#2019 Volkswagen Golf Gti Price

[carmojo]

2019 VW Jetta GLI With 228HP Starts At $25,995, Undercuts Golf GTI By $1,600 | CarMojo

What will you choose, a Jetta GLI with $1,600 worth of options or a base Golf GTI?.  ➥ Support CarMojo on Patreon. Watch More / Subscribe for CarMojo Videos.

[fokohow]

THE 10 BEST 2020 VEHICLES ACCORDING TO CAR AND DRIVER

Every year, Car and Driver magazine publishes its list of the 10 best vehicles of the year. For the 2020 vintage, you’ll find everything. Here are the 10 products identified as the best by the publication… with our little grain of salt.

1 — Chevrolet Corvette

With a revolution in configuration, it would have been surprising not to find the Chevrolet Corvette among the cars of the year. With the engine moving from the front to the center of the car, the entire handling of the car was changed, taking performance to a new level. And, as always with the model, the price compared to what you get is pretty fabulous.

The arrival of more sporty variants will also be something to watch out for, but we’re already talking about a classic.

2 — Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has always been a benchmark in its class. While it’s certainly been a great sedan for generations, it’s still an extraordinary sedan. Its style may not be universally acclaimed, but behind the wheel, it’s hard to take it for granted.

Its solid chassis allows for even sportier driving, although most buyers will prefer its comfortable side to its playful character. And when it comes to fuel consumption, it remains a benchmark. All it lacks is all-wheel drive to combat SUVs.

3 — Jeep Gladiator

Car and Driver makes an interesting analogy about the Jeep Gladiator in Rubicon version, mentioning that the latter is the off-road equivalent of a Chevrolet Corvette on a track.

The Gladiator pickup isn’t described as the best in its segment, but it’s certainly the most fun to drive. It can be transformed into a 4X4 to face the worst conditions or a convertible to enjoy the best days of summer. The availability of a manual transmission is also praised, a rarity in the industry today.

The model is expensive and the brand’s history of reliability is frightening, but the charm comes into its own when you get behind the wheel.

4 — Kia Telluride

There were skeptics when Kia and Hyundai showed up with the Telluride and Palisade full-size SUVs. In the first case, a simple touch with the vehicle is enough to understand why it’s been winning awards everywhere since its inception. This SUV offers space to spare, an incredible level of equipment for the price, and a frankly impressive degree of comfort and soundproofing.

Car and Driver goes so far as to say that this vehicle will take Kia to another level in the industry, just like the Lexus LS400 and Acura NSX did for their respective creators a little over 30 years ago. It’s advanced, but it shows just how impressed they were with this product.

For our part, without mentioning a revolutionary vehicle, we see the Telluride as a model that not only confirms Kia’s solid position in the market, but also shows us the brand’s full potential for the future.

5 — Mazda CX-5

Compact SUVs abound on the market, but when it comes to driving pleasure, none come close to the CX-5. That’s what Car and Driver points out in its analysis, and we tend to agree with that statement.

They also point out that the CX-5 is not the most powerful or spacious of its herd. An imperfect product, therefore, but whose charm works enough to make it a must in its category.

6 — Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman

When it comes to driving pleasure, few vehicles in the industry come close to what the Boxster/Cayman duo offers. Porsche is quietly turning to electrification, which makes these models still powered by future collectible combustion engines.

However, sales have been dropping in recent years, since the switch to a 4-cylinder engine with most variants. Nonetheless, the balance of the model and the feeling it delivers to the driver remain really special.

7 — Porsche Macan S/Turbo

This is true with the Boxster and also true in the world of SUVs, while the Macan offers a unique driving experience in its segment. Better yet, with the two new turbo engines introduced in 2019, performance has been pushed to a truly impressive level. We’re talking 348 horsepower for the S version, 434 for the turbocharged one.

Car and Driver doesn’t praise the 4-cylinder engine variant, as Porsche didn’t provide it with one. In this case, a similar experience can be found with Audi’s Q5, and at a lower price.

8 — Ram 1500

As we know, the Ram’s reputation for reliability is not the most enviable. However, when compared to its rivals when new, it’s hard not to rank it as the best of its kind. The level of comfort offered by this pickup is truly impressive, as is the richness of the interior presentation, which has no equal in the automotive world.

Ram offers both great luxury and great capacity with its Ram 1500, not to mention an engine family that offers something for every taste. Car and Driver goes further. It calls the Ram 1500 not only the best vehicle in its class, but also one of the best vehicles in the industry. It’s a bit of a stretch, but it shows just how seductive this vehicle is.

9 — Toyota Supra

With only 300 units reserved for Canada in the first year of production, we don’t see many Toyota Supra’s on the road. However, you can take Car and Driver’s word for it, it’s a really fun experience. You can feel BMW’s DNA when you guide this car on the road or on the track, but the design is a Japanese affair that doesn’t leave you indifferent.

With a base price that’s quite attractive considering the level of performance offered, driving enthusiasts have a lot to get their teeth into with this model.

10 — Volkswagen Golf GTI et Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen GTI is a regular in this kind of charts, but Car and Driver is adding the Jetta GLI this year, which undergoes similar treatment to what makes the Golf GTI so unique and fun. Having guided this car through twisty roads when it was launched last year, we can confirm that we’re in the presence of a perfectly balanced creation.

In both cases, you get the perfect compromise between comfort, practicality, performance and reasonable price. Models to discover, really.

[adrenalineguide]

2019’s Top Rides: Part 3/Buick Regal GS, Subaru Ascent and Golf R

By Michael Hozjan

Buick Regal GS AWD: Buick gets it right

At 12, I wanted to be a car designer. Fate however had different plans for me. With an eye for automotive design, I grew up loving Buicks; from the ’57 Special to the ’59 Invicta, with the ’64 Wildcat stealing my heart time and again. Cadillacs took a close second, Fords were ok but I found Chevs too feminine. Buicks, were masculine with broad shouldered front fenders and creased lines, personifying the designing cues of GM greats, Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell.

Then came the Riviera. One snowy December afternoon as I headed to my post office, there on St. Lawrence Boulevard, with six inches of snow on the ground sat a ’65 Riviera. My heart skipped several beats and I must have studied its lines for what seemed like an eternity.

Well into the ‘70s there were some noteworthy designs that came out of Buick’s design studios however, the last four decades have been anything but exciting. That has all changed with the launch of the Regal GS – the sexiest Buick to come out of Detroit in, well the last four decades.    

The Grand Sport designation is nothing new to the Buick line up, having been associated with ‘70s era muscle cars but this is the first time that it has been used in a European sports sedan context. The stylish GS goes up against some well established rivals like the Acura TLX, Lexus ES, BMW 3 series and the like, a tough field to say the least. The Regal GS is more than just good looks, it’s a bona fide sports sedan. In fact a rebadged, German built, Opel Insignia, so the GS starts with the right genes. European engineered handling makes it the best tarmac gripping Buick ever.

Red Brembo brake calipers immediately tell everyone that this is not your typical Buick.

While different drive options/trim levels are available elsewhere around the globe, we Canucks get only one trim/drive option- also the most desirable one - the all-wheel-drive version motivated by the 310 horsepower DOHC, 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing punching out 282 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic.  

Entry price is $44,045, my tester came with the Buick Experience Package ($3,495) that included the moonroof, a Bose premium 8-speaker sound system, wireless charging, an 8” touch screen, HD radio, LED leveling headlights, The Driver Confidence Package (yes you read that right) at $1,995 includes adaptive cruise, forward collision alert with automatic braking, lane keep assist, front pedestrian braking and heads up display. The Ebony Twilight Metallic paint was a premium option at $495.

The all-wheel-drive gets a torque vectoring rear axle, which only improves traction in slippery conditions and makes the Buick eat up the corners. Buick has also given us three driving modes to choose from, Touring, Sport and GS 

Inside you’ve got one color choice, black. The supportive Recaros have a massage feature as well as being heated/cooled. Both driver’s and passenger seats have 14 adjustments to suit your body, including adjustable bolsters. Following with the German sport sedan traits, it includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Rear seat passengers get ample legroom, but headroom is tight for taller occupants. With 30.cu.ft of space under the hatch with the rear seats up, with over 60 cu.ft with the rear seats folded, it betters many compact crossovers!

Is it perfect?

Non-functional air intakes in the front valance are mickey-mouse and a step backwards. Why not leave them open and help cool the brakes? No spare tire but a useless tire fix kit –that’ll help when you have a blow out or bend a wheel on Quebec’s pot holes. On the comical side, the audio system had mixed up the Cirius station numbers it’s 60s on 6 and not 660s on six….and the same could be said for 50s on 5 not 550s on 5, as well as 70s, 80s and 90s.

You can go through the gears manually with the console mounted shifter but paddle shifters would have been a nice touch to compliment the smooth 9-speed automatic.

Will the GS steal buyers away from BMW? I hardly doubt it but it does give of us a formidable option to keep our performance dollars with domestic manufacturers, and the GS buyer has nothing to be apologetic for. 

 Price as tested: $52,050*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

 Subaru Ascent: If at first you don’t succeed…

If you thought that Subaru already had a large SUV you’re right. The magic word here being had. The B9 Tribeca, later shortened to just Tribeca debuted in 2005 to, lets just say a less than stellar sales, and by 2014 had moved into the automotive history books of what once was.

It takes guts to admit that you were wrong, and it takes even big cojones to come back with a similar sized vehicle. Truth be told the SUV market has also changed over the last decade with SUVs growing increasingly larger, just like the population. Subaru appears to have been ahead of its time back in 2005 when 3-row SUV’s didn’t proliferate our roads, and minivans still reigned supreme for getting the platoon to school. But times have changed and so the new Ascent is the company’s answer to the latest trend.

The Ascent is also Subaru’s largest vehicle to date, with 142 mm longer wheelbase and 134 mm longer in length than the Tribeca, so yes passenger comfort has been greatly increased. The midsize SUV is built on the company’s Global Platform, a chassis that is easily adaptable; serving as the basis for everything from their Impreza and Crosstrek to the Ascent.

Available in four trim levels – Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier - with the entry level 8-passenger Convenience starting at a meager $36,695. Regardless of trim, there’s a new 2.4L direct-injected, turbocharged boxer four cylinder dolling out 260 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque through the High-torque Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).   

Talk to anyone who’s ever driven a Subie in less than ideal conditions and they’ll swear by the symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system. A new feature, X-Mode, pushes the traction envelope even further; at the push of a button, it monitors and controls four different vehicle dynamics, including engine, transmission, torque splitting and braking.

There’s a lot of standard driver-assistance technology in each Ascent without having to step up to trim levels, Items like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist through the company’s EyeSight system. The base model gets a 6.5 inch infotainment screen while upper trim buyers will see an 8 inch screen. GPS however is only available in the two higher end trims (Limited and Premier). Both Touring and Limited are available in either seven or eight passenger configurations with captain’s chairs taking up the second row. My tester, the Premier trim comes only with the second row captains chairs. While all trims get heated front buckets it’s only the two higher trims that pamper their second row passengers with heated outboard seats. The third row looks a lot more inviting than some of it’s competitors but it’s still on the tight side with limited leg room. Still bear in mind this is a mid-size seven passenger and the seats are padded and comfortable to keep the small fry happy for longer drives. Oh and a pair of third-row USB charging ports become available in the Limited trim and are in addition to the standard two you’ll find in the front and second rows.

Rear cover blind and tow loop are stowed neatly under the cargo bay’s floor, the latter an option on some pricier suvs

.

Whether you’re out in the boonies or negotiating city streets, the Ascent doesn’t feel like a large bulky SUV. With above average handling and a minimum of body roll for a three-row SUV, Subaru’s use of the boxer engine and its advantageous low center of gravity immediately become apparent. It’s stable, with a soft luxurious ride and is generally quiet during normal highway cruising. But it does get loud when pushed hard.

Is it perfect?

The drone of the CVT does get annoying but once you get passed that, the Ascent is typically Subaru; it does everything what it’s supposed to and does it well. I averaged 9.8L/100 km which is unprecedented in a 7-passenger sport ute. It may not be overly luxurious but you get what you pay for. I know my Subaru driving friends will all be looking at the Ascent when the time comes to turn in their current drives, and that alone will keep this big Subaru around for a long time to come.

Price as tested: $52,795*

* Includes destination charges

Volkswagen Golf R: You’ll want one

If you’ve missed my installment of the Rabbit GTI, I urge you to scroll down the page and have a read.

Now take the GTI and turn it up a notch, or three. The formula for the Golf R is very simple; take one German built spacious hatchback that already has solid, tight handling, and add gobbs of turbocharged horses to a 2.0L inline four cylinder. How many ponies? Two eighty-eight to be exact – enough to propel you well past the posted speed limit in less time than it takes you to say posted speed limit. Now stir in all-wheel drive to put all that power to the ground. Slam it to the ground for added handling. Dress it up with killer 19” wheels.

Choose between the 6-speed manual available for $42,495 or the 7-speed dual clutch automatic with Tiptronic for $43,895. Now go have the most fun you can with your clothes on.

Doesn’t look like it but there’s nearly 300 horses in there

Quad exhaust tips tell you this is no ordinary Golf

The Golf R is everything you want in a performance sedan and then some. It makes no sense in a country with posted speed limits, but then neither do Porches, Ferraris and the like.   

Price as tested: $49, 290*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

[asfianda]

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Release Date, Redesign, Review

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Release Date, Redesign, Review

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Release Date, Redesign, Review– Even though the earlier-generation Polo GTi is not exactly obsolete, possessing been launched for the 2015 model year, Volkswagen is currently concentrating on a significantly enhanced, following-generation version. Our trusty paparazzi stuck a complete fleet of Volkswagen cars evaluating in Europe, and the getting close to Polo along with…

[iamprotech]

WENJTP Paddles Shifters,Polish Aluminum Shifter Extension for Car Steering Wheel Compatible with VW Volkswagen Golf MK7 GTI R R-line Scirocco 2014-2019 (Sliver)

WENJTP Paddles Shifters,Polish Aluminum Shifter Extension for Car Steering Wheel Compatible with VW Volkswagen Golf MK7 GTI R R-line Scirocco 2014-2019 (Sliver)

Price: (as of – Details) Compatible with: Golf 7 R-line (2015-2019) Compatible with: Golf 7 GTI (2015-2019) Compatible with: Scirocco (2015-2016) Compatible with: Sagitar GLI, R-line (2016-2019) Compatible with: Lingdu 2.0T GTS (2017) Compatible with: POLO GTI (2016) Compatible with: R-line (2016-2019) 🚗【Compatibility】Paddles shifters compatible with VW Volkswagen Golf MK7 GTI R R-line Steering…

[alwaysawesomesblog]

KUST Windshield Sun Shade for 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI e-Golf VW Golf R Hatchback Sunshade Foldable Sun Visor Protector Blocks UV Rays Keep Your Car Cooler

KUST Windshield Sun Shade for 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI e-Golf VW Golf R Hatchback Sunshade Foldable Sun Visor Protector Blocks UV Rays Keep Your Car Cooler

Price: (as of – Details) Product Description KUST Custom Fit Car Windshield Sunshades —-Enjoy a Cooling Summer! Vehicle Specific 100% Fit for Volkswagen Golf 2015 100% Fit for Volkswagen Golf 2016 100% Fit for Volkswagen Golf 2017 100% Fit for Volkswagen Golf 2018 100% Fit for Volkswagen Golf 2019 NOTE:The Sliver side is OUTWARD,while Black side is INWARD Double reduce the temperature…

[tenacioususedcars]

Cars For Sale: South Africa’s Best 

A bit of a throwback, but herewith are the semi-finalists of the 2019/20 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank.

The awards programme recognises the best purchasing propositions in the respective categories of the new vehicle market.

“Vehicle purchases are amongst the biggest that consumers are likely to make in their lifetime,” said Ghana Msibi, executive head of sales and marketing at WesBank.

“Initiatives such as this offer credible opinions on the types of cars and features available in the market, and in so doing help consumers make informed decisions when choosing a new or used vehicle,” he said.

The 13 eventual category winners will be selected from the list of 65 vehicles, which includes model derivatives from 24 brands represented in the South African market.

All vehicles available on the South African market on September 1, 2019, were eligible, not only new products that were launched during the past 12 months.

Compared with the 2018/19 Cars Awards, the executive sedan category has been replaced with one that caters for premium-positioned crossovers.

The former Hot Hatch category (now named Fun Hatch) encompasses more affordable contenders and the price caps for the Premium SUV and Performance Car segments have been raised, it said.

“It is important to note that we analyse market changes proactively and adapt the categories to be better aligned with the South African consumer,” said Cars.co.za consumer experience manager Hannes Oosthuizen.

“With no new contenders in the Executive Sedan category, as well as very poor sales in that segment, we saw it fit to create a new category (to reflect growth and interest in upmarket crossovers) instead.

“Meanwhile there have been no new launches in the traditional hot hatch category, but there has been activity at a lower price point, so we’ve created a new category called Fun Hatch.”

And given the rapidly rising prices of cars for sale in Johannesburg, Oosthuisen said that sticking to a R1-million barrier for Premium SUV and Performance Car categories is no longer practical.

Volkswagen lead the charge in 2019/2020 again.

Even though 24 brands’ vehicles feature in the list of 65, five marques have more than three semi-finalists in the running for category honours.

Volkswagen has the most representatives (8), followed by BMW (6) and Audi, which has 5, although the A1 Sportback 40TFSI S Line is notably a semi-finalist in two separate categories.

Ford (5) and Toyota (4) round out the major manufacturers.

Full list of 2019/20 semi-finalists:

Budget Car

Kia Picanto 1.2 Style

Renault Sandero Stepway Expression

Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Fluid

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Trendline

Compact Hatch

Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Comfortline

Nissan Micra turbo Acenta Plus

Mazda2 1.5 Individual Auto

Kia Rio 1.4 EX

Ford Fiesta 1.0 Trend Auto

Premium Hatch

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Audi A1 Sportback 40TFSI S Line

Mercedes-Benz A200 AMG-Line

Mazda3 2.0 Astina

Mini Cooper S Hatch 5-Door Sports Auto

Executive SUV

Volvo XC60 D5 R-Design

Audi Q5 40 TDI Sport quattro

BMW X3 xDrive20d M-Sport

Range Rover Evoque D180 R-Dynamic SE

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d AMG-Line

Compact Family Car

Ford Ecosport 1.0 Titanium Auto

Opel Crossland X 1.2 Turbo Enjoy Auto

Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Prestige

Suzuki Vitara 1.4T GLX Auto

Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85kW Highline R-Line

Family Car

Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic Auto

Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDI Allure

Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES

Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX Auto

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI Trendline

Adventure SUV

Ford Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4WD Limited

Haval H9 Luxury

Isuzu M-UX 3.0 4WD

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 4×4

Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 Auto

Premium SUV

Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro

BMW X5 xDrive30d M-Sport

Range Rover Velar D300 R-Dynamic HSE

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d 4Matic AMG-Line

Volvo XC90 T8 Twin-Engine R-Design

Crossover

Volvo XC40 D4 R-Design

Audi Q3 35 TFSI S Line

Jaguar E-Pace D180 AWD R-Dynamic

Lexus UX 200 EX

Mini Countryman Cooper S sports-auto

Leisure Double-Cab

Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Legend 50 4×4 Auto

Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTDi Wildtrak 4×4 Auto

Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D 4×4 Auto

Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI Highline 4Motion

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD 4×4 LX Auto

Business Class

BMW 320d Sport Line

BMW 330i Sport Line

Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line

Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TSI 4Motion R-Line

Audi A5 40 TFSI Sport

Fun Hatch

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T

Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S Line

Opel Corsa GSi

Mini Cooper S Sports-Auto

Performance Car

Toyota Supra 3.0T

BMW M2 Competition M-DCT

BMW Z4 M40i

Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Porsche Cayman GTS

Right - if you made it all the way to the end of this blog but you don’t know which of these great cars is the best one for you (and your budget) - simply check out which cars are for sale in Johannesburg at Group 1 Cars, use their nifty instalment calculator or speak to them directly.

.

Article from: https://ultimateusedcars.wordpress.com/2020/12/07/cars-for-sale-south-africas-best/

[dipulb3]

Volkswagen unveils its most powerful Golf yet

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/volkswagen-unveils-its-most-powerful-golf-yet/

Volkswagen unveils its most powerful Golf yet

Volkswagen said it won’t be selling the base version of its newly redesigned Golf compact car in the United States, but it will sell this new, more powerful Golf R, which has a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 27 more horsepower than the previous Golf R model. It also sells the 228-horsepower Golf GTI here.

That’s because, while most Americans prefer crossover SUVs — and VW has several of those to offer — there’s still a market here for small cars with outsized performance.

The new Golf R will be available in the US during the second half of 2021. VW hasn’t announced pricing yet, but prices for the 2019 Golf R started at over $40,000.

The Golf R will compete against models like the Subaru WRX STI, a version of the Subaru Impreza, and the Honda Civic Type R, both extreme performance versions of other efficient small cars.

The Golf R has an improved torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that can automatically send more power to one or the other rear wheel depending on the traction needs from moment to moment. It also shifts power automatically from the front wheels to the rear as needed. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The driver can select from different driving modes that change settings for the car’s steering, suspension, four-wheel-drive system and gas pedal response. Besides Comfort, Sport and Track modes, there is also a Special mode with settings designed for Germany’s famous Nürburgring Nordschleife track. Among other things, the suspension is softer than in Track mode to better handle the Nordschleife’s undulating pavement.

There is also a Drift mode — which is not intended for use on public roads — to allow drivers to more easily slide the car sideways and do smokey, tire-burning donuts.

The Golf R will be available with either a seven-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. The manual transmission was an important feature for the US market, which has been the number one market for the Golf R worldwide. In the past, 40% of Golf R buyers in the US have chosen the manual transmission, according to a VW spokesman. The automatic transmission will be manually shiftable, with steering wheel paddles.

[adrenalineguide]

2019’s Top Rides: Part 2

By Michael Hozjan

With 2020 quickly approaching I decided to take a look back at a few of my most memorable rides this year. Happily there were a few surprises along the way, vehicles that I thought would be mediocre at best, turned out to be hidden jewels. Here’s part two of three that will follow in the weeks to come.

Hyundai Elantra: An Affordable Class Act

Hyundai’s Elantra is one of those cars that blends unnoticed into the automotive landscape - until now. Redesigned a couple of years back, for 2019 the Elantra gets a sexy mid-cycle makeover.  From the windshield forward the car is all new while a new trunk lid, taillights and bumper freshen up the back.  Thankfully Hyundai isn’t following the competitions’ boy racer look, opting instead for a rich, sophisticated demeanor that doesn’t alienate its youth market.  I had more than a fair share of twenty something’s giving me the thumbs up.

That classy design follows into the greenhouse with clean flowing lines and some welcome upgrades/revisions to the climate and stereo controls and moving to white on black gauges. Regardless of trim, a six-way power driver’s seat and a height adjustable passenger seat are standard. They’re firm and comfortable with great support and I preferred them to the pricier GT version of the 5-door hatchback I had a few weeks later.

Prices start reasonably enough at $17,099 for the base Essential trim line (who comes up with these names and who would brag about having the Essential model?) The Essential offers such essential items (I had to) as heated front seats, Bluetooth, 6-speed manual and a rear view camera. My car had the optional ($1700) automatic with hill start assist, which is available only on the automatic – (why on an automatic?). From there the option/trim levels grow to peak at $27,549 for the Ultimate trim line at which point you can lock/unlock/start your car with your cell phone thanks to Hyundai’s Bluelink. Forward collision avoidance, lane departure, lane keep assist, blind spot warning with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert are also included, and if an inch makes a difference you get an 8” screen over the other trims’ seven inch unit.

Three driving modes allow you to select shift point, steering wheel and throttle controls to suit your tastes and needs.  Sport mode makes the most out of the 2.0L four cylinder’s 147 horses and 132 lb-ft. of torque bringing acceptable fun to your driving experience but speed demons may want to opt for the GT N Line or Sport trims where a 1.6L turbocharged inline four punches out 201 horses and 195 lb-ft of torque, but that’s another story – stay tuned. Oh and to add to the confusion there’s also a 162 horsepower version of the 2.0L in the GT trim. But if you’re into fuel economy, the base car will impress, I managed to get 5.9-l/100 km with mostly highway excursions. 

 Compared head to head with its two closest competitors, the Civic and Corolla the Elantra is a no brainer, delivering better fuel economy, better head room, better rear seat hip room (yes there’s room for two adults back there), as well as offering a slew of items as standard equipment that you’d pay extra for or simply are not available on the other two like a heated steering wheel.  On top of which the Hyundai’s ultra-high-strength steel structure gives it a quieter ride.

So if you’re looking for a handsome family sedan that can haul four adults in comfort and not eat up the family budget, hop on down to your Hyundai dealer.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Rabbit: Return of the Rascally Rabbit

First there was the Mini Cooper, then the Honda CVCC, and then Volkswagen unleashed the Rabbit GTI changing forever the persona of the front-wheel drive sedan. The GTI made German handling and performance affordable, suddenly you didn’t need to go to the Bimmer dealership for some Teutonic giddy up and go.  It also changed Volkswagen’s image overnight.

Forty plus years later the GTI is still the hot hatch to beat, perfectly balancing comfort, performance and style.

This year VW resurrected the Rabbit name as an added trim model to the Golf GTI line. If you’re confused, don’t be there are three trim levels available to the GTI buyer; the base GTI starts at a very reasonable $30,845 and comes with 17” wheels and a 6-speed manual transmission, the Rabbit edition, aside from a cooler color pallet, adds Dynamic Chassis Control, push start button, an 8 speaker Fender sound system, LED headlights with adaptive front lights, with the Rabbit logo embroider on the Clark Cloth bucket seat backs. The Rabbit also gets 7.5” x 18” black alloy wheels, all for $33,995. Next up the corporate ladder is the Autobahn edition at $36,145. For the extra two + grand you get satellite navigation, Sirius XM sat radio, a panoramic sunroof, manual height adjustment on the comfortable, supportive buckets and power lumbar support.  The 7-speed DSG automatic is a $1,400 option across the board and unfortunately my left foot was sent to the rest home as my Cornflower Blue (yes that’s the real name) tester arrived in the form of an automatic with Tiptronic paddle shifters.

Regardless of trim, the GTI feeds 228 horses to the front wheels through a turbo charged, direct injected, 2.0L TSI inline four cylinder, by comparison non GTI Golfs leave the factory with a 147 horse, 1.4L TSI engine. VW philes will notice an 8 horsepower bump from last year’s GTI thanks to some factory tuning.  In addition all GTIs get a limited slip differential, allowing you to get better traction and control on the twisties by delivering power to the outside front wheel. Enthusiasts will also be pleased to learn that VW has retained a manual, non-electronic hand brake. 

No heated steering wheel.

In short the Rabbit carries all the right stuff. Power delivery is smooth with just an ever so slight hint of turbo lag. If there is a fault, it lies when down shifting with the paddles, as the automatic is slower than I’d like. The adaptive dampening suspension, coupled with the limited slip diff takes an already perfect daily driver and bumps it up several notches on the fun factor. 

My Rabbit came optioned with the $1,750 Driver Assistance Plus package (autonomous e-braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot detection, rear traffic alert, lane assist and adaptive cruise)

In the cockpit GTI’s personality differs from plane Jane Golfs with the red ambient lighting and illuminated doorsills. Aluminum pedals, a flat-bottomed steering wheel welcome you to take charge. The instrument cluster is specific to the GTI also. In true German fashion, premium materials and soft-touch plastics are found throughout. Headroom, legroom front and aft is excellent. While all controls are easy to read and manipulate, sadly living in these northern climes a heated steering wheel is missing from the equation.

The Golf has always offered a degree of sophisticated road mannerism not found in any comparably priced sedan and for that matter in few pricier sedans, the GTI takes that formula up a notch while the Rabbit trim offers all the amenities a performance sedan needs. It may be an overused cliché, but the GTI is a true driver’s car. Now if they would only give me a press car with a standard tranny!

Price as tested: $37,550*

*Includes A/C Tax, Tire Tax and Freight.

Buick Encore: Luxury comes in a small package

I almost totaled the Encore within two minutes of getting behind its wheel. It would have been entirely my fault but quick reflexes and maybe an angel or two, prevented me from a lengthy explanation to my GM rep. I had just surrendered the Rabbit GTI back to the good folks at Volkswagen and jumped into the Buick to head back home when I approached the highway on ramp a little too eagerly thinking I was still in the Rabbit. Well it got squirrelly pretty quick and I was reminded just as fast that I was no longer in a road hugging sedan but a tall, skinny crossover that shared nearly as much road room as the Rabbit.  

Now in its seventh year the Encore got a minor facelift a couple of years back, with the most noticeable difference being the waterfall grill that paid homage to ‘50s era Roadmaster. It worked on the larger than life land yacht but did little for the diminutive crossover. The new look takes away from the dorky toy look and gives it a refined appearance. With more and more manufacturers getting into the lucrative compact crossover segment and the Encore’s sales showing no signs of slowing, Buick is doing something right.  

Although the Encore is the smallest vehicle in Buick’s lineup, it packs a lot of punch. Three trim levels make up the line starting at $26,400 for the front drive Preferred model that comes with a 138 horsepower, 1.4L DOHC turbocharged inline four. The standard goodie bag consists of Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, a rear vision camera, sat radio, electronic stability control with traction control and steering wheel mounted controls on a leather steering wheel.

The $28, 400 Sport Touring rendition gets remote start, a rear spoiler, fancier 18” wheels and fog lamps but opens you up to a slew of options that are not available on the base model including a 153 horse 1.4L SIDI turbocharged four with Stop/Start technology.

My tester, the top-of-the-line Essence trim starts at $33,700 and adds all-wheel drive, heated front buckets, remote start, blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, 6-way power driver’s seat, dual climate zone controls, heated steering wheel. It also came with the optional, aforementioned, Direct Injection 153 horse, 177 ft-lb of torque, four. Both mills feed the wheels through a seamless 6-speed transmission.

Yes at 33 grand the little Buick gets pricey considering its size, but not everyone needs or wants a larger vehicle, so for all the bells and whistles, the Encore’s price gets justifiable.

What makes the Encore a winner in the subcompact crossover segment is its silky ride, a trait worthy of the Buick name and even after my initial kerfuffle, its handling can best be described as nimble – just as long as you remember what you are driving and not driving.

Inside you’ll find an interior that’s tastefully done with great fit and finish, the controls are easy to read and use. There’s plenty of storage bins about for all your travel needs. The seats are comfortable with plenty of headroom, as you’d expect from the tall design. Two burly adults will probably find shoulder and hip room on the tight side and despite Buick’s claim of it being a 5-passenger…well if the three in the back are kids. There’s 18.8 cu.ft. of cargo room behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubes with the rear seats folded. Folding the back seats however means moving the front seats up, diminishing legroom and still not getting a flat floor. In its favor is that the cargo bay is taller than most other compacts. 

If you’re looking for a ride that offers ease of entry, a low lift over for the cargo bay while offering an above average ride and small enough to negotiate urban centers’ shrinking streets the Encore is sure to please, all while being a miser at the gas pump.

[clubvoitureblog-blog]

8 Meilleures voitures à acheter cet été

Faible demande, grandes affaires, haute qualité: Un mélange parfait pour les acheteurs de voitures neuves

En plus de la chaleur étouffante, l'été apporte d'énormes ventes de voitures. Si vous cherchez à trouver une bonne affaire sur un nouvel ensemble de roues en août, vous pouvez en trouver un sur cette liste.

À l'aide des données sur les ventes de l'industrie, nous avons identifié des voitures et des VUS de premier rang qui ne se sont pas bien vendus. La demande lente signifie que vous aurez de bonnes chances de négocier un prix inférieur à la normale chez le concessionnaire. Des ventes atones peuvent également inciter les fabricants à offrir des ententes de financement et des contrats de location favorables au budget, ce qui peut aider vos résultats financiers.

Nissan Altima 2019

Si vous envisagez d'acheter une voiture de taille moyenne, envisagez de regarder une nouvelle Nissan Altima. L'Altima entièrement redessiné a de nombreux avantages, y compris de solides performances et diverse nouvelle fonctionnalité standard.

L'Altima a une accélération rapide de son nouveau moteur turbo-quatre, et avec elle est livré une maniabilité en douceur. A l'intérieur, l'Altima dispose de sièges confortables et spacieux. Il est également livré avec une tonne de fonctionnalité standard, y compris Apple Car Play, Android Auto, freinage d'urgence automatique, et une caméra de recul.

Offres Nissan Altima 2019

Pour faire face à ce ralentissement, Nissan offre une offre d'achat de 2,4 % de financement pendant cinq ans. Si vous financez ailleurs ou payez en entier à l'avance, vous pouvez ramener à la maison 2 500 $ en espèces. Si vous préférez louer à la place et actuellement posséder une Nissan, vous seriez admissible à un contrat de location de fidélité de 239 $ par mois pendant trois ans avec 2 699 $ dus à la signature. Vérifiez auprès de votre revendeur local si ces offres sont disponibles dans votre région, et pour vous assurer de votre admissibilité à profiter de ces offres.

Les acheteurs devraient profiter de la faible demande pour obtenir un prix inférieur à l'autocollant sur une nouvelle Altima. Pour éviter de marchander avec les représentants des ventes, utilisez le programme de prix best price de U.S. News et World Report pour trouver le concessionnaire de votre région aux prix les plus bas.

Kia Sorento 2019

Si vous êtes à la recherche d'un nouveau VUS de taille moyenne, envisagez d'acheter un Kia Sorento, le gagnant de notre 2019 Best 3-Row SUV pour le prix de l'argent.

Le Sorento rafraîchi a de nombreux attributs positifs, y compris une transmission mise à jour et diverses nouvelles fonctionnalités d'assistance à la conduite. Le Sorento roule en douceur, avec une maniabilité composée. À l'intérieur, la cabine est spacieuse et haut de gamme, avec beaucoup d'options de rangement intérieur et des sièges confortables. Un autre costume fort de la Sorento est son prix. Son prix de base, à 26 290 $, est presque 4 600 $ inférieur à la moyenne de la classe.

Offres Kia Sorento 2019

Pour tenter de promouvoir les ventes, Kia offre un contrat d'achat de zéro financement APR pour 75 mois. Si vous financez ailleurs ou payez en entier à l'avance, vous pouvez ramener à la maison jusqu'à 4 000 $ en espèces sur toutes les garnitures, à partir du niveau LX. Si vous êtes plus intéressé par un contrat de location, Kia offre entre 209 $ et 259 $ par mois pendant trois ans pour la garniture LX FWD. Les modèles avec un moteur V6 coûtent environ 30 $ de plus par mois. Vérifiez auprès de votre revendeur local pour vous assurer que ces offres sont disponibles dans votre région.

En plus de ces offres, vous pouvez être en mesure d'utiliser de mauvais chiffres de vente comme levier pour faire baisser le prix sur un Sorento encore plus loin. Notre programme de prix best price de Nouvelles et de rapports mondiaux des États-Unis peut vous aider à trouver des concessionnaires dans votre région avec les prix les plus bas afin que vous soyez prêt avant de sortir.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020

La Mercedes-Benz GLE redessinée a l'élégance que vous espérez d'un VUS de luxe de taille moyenne, tout en affichant ses performances attrayantes et l'intérieur élégant. Le moteur du GLE vous donnera beaucoup de puissance et est remarquablement silencieux. L'intérieur est opulent, avec des caractéristiques haut de gamme et spacieuses, confortables sièges dans les deux premières rangées.

Pourtant, les ventes sont sensiblement en baisse. Cette année, les ventes de GLE ont chuté de 14,9% par rapport à la même période en 2018.

Offres Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020

Pour faire face à ce ralentissement, Mercedes-Benz offre aux locataires une offre de 699 $ par mois pendant trois ans avec 4 793 $ dus à la signature sur la garniture GLE 350 4MATIC. Même si ce taux peut être cher, il est standard pour la classe.

En plus de ces offres, vous pourriez être en mesure de tirer parti des chiffres de ventes pauvres de la GLE pour faire baisser le prix encore plus loin. Notre programme de prix best price de Nouvelles et de rapports mondiaux des États-Unis peut vous aider à trouver les concessionnaires de votre région avec les prix les plus bas, de sorte que vous êtes prêt avant de sortir.

Volkswagen Golf GTI 2019

Si vous êtes intéressé par les voitures qui se spécialisent dans la performance, jetez un oeil à la Volkswagen GTI, notre voiture compacte haut de gamme. La GTI offre une maniabilité sportive et une direction réactive, combinée s'un moteur quatre cylindres turbocompressé de 2,0 litres.

À l'intérieur de la cabine, vous trouverez des matériaux haut de gamme et des sièges confortables. Il y a aussi beaucoup d'espace dans le coffre, grâce à la configuration à hayon de la GTI. La GTI dispose également d'une abondance de fonctionnalités faciles à utiliser, y compris Apple CarPlay et Android Auto.

[toekneetv]

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mark 8 Might Have 250 Horsepower

The next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has been spied for the first time.It will keep using a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that might have more than 250 horsepower.The GTI could be the lowest-end version of the Mark 8 Golf that comes to the United States.We've already seen the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf with almost no camo at all, but the next-gen GTI, a perennial favorite of ours, has been somewhat of a mystery. Our spy photographers have now gotten the first photos of the GTI, giving us a good look at the performance version of the new Golf. Like the standard car, the GTI is getting an evolutionary redesign that doesn't take many risks.

Despite the camouflage wrap, we can see that the new GTI has a much racier look than the regular Mark 8 Golf. At the front there's a larger lower grille with a honeycomb pattern, integrated fog lights, and a lower splitter, and the upper grille should get the GTI's ubiquitous red stripe. We can also see deeper side skirts, wheels nabbed from the Mark 7 Rabbit Edition, a bigger rear spoiler, and a new diffuser with dual exhaust tips.

Although our spy photographer didn't get a shot of the inside, it should stick pretty close in design to the regular Golf, which is getting a radical interior redesign. The GTI will likely get plaid cloth seats, a golf-ball-like shifter, additional red accents, and a sportier steering wheel to distinguish it from the standard car.

The Mark 8 should use an evolution of the current GTI's EA888 engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. In the U.S.-market Mark 7 that powertrain produces 228 horsepower, but special models in Europe like the TCR make 286 horsepower. Rumors suggest the "base" Mark 8 GTI could make 250 horsepower, while a higher-end model will offer closer to 300. Transmission choices should remain the same, meaning a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The standard Golf will be revealed in a few months, with the GTI following soon after. Recently, a report came out saying the GTI would be the lowest-end version of the Mark 8 Golf that will be sold in the U.S., meaning no base Golf-that was slightly debunked by a VW spokesperson, but it could still be true. We think that if the Mark 8 GTI does become the entry-level Golf, its cost could come down a bit from the 2019 model's $28,490 base price.

Read the full article

[onwheelsxyz-blog]

Car Review: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R OVERVIEW VW’s all-wheel-drive uber-Golf flies under the radar PROSan uncanny blend of comfort, utility, quality and thrilling performance CONSlacks some features expected in this snack bracket, defending its price to non-believers VALUE FOR MONEYgood WHAT TO CHANGE?Heated steering wheel please HOW TO SPEC IT?like this, but without the black wheels Canadians love the Volkswagen Golf R. In fact, according to Volkswagen, in the global picture our take rate for this uber-Golf is off the charts. So, what makes the R so Canadian? Is it because we are so hatchback-obsessed, we’ll spend upwards of $45,000 for a fancy Golf with all-wheel-drive? Or do we, as the strong and silent nation, relate to this car’s understated presence, giant-killer performance, supreme build quality and surprising usability and comfort? I’m going with the latter. The Golf R differentiates itself from the front-drive Golf GTI with its lower stance, standard 19-inch wheels, more aggressive front fascia and quad exhaust tips. Still, unless you go for one the available in-your-face colours like this fabulous blue hue — $2,995 thank you — you’ll likely be motoring about in relative anonymity. Which is kind of cool, because the Golf R truly is a formidable performance weapon and privy only to those-in-the-know. The 2019 Golf R starts at $42,495 with a six-speed manual, and VW's seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic adds $1,400. It runs with the essentially the same 2.0L

[casorasi]

VW's Golf R classes up the super-fun GTI

2019 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T: When a GTI owner wants to add some class ... Price: $41,725 as tested (no options on test vehicle) Marketer's pitch: "The perfect formula for performance." Conventional wisdom: Car and Driver says the Golf R… VW's Golf R classes up the super-fun GTI

[buildpriceoption]

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review: The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a four-door hatchback that seats five. It is available in four trim levels and configurations: S, ...

[adrenalineguide]

VW Beetle: A Fond Farewell

Text and Photos by Michael Hozjan

Cruising around in the 2019 Beetle – because that’s what you do in a Beetle, you cruise, you don’t drive, I began reminiscing about all my days, nay years, behind the wheel of a Beetle. Maybe it’s because this will probably be the last time I’ll be behind the wheel of a new Beetle for quite some time. Unless you’ve been living on a mountaintop in Tibet for the last year or a cave in Afghanistan I’m sure you know that Volkswagen is again ceasing production of the Beetle.

And so it was that as I looked at the road ahead through the Beetle’s curvaceous windshield my mind went back and forth from old to new. My first Beetle was a ’64 that I purchased for $200 when I was 16 and couldn’t bring home for two weeks until I turned 17 so I didn’t need my father’s signature on the regi. Which he wouldn’t have signed anyway. A few months later I bought my “winter car” a ’63 for $50. As fate would have it the ’63 would prove to be my main ride well into the following summer as the ’64 went into project mode. Numerous other VWs followed in short succession, including a ’61 convertible, a ’56 combi van, a 68 bus. Two of my favorites were a black ’57 and a black ’56, commonly know as an oval window. Neither however were mine. One I found for a friend who clearly was not meant to drive a 36 horsepower vehicle, especially when only a few years earlier he was running a 300+ hp ’69 Camaro. He burnt the motor within weeks. The ’56 car was luckier it went to another friend who customized it over the years to a head turning, show stopper. I drove both cars before their owners did and must admit I was jealous that I hadn’t picked them up for myself. Both cars were bought for under a hundred and were pristine.

If cars have souls then the ’56 certainly felt me yearning for her that fateful day that we were towing it with a long rope to a storage garage on Montreal’s Plateau.

It’s all in the windshield

And so it came to be that as I gazed out the windshield of my tester I went back to looking out the tiny windshield of that black ’56 and realized how far the Beetle has come. Yet I still can’t help but feel some sadness, not for the Beetle’s latest demise but it’s failure to rise to the stature it once held when the Mays & Thomas designed New Beetle debuted back in 1997. Has it been 22 years already!? Over styled, overly cute and who wants a flower vase? The New Beetle proved that design and marketing fowl ups were not limited to Edsel. Even with my long arms I couldn’t clean the base of the windshield on the inside or the dash.  Of course that has all changed with the latest version. How I wish that this car had been released in 1997 and wonder if it would have brought the Beetle phenomenon back? At least one thing is certain sales would have been better, with even the most die-hard macho male attesting that this is by far a more masculine looking Beetle.

An inviting interior

The latest car features just enough retro touches to make the old Beetllephiles like myself fall in love all over again. VW has chosen some odd stich patterns for their seats but they seem to work in providing a merry interior. You can’t be serious with the Beetle after all. The suitcase storage bin behind the rear seat backs, where many of us kids rode in on the way to the beach is gone. Yes the trunk space is still limited when compared to other compacts but you can still fold down the seats. Foot leg and headroom are paramount in the Beetle, at least if your in the front, the back bench is another story and depends wholly on how tall the front seat occupants are if you’re hoping for lots of leg room.

Power  

Whether I was going down Decarie Expressway in my ‘64’s forty horsepower mill or my buddy’s 36 horse, it didn’t make a whole lot of difference, making it to 60 mph was a feat celebrated and depended on whether there was a back draft pushing you or not and if you were going downhill or uphill. Thankfully with 174 horses on tap from the 2.0 TSI Turbocharged four that isn’t a problem anymore, scooting my tester to 100kph in just under 7.5 seconds and reaching the 200 k mark in 32 seconds. Sadly VW has eliminated the manual transmission from the package, vowing instead to give us the Tiptronic with paddle shifters for the six-speed. Oh and the tiny four wheel drum brakes have been replaced by discs.

A lot to like, but…

I won’t go into all the infotainment mumbo jumbo as most cars in 2019 feature all the same gizmos. Nothing revolutionary just a lot easier to circumnavigate the various buttons and functions than some of the competition. One thing that stands out that I have repeatedly praised is the Beetle’s back up camera smartly hidden from the elements behind the large VW logo. Oddly enough the high end Atlas keeps the camera in plain sight like the competitors make its camera prone to road dirt. Go figure. My tester the, Wolfsburg trim, also came with the swivel cornering lights, standard equipment on the Dune but an option well worth considering if you’re going with the entry level trim.  They’re wonderful and a must in lighting up country lanes at night.

One thing that has puzzled me for years is Volkswagens refusal or absence of foresight to release a GTI version of the Beetle.  Undoubtedly it would have been a huge success particularly in the VW racing/hot rodding community without taking anything away from the Golf, especially seeing as how in recent years that has been alienated to a four-door iteration.

Prices start at a measly $24,475 for the base Wolfsburg sedan and $28,475 for the convertible, not bad for an instant classic. I can see the classic car auctions in a few years; “The last production gas Beetle ever made of which only 30,000 were made and this is serial number …”

If you read between the lines you’ll see that I’m betting that the sun has still not completely set on the Beetle and an all-new Beetle will be rolling out of Wolfsburg in a few years…an electric Beetle. Now that would truly make it a People’s Car, but please no flower vase.

Oh and if you think a car doesn’t have soul, that black ’56 found it’s way to my garage almost forty years later, but that’s another story.

[juliestacy]

The VW GTI fast, fun and comes with a 72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for under $30,000

The VW GTI fast, fun and comes with a 72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for under $30,000

Mack Hogan/CNBC The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen GTI is arguably the most important hot hatchback on the market. The first generation of the souped-up Golf inspired an entire new segment of quick, practical cars at affordable prices. Decades later, it has to fight harder than ever to win buyers. (more…)