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2016 VW Passat starts at $23,260

With the recent reveal of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, VW has shown a refusal to let the company's diesel-emissions scandal keep it from launching updated models in the US. When the sheet came off, the company told us that the refreshed sedan would start at $23,260, after the $820 destination charge on all versions. Now, we're getting the pricing details for the entire revised lineup. On all but the very top model, buyers get a 1.8 TSI turbo four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and six-speed automatic transmission. The base Passat S offers that combo for the same price as last year, but VW claims $1,315 in extra equipment is now included, like a five-inch MIB II infotainment system and automatic post-collision braking system. An optional LED lighting package runs $1,245 on the S, but prices differ on other levels. Pricing has not been released for the 2016 Passat TDI. That model needs a fix for its emissions cheating software before it can be certified by the EPA, and go on sale. Jumping to the Passat R-Line for $24,975 gets buyers black accents on the front bumper, 19-inch wheels and a tweaked rear diffuser. Another $775 adds the R-Line comfort package with a power driver's seat, heated front chairs, leatherette upholstery, and heat for the exterior mirrors and washer nozzles. Paying $27,100 for the Passat SE includes amenities like 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, 6.3-inch MIB II system, and adaptive cruise control. In addition, there's the SE with Technology for $29,230 with a blind-spot monitoring, push-button start, rear-traffic alert, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The next step up is the SEL for $31,315 with a plethora of extra luxuries. It gets 18-inch wheels, an upgraded Fender stereo, Vienna leather seats, power front chairs, and a rear pass-through. Sitting at the top of the range is the SEL Premium for $35,090. This trim has even more tech, including lane departure warning with active steering, active blind-spot monitor, front and rear park-distance control, and parking steering assistant. The LED lights are standard, as well. Plus, for $37,655 buyers can get the V6 SEL Premium with a 3.6-liter VR6. It makes 280 hp and 258 lb-ft and is linked to a six-speed DSG. Getting the bigger engine also adds dual trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips and Hill Hold Control.

VW pondering low-cost sub-brand for China?

More detail is being sketched into the Volkswagen Group's plan to launch a low-cost brand for emerging markets. Late last year a German report quoted a VW rep saying that the brand has been interested in building a no-frills car, the kind that would challenge Dacia and Datsun, for a while. With both Proton and Suzuki effectively out of the partnership picture, a report in Reuters suggests VW could go straight to China, developing a car with its joint venture partners and building and selling it there.
Officially, company CEO Martin Winterkorn said the issue of a model for emerging markets would be decided this year but VW isn't any closer to confirming any kind of plan for a car in its portfolio underneath the Up!, remarking to Reuters about the China possibility, "That's an issue we're currently looking at."

Volkswagen reveals Golf GTI Clubsport concept at Worthersee

The various brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella are bringing a slew of hot hatch concepts to the GTI-Treffen in Worthersee, Austria, this week – but the gathering wouldn't be complete without a version of the headline Volkswagen Golf GTI. And here it is. Previewed with initial details and a trio of design sketches last week, VW has now released a proper array of images showing the GTI Clubsport concept. The enhanced GTI packs an upgraded version of the stock version's 2.0-liter turbo four with 261 horsepower on tap, favorably splitting the difference between the standard GTI with the Performance package and the more potent Golf R. An overboost function even kicks in an extra 10-percent more horsepower to bring peak output up to 287 hp – just a few horses shy of the R's 292, but driving only the front wheels. As you can see, the Clubsport concept also features a more aggressive aero kit as well as upgraded rolling stock with semi-slick rubber. Most, if not all, of these enhancements are earmarked to find their way onto a 40th anniversary edition GTI, but we're unlikely to see that model in US showrooms. World premiere of the Golf GTI Clubsport at Lake Worthersee - Exclusive anniversary model for 40th birthday of the GTI - Golf GTI Clubsport debuts with 265 PS and boost function Next year, the Golf GTI celebrates its 40th birthday. Volkswagen is marking this historic event with a progressive anniversary model: the new Golf GTI Clubsport. Volkswagen will be showcasing the Golf GTI Clubsport on 14th May as part of the legendary GTI meet at Lake Worthersee, when it will make its world premiere in the form of a near-production concept car. With a power output of 195 kW / 265 PS (35 PS more than the Golf GTI Performance) and top performance temporarily increased by around a further 10 per cent thanks to a boost function, the Golf GTI Clubsport is set to take off at the start of 2016 as the most powerful production 'GTI' yet. The anniversary model is being launched not only with an extremely powerful engine, but also with an individualised interior and exclusive bodywork details. The design modifications include a completely new front bumper, new side sills, a new and aerodynamically highly innovative roof-edge spoiler and a specially developed rear diffuser. All of these features were designed with the aim of further enhancing the GTI's performance and of thereby bringing form and function into perfect harmony.