Tag Archives: Volkswagen

News

VW Golf 8.5 2.0 TDI covered 1,500 km on one tank

In a market dominated by SUVs and electrified powertrains, it’s easy to forget the type of car that once defined long-distance driving: the diesel-powered hatchback. But the latest test of the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 2.0 TDI, conducted by motor.es journalists, serves as a stark reminder that the old formula still works – and in many cases, works better than ever.

On a 1,500-kilometer journey from Madrid to Barcelona and back, the updated Golf proved that for those who rack up serious mileage, there’s still no substitute for a well-tuned diesel engine. In fact, the team needed just €68 worth of diesel to cover the first 1,000 kilometers, a feat few electrified or petrol-powered rivals can match in terms of both cost and range.

Evolution of an Icon

Now in its eighth and a half generation, the Golf 8.5 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it focuses on refining what already worked. Subtle styling updates—such as redesigned bumpers and the adoption of IQ.Light Matrix LED headlamps—keep the design fresh without losing the Golf’s signature silhouette. Inside, the upgrades are more meaningful. A larger touchscreen, improved software, and a new steering wheel with physical buttons (finally!) all contribute to a more intuitive and ergonomic experience.

The Diesel Dilemma, Revisited

Let’s address the elephant in the room: diesel has a PR problem in Europe. Regulatory crackdowns and urban restrictions have led many to dismiss it as outdated tech. But if your driving habits lean more toward highway cruising than city crawling, diesel remains a compelling proposition. And the 2.0 TDI engine with 150 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque is a shining example of that.

This engine doesn’t just sip fuel—it impresses with refinement. Even when cold, engine noise is well isolated, and once you’re at cruising speed, it fades into near silence. That mechanical serenity, combined with the Golf’s characteristic handling balance, makes for a composed and confidence-inspiring ride. The punchy low-end torque outclasses its petrol sibling (the 1.5 TSI), especially in real-world scenarios like overtaking or merging onto highways.

Real-World Efficiency

Over the course of the 1,500 km test, average fuel consumption settled at just 4.8 l/100 km—an astonishing result considering the challenging conditions: over 35°C ambient temperatures, heavy use of air conditioning, and frequent traffic snarls. The car covered the first 1,000 km on a single 50-liter tank, and the total fuel bill for the entire journey came in just over €100.

That’s not just efficient; it borders on absurd. And in a time when many car buyers are weighing the high up-front costs and infrastructure challenges of EVs and hybrids, this kind of real-world frugality cannot be overlooked.

Not Perfect, But Purposeful

It’s worth noting that modern diesel engines come with complexity. Systems like AdBlue injection, particulate filters, and EGR valves are necessary to meet today’s emissions standards—but they also make diesels less ideal for city dwellers. In heavy urban traffic, consumption rises to around 6.5 l/100 km, and components like the DPF may struggle to regenerate properly.

Still, for drivers covering 20,000 km or more per year, no current alternative offers the same blend of performance, range, and economy.

Verdict: The Right Tool for the Job

The Golf 8.5 TDI isn’t trying to be a revolution. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout about its talents. But for those who want a mature, versatile, and incredibly efficient car for long-distance travel, it’s hard to think of a better option. With a 381-liter trunk, room for a small family, and the kind of driving experience that makes you forget the SUV craze ever happened, this diesel hatchback makes a compelling case for itself.

Hybrids are great. EVs are the future. But when you need to traverse a continent, sometimes the old ways are still the best. And the Golf TDI proves that diesel, far from dead, still has plenty of life left on the open road.

Source: Motor.es

News

Volkswagen Issues Global Recall Over Dangerous Airbag Defect

Airbags—those unseen sentinels of automotive safety—are engineered to protect us in the split second when accidents strike. Yet, when they fail, the results can be catastrophic. Just as the automotive world seemed to be moving past a decade marred by airbag recalls, Volkswagen has announced a fresh and troubling issue affecting more than 16,000 vehicles globally.

According to a recent communication from the German automaker, a potentially deadly flaw has been discovered in the front passenger airbags of several of its models. The issue stems from a faulty gas generator within the airbag unit, which could cause the airbag housing to rupture during deployment. The implications are severe: in the event of a crash, instead of cushioning the blow, the airbag may send shrapnel-like fragments into the cabin, potentially causing fatal injuries.

Volkswagen has identified 16,510 vehicles worldwide as being affected. The recall spans several models, including the Polo, Passat, Taigo, ID.7, ID.7 Tourer, and ID.Buzz. At this time, VW has not confirmed which specific model years are implicated.

In an abundance of caution, owners of affected vehicles will be contacted directly by Volkswagen and instructed to visit a certified dealership for repairs. The fix is expected to take between one and three hours. Crucially, until repairs are completed, owners are being urged not to use the front passenger seat—a stark reminder of the potential danger posed by the defect.

Notably, not all affected units are currently in customer hands. Volkswagen clarified that many of the impacted vehicles are still in transit or awaiting delivery and will be repaired before reaching buyers.

This is not the first time VW has found itself grappling with airbag issues. In November 2024, the company recalled over 114,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to defective Takata airbag inflators—a name that became synonymous with one of the largest and most dangerous safety recalls in automotive history. Those inflators were at risk of exploding after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity.

While the scale of the current recall is smaller, the seriousness is no less significant. As automakers continue to innovate with electrification and automation, the basics of vehicle safety—like properly functioning airbags—remain as critical as ever.

For now, Volkswagen owners are encouraged to check with their local dealer or consult VW’s official recall page to determine if their vehicle is affected. In the complex equation of modern vehicle safety, even a single faulty component can tip the balance—and when it comes to airbags, there’s simply no room for error.

Source: Volkswagen

News

Volkswagen to Bring Back Physical Buttons in Future Models

After years of pursuing minimalist, touch-focused interiors, Volkswagen is acknowledging what many drivers have long suspected: less isn’t always more. In a move that marks a major pivot in its design philosophy, the German automaker is preparing to bring back traditional physical controls to its vehicle dashboards—a reversal of the touchscreen-centric trend that has drawn criticism from customers and reviewers alike.

Like many manufacturers, Volkswagen embraced minimalism at the turn of the last decade, streamlining vehicle cabins with sleek capacitive surfaces and central touch displays. But the transition wasn’t always smooth. One particularly controversial feature—VW’s unlit, touch-sensitive climate control slider—came to symbolize the frustration many drivers felt navigating basic functions without tactile feedback.

Now, the company appears ready to course-correct. Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s head of technical development, recently told Autocar that future updates to the ID.3 and ID.4 electric models will introduce redesigned interiors, prominently featuring traditional switches. This evolution follows the design cues previewed in the ID.2all concept, which hinted at a return to functionality over form.

“We want to correct the mistakes of the past,” Grünitz said, indicating a clear shift in strategy.

Volkswagen’s design chief, Andreas Mindt, has also been vocal about the new direction. In a candid admission of past missteps, Mindt declared, “We will never, ever make that mistake again. We’ll have physical buttons on the steering wheel. No more guessing. There’s feedback, it’s real, and people love it. Honestly, it’s a car. It’s not a phone.”

Starting with the ID.2all, all new Volkswagen models will feature physical buttons for five key functions: volume, dual-zone heating, fan speed, and indicator lights. These controls will be conveniently located beneath the central screen—an intentional balance between digital sophistication and user-friendly design.

An insider source confirmed to Autocar that the rotary volume control, another fan favorite, is set to return in upcoming models. The source also acknowledged the company’s earlier departure from physical controls as a misstep: “When you develop something that works and works for years, there’s no reason to replace it.”

Though the digital-first interiors were primarily rolled out in VW’s electric lineup, industry watchers expect the brand’s internal combustion engine vehicles to follow suit. The upcoming T-Roc, for example, will reportedly ditch the touch sliders of its predecessor in favor of more traditional interfaces.

Still, enthusiasts hoping for a full revival of the much-praised Mk7 Golf layout may need to temper expectations. Volkswagen is unlikely to fully abandon touch interfaces, but the tide has clearly turned toward a more balanced approach.

The revised Golf 8.5 already signals this new direction, and fans are hopeful the shift will extend across the Volkswagen Group, influencing sister brands like Skoda, Audi, and SEAT.

In the end, the message from Wolfsburg is clear: user experience matters—and sometimes, the best innovation is a well-placed button.

Source: Volkswagen