Latest news with #VWs
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Mechanic explains why drivers should 'never buy' popular used car
Scotty Kilmer has been working on cars since the 1960s and regularly shares his expertise in a series of YouTube videos in which he explains how drivers can save money Renowned car expert Scotty Kilmer has starkly warned motorists against purchasing a particular used hatchback, despite its status as one of the top sellers. Scotty, with decades of experience in auto repair since the 60s, is a prominent figure on YouTube, dishing out tips that can spare drivers from shelling out on costly mechanical repairs. In his latest video, he scrutinises a fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf and finds it wanting when compared to its rivals in terms of construction quality. He clarified: "If you've watched me for any great length of time, you'd have noticed that I'm not a big fan of Volkswagen - and here's why. READ MORE: Pet owners rush to claim free flea treatment as UK heatwave sees pests rise "The quality isn't job number one with Volkswagen. They're full of all kinds of plastic that breaks all the time and can cost a fortune to fix." Available in the UK between 2003 and 2009, this iteration of the Volkswagen Golf came in three or five-door hatchback forms, as well as an estate version, offering a breadth of trim options and engines to buyers, reports the Express. Though the engines' performance and the generous space on offer were commended by owners, Scotty argued that the interior's fit and finish might not prove durable. Hence, he advises avoiding higher-mileage models which could showcase worn interiors and potentially fragile plastic components. Further into the clip, Scotty cautioned viewers about the automatic gearboxes in Volkswagens from that time, highlighting a significant concern, especially in the US where he is based. He elaborated: "Plus, their automatic transmissions stink, they break a lot and they cost a fortune to fix. That's why this one is a standard [manual], so we don't have to worry about that. "But 96 percent of Americans drive [vehicles with] automatic transmission, so all of those people, theirs wouldn't last so well." Despite his warnings, numerous Volkswagen enthusiasts contested Scotty's opinions, sharing their own positive experiences in the video's comment section. A commenter shared their personal story: "My 2013 [Golf] GTI is still running strong with almost 150,000 miles on it. And everything is holding together very well. [It's] been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned." Another chimed in: "Americans must get different VWs than us Europeans because build quality is never really a problem with VWs over here. Plus they're great cars."
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Top 10 hot hatches on sale right now for under £5,000 – from iconic VW to snazzy Mazda
BRIT drivers are snapping up budget hot hatches that offer big performance for small money – and you can too. We've picked 10 of the best on sale right now for under £5,000, including everything from iconic VWs to snazzy Mazdas and track-ready tearaways.. Advertisement Citroen DS3 Racing (first generation) 10 This example's going for only £4,495 Credit: Alamy Originally planned as a 1,000-car special, the DS3 Racing ended up being built in double that number thanks to sky-high demand. Even so, it's still a rare find. With just over 200bhp, firmed-up suspension and carbon fibre accents, it's a serious bit of kit – and this example's going for only £4,495. Volkswagen Golf R32 (Mk5) 10 This one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body Credit: Alamy A Advertisement Read more on Motors The Mk5 R32 packs a six-cylinder punch and sounds glorious all the way to its 6,800rpm redline. Expect 247bhp, 236lb ft of torque and 0–62mph in just 6.5 seconds. Best of all, this one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body. Mazda 3 MPS (second generation) 10 HT3W1E 2012 Mazda 3 MPS Artist: Unknown. Credit: Alamy Advertisement Loud looks meet serious firepower. Most read in Motors Latest Add in stiffer suspension, upgraded dampers and a limited-slip diff, and you've got yourself a proper street sleeper. Vauxhall Corsa VXR (E) 10 It's a loud, proud VXR that doesn't try to blend in – and that's the point Advertisement As British as a Sunday roast. This hot It's a loud, proud Ford Focus ST (third generation) 10 The 2011 Amsterdam motorshow was running from April 12 until April 23, in the RAI event center in Amsterdam Credit: Getty Advertisement This metallic blue ST-3 is listed at £4,980 – and it's a lot of car for the cash. Inside, you get Recaro leather seats, illuminated buttons and a boost gauge. It's covered 112,500 miles but still looks sharp. If you want something even wilder, how about a Martini-liveried XR2 track car? Renault Clio 172 (X65) 10 At just 900kg, it feels twice as fast as it is – and it's yours for under £3,000 Advertisement Don't be fooled by its modest 172bhp. This featherweight Phase 3 has been stripped, lightened and track-prepped with race seats, harnesses and a fire extinguisher. At just 900kg, it feels twice as fast as it is – and it's yours for under £3,000. Audi S3 (second generation) 10 One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint. Classy and quick. Credit: YouTube Advertisement A grown-up hot hatch with serious grunt. The second-gen S3 puts out 261bhp and 258lb ft from a turbocharged four-cylinder, good for 0–62mph in under six seconds. One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint. Seat Leon Cupra R (second generation) 10 Seat Leon Cupra R, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged Credit: Handout Advertisement This one's got some miles – 153,000 to be exact – but it's a high-spec gem. Quilted leather, red calipers, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged engine make it a compelling pick. Volkswagen Scirocco R (third generation) 10 Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence Credit: Handout You'll need to haggle hard to get it under budget, but the Scirocco R remains one of the best-looking hot hatches of the modern era. Advertisement Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence. Wildcard: Vauxhall Astra GSI (third generation) 10 The Vauxhall Astra GSi 16v, has a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp Credit: check copyright A red-top slice of Nineties nostalgia. This Astra GSI started life as a lowly Merit but now sports a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp. Advertisement
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Volkswagen Golf GTI gets a limited-run anniversary edition with more power
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is the fastest VW-badged production model to lap the Nürburgring and the most powerful GTI model to date. Check Offers The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 has recently been unveiled, and the German automaker has debuted this 50th anniversary edition at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This special version is the most powerful GTI-badged car, boasting nearly as much performance as the all-wheel-drive Golf R. It comes with an upgraded engine, revised chassis tuning, and new cosmetic elements for a sportier look. The limited edition of our favourite hot hatch is fitted with a more powerful iteration of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-four engine. While it makes 245 bhp in the India-spec GTI (and 262 bhp in the Euro-spec), the anniversary special hikes the power output to 321 bhp. This brings it closer to the Golf R's 329 bhp output, while torque figures are identical at 420 Nm. Also Read : MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Ago is a limited-edition 208 bhp tribute on two wheels The GTI Edition 50 features a 7-speed DCT and sprints from a standstill to 100 kmph in 5.5 seconds. This makes it faster than both the standard GTI and the Clubsport models. While the Golf R with its AWD system does make the sprint in 4.6 seconds, the Edition 50 is the fastest Volkswagen production model to lap the Nürburgring. Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Performance Pack Interested buyers can further choose to opt for the optional Performance package, which adds an extra two degrees of negative camber and 20 per cent stiffer springs. While the anniversary model is 15 mm lower than the regular GTI, the Performance package further lowers the car by 5 mm. The Performance Pack additionally offers 235-section Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres which help cut understeer, 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels borrowed from the Golf R, and a titanium exhaust from Akrapovic. Suggested watch: FIRST LOOK: Volkswagen Golf GTI For India | Specifications, Features and Interior Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Design and interior The anniversary model features multiple GTI 50 logos all around the exterior with blacked-out elements such as the roof, mirror housings, and tailpipe trims. There is also a unique side stripe that runs along the car's side skirts with a gradient that goes from black to Tornado Red. The GTI Edition 50 rides on 19-inch Queenstown alloys with a special red glaze finish. Out of the available five colour options, Tornado Red is the most significant owing to its reputation for being offered with all high-performance VWs since the late 1980s. Changes inside the cabin are minimal, with red seatbelts and dark anodised aluminium door handles. There are additional GTI 50 logos inside, including one on the newly designed leather-wrapped steering wheel. The sport seats remain unchanged with the familiar chequered pattern and synthetic velour accents. It is important to note that features such as a heads-up display and navigation still come as optional extras. Also Read : We've driven the Golf GTI at NATRAX. Here's our review) Volkswagen has confirmed that production for the Golf GTI Edition 50 will commence towards the end of 2025. Deliveries are scheduled to begin from the first quarter of 2026, which marks the start of the anniversary year. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 21 Jun 2025, 14:00 PM IST
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
4 former Volkswagen managers convicted in ‘dieselgate' fraud
A German court convicted four former Volkswagen managers of fraud on Monday and a decade after 'Dieselgate' exposed deceptive devices installed in many Volkswagen models to pass emissions tests. Jens Hadler was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and formerly was Volkswagen's diesel engine development chief, the New York Times reported. Hanno Jelden, a former VW engine electronics manager, received a sentence of two years and seven months in prison. Defendants Heinz-Jakob Neusser, a former systems development manager, and a former emissions expert identified as 'Thorsten D.,' received suspended sentences of 15 months and 22 months in prison, respectively. A judicial panel in Braunschweig, Germany, entered its verdicts in the court that is located close to Volkswagen's headquarters in nearby Wolfsburg. Panel chairman Judge Christian Schutz called the defendants a 'gang' and said they were guilty of 'particularly serious' fraud, the New York Times reported. He said Hadler knew of the emissions-testing defeat devices that manipulated software to ensure the vehicles would pass emissions tests since at least September 2007. Only a relatively small number of people within Volkswagen knew of the device's existence, according to emails used as evidence in the case. The trial lasted almost four years in the 'dieselgate' emissions scandal that was exposed when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2015 reported many diesel-powered VW models contained deceptive emissions-monitoring devices, Politico reported. The 'defeat devices' detected when system emissions testing was underway and automatically adjusted engine performance to ensure the respective vehicles met environmental standards. Berlin's Federal Court of Justice in 2020 ordered Volkswagen to pay up to $31,000 to each of about 60,000 German owners of diesel-powered VWs. The automaker paid billions of dollars in settlements for installing defeat devices on about 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S., Germany and other markets around the globe. Legal cases remain open against 31 other defendants, but former VW Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn is not among them due to health concerns, MarketWatch reported. Winterkorn has denied any wrongdoing in the matter. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 former Volkswagen managers convicted in ‘dieselgate' fraud
May 26 (UPI) -- A German court convicted four former Volkswagen managers of fraud on Monday and a decade after "Dieselgate" exposed deceptive devices installed in many Volkswagen models to pass emissions tests. Jens Hadler was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and formerly was Volkswagen's diesel engine development chief, the New York Times reported. Hanno Jelden, a former VW engine electronics manager, received a sentence of two years and seven months in prison. Defendants Heinz-Jakob Neusser, a former systems development manager, and a former emissions expert identified as "Thorsten D.," received suspended sentences of 15 months and 22 months in prison, respectively. A judicial panel in Braunschweig, Germany, entered its verdicts in the court that is located close to Volkswagen's headquarters in nearby Wolfsburg. Panel chairman Judge Christian Schutz called the defendants a "gang" and said they were guilty of "particularly serious" fraud, the New York Times reported. He said Hadler knew of the emissions-testing defeat devices that manipulated software to ensure the vehicles would pass emissions tests since at least September 2007. Only a relatively small number of people within Volkswagen knew of the device's existence, according to emails used as evidence in the case. The trial lasted almost four years in the "dieselgate" emissions scandal that was exposed when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2015 reported many diesel-powered VW models contained deceptive emissions-monitoring devices, Politico reported. The "defeat devices" detected when system emissions testing was underway and automatically adjusted engine performance to ensure the respective vehicles met environmental standards. Berlin's Federal Court of Justice in 2020 ordered Volkswagen to pay up to $31,000 to each of about 60,000 German owners of diesel-powered VWs. The automaker paid billions of dollars in settlements for installing defeat devices on about 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S., Germany and other markets around the globe. Legal cases remain open against 31 other defendants, but former VW Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn is not among them due to health concerns, MarketWatch reported. Winterkorn has denied any wrongdoing in the matter.
