Fastivus 2009 – Annual VW R32 Gathering by SOCALR32

It’s hard to believe that an event held to celebrate a car that only has two model years would actually continue to grow into its fifth year of existence. Fastivus, as it is now called, is a gathering for owners and enthusiasts of Volkswagen R32s that were sold in 2004 and 2008. The limited edition 3.2-liter V6 powered all wheel drive Golfs are the top of the VW performance food chain and have a near religious following. This year 159 cars showed up, handily beating last year’s record of 140.

The event was again organized by SocalR32 with title sponsors Volkswagen of America, HPA Motorsports out of Canada, and Southern California’s own VF-Engineering. The two day event consists of a gathering with Show & Shine judging, go-karting and vendor exhibits. The highlight of the first day is the now world famous R32 raffle which saw $33,000 worth of prizes given away to happy R32 owners.

Volkswagen Golf 6 Wins World Car of the Year

Apparently we aren’t the only ones impressed with the new Volkswagen Golf mk6. A group of 59 automotive journalists just named VW’s venerable hatchback World Car of the Year. 51 cars were nominated, a short list of 10 were selected to be judged. Of the top ten, three finalists were selected; the Golf, the Ford Fiesta and the Toyota IQ. Cars were judged on merit, value, safety, environmental impact and emotional appeal. The Volkswagen obviously represents the best in all these categories combined.

We drove the Golf earlier this year and were extremely impressed. We called it the best value in entry-level cars on the market. The build quality and materials used are simply unmatched. A consumer can spend a lot more on a car and not get as nice of interior as you will find in the Golf. The new mk6 isn’t remarkably different from the mk5 that it replaces. It is however more refined, stiffer, quieter and better looking by a long shot.

The People’s Car – Volkswagen Golf VI TSI

The raindrops congeal on the windshield in gel-like veins, oozing slowly over to the side and out of view. The 100 KM/H wind seems to have little effect on them. When the weather is like this everything slows down. It is just above freezing, but feels about fifty below zero. It’s the middle of December during one of the worst winter storms in recent years in Germany. We have just left Wolfsburg after spending a day and half touring The Volkswagen Autostadt, VW’s base of operations and spiritual home. The experience was amazing and makes me appreciate the Golf VI we are in, just that much more.