Investigation
The Volkswagen Golf R, a high-performance compact car, is set to make its Chinese debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. This latest offering from the German automaker is produced by FAW-Volkswagen, the joint venture that manufactures Volkswagen vehicles in China.
Interestingly, the Chinese market exhibits unique preferences, and for the top-spec versions of the Golf R, buyers tend to opt for the imported Magotan, a variant also directly imported from the German factory by Volkswagen in China. However, it's worth noting that both locally made and imported Magotans are sold simultaneously in China.
The Magotan, known as the Passat in Europe, is produced by FAW-VW in China. The imported Magotan costs at least 4000 euros more than the locally made one, a difference that reflects the 'import'-stamp and the higher prices Volkswagen can charge for imported vehicles.
Under the hood, the Golf R boasts a hot 4-cylinder engine generating 270 horsepower and 258 Newton-metres of torque. This powerhouse is paired with a 4-wheel drive system, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.
In other news, Volkswagen Group and Xpeng are expanding their strategic E/E architecture partnership to include gasoline and plug-in hybrid platforms. Additionally, Volkswagen's Chinese joint venture plans to launch two New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) by 2027, exclusively developed for the Chinese market.
A recent report suggests that China's auto regulators are considering a ban on retractable door handles, which could impact the design of future vehicles in the Chinese market.
The Golf R is currently being tested in China, and it's expected to enter the market soon after its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. This exciting development underscores Volkswagen's commitment to catering to the unique preferences of the Chinese market while maintaining its reputation for quality and performance.
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