Media Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive Herndon, Virginia 20171 (703) 364-7000 www.media.vw.com (Registration Required)

CONTACT:

Mark Gillies 703-364-7104 Mark Gillies@vw.com

Corey Proffitt 703-364-7672 Corey Proffitt@vw.com

2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF: IMPROVING AN ICON

The versatile Golf is the hatchback thats loaded with German engineering Sixth generation of iconic Golf Global sales of more than 27 million since worldwide launch in 1974 MY 2012 line-up features two- and four-door models with choice of 2.5-liter and TDI Clean Diesel power Golf TDI Clean Diesel named one of Top 10 Green Cars of 2011 by Kelly Blue Books kbb.com Golf rated Total Quality leader in Strategic Vision Inc. 2011 Total Quality Index Starting Base Price of $17,995 for well-equipped Golf 2.5; $23,995 for Golf TDI Clean Diesel Packages and stand-alone options simplified for MY 2012

Herndon, VA The Volkswagen Golf remains the hatchback of choice for buyers demanding German engineering coupled with benchmark levels of quality, safety, style and refinement. With global sales now topping 27 million, the Golf continues to be Volkswagen's most successful model everand in the U.S., the Golf continues to win over consumers, with sales increasing by 23.3 percent, year-to-date. For 2012, Golf continues to be offered in both two and four-door models with a choice of 2.5liter in-line five-cylinder gasoline engine or the 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel that offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 42 mpg on the highway. The strong tradition of affordable pricing coupled with high levels of standard equipment also continues. The 2012 Golf two-door with smooth-shifting manual transmission starts at just $17,995. New for 2012 For the 2012 model year, option packages along with stand-alone options have been rethought and simplified. Now, the 2.5-liter and TDI Clean Diesel models are available in three well-equipped trim levels.

For the 2.5-liter, the new line-up runs 2.5-liter Golf, 2.5-liter Golf with Convenience, and 2.5liter Golf with Convenience and Sunroof. The Convenience package includes features such as voice-controlled Bluetooth technology and Cold weather equipment (heated front seats and front washer nozzles). Convenience with Sunroof adds a power/tilting and sliding sunroof, Mobile Device Interface (MDI) with iPod cable, and Premium VIII audio. The 2012 Golf TDI Clean Diesel model range now features Golf TDI, Golf TDI with Sunroof and Navigation, and Golf TDI with Tech Package. Even the entry Golf TDI comes equipped with Bluetooth, Cold Weather package, Premium VIII audio and new-for-2102 10-spoke 17-inch Salamanca aluminum-alloy wheels. Features of the Tech Package include Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights with Adaptive Frontlighting System (AFS). Part of the package that is new-for-2012 includes LED daylight-running lights, as well as a Dynaudio premium sound system and keyless entry with push-button start. Exterior This sixth-generation Golf evolves the clean-cut design language of its successors to deliver one of the most recognizable shapes in the automotive world. Its simple, minimalistic lines are in stark contrast to many of its over-stylized rivals. The front-end design uses strong horizontal lines such as the wide, double-bar grille and front bumper air dam vanes-to visually lower and widen the car's stance. The swept-back headlight design heightens the athletic look of the car. The headlights themselves are beautifully crafted: new for 2012 on the Golf TDI Clean Diesel with Tech Package are dramatic, bright-white LED daytime running lights that run along the sides and base of the headlamp units. In profile, a crisp, sharp crease runs the entire length of the Golf adding visual movement to the car, while pronounced wheelarches add visual muscle. Black window trim and the absence of side moldings are in keeping with this clean-cut look. To ensure the driver has exceptional allround visibility for added safety, the Golf boasts slender roof pillars along with a large tailgate glass. Mounted at the top of the hatch, visually extending the roofline, is a neat rear spoiler that houses a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). Distinctive rear taillights feature four individual lenses intersected by a clear panel for the turn signals and back-up lights. Running reflectors are blended into the lower rear bumper which features a blacked-out insert and a cutout for a pair of exhaust tips. Mounted between those rear lights is the trademark Volkswagen badgeonly this one has a trick up its sleeve. Push the top portion of the badge and the bottom tilts upwards to release the tailgate. Interior One of the hallmarks of the 2012 Golf is its exceptionally well-crafted interior that continues to set the quality benchmark in its class. Even the entry-level models feature the kind of materials, fit and finish, and outstanding attention to detail normally reserved for much higher-priced luxury vehicles. Simply releasing the soft-opening, silicone-dampened glovebox allows you to experience just one example of this remarkable attention to detail.

Throughout the cabin, high quality, soft-touch plastics are integrated with tasteful, brushed metallic trim and chrome highlights. Brushed metallic trim inserts are standard on the dash and in the door panels of all Golf models, and accent the Golf's instrument panel and center console. To match the Golf's long-standing reputation as an involving, fun-to-drive compact car, the interior features front seats with body-hugging side bolsters for added support, plus an array of adjustments. All two-door models start out with eight-way manual adjustment, together with twoway adjustable lumbar support, and adjustment for height. Four-door models have power recline. And to ensure the perfect driving position, the thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach. For TDI Clean Diesel models, the wheel itself is leather-wrapped and features multifunction controls. The 2012 Golf also boasts true flexibility and carry-all versatility that only a hatchback design can offer. Raise that high-lifting tailgate, flip forward the 60/40 split-folding rear seatit comes with a pass-through on TDI modelsand the Golf can swallow an impressive 46 cubic feet of luggage. Keep the rear seats in place and there's still space for 15.2 cubic feet of cargo. Standard on all Golf models are a luggage compartment cover, full carpeting/lining in the trunk and luggage area illumination. Where the Golf also sets exceptionally high standards is in interior refinement. In creating this sixth-generation model, Volkswagen engineers made real advances in reducing noise levels. A highly effective noise-damping intermediate layer is used in the windshield, and sounddeadening technologies and materials are incorporated around the mounting points for the body panels, engine firewall, foot pedals, center tunnel, and around the air conditioning and heating system. The result is the quietest Golf ever. Music is key to all Golf owners, so even the base Golf 2.5L features an eight-speaker AM/FM radio with single-disc CD player, MP3 readability, and an auxiliary input jack for connecting portable media players. All Golf TDI Clean Diesel models come standard with Premium VIII sound that includes a sleek, user-friendly touchscreen, eight speakers and AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio, plus in-dash six-disc CD changer along with an SD Card slot, and an MDI with iPod cable. For audiophiles, the crystal clear 300-watt Dynaudio premium sound system is available on the TDI with Tech Package. Engines and Transmissions The 2012 Golf is offered with the choice of two technically-advanced engines. Buyers can choose either the 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder gasoline engine, or the 50-state compliant 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel. The 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It features an aluminum-alloy crossflow cylinder head with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts, maintenance-free hydraulic lifters, and sequential multi-port fuel injection. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on the Golf 2.5L two-door, while a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and Sport mode is standard on the four-door. Tiptronic allows a driver to shift manually with an up or down push of the gear selector.

The 2.5-liter engine with the five-speed manual returns 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, based on EPA estimates. The Golf 2.5-liter four-door with the standard six-speed automatic has a EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Volkswagen's highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel produces 140 horsepower and an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque delivered between 1750 and 2500 rpm. This state-of-the-art diesel features an advanced common-rail direct-injection fuel system. The valvetrain consists of double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. Standard on the Golf TDI Clean Diesel is a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The TDI is also available with the highly acclaimed six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sport modeproviding drivers with the performance of the manual gearbox with the effortless precision of an automatic. Both models deliver an EPAestimated 30 mpg in city travel and an impressive 42 mpg on the highway, with a single tank range of more than 600 miles. Suspension Responsive, driver-focused handling is the hallmark of every Volkswagen Golf. And much of this is down to the car's German-engineered suspension which provides exceptional balance and fun-to-drive agility. All Golf models feature proven strut-type front suspension with coil springs, a lower control arm, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear there is a fully-independent multilink arrangement with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. Steering is enhanced with an electro-mechanical, variably assisted, power rack-and-pinion system. It's able to vary the feel of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving situation; firm and direct when driving hard, lighter and less sensitive at parking speeds. Bringing the Golf to a halt is a sophisticated braking system that incorporates power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, with vented 11.3-inch-diameter discs at the front and 10.7-inch solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking (ABS) is standard together with electronic brake pressure distribution. Safety and Security As with all Volkswagen models, the starting point for ensuring the safety of those inside is with an extremely strong and rigid body structure. Key body components are made using ultra-highstrength steel and joined with seamless laser welds instead of spot welds. In a collision, occupants are protected by six airbags (dual front, side, and side curtain airbags). In addition, every Golf offers front safety belt pretensioners with load limiters and three-point safety belts in all five seating positions (two front, three rear), with emergency locking retractors. In addition to these, the 2012 Golf comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard equipment. This key safety feature detects any loss of control and automatically brakes individual front or rear wheels and reduces engine power as needed to help maintain directional control.

The Golf also comes with Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System. In certain types of collision, the fuel pump is shut off instantaneously, the doors are unlocked, and the hazard lights switched on. Model Line-up For the 2012 model year, option packages along with stand-alone options have been rethought and simplified. 2.5L GOLF With a starting price of $17,995 for the two-door with five-speed manual transmission, and $19,795 for the four-door version, the 2.5L represents impressive value. Its standard features include 15-inch wheels with wheel covers; rear window wiper & washer system; body-colored exterior mirrors, moldings, door handles, and bumpers; daytime running lights; tilt and telescopic steering column; power windows with auto up/down; cruise control; adjustable intermittent front windshield wipers; compass; trip computer; air conditioning; cloth seating surfaces; two-way manual lumbar support; split folding rear seat with armrest and pass-through; RCD310 radio with single CD, eight speakers, and Aux-In; dual front airbags, front side airbags with side curtains; and dual polished exhaust tips. 2.5L GOLF WITH CONVENIENCE Priced from $18,595 for the two-door and $20,395 for the four-door, the package adds a front center armrest, heatable front seats and Bluetooth technology. 2.5L GOLF WITH CONVENIENCE AND SUNROOF Priced from $20,395 for the two-door, and $22,195 for the four-door, this adds: a sunroof with power tilt and sliding; Premium VIII touchscreen radio with six-CD in-dash changer; Sirius Satellite Radio, with limited time subscription; and an MDI with an iPod cable. 2.0L GOLF TDI Clean Diesel With a starting MSRP of $23,995 for the two-door, and $24,695 for the four-door, the Golf TDI is equipped as standard with the 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine; 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; heated front washer nozzles; front center armrest; leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel (manual shift paddles for DSG); footwell lighting; heatable front seats; Premium VIII touchscreen radio with six-CD in-dash changer; SiriusXM Satellite Radio; MDI with iPod cable and Bluetooth. 2.0L GOLF TDI Clean Diesel WITH SUNROOF AND NAVIGATION Priced from $25,695 for the two-door, and $26,395 for the four-door, this package features a sunroof with power tilt and slide and an RNS315 radio navigation system. 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel WITH TECH PACKAGE Priced at $27,365 for the two-door, and $28,065 for the four-door, this adds: Bi-Xenon headlamps with AFS: Dynaudio premium sound system; LED DRLs; and keyless access with push-button start. About Volkswagen of America, Inc. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta,

Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more. Notes: This press release and images of the new Golf are available at media.vw.com. TDI, TSI, DSG, VW, Volkswagen, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Dynaudio is a registered trademark of DYNAUDIO International GmbH. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. SiriusXM and SiriusXM Satellite Radio are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc. Tiptronic is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag. Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries. Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release. MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

Media Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive Herndon, Virginia 20171 (703) 364-7000 www.media.vw.com (Registration Required)

CONTACT:

Mark Gillies 703-365-7104 Mark.Gillies@vw.com

Corey Proffitt 703-364-7672 Corey.Proffitt@vw.com

2012 Golf Pricing

Model
2.5L

Price

Features
2.5L, 170 hp / 177 lb-ft engine, five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels, front and rear disc brakes, hill hold assist, rear window wiper and washer system, body color exterior: mirror caps, moldings, door handles and bumpers, power adjustable and heatable exterior mirrors, dual polished exhaust tips, cloth seating surfaces w/ front manual lumbar support, tilt and telescope steering column, split folding rear seats with center armrest and pass-through, climatic manual AC, power windows w/ 1-touch up/down on all windows, cruise control, RCD 310 radio w/ single CD, aux-in, dual front airbags: driver and front passenger, front side airbags, curtain system for front passengers +Six-speed automatic transmission

2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (automatic) 2.5L w/ Convenience 2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (automatic) 2.5L w/ Convenience and Sunroof 2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (automatic)

$17,995 $19,095 $19,795

$18,595 $19,695 $20,395

(Includes 2.5L manual features) +front center armrest, heatable front seats, front and rear carpeted floormats, Bluetooth connectivity +Six-speed automatic transmission (Includes 2.5L w/ Convenience features) +Power tilt and slide glass sunroof, Premium VIII touch-screen radio w/ 6 CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, Media Device Interface w/ iPod cable Bluetooth connectivity, +Six-speed automatic transmission

$20,395 $21,495 $22,195

TDI

2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (manual) 4-Door (automatic) TDI w/ Sunroof and Navi 2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (manual) 4-Door (automatic) TDI w/ Tech Package

$23,995 $25,095 $24,695 $25,795 $25,695 $26,795 $26,395 $27,495

(Includes 2.5L features) +2.0L, 140 hp / 236 lb-ft TDI Clean Diesel engine, six-speed manual transmission, 17 alloy wheels with all-season tires, sport suspension w/ vehicle lowering, heated front washer nozzles, front center armrest, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel (manual shift paddles w/ DSG), leather-wrapped handbrake lever and shift knob, footwell lighting, heatable front seats, Premium VIII touch-screen radio w/ 6 CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, Media Device Interface w/ iPod cable, Bluetooth connectivity + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission (Includes TDI features) + Power tilt and slide glass sunroof, RNS 315 navigation system + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission

2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (manual) 4-Door (automatic) Destination

$27,365 $28,465 $28,065 $29,165 $ 770

(Includes TDI w/ Sunroof and Navi features) + Keyless access w/ push-button start, Bi-xenon head lamps w/ LED daytime running lights and adaptive front lighting system, Dynaudio sound system + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission

All prices exclude destination

Volkswagen of America, Inc. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the worlds largest producers of passenger cars and Europes largest automaker. VWoA sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen vehicles come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

###

2012 Golf Technical Specifications

Golf 2.5L
ENGINE Type Bore Stroke Displacement Compression Ratio Horsepower (SAE) @ rpm Maximum torque, lb-ft @ rpm Fuel Requirement ENGINE DESIGN Arrangement Cylinder block Crankshaft Cylinder head Valvetrain Front mounted, transverse Cast iron Cast iron, six main bearings Aluminum alloy, crossflow Double overhead camshaft, chain driven with automatic tensioner, four valves per cylinder, maintenance-free hydraulic lifters, variable intake timing Front mounted, transverse Cast iron Forged steel, five main bearings Aluminum alloy, crossflow Double overhead camshaft, spur belt driven, four valves per cylinder, maintenance-free hydraulic lifters 2.5L, inline five cylinder, 20 V, MPFI 3.25 in 3.65 in 151 cu in 9.5:1 170 @ 5700 177 lb-ft @ 4250 Regular unleaded 82.5 mm 92.8 mm 2480 cc (125kW @ 5700) (240Nm @ 4250) 2.0L, inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged and intercooled, DI 3.19 in 81.0 mm 3.76 in 95.5 mm 120 cu in 1968 cc 16.5:1 140 @ 4000 (103 kW @ 4000) 236 lb-ft @ 1750 (320Nm @ 1750) Diesel

Golf TDI

DRIVETRAIN Driven wheels Transmission Gear Ratios:1 Front wheel drive Manual 1st 3.78 2nd 2.12 3rd 1.27 4th 0.87 5th 0.66 6th -Reverse 3.60 3.39 Final I Automatic 4.04 2.37 1.56 1.16 0.85 0.67 3.19 3.87 Front wheel drive Manual 1st 3.77 2nd 1.96 3rd 1.26 4th 0.87 5th 0.86 6th 0.72 Reverse 4.55 3.45 Final I Final II 2.76 Automatic 3.46 2.05 1.30 0.90 0.91 0.76 3.99 4.12 3.04

CAPACITIES Fuel Tank STEERING Type Turns (lock to lock) Turning Circle (curb to curb) Ratio INTERIOR VOLUME - SAE EPA Class Seating Capacity Passenger Volume Cargo Volume Volume Headroom (in/mm) Shoulder room (in/mm) Legroom (in/mm) Compact Five 92.9 cu ft 15.2 cu ft Front 51.2 cu ft 39.3/998 54.7/1390 41.2/1046 Compact Five 92.9 cu ft 15.2 cu ft Front 51.2 cu ft 39.3/998 54.7/1390 41.2/1046 Rack and pinion: electric power assist 3.01 35.7 ft 10.9 m 16.4 : 1 Rack and pinion, electric power assist 3.01 35.8 ft 10.9 m 16.4 : 1 14.5 gal 55 L 14.5 gal 55 L

Rear 41.7 cu ft 38.5/979 52.8/1341 35.5/901

Rear 41.7 cu ft 38.5/979 52.8/1341 35.5/901

BODY, CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION Type Body Material Front Suspension Unitary construction Steel stampings Strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar Multilink with coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar Power assisted, dual circuit, 11.3 x 1.0-in vented front discs and 10.7 x 0.4-in solid rear discs Standard, all four wheels, three-channel with electronic brake pressure distribution Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Mechanical 6.0J X 15-in steel wheels 195/65 R15 H, all-season tires 6.0J X 15-in steel wheels 195/65 R15 H, all-season tires 0.32 Unitary construction Steel stampings Strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar Multilink with coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar Power assisted, dual circuit, 11.3 x 1.0-in vented front discs and 10.7 x 0.4-in solid rear discs Standard, all four wheels, three-channel with electronic brake pressure distribution Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Mechanical 7.5J X 17-in aluminum-alloy wheels 225/45 R17 H, all-season tires 7.5J X 17-in aluminum-alloy wheels 225/45 R17 H, all-season tires 0.32

Rear Suspension Brakes

Anti-Lock Braking System

Stability Control Parking Brake Wheels/tires two door Wheels/tires four door Drag Coefficient DIMENSIONS Wheelbase (in/mm) Front Track (in/mm) Rear Track (in/mm) Length (in/mm)

101.5/2578 60.7/1541 59.6/1514 165.4/4201

101.5/2578 60.7/1541 59.6/1514 165.4/4201

2012 Golf Technical Specifications

Golf 2.5L
Width (in/mm) Height (in/mm) Ground Clearance (in/mm) WEIGHTS Curb Weight 2D Curb Weight 4D GVWR two door GVWR four door Payload two door Payload four door Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic 2967 lb 3023 lb 3027 lb 3102 lb 4234 lb 4278 lb 4278 lb 4278 lb 1089 lb 1078 lb 999 lb 999 lb Manual 23 33 1346 kg 1371 kg 1373 kg 1407 kg 1921 kg 1940 kg 1940 kg 1940 kg 494 kg 489 kg 453 kg 453 kg Automatic 24 31 2994 lb 3040 lb 3073 lb 3120 lb 4256 lb 4300 lb 4256 lb 4300 lb 1100 lb 1098 lb 1021 lb 1019 lb Manual 30 42 1358 kg 1379 kg 1394 kg 1415 kg 1931 kg 1951 kg 1931 kg 1951 kg 499 kg 498 kg 463 kg 462 kg Automatic 30 42 70.3/1786 58.2/1479 5.4/137

Golf TDI
70.3/1786 58.2/1479 5.4/137

FUEL CONSUMPTION City mpg Highway mpg

Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice.