UK Car Release Dates

The pioneer in hot hatchbacks - the Volkswagen Golf - is back with some new engine and model versions for 2012. Although many rival automotive brands have caught up with the Golf in terms of popularity, sales and technological advancement over the years, the VW Golf’s reputation alone still gives it a notch of an advantage over its counterparts with regards to buyer preference particularly in the European market. The 2012 version of the VW Golf is now available for sale in the UK as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback with 5 distinct models but with the same core values- fun to drive, solidly built and competitively priced.

Without further ado, here are the five 2012 Golf models and its respective trims and base prices which are as follows: The entry level Golf starting at £15,850 up to £21,310 with 4 trims namely the S, the Match, the Blue Motion and the GT. For those who love the sun and driving with the roof down, there’s the all-new Golf Cabriolet model which is only sold as a 2-door version with 3 trims starting with the S at £20,720, the SE for £22,455, and the GT for £25,295.

The Golf Plus is a roomy version of the entry level model and comes available with 5 doors in 2 variants with the S at £15,780 and the SE at £19,370. For those who like more room for the family, there’s the Golf Estate with three trims starting with the S (£17,960), the SE (£20,095), and the Sportline (£21,965).

And last but certainly not the least among them, the world renowned Golf GTI model which is favored by car reviewers and enthusiasts alike. This is the most powerful and sporty version and comes in four trims namely the GTD (£24,635), the GTI (£25,305), the GTI Edition 35 (£27,525), and the top of the model line Golf R (£31,420).

With the exception of the Golf Blue Motion trim which is powered solely by a fuel efficient 1.6L 105hp turbo-diesel engine, any other Golf model can be had in three variants of the 5-cylinder petrol engines (two 1.2L with 85hp and 105hp; and a 1.4L with 122hp) and four variants of the 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines (two 1.6TDi with 90hp and 105hp; a 1.6L Blue Motion Technology with 105hp; and a 2.0TDi 140hp). A standard five or six-speed manual gearbox transfers power to the front wheels although an optional six or seven-speed automatic transmission is also available.

Even though the 2012 VW Golf is deemed a tad expensive compared to other cars in its class, its long list of standard amenities, safety features and overall fun factor will do justice to its asking price. Nothing else out there can compare to the 35 years of constant evolution by the VW Golf, testament to the company’s pursuit of delivering to the consumers a vehicle with a fun to drive dynamics in an overall quality package.

VW Golf, hatchback

The new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg with its facelift and performance improvements has made a big impact on the European market, especially with the supercharged Hybrid engine added to the lineup. The Touareg is available in five models, the SE at a price range of £38,935.00 - £40,195.00, the Escape at £41,515.00, the Altitude at a price range of £42,010.00 - £43,270.00, the Hybrid at £57,100.00 and the Altitude V8 at £58,690.00. 

Volkswagen offers four different engine combinations to choose from for the 2011 Touareg, three diesel and one Hybrid; there is the 3.0 V6 TDI 204PS/400Nm, fuel consumption is 33/42mpg. The 3.0 V6 TDI 240PS/550Nm, fuel consumption is 32/44mpg. The 4.2 V8 TDO 340PS/800Nm, fuel consumption is 24/38mpg and the 3.0 V6 TSI 333PS/440Nm, fuel consumption is 33/36mpg. All are available with an 8-speed automatic transmission (6-speed automatic with two overdrive gears). With CO2 emissions ranging from 193g/km for the V6 hybrid engine, 195g/km for the 3.0 V6 diesel engines and 239g/km for the V8 diesel engine, has made it possible for the 2011 Touareg to have achieved an Euro 5-Complainat rating.

Standard features for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg include automatic home lighting function, heated front seats, 12 way electric adjustment front seats, black leather seats, heated side mirrors, 18” alloy wheels, touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth and MDI interface, electronic engine immobiliser, alar with interior protection, also a 12 year body protection warranty, three year/60,000 miles warranty and a three year paintwork warranty, too many standard features to list them all. 

Some of the options  available for the 2011 Touareg include, heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, a leather trimmed with electric heater steering wheel, (it’ll come really handy on those cold winter mornings),  DVD changer, TV reception with teletext, parking heater, side scan lane change assist system, tyre pressure monitoring system and many more to choose from.

VW Volkswagen Touareg, VW Touareg, 4x4