VW to Retrofit Late-Model Diesel Vehicles to Prevent Misfueling

Pumping gasoline into the tank of a diesel vehicle can be a costly mistake. To prevent that from happening, Volkswagen of America has issued a service action and will refit 209,500 diesel vehicles in the U.S., according to Automotive News. Affected models are TDI versions of the 2009-12 Jetta, the 2010-12 Golf and the 2009-12 Jetta SportWagen.

"As diesel engine passenger vehicles become more popular, auto manufacturers have seen an increase in the number of misfueling cases where diesel engine vehicles are mistakenly fueled with gasoline," VW said in the notice to dealers. "The resulting fuel system contamination can lead to costly repairs that are not covered under warranty."

2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI Video

When the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI make their way to the U.S. early next year, they'll look familiar to visiting Europeans, whose continent already has enjoyed both for a while. Then again, they'll also look familiar to anyone stateside who's seen the previous versions of both compact hatchbacks. Getting an up-close peek at the Golf and GTI performance variants at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays was disappointed VW didn't do more to differentiate the new models from their predecessors' appearance.

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That's not to say nothing's changed, of course. Both cars are lighter, longer, wider and more fuel efficient while preserving the interior quality, comfort and technological advancement that's made them so well-regarded overseas. Watch the video below for more of Mays' on-the-scene critique.

2015 Volkswagen GTI: Photo Gallery

We're not likely to see it at the dealership in calendar year 2013, but when the 2015 Volkswagen GTI does arrive, we expect the hot hatch to deliver high performance at a lower cost. That's thanks to production of both it and the 2015 Golf — debuting this week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show — heading to Mexico; production thousands of miles closer should mean thousands of dollars in savings.

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The GTI offers the highest of three revised Golf engines, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, good for 210 horsepower and mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Sport seats with a plaid cloth pattern, a black headliner and red ambient lighting, along with stainless-steel pedals, trim and shift knob, punctuate the sporty point.

Check out the gallery below. Cars.com photos by Evan Sears.

2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI: Up Close

There are plenty of significant changes under the all-new Golf's sheet metal, including new powertrains that get 8% to 15% better fuel economy, but you wouldn't know it from the conservative exterior styling. VW fans will be able to spot the new subtle creases and lighting details, but they'll go unnoticed by most people. It might not be the flashiest hatchback in the segment, but if VW's history is anything to go by, it won't look dated anytime soon, either.

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The performance-oriented GTI shares the Golf's new platform but gets slightly more aggressive styling. Many of the design cues, like the honeycomb grille and front air dam strakes, mirror those of the current GTI. The grille's red accent line now carries through the headlights, which is a nice touch, and there's a new badge on the front fenders.

2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI at the 2013 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla
• Looks like: A longer, lower and wider Golf
• Drivetrain: Choice of three four-cylinder engines in 1.8-liter turbo, 2.0-liter turbo (GTI) or 2.0-liter diesel trim; six-speed manual or dual-clutch automated manual transmission
• Hits dealerships: TBD

The seventh generation of one of the longest-running nameplates in the automotive world is making its North American debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Both the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI high-performance variant sit on a new structure, designed to be lighter and less expensive than the current Golf. The 2015 Golf is 2.2 inches longer than the current one but 1.1 inches lower, with increases to both rear-seat legroom (which was already copious) and shoulder room.

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Power comes from a choice of three revised engines: The base engine is now a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 170 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque, replacing the old 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. It's mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. An optional diesel engine is available; the new 2.0-liter TDI turbo makes 150 hp and 236 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to either a six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The top engine, available in the GTI hot hatch, is a new turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 210 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque; it also comes with six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmissions.

2015 VW Golf to Debut at 2013 New York Auto Show

Volkswagen's updated GTI bowed at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show earlier this month, and its Golf counterpart will meet the public at the 2013 New York International Auto Show later this month.

The 2015 Golf will grow in size but be lighter and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. New safety features include collision avoidance and lane departure warning systems; an updated multimedia system will also join the cabin. 

The base TSI model, diesel-powered TDI version and the sporty GTI variant will be unveiled at the show and go on sale during the first half of 2014. The TSI and GTI will use a new version of the VW's turbocharged four-cylinder. No word yet on when the U.S. will see the Golf Variant announced last week.

Auto show organizers claim there will be "more than 60 newly revealed cars, trucks and concepts" at the show; press days start March 27.

Related
2013 Geneva International Motor Show: 2014 Volkswagen GTI Preview
New Volkswagen Golf Gets Early Reveal
More 2013 New York Auto Show News on Cars.com

Volkswagen Golf Variant: First Look

• Competes with: Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda3
• Looks like: A new, practical small wagon without much style
• Drivetrain: Likely turbocharged 1.8-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engines; turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine
• Hits dealerships: August in Europe, TBD for U.S.

This is an actual new station wagon from a major automaker. As wagons start to disappear from the automotive landscape, Volkswagen announced today it will release one based on the all-new Golf compact hatchback that goes on sale later this year.

We don't know when this wagon version will hit dealerships or even what it will be called, but we do know that it is similar to the current VW Jetta SportWagen in size.

This Golf retains the clean, simple ... OK, boring look of recent VWs like the Jetta and Passat, but VW buyers have responded to those vehicles in big ways.

At 179.6 inches long, the Golf Variant — as it is currently called — is just a hair longer than the 2013 Jetta Sportswagen at 179.4 inches.

U.S. on-sale dates and specific engines haven't been released at this time, but we have learned that the wagon will likely be powered by the same engines as the 2014 Golf, which goes on sale later this year.

December's Fastest- and Slowest-Selling Cars

Automakers won't report December sales results until later today, but we have data on the month's fastest and slowest sellers. The redesigned Toyota Avalon hit dealerships in the first week of December, and it stormed the fastest-selling list, with regular and hybrid versions averaging just eight days apiece on dealer lots. Shoppers moved toward the Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck, too. That’s likely a result of an improved construction market; November housing starts hit their second highest rate since mid-2008.

The redesigned Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, which hit dealerships in September, spent its third month among the fastest sellers; the new-for-2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek also marked its third month on the list. Of the 18 fastest-selling cars, 10 were repeat performers, with such regulars as the redesigned Subaru Impreza and new Scion FR-S. The Kia Soul's severe mileage downgrade doesn't seem to have sapped demand, and neither has the popular hatchback's age. It debuted way back in early 2009, but in December it placed among the fastest sellers for the third month in a row.

Cars.com Family Reviews the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

The higher-performance 2012 Volkswagen Golf R is for anyone who loves to drive, says Cars.com reviewer Sara Lacey. With a standard six-speed manual transmission paired to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this car is made for zipping around town and highway sprints. Though it's a hatchback, the Golf R’s backseat is surprisingly roomy. Its cargo area easily handled all of her son's hockey equipment, which is no easy task.

2012 Volkswagen Golf R Review

New Volkswagen Golf Gets Early Reveal

Volkswagen already said it would be releasing a new Golf today, and now we’re getting a first look of the model. The carmaker posted some photos of the new vehicle on its Facebook page.

The Golf gets narrower headlights and new taillight lamp designs that are more angular and remind us of Audi. The side profile features a prominent crease line. On the whole, the look is fairly conservative.