Volkswagen Frankfurt Auto Show Cars

In the very same day that a project manager decided to kill the hope of ever seeing a Honda e Type R, Volkswagen has confirmed that it’s not only interested in making a hotter version of the ID 3, but it’s pretty sure that the ID 3 R – or whatever it will be called – will be introduced to the market by 2024. That may seem like a long wait, at least four years by our calendar, but the wait will be more than worth it. See, VW could probably introduce a hotter version in the next couple of years, but the battery technology isn’t quite ready yet, so when it does come to market in 2024 it could end up being the best hot hatch Volkswagen has ever produced; fingers crossed. Here’s what we know so far.

Volkswagen has revealed the production version of the ID.3, the first of a new generation of all-electric vehicles. The plan is for the ID.3 to be a big sales magnet for the brand, especially since it’s not going to be a hugely expensive car, but rather one designed to be more attainable than other rival battery powered models.

Volkswagen is taking the shift to electric vehicles very seriously, and as such, it has been flooding us with concept after concept that features futuristic looks, new technology, and all-electric drivetrains. We’ve seen the I.D. BUZZ, the new Microbus, and the I.D. CROZZ – an all-electric SUV with coupe-like proportions and a desire to drag you over to the green side. When the doors to the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show kicked off, VW was there with the I.D. CROZZ II, and reinterpretation of the original that “points the way more strongly to the production vehicle.” With that in mind, there isn’t a lot going on here that separates the CROZZ II from the original CROZZ concept. VW claims it has revamped the front and rear sections of the vehicle, while the interior has been refined just a little bit. The 21-inch wheels are a little more production ready, but far from what we’ll probably see on the production model. VW promises 310 miles of range on a single charge, a top speed of 111 mph, and quick charging to the tune of 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Not bad.

With all of this in mind, the CROZZ II isn’t exactly a huge departure from the previous example and still features some pretty futuristic features. It’s still rocking the side view cameras, and unique interior, and the same general exterior look. It does appear to be a little bit longer, but even that could be our eyes playing tricks on us. What’s more important is that this model should be seeing its way to the market as a full-fledged, all-electric model by the turn of the decade. So, before we start seeing spy shots of the production model prototypes, let’s take a closer look at this concept and talk more about it.

Volkswagen’s most iconic model after legendary Beetle, the Golf became a performance hatchback all the way back in 1976, only two years after the nameplate was introduced. A popular model since day one, the Golf GTI inspired Volkswagen to design a higher performance version of the smaller Polo too. Although the first Polo GTi didn’t arrive until 1995, the model can trace its roots back to the first-generation G40 version. Following a limited-edition introduction in the 1990s, the GTI has become a regular member of the Polo family, and 2017 brought the latest-generation hatch into the spotlight.

Launched at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest Polo GTI is based on the latest, sixth-generation subcompact, also unveiled in 2017. Built on a new platform, it uses an updated design language based on the latest Golf and a redesigned interior that moves the new Polo into a higher class, closer to the premium market. More importantly, the new GTI gained a 2.0-liter engine instead of the old, 1.8-liter unit. On the flipside, if you were expecting a new Polo GTI with significantly more power, you’ll probably be a bit disappointed. But more about that in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming Volkswagen Polo GTi.

The Volkswagen Polo isn’t exactly a spring chicken, gracing various markets of the world since 1975. In the 47 years the Polo has lived, it’s seen a number of different versions, including the Polo Fun, Polo Soho, Polo Vivo, Polo Dune, and even the funky, jacked up Cross Polo. Come 1995, and the Polo (in Mk3 form) was finally all grown up and was christened with its very first GTI badge, a model that was produced in just 3,000 examples. Since then, the Polo GTI has gotten better and better as it shifted into the Mk4 and Mk5 generations, but come 2017 and Volkswagen was proud to announce the newest, Mk6 Polo GTI– a model that sports GTI-specific bumpers, exclusive 17-inch wheels, large brakes, twin exhaust, sport steering, lowered suspension, and the 2.0-liter from the Golf GTI that has been slightly detuned to 200PS, the most power ever offered by a Polo GTI and the equivalent of 197 horsepower for those of you not on the metric system. 18-inch wheels are also available as an option, and the largest wheel offering in the history of the little hatchback.

On top of all of these GTI extras, the Polo GTI is based on the sixth-generation, 2018 Polo, which means it gets all of the fresh stylings inside and out to go with some standard safety features like front collision detection, blind spot assist, and even automatic emergency stopping. The base model is even available in 14 different exterior colors while the dash inside is customizable with any one of 17 different color options. When you add the extra power, the new styling, the standard safety systems, and the ability to choose from a wide array of different colors inside and out, this is by far the best Polo GTI to date. Let’s give it a quick once over and talk about all the goodness that comes with the sixth-gen GTI before we get to the full review.

Most big automakers are pushing EVs like they are going out of style (were they ever even in style? Hmmm) and VW is one of those brands, promising as many as 30 new electric vehicles by 2025 and the production of one million I.D. vehicles a year by then as well. As such, we’ve seen a number of electric concepts, one of which was the I.D. CROZZ that was unveiled in Shanghai in 2017. As the doors to the Frankfurt Auto Show open, everyone will be greeted with a near identical concept called the CROZZ II, which is said to me a more-production-ready version of the original concept, and the basis for the car that will be hitting dealers as early as 2020, according to Volkswagen. So what did VW change about the CROZZ to make it more production ready? Well, VW claims it has refined the headlights and even revamped the front and rear sections of the vehicle. But, if you really look at it, nothing has changed aesthetically aside from an increase in length, making the front end a bit longer. The front bumper is a little more defined, the LEDs in the headlights are a shade larger, and the VW emblem is cleaner to look at. Even the lower portion of the fascia is pretty much unchanged aside from the little fins on the skid plate and the body-colored horizontal louver that sits a quarter-inch higher than on the first CROZZ.

New 21-inch wheels bring it a little closer to production, I suppose, but they are still nothing like what we’ll probably see on the production version. The concept is still void of side view mirrors and typical door handles, and features the same side view cameras that split between the door and the front fenders. The side profile is virtually unchanged aside from the extension of some body lines and some horizontal cuts in the side skirts. The rear as a built-in fin that’s a little more obtrusive than on the first concept. The roofline, C-pillars and even the taillights are the same. The rear fascia got the same treatment as the front, so that horizontal louver is now body colored and just a tad bit higher. But, what about the inside and under the skin? Perhaps VW did something new there, so let’s check that out…

Continue reading for the full story.

Launched in 2010, the Amarok is Volkswagen’s first mid-size pickup truck. A global vehicle, it’s currently being built in three factories in Germany, Argentina, and Algeria. However, despite being sold in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, the Amarok is not available in the United States, despite rumors that Volkswagen could bring it here as a competitor for the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. On its way to a redesign, the Amarok is still being used to showcase near-production concept cars at auto shows in Europe. The latest example is the Amarok Aventura Exclusive concept, which previews the company’s brand-new diesel engine.

Finished in a special paint and fitted with bespoke interior appointment, the Aventura Exclusive concept signals the introduction of a new range-topping engine. Based on the existing 3.0 TDI, this new V-6 delivers significantly more power and will essentially give customers access to a sportier version of the pickup truck. Alongside the new turbodiesel, the concept truck also previews new exterior and interior production features. There’s no timetable as to when these will become available, but until we have more information, let’s check out the concept truck in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Exclusive concept.

Remember back in 2014 when Volkswagen put the T-Roc Concept on display at the Geneva Auto Show? Well, you should, because it was one of the few VW concepts that we could actually appreciate and the one that we really looked forward to seeing in production form. Fast forward to today, and VW has decided to spill the beans on the all-new T-Roc just a month before it’s set to make its first major appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Billed as an innovative compact crossover, the T-Roc boasts a large number of standard features, a sporty exterior design, lots of cargo room for its size, and a massive list of drivetrain options. Driver assistance features fill the list of standards as well, while there are enough options to make the T-Roc customizable to just about any taste, whether your bland and boring or like to stick out like a sore thumb. Three trim lines make up the T-Roc family tree, with the base model offering a good, affordable starting point, while the upper two trim levels – Sport and Style – bring lots of personalization and stand-out options that are exclusive only to those trim levels.

As an all-new model, that we really haven’t known too much about until now, we truly have a lot to talk about. But, you can rest assured that Volkswagen wasn’t playing games or being lazy when it came up with this compact crossover. It’s very well thought out, full of all the goodness that should drive sales and should certainly stand out in the very crowded segment for which it now resides. So, with that said, let’s dive on in and talk all about it – you never know; this just might be your next new car.

When it comes to hybrids, Volkswagen offers only three as of 2015. But that’s about to change, and the Tiguan GTE concept that will debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show proves it.

The third vehicle to receive Volkswagen’s new GTE badge, the Tiguan is also the company’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. Although just a concept car, the Tiguan GTE is most certainly set to become a production model and hit the market sometime in 2016, albeit without the innovative solar module integrated into the roof.

The GTE Concept will be unveiled alongside the second-generation 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, which rides on Volkswagen’s MQB platform. Slightly bigger, but lighter than its predecessor, the new Tiguan lends its redesigned exterior and interior to the GTE. The concept does feature a few styling cues of its own, but more about that, as well as the crossover’s hybrid drivetrain, in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Tiguan GTE.

Volkswagen brought the Tiguan to the compact crossover market back for the 2007 model year, and since then it has been rather successful with more than 2.64 million units sold. At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the all-new Tiguan was catching eyes like crazy as consumers were waiting for the 2016 Tiguan to hit the market. Highlights of the new model include more aggressive styling outside with a more dominate front fascia, and a slimmed down grille that fills the gap between both headlights. The side profile is more uniform, and overall the Tiguan is actually a bit larger than the outgoing model. Inside, the Tiguan received a digital gauge cluster and new infotainment software that brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the mix. It even comes standard with safety features like City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring.

Competing against models like the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota Rav4, the Tiguan makes use of VW’s new MQB platform that is used on models like the 2016 Volkswagen Golf and the 2016 Audi TT, to name a couple. The biggest benefit of the MQB platform is the ability for it to be modified as needed for a specific market. For instance, the U.S and Chinese-spec Tiguans have a longer wheelbase, while European models are just a bit shorter. It seems a little odd in saying it, but the truth is that the Tiguan is rather versatile, and the MQB platform is a perfect fit.

With that said, check out our full review below to learn about all the details surrounding the new Tiguan.

Updated 09/14/2015: The new Volkswagen Tiguan made its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Volkswagen, and the whole Volkswagen group for that matter, love a good special edition. And since 2016 is the 40th anniversary of the Golf GTI, VW has announced a new special edition for the 2016 model year, known as the GTI Clubsport . But unlike many special editions, this is more than just a new special paint color, although it has that too. It has a number of different components, both inside and out, and unlike so many other special editions, actually puts out more power than the standard GTI. So extensive is the makeover that it seems Volkswagen is trying to plug the gap in the lineup between the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI and the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R.

But even if the decision to make the Clubsport was based on cold, calculated business choices, it is a very appealing car. It will be officially revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but VW has released number of details, excluding price, ahead of time. But a lack of pricing might not be such a big deal, because the sad truth is that VW doesn’t have any plans to bring the car to the U.S.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport.

The Volkswagen Passat has occupied VW’s mid-sized sedan segment since 1973. In the 42 years since, the Passat has become one of the company’s go-to models, evolving through eight design generations and a handful of other names in various markets — Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat — to retain its place in the Volkswagen hierarchy. Until recently, the Passat was built exclusively as a sedan, but recent trends in the industry gave VW the opportunity to shed the Passat’s sedan skin to build other body types. One such model that was born out of this transformation is the Passat Alltrack, a high-riding, four-wheel-drive wagon that bridges the gap between the standard Passat Estate and an SUV like the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Passat Alltrack is in its second generation, and while it may look the part of a wagon, it functions like a true off-roader, thanks in large part to a raised ride height, permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive, and electronic differential lock. It also has a total of four engines: a turbocharged gas mill and three turbodiesels, all of which carry enough power to handle road conditions that standard wagons would have a hard time dealing with.

The Passat Alltrack is an interesting car that might command a following if Volkswagen makes it available in the U.S. Unfortunately, there are no plans for that, which is a shame considering that a vehicle like this could be a hit among American customers looking to hit two birds, or in this case, car types, with one stone.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.

As one of the biggest automakers in the world, Volkswagen’s got a lot on its plate, so much so that I can understand if some of its models don’t get nearly the same amount of attention as the others. But what’s happening with the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is a real head-scratcher even by VW’s standards.

Volkswagen released the seventh-generation 2013 Volkswagen Golf Mk. VII in 2012. Since that time, the model has given birth to a handful of variants, including the 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, the 2017 Volkswagon Golf Alltrack, and the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf, to name a few. Conspicuous by its absence in that list is the Golf Cabriolet, which has yet to receive a seventh-generation makeover. Well, Volkswagen has just announced the first details of the 2016 Golf Cabriolet and the key takeaway is…it’s still based on the sixth-generation 2009 Volkswagen Golf.

Yep, Volkswagen’s soldiering on with the Mk6 Golf Cabriolet in a dumbfounding attempt at trying to convince the market that there’s still some appeal left in a version of the Golf that has been replaced three years ago. I mean, really, Volkswagen?

The obvious reaction here is “why?” but if you look past the notable changes on the car and read between the lines of the announcements and press releases, it does appear that the company’s just releasing the Golf Cabriolet just for the sake of releasing it, as if there’s an absence of conviction in trying to make the model a viable competitor in a market that’s already teeming with new offerings from rival brands.

Volkswagen did give the new-old Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet some new exterior and interior digs. At least those things are worth something, right?

But overall, the 2016 Golf Cabriolet still has the look of a car that was built half-heartedly by a company that now doesn’t appear to be interested in building a seventh-generation-based Golf Cabriolet. Hopefully, that’s not the case, but with a move like this, it might very well be.

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet will make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Continue reading for my full review of the face-lifted Golf Cabriolet.

Volkswagen released the original Golf back in 1974, and shortly after, it became one of the most appreciated models in the world. As proof to its worldwide love, there have been over 30 million units sold worldwide, so there should be no surprise that Volkswagen is trying to attract even more buyers.

VW unveiled the all-electric e-golf at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it will hit the market in the spring of 2014. The model looks like a regular Golf, but it adds a particularly innovative overall technological system, improved aerodynamics and optimal rolling resistance. Also, as a first for any Volkswagen model, the new e-golf is equipped with full-LED headlights.

Along with a very efficient electric motor that ensures a driving range of up to 118 miles, the new e-golf features impressive technology, like regenerative braking and a "Discover Pro" system with a series of new functions.

Updated 8/25/14: VW has revealed the e-Golf’s $34,445 price. See more details after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen e-Golf.

Volkswagen’s Amarokpick-up doesn’t get nearly the same recognition as some of the more heralded models in the VW lineup. But the German automaker wants to change that and to its credit, it’s doing something about it.

At the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, Volkswagen is bringing a special edition Amarok, called the Dark Label Edition.

The model is based on the Amarok Trendline trim and comes with plenty of aesthetic upgrades to differentiate itself from the rest of the Amarok line. Contrary to its name, the Amarok Dark Line actually comes in a variety of colors, including every paint finish available on the Trendlie trim. In addition, Volkswagen decided to add tinted rear windows, blacked-out B-pillars, smoked tailights, a silver underbody guard, and a set of 18-inch Durban-style alloy wheels. Black accents on the rollover bar, door handles, mirrors, and rear bumper conclude the exterior re-styling of the notoriously boxy Amarok.

Moving to the interior, you’ll be treated to a steady diet of expensive and high-grade modifications, highlighted by Alcantara upholstery, velour floor mats, and heated front seats. And that’s on top of the new multi-function steering wheel, a newly-installed RCD 310 radio, and a Durabed bed liner coating.

While not overly impressive in the grand scheme of things, the Amarok Dark Line Edition does succeed - somewhat, at least - in giving the Amarok a sportier look and appearance.

Sometimes, small victories like this are worth all the effort.

The Amarok Dark Label Edition is set to go on sale later this year at a price of €36,271, which is just a shade over $48,000 based on current exchange rates.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen is preparing to expand its Golf lineup with the addition of a new Sportsvan version. The new model was previewed at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and will be put into production as the Golf Plus in the middle of next year.

When compared to a base Golf VII, the new Sportsvan was built on a wheelbase increased by 48 mm (1.88 inches), plus it is also 126 mm (4.96 inches) taller and 8 mm (0.31 inches) wider. As a result, it features a more flexible and roomier interior. This larger interior gives the rear bench seat 180 mm (7.08 inches) of fore and aft adjustment, and over 1,500 liters (53 cubic feet) of cargo capacity.

Under the hood, the Sportvan is equipped with the same six engines offered by the standard Golf, with power ranging from 85 to 150 horsepower.

When the production version arrives on the market, it will come with XDS+, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, air conditioning, seven airbags, the new electronic parking brake, a 5-inch touchscreen, variable cargo floor and a cargo cover.

Click past the jump to read more about the standard Volkswagen Golf.

We’ve been patiently awaiting details on the new 2014 VW Golf R and in the process, we’ve caught it testing many times. While the looks of the new Golf R were really no mystery, what it would carry under its hood was still up for a little speculation, though most of us had it pegged as a 300-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-pot.

The mystery is now over, as Volkswagen has chosen to reveal a large amount of the details on the 2014 Golf R just before its world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Surprisingly, we are even more impressed than we thought we would be, as the new Golf R is not only more powerful and much faster, but it is also 18 percent more effective than last year’s model.

This all-new Golf R is definitely well set to do battle with other hot hatches, like the 2014 Focus ST and the 2014 Mazdaspeed3.

Updated 8/20/2013: This article has been updated to include all of the recently released details on the 2014 Golf R.

Click past the jump to read about the 2014 Golf R

Of the many vehicles Volkswagen has released in Frankfurt, the new R-Line package for the Volkswagen Polo may be just another vehicle to some people, but rest assured, it’s anything but.

Save for a performance program, it’s got everything you need, including exterior and interior upgrades, new color options, and a new set of alloy wheels. Among the new accessories that can be fitted into the Polo include new front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler, new side skirts, LED license plate illumination, daytime running lights, chrome exhaust tailpipes, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels. A new sports chassis is also available, one that can lower the car’s ride height by 15 mm. Various color options are available for the Polo R-Line, including Deep Black Pearl Effect, Reflex Silver Metallic, Pepper Grey Metallic, Shadow Blue Metallic, Hot Orange Metallic, Candy White, and Flash Red.

The car’s interior was also given some fresh enhancements. There’s new leather and Alcantara upholstery, GTI sports seats, a black roofliner, a leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, door sills, and a number of R-Line logos.

Volkswagen has yet to announce a price for the R-Line package. The launch date is expected to begin at the end of the year with versions available for just about every model of the Polo.

Volkswagen has released a full army of concept vehicles based on their new Up! platform at the Frankfurt Motor Show. One of the concept vehicles, the Up! Azzura Sailing Team, is a version of the Up! that takes nautical pleasures to a new level.

As an open-top concept with a lack of doors too, the Up! Azzura Sailing Team was penned by no less than Volkswagen chief, Walter de Silva, and Giorgetto Giugiaro with the idea of bringing to life and paying homage to nautical life. As such, the design elements featured in the concept carry some of those nautical characteristics, including an open-cabin with mahogany and maple wood trims, chrome components, and white-blue leather. On top of that, the car has also been dressed in a resin coating to make it waterproof, which would make sense considering the whole point of the concept.

As for the powertrain, the Up! Azzura Sailing Team runs on an electric motor, although nothing appears to be set in stone since the concept is unlikely to ever make it to production.