VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF SPORTWAGEN

• Pricing starts at $21,395 for the S model with manual transmission: a content adjusted reduction of $700 over the previous base Jetta SportWagen
• New TDI® S model reduces base Clean Diesel pricing by almost $2,000
• Newly available driver assistance technology includes Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
• Larger interior than outgoing Jetta SportWagen rivals compact SUVs for size
• Car will be offered with 1.8-liter turbocharged TSI® gasoline and 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engines
• TDI Clean Diesel model offers EPA estimated highway fuel economy of up to 43 mpg, beating all compact SUVs
• Based on flexible Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, this new car weighs up to 137 pounds less than outgoing Jetta SportWagen
• As much fun to drive as a Golf with the versatility of a compact SUV

Volkswagen of America, Inc, announced pricing of the all-new Golf SportWagen. With a starting Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,395 for the 1.8T S model with manual transmission, the latest SportWagen features more standard equipment, increased fuel efficiency, and more space than the outgoing Jetta SportWagen S model. The TDI® Clean Diesel model starts at $24,595, a reduction of almost $2,000 over the previous base TDI model price.

Scheduled to hit dealer showrooms in April, 2015 Golf SportWagen models will be offered with two powertrains: the EA888 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; and the EA288 2.0-liter, 150-hp turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 1.8T model with manual transmission has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg, while the TDI Clean Diesel model gets 43 highway mpg according to EPA estimates. These figures better all compact SUVs on the market, while offering comparable cargo volume—30.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

In addition to a long list of standard amenities, several new comfort and convenience features will be available on the 2015 Golf SportWagen including the Fender® Premium Audio System and Climatronic® automatic air conditioning. Newly available driver assistance systems include Automatic Post-Collision Braking, the Forward Collision Warning System, and front and rear Park Distance Control. An available lighting package includes LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System.

The Golf SportWagen has grown in size yet dropped in weight by up to 137 pounds (depending on model) compared with the Jetta SportWagen, despite a plethora of new and upscale features. Dimensionally, the Golf SportWagen has grown slightly, by 1.1 inches in overall length to 179.6 inches, and by 0.7 inches in width, to 70.8 inches. However, because the new car is 0.9 inches lower and has a 2.2 inch longer wheelbase, it looks more muscular and has a premium “cab backward” aesthetic.

MODEL LINE-UP
Golf SportWagen TSI S

The SportWagen TSI S starts at $21,395 and features a standard turbocharged and direct-injection1.8-liter engine; 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Bluetooth® connectivity; a touchscreen radio; Sirius XM® Satellite Radio; a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® integration; leatherette seating surfaces with manual lumbar adjustment; power windows; power door locks; and air conditioning. An automatic transmission is available as an $1,100 option.

Golf SportWagen TSI SE
Available only with the six-speed automatic transmission, the SE starts at $26,995 and adds the following features over the S: 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; front foglights; a panoramic sunroof; KESSY® Keyless access with push-button start; a rearview camera, and the Fender® Premium Audio System. An optional Lighting package is available for $995 and includes Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System, LED DRLs, and ambient interior lighting with LED interior reading lights. The $695 Driver Assistance package includes the Forward Collision Warning System and front and rear Park Distance Control.

Golf SportWagen TSI SEL
Building on the specifications and layout of the TSI SE, the top gasoline-powered SportWagen trim starts at $29,345 and adds: 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; chrome roof rails; a navigation system; Climatronic® automatic air conditioning; sport comfort seats with a 12-way power driver’s seat; and ambient lighting with LED interior reading lights. The Lighting and Driver Assistance packages are available on the SEL as well.

Golf SportWagen TDI S

The line-up of Clean Diesel Golf SportWagen models largely mirrors its gasoline siblings in terms of features and packages. The base TDI S starts at $24,595 and offers a six-speed manual gearbox and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels as standard, with a dual-clutch DSG automatic available for an extra $1,100. KESSY Keyless access with push-button start and a rearview camera are among the standard features.

Golf SportWagen TDI SE
Starting at $27,995, the TDI SE has the same list of equipment and optional packages as its gasoline-powered counterpart, the TSI SE, including the Fender Premium Audio System, automatic headlamps and a panoramic sunroof. The Lighting and Driver Assistance package are available. The DSG transmission is an $1,100 option.

Golf SportWagen TDI SEL
Starting at $30,345, the TDI SEL’s standard equipment mirrors the TSI SEL, adding features such as a navigation system, Climatronic automatic air conditioning, and sport seats with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. Both Lighting and Driver Assistance options packages are available on this trim. The six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the option of the DSG automatic ($1,100 extra).

THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF AND GOLF GTI WIN 2015 NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that the 2015 Golf and 2015 Golf GTI have been named the 2015 North American Car of the Year. The Golf and Golf GTI were recognized for setting new benchmarks in their segments, including innovation, distinguished design, and available driver assistance features, as well as unmatched value. The cars beat out two other finalists, vying for the award in the 22nd annual iteration of the prestigious award.

 “Volkswagen is thrilled to start 2015 with the Golf and Golf GTI taking home the incredible North American Car of the Year title,” said Michael Horn, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “This award highlights our achievements and hard work in the past year, and we are confident that the Golf family will continue to pave the way for the brand in the year ahead.”

The coveted 2015 North American Car of the Year award joins the list of a dozen accolades awarded to 2015 Golf models to date.

The German-engineered 2015 Golf family is currently available in four distinct versions: the sporty Golf GTI, the fun-to-drive Golf 1.8T, the Golf TDI® Clean Diesel and the all-electric, zero-tailpipe emissions e-Golf. The seventh-generation surpasses its compact class peers with a host of newly available driver assistance features and excellent EPA estimated highway fuel economy.

The Golf family will soon welcome two new additions: the all-new 292-horsepower, all-wheel drive Golf R, which sold out a pre-order of 500 units in less than 11 hours; and the TDI® Clean Diesel and turbocharged 1.8-liter TSI® Golf SportWagen models that go on sale in the spring.

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards are announced each year at the beginning of media week at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. In 2015, 57 North American Car and Truck of the Year jurors from newspapers, television and radio stations, magazines and websites across the U.S. and Canada weighed in to select the vehicle that most exceeded expectations in all areas, ranging from design and safety to innovation and economy. Three finalists are winnowed down from an expansive list of all-new or significantly redesigned cars introduced in the past year. All ballots are sent directly to and calculated by Deloitte & Touche.

This is Volkswagen’s second North American Car of the Year award, following in the wheeltracks of the New Beetle in 1999. The Passat was a finalist in 2012; the Golf/TDI/GTI a finalist in 2010; and the Jetta TDI was a finalist in 2009.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF AND GOLF GTI MODELS EARN TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

The all-new, seventh-generation Golf and Golf GTI models, when equipped with optional forward collision warning, have earned the coveted 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2014 Volkswagen Golf

These vehicles offer a combination of both passive and active systems and have been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations. The cars feature  a number of electronic and mechanical Driver Assistance systems, including the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System that applies the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage. All Golf and Golf GTI models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags. The SE and SEL models are also available with a Driver Assistance Package that includes Forward Collision Warning and front and rear Park Distance Control systems.

"To have IIHS recognize both the Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI as a Top Safety Pick+ is a great statement for the brand“ said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The seventh-generation Golf and GTI models are the ideal combination of Volkswagen design, performance, innovative safety and world-class engineering.”

The Golf GTI hit dealer showrooms over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and the Golf market introduction is set for August. The Golf GTI and Golf models offer room for five full-size passengers and more cargo capacity than any midsize sedan. With more standard content and technology, increased power and improved fuel efficiency, the all-new Golf and Golf GTI are sure to exceed customer expectations. Adding the TOP SAFETY PICK+ will further distinguish the Golf GTI and Golf in their class.

In order to qualify as a 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK, vehicles must earn a “good” rating in the Institute’s moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a “good” or “acceptable” rating in the small overlap front test. To qualify for 2014 Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must meet the Top Safety Pick criteria, plus earn a “basic,” “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention.