combined with a particulate filter and simultaneously improves its emission behavior. With longer gear ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears, engine speed levels are also lower while driving. These actions alone reduce consumption by about 0.2 liter.

A top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h) has been achieved for the model while still maintaining the hunt for every gram of CO2. Volkswagen is also relying on light-running tires, size 195 / 65 R 15, optimized for low rolling resistance; they are driven at higher air pressure, increased by 0.3 bar. The net result in this is an overall increase of 5mph top speed - not bad for a tyre change!

Less apparent but no less necessary for a plus in economy are the thoroughly trimmed and thereby flow-optimized underbody as well as the nearly enclosed radiator grille. To ensure that the TDI engine still gets enough cooling air, the Golf BlueMotion has an effective dual fan. Thanks to aerodynamic design measures, including lowering of the chassis, the cW value of 0.32, which in itself is a good value, was further improved to 0.30.

Come production two models will be available; Trendline and Comfortline, each offering a sufficient level of equipment for the driver. UK prices are yet to be set, as is the release date, but do expect the base price of the BlueMotion to be similar to the already available Trendline 1.9 TDI available from dealerships already. Our guess is that VW want to make the BlueMotion an attractive buy and this could be a hint at other pricing schemes as the BlueMotion range is rolled out.

Click here to discuss this topic in our forums.

New video of Golf GTI W12 - Driven on track

Tabs — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 08:53:00 GMT

This detailed video of of the Golf GTI W12 finally shows the car being put through its paces. Filmed by Autocar.co.uk this should hopefully dispel any rumors that may have been floating around as to validity of the claims VW held over the GTI W12's thoroughbred nature.

Called the GTi W12-650, it uses a twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing a claimed 553lb ft torque. The engine, borrowed from the luxury end of the VW range usually found in the Phaeton must have taken some design planning to wedge into the MK5 chassis. It would seem VW have adapted the engine somewhat into the MK5 and the presenter explains about how torque delivery is limited in 1st and 2nd gear to help get power down.

Interestingly, the video shows the rev counter which reported about in our blogs due to a strange problem with the increments. It would seem the problem with the incrementation cannot be seen in this video, which would suggest that the problem has since been resolved. However, without knowing the date that this video was shot does suggest that it may have been a quick trip back to Germany after GTI International for a new instrument cluster!

Designer, Klaus Bischoff, said they wanted to keep the shape as close to the character of the original car as possible, so opted to develop a carbon-fibre roof that also acts as a diffuser. Inside, there are even more mods for pure performance - unnecessary kit is stripped out, and race-inspired details such as flip-up switch guards and a fire extinguisher feature.

Golf GTI W12 video showing the car being driven!

Tabs — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:08:00 GMT

After being a little disappointed at seeing the static display at GTI International last weekend (see this post re. the rev counter issue), I was quite happily suprised to see this video of the W12 finally showing the car moving under it's own steam. While not the fastest of videos, more showing the car being driven at a less than lesuirely pace, and camera work to rival the Blair Witch Project it does at least finally show the car driving around. There is a brief section early on during the video which shows the engine being revved - sounds pretty damn good if you ask me - even if it doesn't go above 40000 rpm.

The video was taken during setup at a VW show in Germany to mark the Volkswagen Golf production milestone of 25 Million. Unsure when this was held but it looks fairly recent, probably before GTI International.

While this does wet our appetites a little, it does somewhat leave us wanting more - I mean surely Volkswagen can throw together a proper demonstration of what this car can do. Maybe we should start a petition to have it going around the Nordschleife....

Don't book that Ferry ticket just yet though.

[Go to the site to view embedded media]

Golf GTI W12 - Spot the problem with the rev counter @ GTI International 2007.

Tabs — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:09:00 GMT

By T10HJP:

On hearing that the W12-650 was going to be at GTI International I jumped at the chance of some time off of work and jumped in the car with a few other forum members and headed off there. I took loads of pics of the W12-650 and was very happy with the quality of the picture that came out. On closer inspection of one of the interior pictures I noticed that something didn't quite add up, literally.

Called the GTi W12-650, it uses a twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing a claimed 553lb ft torque. The engine, borrowed from the luxury end of the VW range usually found in the Phaeton must have taken some design planning to wedge into the MK5 chassis.

What does all this mean? A 0-100kph in just 3.7secs and a top speed of 184mph - although this must surely be a conservative estimate given the power / weight ratio this concept should have.

The engine is mounted (longitudinally) behind the front seats, and powers the rear drive through the widely acclaimed DSG gearbox. Unlike most other mind engined sports cars, the engine cannot be accessed from the boot, instead access is gained via the cabin! Should make servicing a chore.

This was the first UK outing for VW's latest design study - The Golf GTI W12 - in fact it was rumoured to be the only UK appearance of the 6.0L twin turbo Golf at any show this year! With this in mind it would be critical for VW to make sure the concept car was up to spec and, to coin a phrase, ship shape and Bristol fashion?

Answers on a post card....

GTI International Sprint results available online

Tabs — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:36:00 GMT

The results from last weekends GTI International 1/4 mile sprint have been made available online. The HS Sports site lists results for each day of the competition, plus aggregate listings for the overall fastest cars of the weekend. The results are broken down in to classes for easy reading and with classes for each marque, plus drivetrain it's easy to find results you're interested in.

Congratulations to forum members IanB and Wilko for coming first and second (respectively) in the sprint on Saturday. IanB was also pipped to the post on Sunday and took home a respectable second. Both members are running big turbo 1.8T applications with limited slip differentials - surely a must for successful 1/4 mile sprinting setups.

Well done guys!

Charlie Chuck to perform at GTI Internationl 2007 - Courtesy of uk-mkivs!

Tabs — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:50:00 GMT

Yes folks - the one and only Charlie Chuck will be appearing on the uk-mkivs club stand at this years GTI International show!

Charlie will be doing an hour long stand up set on Sunday at 1pm on the uk-mkivs stand. The set will include some of the best and current Charlie Chuck classics. For those that don't know who Charlie Chuck is you can catch a quick video of him here on Youtube. You may also remember Charlie appearing in the Smell of Reeves and Mortimer as the mad capped 'Uncle Peter'. Either way the bloke is a comedy legend and this is not to be missed:

"He lives on a farm with One Eyed Dog, a Cakey Pig and a Donkey! Welcome to the fantastic world of Charlie Chuck.

Charlie Chuck's act and catchphrases are legendary after stints on Vic & Bob's 'The Smell of Reeves & Mortimer' as Uncle Peter, and The James Whale Radio & TV Shows. A manic and sometimes bewildering stage presence make him one of the most remarkable performers working the circuit, with an array of one liners, catchphrases and mannerisms that defy belief."

The stand up show will be free to watch (yes free!) and all that we ask that you stick around after the performance to take part in a charity raffle to win the signed piece of wood that Charlie will use as part of his act. All proceeds will go to a nominated charity (to be announced on the day). The raffle will cost £1 to enter - remember folks this all for a good cause

Where to find us: The uk-mkivs stand is located close to the start of the sprint and the inter club competition area. I would strongly advise you get over to the stand early to ensure you get a good spot! We'll have a PA system in operation so people can hear the gig - but due to noise limits imposed by the local council we can't have it turned up too loud!

This is a vary rare and special opportunity to see one British comedies best and chaotic acts. If you want further convincing - this is one of Paul McCartneys favorite comedians, Charlie did a private gig for the ex Beetle at his Birthday party a few years back - quality or what!

Charlie Chuck Official Topic
Topic announcing Charlie's appearance and the reaction from forum members!

GTI International Forum Topic
Topic discussing the plans uk-mkivs has for this years show.

GTI International Theme Planning
Topic discussing various theme options for this years uk-mkivs stand.

uk-mkivs campsite
Organised by member JRW - Good for a knees up!

Pictures from GTI International 2006
Various pictures from last years show.

Breaking news: Golf GTI W12 will be at GTI International!

Tabs — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:35:00 GMT

You heard it here first folks, the recently unveiled Golf GTI W12 will be making an appearance at this years GTI International, to be held later this month at Bruntingthorpe proving grounds. This is an exclusive for any UK show and is rumored to be the only appearance of the design study at any UK event this year. Called the GTi W12-650, it uses a twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing a claimed 553lb ft torque. The engine, borrowed from the luxury end of the VW range usually found in the Phaeton must have taken some design planning to wedge into the MK5 chassis.

This is certainly a great scoop for the show and the UK VW community and is sure to bolster an already strong attendance at the show this year. GTI International will be celebrating its 20th Birthday so this exclusive first look at concept further helps to commemorate this special occasion for the long running UK VW show.

You can read more about the Golf GTI W12 here, along with details about the uk-mkivs stand at GTI International here.

VW Unveil the Golf GTI W12 650 PS Study

Tabs — Fri, 18 May 2007 10:20:00 GMT

Woerthersee: Volkswagen yesterday unveiled a of a 6.0L W12 650PS (641bhp in our money) mid-engined Golf GTi design study.

Called the GTi W12-650, it uses a twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing a claimed 553lb ft torque. The engine, borrowed from the luxury end of the VW range usually found in the Phaeton must have taken some design planning to wedge into the MK5 chassis.

What does all this mean? A 0-100kph in just 3.7secs and a top speed of 184mph - although this must surely be a conservative estimate given the power / weight ratio this concept should have. The engine is mounted (longitudinally) behind the front seats, and powers the rear drive through the widely acclaimed DSG gearbox. Unlike most other mind engined sports cars, the engine cannot be accessed from the boot, instead access is gained via the cabin! Should make servicing a chore.

At present this model is penned as a 'Study', so whether it will ever see the light of day is another story. However there is speculation amongst enthusiasts that VW may produce a limited run... at a cost of 150,000 Euro per vehicle.

MKV Golf GT 2.0 TDI 170PS Review

Tabs — Wed, 16 May 2007 13:58:00 GMT

When we look at the Golf Mk5 even a new, years after launch, the basics are still worthy of mention - electro-mechanical steering and suspension revisions that would seem alien, and revolutionary to the mk4 owner, with further development in refinement and comfort.

With the previous generation Golf model we were used to having equal looking cars with equal outputs that constantly fuelled the diesel verses petrol debate. Now, with the fifth model we must understand that Volkswagen has given the crown to the GTI; it will remain the head of the performance category as far as Golf enthusiasts are concerned for some time to come.

Once we overcome the possibility that this could be regarded as second best, we are left with the highest powered diesel Golf to have been produced to date.

Powered by the 2.0 TDI engine, producing 170 bhp, this is the replacement to the old 150 bhp PD unit in the mk4 range. The smoothness and performance is such that its ability to gain speed without a hint of black smoke breaks the rules as much as the speed limit; Particulate filters allow no soot to be emitted. This further refines the experience avoiding anti-social looking exhaust soot which doesn’t go hand in hand with a quality car.

Economy of this engine has been a hot topic and when exercised it can be quite thirsty, perhaps to the disappointment of a driver used to the frugal 1900cc TDI, yet it is rewarding all the same. Economy driving however returned 48mpg and the long term recording on the MFA read 45mpg; after many miles of delivery drivers and test pilots. It revs just like a petrol engine and the power seems much more accessible through the range in comparison to the limited availability from the old engine.

Externally the car is revised to stand apart from the rest of the range with exposed chrome tailpipes and a GT specific grill to create a discreet yet bespoke look almost instantly aging a standard Golf. Sports seats and suspension give both an aesthetic as well as practical benefits and enhances the cars cross country ability.

It is without a doubt the natural evolution of the 150PD, and perhaps with a DSG gearbox would be better still; looks like the petrol verses diesel debate will continue for some time to come...

Engine Power (PS)	170
Engine cc	1968
Fuel Consumption
Urban	36.2mpg - 7.8l/100km
Extra-urban	58.9mpg - 4.8l/100km
Combined	47.9mpg - 5.9l/100km
Engine emissions	156g/km
Engine maximum Speed**	137mph
Engine acceleration 0-62mph	8.2secs
Maximum output (PS)	170
at RPM	4200
Maximum torque	258 lbs.ft / 350 Nm
at RPM	2000
Insurance group rating	16

Discuss in our forums
Get the latest opinions and views.

More Pictures
In-depth shots of the new model.

Link to our MKV Forums
The UK's largest MK5 community.

Golf GTI Edition 30 Review

Tabs — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 09:12:00 GMT

Golf GTI Edition 30 Review. By Peterhope.

I'd known for some time that I wanted to replace my Audi TT 225 Quattro coupe with a Golf GTI 2.0 TFSI. Ever since the first pictures of the Mk5 GTI concept appeared, and how the actual car appeared soon afterwards, I knew that I wanted to own one. The initial press pictures showed several red and white examples, and I knew that I wanted one of these 2 colours for mine. I had been disappointed with the Golf GTI in the MK4 version, and despite nearly buying an 180hp 20VT Mk4 anniversary, had chosen to try the Audi TT instead, and wait for the Mk5 GTI to be launched.

After the launch, I had test driven several MK5 GTI cars and had come to the decision that it was way ahead of the TT in the fun factor. I was particularly impressed with the flexibility of the TFSI engine compared to the 1.8t 225hp of the Audi TT. The hard part of my decision was internet and magazine rumours of a special edition GTI that would likely be launched to mark 30 years of GTI production. Disappointed that I wasn't going to be getting a GTI immediately, I made up my mind to wait and see what was announced, as I would have kicked myself if I had purchased a GTI only to find a more desirable model announced shortly afterwards.

I don't have the luxury of a company car or an endless supply of money to upgrade/modify cars, so I wanted this car to be as close to what I wanted as possible.

When the first VW UK press and internet announcements were released in October/November 2006 of the Edition 30, I tried to find out as much confirmed information as possible. The specification sounded excellent, with a horsepower increase for the engine, upgraded interior trim, painted bodykit parts, but with poorly photoshopped "Pescara" wheels shown on the press release. I visited my local dealer, Specialist Cars VW of Aberdeen to try and find out more information from my long suffering salesman. The increased price of the Edition 30 over the GTI can even be viewed as good value for money with the extra specification and equipment, and limited numbers of 1500 available for the UK market

Despite the limited information available, I placed an order that very day. I had an idea of what I wanted to order already, so it was fairly straightforward to get my specification placed on an order sheet. By ordering early (I was only the 2nd person at the dealership to place an order) I would be assured of 1st March 2007 delivery. The specification that I preferred was:

3 door, manual
Tornado Red
Bi Xenon headlights
Parking sensors
Ipod preparation and armrest
Highline computer
Dealer fit cruise control
Multi-function steering wheel

After swithering overnight, I amended the order the very next day to Candy White. If anyone else is swithering over white, take a look at these pics, and I dare you to say no!

I took delivery on the 1st March 2007. The car was absolutely stunning when I went to pick her up. The showroom lights gave the colour a fantastic appearance, and many positive comments were given by the sales and service staff at the dealership. Even the "Pescara" wheels, a BBS made wheel very similar in apperance to the BBS CH and CO aftermarket wheels looked far better in the metal than they had appeared in photoshopped press releases and camera phone pics from the internet.

The only hiccup with the ordering process was that the multi-function wheel had been inadvertantly left off the order form, but as I considered this as one of my non-essential options, I didn't feel too annoyed at the mistake.

:: Appearance
The first thing that people always comment about is the colour. In an office car park full of grey, silver and black BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Golf TDI and the other usual company car suspects, a Candy White GTI stands out a mile. My office receptionist took me to one side and jokingly complained that I've doubled her workload with all the people asking her about the car and exclaiming what a fantastic colour it is!

People often wish a look inside, and the usual second comment is "tartan??!!!" The Edition 30 takes the tartan Interlagos cloth from the base GTI for the seat inserts, and combines it with the leather bolstered heated sports seats with electric lumbar adjustment. It really is the best of both worlds, as the cloth gives excellent grip through corners, and retains warmth more effectively than leather. Along with the distinctive red stitching to the seats, steering wheel and gear stick gaitor, the design of the tartan cloth may not be to everyone's taste but it is a true GTI feature and is not garish as it may sometime appear in pictures. The 1/2 leather seats, currently unavailable in any other GTI, give yet another exclusive touch to the Edition 30.

The painted bodykit is not to everyone's taste, and even I felt initially that the matt black parts of the standard GTI provided some contrast to the car. However, the painted bodykit has grown on me, and I feel that it gives the car a different visual identity to the GTI. My team of 17 colleagues, ever the epitomy of good taste, all give it the thumbs up!

Several people have made a "looks like a Star Wars stormtrooper!" comment about the white and black Edition 30. so it seemed only appropriate to take this picture!

My only disappointment with the exterior is common to all 2007 model year 3 door Golf - the removal of the black trim around the rear window. The removal of the trim now gives a visual "break" to the smooth appearance of the window. An example of cost cutting going too far!

:: Engine
First impressions of the revised engine are that it takes what was good about the 200hp version of the 2.0 TFSI engine, and turns it up to eleven. The revised engine (BYD engine code) shares many upgraded parts with the version that powers the 240hp SEAT Leon Cupra and the 265hp Audi S3 models. The main upgrade from the ordinary GTI version is the inclusion of a version of the larger KO4 turbo, rather than the version of the KO3s that powers the ordinary GTI. Initial results from the tuners are very promising, with over 300hp possible from straightforward remapping. This version of the 2.0 TFSI engine is surely a great base for tuners to build some stunning cars from.

The benefits of this are noticeable higher in the rev range, as the Edition 30 provides a higher peak torque figure, and continues to give that punch well past 5000 rpm, where the smaller KO3s equipped engine struggles to maintain peak torque. It still provides the excellent low down torque of the GTI engine, and simply gives more, without ruining the all round flexibility of the GTI engine.

I've now driven over 1700 miles in the 3 weeks after I took delivery. The running in took place over a variety of A roads, B roads, dual carriageways, town routes and motorways. The engine is performing smoothly, and is very responsive. Once fully warmed, the engine responds magnificently to sharp bursts of acceleration. It's caused me to have to slow down several times already, as it is very eager to rev and accelerate quickly up to normal driving speeds. The easy to operate cruise control is a licence saver with all the speed restricted areas of roadworks that I encounter weekly!

:: Handling
My car came equipped with 225/40 R18 Dunlop Sportmaxx tyres mounted on the Pescara wheels. I'd heard some poor reports over this make of tyre fitted to other GTI cars, so I was a little concerned when I saw these on the car at delivery.

I needn't have worried. These tyres have performed fantastically so far, providing excellent cornering grip, ride quality and have performed very well in the rain and even occasional snow that they have subjected to. Even when the car has been taken onto rural B-roads, the tyres have performed well when I have given the Edition 30 some spirited driving!

Whilst other cars like the Civic Type R Renaultsport Megane and Focus ST may provide a more thrilling ride on a track, the Edition 30 copes with all road types well, and is surely a better car to live with on a day to day basis for anyone who lives in the real world and has to contend with the patchwork of roads.

Sharing the same excellent cornering and damping characteristics of the GTI, ( the Edition 30 has the same lowered sports suspension as the GTI), the car has been brilliant to drive the varied road types I have been on. It performed exceptionally well on a single track section of rural road around the Loch Earn area of Perthshire, where this photograph was taken.

My only disappointment has been with the way it reacted to a concrete section of motorway, where the rebound damping struggled to maintain a smooth ride over the rippled sections. Several GTI owners have found the same, and it may be that a damper such as the KONI FSD type could be the solution.

:: Economy
Fuel economy, despite the higher output engine (and the temptation to put my foot down!) has been excellent, despite the varied selection of roads and speeds I have driven at. The average consumption so far is stated as 29.8mpg by the Highline computer, with typical motorway consumption of 33mpg in my experience. I have run the car solely on Shell V-Power since delivery, and I feel that for such a powerful 4 cylinder engine that encourages you to press on, the fuel consumption is very good

Overall, I find the Edition 30 is simply a great GTI made better. It's not as if the base GTI is a poor car, so I would be happy with either version. The Edition 30 adds more power to an already impressive engine, and the exclusive specification is great value for money, likely to retain a premium percentage residual figure over the base GTI in the second hand car market.

Posted on behalf of Peterhope.

See more pictures here

Go to our MkV forums here

Register your Edition30 on our Edition 30 Register here

The New Cross Touran

Tabs — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:48:00 GMT

The Most Successful German Van is Launched as a Cross Model! CrossTouran starts with six engines; power range from 102 PS to 170 PS. Only van in world with TSI engines, dual clutch transmission (DSG) and park steering assist (Park Assist).

Volkswagens with the supplemental “Cross” name are specialists in the variety of everyday life. Their bodies are striking, their interiors are fresh and their chassis are built high. The first model of this type was the CrossPolo in 2006, which is already a bestseller today. In January 2007, Volkswagen sent the second model of this species onto the market in the form of the CrossGolf. Just two months later, number 3 followed: The CrossTouran. An all-around talent with lifestyle character that is multivariable, extremely spacious and cleverly designed.

CrossTouran shows character. The new van is based on the Touran that was redesigned last fall. Like the CrossPolo and CrossGolf, the CrossTouran is characterized by robust guard strips, powerful wheel arches, modified bumpers and redesigned alloy wheels. In the front, 17-inch “Funplay” type wheels are equipped with size 215 tires, and in the rear with size 235 tires. In parallel, the vehicle’s track width was increased. Fitting into its powerful appearance: The chassis that was elevated by approx. 12 millimeters. Thanks to its roomy interior it comes highly recommended as an ideal companion for uncomplicated transport of mountain bikes, hang gliders, or any kind of sporting equipment. Aside from all of its practical aspects, the new van with its individual outfit represents an alternative for all those who like things sportier and earthier.

The CrossTouran parks for you. A technological highlight of the model series, which is unique worldwide, is its optional park steering assist system called “Park Assist” (including the “Park Pilot” distance warning system in front and rear, and “Hill Hold Control” hill climb assist). The “Park Assist” system developed by Volkswagen performs parking nearly automatically. Its operation is intuitive, and it is activated by the press of a button.

The strong exterior of the new CrossTouran in detail:
Front end of the CrossTouran. The new CrossTouran is identified in front by details that include its “Matte chrome” insignia radiator grille, partially black headlamp housings, black guard strips, and bumper redesigned especially in its lower area with standard fog lamps. Distinctive: Black, textured trim covers in the spoiler area, similar to those found on SUVs.

Silhouette of the CrossTouran. On its sides the CrossTouran is also marked by black body covers around the doors, rocker panels and fenders. The accent strips on the doors, sill panels and wheel arches, all produced from the same high-quality black grained plastic, provide effective protection against parking damage and emphasize its robust exterior. Like the add-on parts, the door handles are also sporty black. Also mounted on black brackets is the standard roof rail made of silver anodized metal.

Rear end of the CrossTouran. In the rear area the CrossTouran has been individualized by taillights with dark bodies and a robust bumper design that fits in with the overall vehicle concept with its wrap-around black trim.

The newly designed interior of the new CrossTouran in detail:
Inside the CrossTouran reveals color. In the interior there are new fabrics, materials and colors such as the fresh “Orange”, designed exclusively for the new Cross Model. In combination with its standard highly variable and ergonomic interior, up to seven seats and up to 1,989 liters of cargo volume, the CrossTouran can be recommended as a vehicle capable of taking on nearly any challenge.

Overview of the engines of the CrossTouran:
Maximum power, minimum consumption I: TSI. The CrossTouran is driven by economic four-cylinder engines. They output between 75 kW / 102 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS. Highlights in the gasoline area are the direct-injecting TSI engines; turbocharger plus supercharger plus downsizing all lead to a ratio of power, torque and consumption that is unique worldwide. Both CrossTouran TSI engines are more economical than the 102 PS version, despite their greater power. Especially interesting here is a look at the 170 PS TSI that is shifted via the standard innovative dual clutch transmission DSG. At 7.8 liters fuel consumption per 100 kilometers the 206 km/h fast CrossTouran TSI betters the fuel consumption of the already economical base model by 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Maximum power, minimum consumption II: TDI. Just as powerful as they are economical are the three TDIs of the new CrossTouran, delivering power of 77 kW / 105 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS. They all have standard diesel particulate filter, consume between 6.2 and 7.0 liters fuel per 100 kilometers, and – like the two TSI versions – they can be paired with the DSG dual clutch transmission.

Discuss in our forums
Get the latest opinions and views on VW's latest addition to the Touran range.

More Pictures
In-depth shots of the new model.

Link to our MKV Forums
The UK's largest MK5 community.

Could this be the new Golf RS or RSI?

Tabs — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:33:00 GMT

Noting the number plate RS branding - could this be a hint to the next installment of the performance orientated approach VW seem to be taking?

Sporting similar (if not the same) front bumper and side skirt design as the excellently titled "Thunderbunny" concept (see images blow), which debuted at the 2006 SEMA show in Vegas. Could this of been a first peak at the new model?

Also interesting to note are the Passat R36 wheels - could this hint to the power plant under the bonnet?

It would certainly be very fitting, given the speculation over the last two years regarding the long fabled new performance replacement for the original MKIV R32 model.

More details as and when we get them....

Golf GTI Edition 30 Comparison: MKV GTi with REVO

Tabs — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:07:00 GMT

I was lucky enough to get a test drive in my local dealers edition 30 this morning. I drive a MKV GTi DSG with REVO so I thought a comparison test might be interesting.

First the looks; I've seen a lot of pictures of the edition 30 and like many journalists had said, I thought the bodykit was a bit of a waste of time. However, in the flesh it looked great, maybe not better than a standard GTi but still an understated and stylish looking motor. Particularly great were the alloys, the car was black and so were they - it had a real look of menace about it. When it comes time for a wheel refurb I'll be getting mine done in the same colour.

Interior wise I thought the half leather seats were fantastic, despite them having a more vinyl than hide feel to them. The lumbar support control is electric and this was a bit fiddly to operate and didn't seem to have quite the same range of adjustment as my GTi. The little edition 30 accents that are scattered around the car aren't as tacky as you might imagine, I thought it could have done without the rear badge though to be honest. What did puzzle me was a difference in the quality of the plastics compared to my MY2005 car, some bits were a lot cheaper feeling. Namely the little cubby below the steering wheel was made of very brittle plastic, the climate controls were different (felt less damped and more flimsy) and the flap that covers the ashtray was just plain black rather than having a brushed silver finish, a bit puzzling. The question is are all MY2007 cars like this? What was good is that the car had a space saver in the boot instead of an inflator and some foam.

Anyway on to the drive. The car had 20km (12 or so miles) on it when I took it out, so any comments about it's engine performance are irrelevant really. It felt a lot slower than my car which is 20,000 miles up, as you'd expect with it not being run in. More relevant is the way it handled-the car still has the ability to smooth out all the bumps that I think is the forte of the MKV Golf. It also cornered much flatter than my GTI and seemed to recover it's composure much faster through fast transisitions. This might be something to do with the larger 18" wheels than the 17's on mine. Surprisingly the car also stopped with much more conviction than my car, although in fairness I'm only a month or two away from needing a fluid change. I don't know if the edition 30 has bigger brakes than a standard GTI although the looked the same to me but either way they were very effective. All in all I'd say the edition 30 is a better drive than a standard GTI. The only place I thought it suffered was on a poor motorway surface, where it had a tendency to follow all the ruts and the Continental tyres made a lot of noise.

Would I pay a premium to own one? I wouldn't buy any new car so I guess the answer is no but give it a couple of years when depreciation may have taken its toll then I'd take one over a normal GTi anyday.

Review by LHD.