Golf R in Canada Thread

[twisted by dezign]

What colors do u have left?

I have to recount my Golf R allocation so I will get back to you on that. I am likely out of blues but most of the other colors should be fair game.

[ROWDYRABBIT]

What colors do u have left?

We currently have 2 spots left. Not sure what colors are available, I would have to check for you.

[zither99]

Let me know what colors you have, send me IM

[Tykoune]

The good news continues. We are thrilled to announce that the Golf R, will have an MSRP of $39,675. Not only is this price lower than promised, but based on initial customer feedback we are also enhancing the navigation system to RNS 510. Please note that Golf R has been confirmed for North America as a 2012 model year vehicle.

Hey Alex,

Just wanted to know if the new 2012 Golf R come to Canada with LED Taillamps?


Tykoune

[thr21]

Hey Alex,

Just wanted to know if the new 2012 Golf R come to Canada with LED Taillamps?


Tykoune

Same question.

I was actually just thinking of this on my drive home. We know the US isn't getting them for sure, but there's be no definite for Canada. If we're getting the updated 510 and they're not, maybe there's hope that ours will come with the LED's too. It'd be pretty nice to not have to drop the money right after paying for the car to swap them.

Does anyone have any idea or insight on this for here in Canada? Do we know if the regulations that are causing VAG to not bring the LED's to the US also exist here, or can they get around that north of the border? I see lots of cars (Audi's and VW's included) driving around with stock LED tails, but maybe they had to get those approved?

Anyone have any info???

[ROWDYRABBIT]

Same question.

I was actually just thinking of this on my drive home. We know the US isn't getting them for sure, but there's be no definite for Canada. If we're getting the updated 510 and they're not, maybe there's hope that ours will come with the LED's too. It'd be pretty nice to not have to drop the money right after paying for the car to swap them.

Does anyone have any idea or insight on this for here in Canada? Do we know if the regulations that are causing VAG to not bring the LED's to the US also exist here, or can they get around that north of the border? I see lots of cars (Audi's and VW's included) driving around with stock LED tails, but maybe they had to get those approved?

Anyone have any info???

No real info yet but speculation.
Speculating Reason we won't get it? COST, simple as that and as dumb as that, but that is just speculation

[afretes]

I have asked people at VW Canada and no one knows. We'll have to wait I guess.

[thr21]

No real info yet but speculation.
Speculating Reason we won't get it? COST, simple as that and as dumb as that, but that is just speculation

I understand the cost factor, as they're only bringing over 500, but that's only if it costs to certify the lights. I can't see how adding them to the car would increase the cost over the standard lights to any amount that would be significant to VW, especially since they're standard on all the other R's in the world (minus the US).

Here's hoping that they'll toss them on to make those 500 just a little bit more exclusive like they did with the 510

[codewhore]

I think it is safe to say we are not getting LED tails as the reason that the US is not getting them is because they cost too much to get DOT approved. If not DOT approved means they won't be in Canada either.

[mjl_toronto]

I brought this up a few pages back but it didn’t seem to gain enough momentum (see below)

I appreciate everything Alex has done for us here on VWVortex, but I think its about time we put pressure on VW Canada. Email them at vwcarecanada@vw.ca and let them know what you think about the LED taillights. You can also tweet them @VWcanada or leave a message on their facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/vwcanada).

I think it is already too late, but maybe they’ll surprise us. In the end, the LED taillights alone will not dissuade me from purchasing the Golf R. It would just be a really amazing act of customer service from VW Canada.

Btw, I think we should also pressure VW Canada to host regional Golf R promotions for the people who bought these things. Perhaps a closed circuit track day? A guy can dream.

The more I look at pictures and think about this car, the more I realize it really doesn't look right without the LED tail lights. I can understand not including the Recaro seats, DSG or 2-door as they are much more costlier decisions. The LED tail lights on the other hand only cost $750 retail, from non-dealership sources. If you offset that with the cost of the non-LED lights, the difference really can't be more than $400.

In Canada, we do not have to obtain U.S. Department of Transporation (DOT) approval for lights. According to Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1038)
Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices (Standard 108):

(5) All the information regarding every type of bulb and every type of sealed beam lamp used in lighting equipment required by this section shall be

(a) specified for the type of bulb or sealed beam lamp in

(i) a standard or recommended practice issued by the SAE,

(ii) a regulation issued by the ECE, or

(iii) a standard issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); or

(b) provided by the vehicle manufacturer to the Minister, at the Minister’s request.

Last I checked, Germany participates in the ECE standards and Volkswagen is a member of SAE (please correct me if I'm wrong).

I know our allotment of 500 cars in Canada is largely dependent on VWoA, but here is where I am asking that you as a Sales Agent/Dealership step up and do something for your loyal customers. Please speak up on our behalf and help bring over the LED tail lights.

If you can not make the LED tails a standard option, I would kindly ask that you give it to us Canadian customers as an upgrade option at a reasonable price to cover difference in cost and labour (i.e. $300-$400). You can keep the non-LED tail lights and use them for Golf/GTI cars and I'm sure the LED tail lights you don't upgrade to Golf R buyers will easily be purchased by other GTI owners.

As a professional who has worked in the loyalty marketing industry for several years, I can not stress enough the importance of customer engagement. It is very difficult to build but should be easy to maintain. This is one of those decisions that can damage customer engagement. Please don't make that mistake because of US regulations.

I know I should be patient and wait for official specifications to be released. However, I feel that if I do not speak up in time, I will lose the window of opportunity for Volkwagen Canada dealers to act on our behalf. I fear it may already be too late.

To everyone on a waiting list, please email this to your VW dealer. Even if the LED tail lights won't change your purchase decision, you should still have a choice on something that would equate to roughly 1% of the Golf R's cost.

Thanks

[mjl_toronto]

I think it is safe to say we are not getting LED tails as the reason that the US is not getting them is because they cost too much to get DOT approved. If not DOT approved means they won't be in Canada either.

See my post.
According to Transport Canada, we don't need DOT approval. At least that's how I interpret it. Do you know for fact Canada requires DOT approval too?

[tomh009]

See my post.
According to Transport Canada, we don't need DOT approval. At least that's how I interpret it. Do you know for fact Canada requires DOT approval too?

Canada does not require DOT-approved lights.

[codewhore]

In Manitoba they have Vehicle Inspection Units and they will pull over vehicles to inspect them (go figure) for infractions of the Highway Traffic Act and any other laws/by-laws there might be. One of the things they look for specifically is a DOT designation on the lights. You may be right that a vehicle does not require DOT approved headlights/tail lights in Canada but our VIU is still ticketing people if they do not see a DOT imprint on the lights. I guess it's worth some investigation because I know a few people that have received tickets in cars that are bone stock.

[Tykoune]

Hey guys,

Let me tell you about what happen to me today. Called my dealership two days ago about the LED Taillamps. Got an email back this after saying that we won't get them on the Golf R. When my dealership didn't know the answer two days ago, I called Volkswagen Canada, and asked the same question. Got a call this afternoon from new consumer products (VW) about the LED lights, and they said that Yes the LED lights will be on the 2012 Golf R. Then, by curiosity, stopped at another VW dealership, and they didn't know anything either. So, honestly, I don't think anybody knows at this point. F¥#€! Anybody else here got better news?

[tomh009]

Hey guys,

Let me tell you about what happen to me today. Called my dealership two days ago about the LED Taillamps. Got an email back this after saying that we won't get them on the Golf R. When my dealership didn't know the answer two days ago, I called Volkswagen Canada, and asked the same question. Got a call this afternoon from new consumer products (VW) about the LED lights, and they said that Yes the LED lights will be on the 2012 Golf R. Then, by curiosity, stopped at another VW dealership, and they didn't know anything either. So, honestly, I don't think anybody knows at this point. F¥#€! Anybody else here got better news?

The dealers haven't been told anything by VWC so they won't know.

Whether the person at VWC you talked to has the real info is the question!

[VWPDX]

The dealers haven't been told anything by VWC so they won't know.

Whether the person at VWC you talked to has the real info is the question!

I find most consumer relations employees are not detail oriented. I am sure they saw "LED running lights" and answered your question with a resounding yes.

[milksteaks]

Golf R is now listed on vw.ca with confirmed price of $39,695.

http://www.vw.ca/en/models/golf_r_2013.html

Gallery shows the car without LED tails... does not bode well for those of us wishing our R's will come with them from the factory.

Although I guess we should take these photos with a grain of salt, since some shots are shown with the amber reflectors in the front bumper AND 19" wheels, which I believe is pretty much confirmed we will not be getting.

[twisted by dezign]

I have a red, black and two grey Golf Rs left. No more blues or whites!

Give me a shout if you are interested in an R!

[thr21]

Although I guess we should take these photos with a grain of salt

Especially since it states in the small print that pictures may be of European or US models and features and specs can change. Even though this is the standard line for all car companies, we really can't be sure of the LED tails, or anything for that matter, until we see the car on the lots

[kw59]

Even in the local Calgary newspaper it notes no LED tailights are coming. Google has multiple instances of non-led tailights coming. Maybe I'm too old but it is obvious we are getting US spec.... manufacturers won't waste time b/w Canada and US in NA.

Best of luck!

[tomh009]

Even in the local Calgary newspaper it notes no LED tailights are coming. Google has multiple instances of non-led tailights coming. Maybe I'm too old but it is obvious we are getting US spec.... manufacturers won't waste time b/w Canada and US in NA.

Actually it's not exactly US spec for Canada -- at least the navigation system is different (RNS510 rather than RNS315).

[koala]

Haven't posted here in forever but when I heard this car was coming I got excited. I have a 2010 GTI that will be off lease fall 2012... are there any confirmed details on this car aside from 5 door and RNS 510? I need the DSG transmission as my wife wont drive a manual... we both love our GTI and this is a no-brainer for the price. I'm going to cancel my Audi A7 that I have on order if this car is coming with the DSG!

Thanks VW, you just saved me about $1,000 a month on my lease payments

[Cowclops]

No. There will be no DSG. Please read the stickies at the top of the page and/or the front page article right here on this website. Almost everything has been confirmed for months. Don't even know how a Golf R and an A7 would be interchangable.... but... keep your A7 deposit I guess.

[kuba]

because I'm such a ninny, I can't decide between Golf R and Jetta GLI.

Advantages of Golf R are numerous including extra power, AWD, and all the bells and whistles. Disadvantages are space.

Jetta GLI when test driven felt so amazing, though- even though similar motor to my 6MT 2008 B6 passat wagon, a totally different feel. HUGE trunk, bigger seemingly than the A4 I tried out. At $530/month all-in fully loaded, it's idea price-wise with $0 down (I'm a leasing guy for work).

That all being said I placed a $500 deposit at Don Valley VW for the R, so that if I do indeed decide to keep / get it, I can have one - and if not I'll get the GLI.

#firstworldproblems, eh?

If not, I'll post on here ASAP that I have a spot reserved and would ask for my $500 that I gave to them as getting "in line".

[koala]

No. There will be no DSG. Please read the stickies at the top of the page and/or the front page article right here on this website. Almost everything has been confirmed for months. Don't even know how a Golf R and an A7 would be interchangable.... but... keep your A7 deposit I guess.

Sorry, must have missed the part about no DSG in Canada. I did look through quite a bit of the first page in this thread and I can't seem to find any mention of it. I wasn't going on any of the US information as often times our cars are different.

They not interchangeable at all, I've just always thought the Golf R was good value for money and other than an A7 there really wasn't much else out there piquing my interest these days.

[twisted by dezign]

Sorry, must have missed the part about no DSG in Canada. I did look through quite a bit of the first page in this thread and I can't seem to find any mention of it. I wasn't going on any of the US information as often times our cars are different.

They not interchangeable at all, I've just always thought the Golf R was good value for money and other than an A7 there really wasn't much else out there piquing my interest these days.

Teach your wife how to drive manual When I bought my GTI 6MT I didn't know how to drive stick!

[ramdmc]

As much as the anticipation is killing me, I'm considering passing on my reserved Golf R. Put down a $1K deposit, got the receipt and preorder paperwork but have come across a pretty decent deal on a low km 07 RS4. I know, I know, I dig the Golf R but the fact that I can have an RS4 for less the the Golf R price of entry has me seriously considering giving up my spot. Anyone interested in a Golf R?

[koala]

Teach your wife how to drive manual When I bought my GTI 6MT I didn't know how to drive stick!

Ironically she knows the basics of it, but has never had a desire to take it much further. I think I'll prod her some more!

What I didn't realize was how limited this car was going to be (500 units). My lease on the GTI isn't up until November 2012, I wonder if there will be any cars available that late in the year? I'm going to send you a message off-list about this as I see you're at one of the local dealers

[lovecarsDrV]

My first post on VW Vortex (I'm a regular on AudiForums)

Here is VW of Canada's reply regarding the LED taillights, dated Oct 26, 2011

Thank you for contacting Volkswagen Canada Customer Care and bringing your suggestions to our attention. Your satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us and we appreciate your time in allowing us to correspond.

At this time since the vehicle is already in production and specifications have been already approved we apologize that we could not meet your criteria with the manufacturing of the Golf R. We appreciate the information you have provided to us and this was shared with our product-planning department. We would like to confirm to you that Volkswagen does not take your comment lightly and we hope we will soon meet your request.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact Volkswagen. If you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact our Customer Care Center at 800.822.8987 . Please buckle up for safety; you are a valued customer.

We wish you many happy hours of motoring.

Sincerely,

[lovecarsDrV]

BTW, I am located in Nova Scotia, placed an order for a Tornado Red Golf R through Brown's Volkswagen in PEI (No dealers in NS could help me). I plan to keep my Audi Q5 as my daily driver and enjoy the Golf on nice days in the summer. I've been a VW/Audi fan since my first Golf in 1984

[OEMGTIGUY]

I keep in contact with my dealer on this topic at least every other month and I am on order for the R but it's tough to say what VW Canada will do with this car and if they will offer lease options or not and interest rates are also questionable depending on weather or not they decide to buy down the rates or not? in any case we can probably look at interest rates anywhere from 6.9 to 8% but that is just a guess

[tomh009]

Teach your wife how to drive manual When I bought my GTI 6MT I didn't know how to drive stick!

... and my wife refuses to drive an automatic!

[afretes]

... and my wife refuses to drive an automatic!

Same here, I noticed more and more girls buying manual lately.

[kuba]

there's no way in hell I am paying 6-8% for a golf R. anyone want my spot? I'm in Toronto.

(I know they haven't released the prices yet but if/when they do, and if the rates are close to this, they can eat me)

[tomh009]

there's no way in hell I am paying 6-8% for a golf R. anyone want my spot? I'm in Toronto.

(I know they haven't released the prices yet but if/when they do, and if the rates are close to this, they can eat me)

If you have equity in a house or condo, you can get a secured line of credit with an interest rate close to prime (probably in the 4% range). Check with your bank ...