FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mark Gillies Corey Proffitt 703-364-7104 703-364-7672 Mark Gillies@vw.com Corey Proffitt@vw.com 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF: IMPROVING AN ICON The versatile Golf is the hatchback that’s 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

Book’s 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 ever—and 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 2.5-liter 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 re-thought and simplified. Now, the 2.5-liter and TDI Clean Diesel models are available in three well-equipped trim levels.

Media Information

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.

2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive

Herndon, Virginia 20171

(703) 364-7000

www.media.vw.com

(Registration Required)

For the 2.5-liter, the new line-up runs 2.5-liter Golf, 2.5-liter Golf with Convenience, and 2.5-liter 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 Front-lighting 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 all-round 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 badge—only 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 two-way 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 seat—it comes with a pass-through on TDI models—and 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 sound-deadening 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 mode—providing drivers with the performance of the manual gearbox with the effortless precision of an automatic. Both models deliver an EPA-estimated 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-high-strength 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 re-thought 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Mark Gillies Corey Proffitt 703-365-7104 703-364-7672 Mark.Gillies@vw.com Corey.Proffitt@vw.com

2012 Golf Pricing Model Price Features 2.5L 2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (automatic)

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

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

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

$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

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

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

(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

Media Information

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.

2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive

Herndon, Virginia 20171

(703) 364-7000

www.media.vw.com

(Registration Required)

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

$23,995 $25,095 $24,695 $25,795

(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

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

$25,695 $26,795 $26,395 $27,495

(Includes TDI features) + Power tilt and slide glass sunroof, RNS 315 navigation system + Six-speed DSG® automatic transmission

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

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

(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

Destination $ 770 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 world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s 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

ENGINE

Type

Bore 3.25 in 82.5 mm 3.19 in 81.0 mm

Stroke 3.65 in 92.8 mm 3.76 in 95.5 mm

Displacement 151 cu in 2480 cc 120 cu in 1968 cc

Compression Ratio 9.5:1 16.5:1

Horsepower (SAE) @ rpm 170 @ 5700 (125kW @ 5700) 140 @ 4000 (103 kW @ 4000)

Maximum torque, lb-ft @ rpm 177 lb-ft @ 4250 (240Nm @ 4250)

Fuel Requirement Regular unleaded

ENGINE DESIGN

Arrangement Front mounted, transverse Front mounted, transverse

Cylinder block Cast iron Cast iron

Crankshaft Cast iron, six main bearings Forged steel, five main bearings

Cylinder head Aluminum alloy, crossflow Aluminum alloy, crossflow

Valvetrain

DRIVETRAIN

Driven wheels Front wheel drive Front wheel drive

Manual Automatic Manual Automatic

Transmission Gear Ratios:1 1st 3.78 4.04 1st 3.77 3.46

2nd 2.12 2.37 2nd 1.96 2.05

3rd 1.27 1.56 3rd 1.26 1.30

4th 0.87 1.16 4th 0.87 0.90

5th 0.66 0.85 5th 0.86 0.91

6th -- 0.67 6th 0.72 0.76

Reverse 3.60 3.19 Reverse 4.55 3.99

Final I 3.39 3.87 Final I 3.45 4.12

Final II 2.76 3.04

CAPACITIES

Fuel Tank 14.5 gal 55 L 14.5 gal 55 L

STEERING

Type

Turns (lock to lock) 3.01 3.01

Turning Circle (curb to curb) 35.7 ft 10.9 m 35.8 ft 10.9 m

Ratio 16.4 : 1 16.4 : 1

INTERIOR VOLUME - SAE

EPA Class Compact Compact

Seating Capacity Five Five

Passenger Volume 92.9 cu ft 92.9 cu ft

Cargo Volume 15.2 cu ft 15.2 cu ft

Front Rear Front Rear

Volume 51.2 cu ft 41.7 cu ft 51.2 cu ft 41.7 cu ft

Headroom (in/mm) 39.3/998 38.5/979 39.3/998 38.5/979

Shoulder room (in/mm) 54.7/1390 52.8/1341 54.7/1390 52.8/1341

Legroom (in/mm) 41.2/1046 35.5/901 41.2/1046 35.5/901

BODY, CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

Type Unitary construction Unitary construction

Body Material Steel stampings Steel stampings

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Brakes

Anti-Lock Braking System

Stability Control

Parking Brake Mechanical Mechanical

Wheels/tires two door

Wheels/tires four door

Drag Coefficient 0.32 0.32

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in/mm) 101.5/2578 101.5/2578

Front Track (in/mm) 60.7/1541 60.7/1541

Rear Track (in/mm) 59.6/1514 59.6/1514

Length (in/mm) 165.4/4201 165.4/4201

7.5J X 17-in aluminum-alloy wheels

225/45 R17 H, all-season tires

225/45 R17 H, all-season tires

Double overhead camshaft, spur belt

driven, four valves per cylinder,

maintenance-free hydraulic lifters

Diesel

Multilink with coil springs, telescopic

dampers, anti-roll bar

7.5J X 17-in aluminum-alloy wheels

Standard, all four wheels, three-channel

with electronic brake pressure

distribution

Standard Electronic Stability Control

(ESC)

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

Rack and pinion: electric power assist

236 lb-ft @ 1750 (320Nm @ 1750)

Double overhead camshaft, chain driven

with automatic tensioner, four valves per

cylinder, maintenance-free hydraulic lifters,

variable intake timing

Strut-type with lower control arms, coil

springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar

Strut-type with lower control arms, coil

springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar

Rack and pinion, electric power assist

Golf 2.5L Golf TDI

2.0L, inline four cylinder, 16V,

turbocharged and intercooled, DI

2.5L, inline five cylinder, 20 V, MPFI

Power assisted, dual circuit, 11.3 x 1.0-in

vented front discs and 10.7 x 0.4-in solid

rear discs

195/65 R15 H, all-season tires

6.0J X 15-in steel wheels

Standard, all four wheels, three-channel

with electronic brake pressure

distribution

Standard Electronic Stability Control

(ESC)

6.0J X 15-in steel wheels

195/65 R15 H, all-season tires

2012 Golf

Technical Specifications

Golf 2.5L Golf TDI Width (in/mm) 70.3/1786 70.3/1786

Height (in/mm) 58.2/1479 58.2/1479

Ground Clearance (in/mm) 5.4/137 5.4/137

WEIGHTS

Curb Weight 2D Manual 2967 lb 1346 kg 2994 lb 1358 kg

Automatic 3023 lb 1371 kg 3040 lb 1379 kg

Curb Weight 4D Manual 3027 lb 1373 kg 3073 lb 1394 kg

Automatic 3102 lb 1407 kg 3120 lb 1415 kg

GVWR two door Manual 4234 lb 1921 kg 4256 lb 1931 kg

Automatic 4278 lb 1940 kg 4300 lb 1951 kg

GVWR four door Manual 4278 lb 1940 kg 4256 lb 1931 kg

Automatic 4278 lb 1940 kg 4300 lb 1951 kg

Payload two door Manual 1089 lb 494 kg 1100 lb 499 kg

Automatic 1078 lb 489 kg 1098 lb 498 kg

Payload four door Manual 999 lb 453 kg 1021 lb 463 kg

Automatic 999 lb 453 kg 1019 lb 462 kg

FUEL CONSUMPTION Manual Automatic Manual Automatic

City mpg 23 24 30 30

Highway mpg 33 31 42 42

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