Photo: newspressusa.com
Volkswagen's first car built on the new MQB platform came in 2012, the first 3-door versions of the Golf arriving in Germany in the last months of that year. Unfortunately, Americans have had to make due with the sixth generation for two more years until finally the Golf and its sister car from Audi has arrived.
The regular hatch is already going on sale in America, so instead of bringing that to the Big Apple, VW chose to launch the more hardcore GTI and R hot versions.
Arriving in New York with red pocket rocket pride, the new GTI promises to combine the usual blend of ingredients: power, build quality and economy. Pricing was announced yesterday and starts at $25,215 including destination and handling. An optional DSG gearbox retails for an extra $1,100 while the Performance Pack that adds 10 hp to the output, plus bigger brakes and a diff, is an extra $1,500.
Its big brother, the Golf R, is also present in New York, but it's not going on sale yet and as a result a European model with clear indicators is displayed. Like the outgoing model, the R shares the 2.0 TSI engine with the GTI, but it's been upgraded and should produce closer to 300 horsepower. To harness all that power, a 4Motion all-wheel drive system can shuffle grunt to the back wheel if it senses the front is being overloaded. Both hotties will be built in Mexico, where Volkswagen North America has relocated most of its compact car production capabilities.
Unfortunately, the 2015 Jetta doesn't have an MQB platform like its Golf brothers. However, VW did refresh the model for the new model year. A new front bumper has been created, styled to look like a Passat. The bi-xenon headlights with LED accents which used to come only with the GLI and Hybrid are now available across the range.
All of the old engines from the 2014 model year have been carried over, with the one notable exception being an all-new 2.0 TDI clean diesel, which has 10 extra horsepower and will deliver improved fuel economy, especially on the highway. The Jetta 1.8 turbo, which last year replaced the 2.5-liter model, has been fitted with a closeable shutter for the radiator grille, which helps warm up the engine and reduce drag.
While not as modernly designed as other compacts from Ford or the Korean automakers, the 2015 Golf and Jetta models will probably be more competitive than last year due to the strength of the engineering.
Arriving in New York with red pocket rocket pride, the new GTI promises to combine the usual blend of ingredients: power, build quality and economy. Pricing was announced yesterday and starts at $25,215 including destination and handling. An optional DSG gearbox retails for an extra $1,100 while the Performance Pack that adds 10 hp to the output, plus bigger brakes and a diff, is an extra $1,500.
All of the old engines from the 2014 model year have been carried over, with the one notable exception being an all-new 2.0 TDI clean diesel, which has 10 extra horsepower and will deliver improved fuel economy, especially on the highway. The Jetta 1.8 turbo, which last year replaced the 2.5-liter model, has been fitted with a closeable shutter for the radiator grille, which helps warm up the engine and reduce drag.
While not as modernly designed as other compacts from Ford or the Korean automakers, the 2015 Golf and Jetta models will probably be more competitive than last year due to the strength of the engineering.
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