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The next phase in the what will be a long 2016 of recalls for Volkswagen commences this week, as the first of the 2.0-litre TDI EA189 diesel engined Golf models are called in for modifications.
The changes are being made to ensure that the cars meet full current emissions standards on the road, as well as in the testing laboratory.
Volkswagen has told us that the first Golfs to be called in will be the 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology versions, fitted with a manual gearbox. The work being carried out is merely a change of engine management operating software, and the work shouldn't take long, nor will it be at any cost to the owner. Letters to owners will start going out this week.
Critically, Volkswagen has re-emphasised that the cars remain safe and roadworthy in the meantime and that the changes being made in the recall will affect neither the fuel consumption nor the vehicle's overall performance. "In close coordination with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) it is Volkswagen's declared aim that the technical solution does not result in any changes to the fuel consumption levels, performance data or noise emissions of the vehicles concerned. For the Golf 2.0l TDI BMT the KBA has confirmed that this objective has been achieved in full" a Volkswagen spokesperson told us.
That fact has some implications for Irish customers though, as Volkswagen is stating that because the car's performance is not affected, it won't be implementing either a compensation or a buy-back programme, as has been agreed in the US market. For American Volkswagen diesel owners, the situation is slightly different - the changes to their cars will result in alterations to consumption and performance, so Volkswagen is offering them a combination of USD$5,000 in compensation and the offer to buy back their car at the current market value.
UK consumer groups and the British government are calling on Volkswagen to clarify why customers on this side of the Atlantic are not being offered compensation or buy-back, but Volkswagen has stated that such offers will not be made here. The Irish government has taken no position on the issue, other than to ensure that any changes in vehicle Co2 emissions will not cause existing customers to pay extra tax.