Letter logo «V» on the radiator grille or hood - one of the most recognizable symbols in the automotive world. It is associated with power, speed and premium status, but not everyone knows that this logo hides several brands with different histories, target audiences and technical features. For some car enthusiasts, “V” is a sign of luxury and engineering excellence, for others it is a symbol of reliability and accessibility.

In this article we will look at all car brandsusing a logo with a letter «V», - from legendary German manufacturers to little-known Chinese startups. You will learn how to distinguish them from each other, which models are worth attention, and also key nuances when buying a used car with such a logo. We will pay special attention technical tricks and typical problems that may await owners.

⚠️ Attention: The "V" emblem is often counterfeited! At the end of the article there is a checklist on how to check the originality of the logo and avoid buying a “re-painted” car.

1. Volkswagen: a people's car with premium ambitions

German giant Volkswagen - the most famous brand with an emblem «VW» (stylized letters V and W in a circle). Founder Ferdinand Porsche created the company in 1937 with the goal of making the car accessible to the masses (the "people's car"). Today VW - these are not only budget models like Polo or Golf, but also premium lines (Arteon, Touareg).

The logo has evolved: from the Nazi symbols of the 1930s to the minimalistic 3D design of 2019. Interestingly, in some countries (for example, China) the emblem was simplified to one letter «V» - this is due to local superstitions (a combination VW sounds like "lose" in Mandarin).

  • 🔧 Technical tricks: Modular platform MQB (used in 80% of models), system 4Motion (all-wheel drive), turbo engines TSI with direct injection.
  • ⚠️ Typical problems: Engine oil burner 1.8 TSI (until 2016), corrosion of thresholds Passat B6, electronics in Tiguan first generation.
  • 💰 Price range (2026): From 800 thousand rubles. for Polo 2018 up to 5 million rubles. for a new one Touareg R.

⚠️ Attention: Often found on the secondary market Volkswagen with a “broken” logo - scammers replace the logo Skoda or Seat (they are part of the concern VW Group) to pass off the car as a more premium one. Check the VIN code!

📊Which Volkswagen do you like best?
Golf (compact hatchback)
Passat (business sedan)
Touareg (premium crossover)
ID.4 (electric car)
Other

2. Volvo: Swedish security and Scandinavian minimalism

Emblem Volvo - this is circle with diagonal stripe and letter "V" in the center, symbolizing the chemical sign for iron (Latin Ferrum). The brand was founded in 1927 by Gustaf Larson and Assar Gabrielsson, and today it belongs to a Chinese concern Geely. Volvo famous for its safety: it was here that three-point seat belts (1959), airbags (1972) and the City Safety (automatic braking).

In the 2010s, the brand switched to hybrid and electric technology: models XC60 Recharge and EX90 (all-electric) have become the flagships of a new era. The design of the logo has also changed: since 2022, the logo has become flat, without volume - this is part of the “minimalism” strategy.

Model Year of manufacture Features Average price (2026)
Volvo XC90 2015–present 7-seater crossover, hybrid T8 (400 hp), air suspension 3.5–6 million rubles.
Volvo S60 2018–present Sedan with system Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving) 2.8–4.5 million rubles.
Volvo C40 Recharge 2021–present Electric coupe crossover, 420 km range 4–5.5 million rubles.

🔍 How to distinguish the original emblem Volvo? Often absent on fakes microtexture on the diagonal stripe (visible under a magnifying glass), and the plastic of the logo is matte, not glossy.

3. Vauxhall: British twin Opel with griffin emblem

Few people know, but the British brand Vauxhall (part of the concern Stellantis) also uses the letter «V» - it is hidden in the emblem with griffin (mythical creature with an eagle's head and a lion's body). The logo appeared in the 1920s, and the company itself was founded in 1857! Today Vauxhall - these are rebranded models Opel for the UK market (eg Vauxhall Astra = Opel Astra).

After purchase Opel group PSA Peugeot-Citroën in 2017, Vauxhall retained a unique design, but technically the cars are identical. For example, Vauxhall Corsa-e - this is an electric version Opel Corsa with a 50 kWh battery.

  • 🛠️ What breaks: Rear arch corrosion Vauxhall Insignia (2010–2017), problems with the machine gun AF40 at Zafira.
  • 🔋 Electric cars: Mokka-e (power reserve 320 km), Vivaro-e (electric van).
  • 💷 UK prices: New Corsa - from £20,000, Astra - from £25,000.

⚠️ Attention: On the secondary market of the CIS Vauxhall are rare, but are often passed off as Opel with "European history". Check VIN through the service Vauxhall VIN Decoder!

The Chinese auto industry is actively mastering the letter «V» in logos. Two striking examples:

  1. Venucia (sister brand Nissan for China) - the emblem is stylized as two letters "V", symbolizing “victory” and “value”. Popular models: Venucia D60 (sedan) and Venucia T90 (crossover).
  2. Voyah (premium division Dongfeng) - logo in the form abstract "V" with gradient. The brand specializes in electric vehicles: Voyah FREE (power reserve 500+ km) and Voyah Dreamer (minivan with autopilot Level 2.5).

Important: Voyah plans to enter the European market in 2026 - their models may become competitors Tesla and Volvo in terms of price/quality.

Brand Year founded Features Export outside China
Venucia 2010 Budget sedans and crossovers based on Nissan No (China only)
Voyah 2020 Premium electric cars with autopilot Planned from 2026
💡

When buying a Chinese car with the “V” emblem, check the availability European certificate (homologation). Without it, the car will not be able to be registered in Russia/EU.

5. Vanderhall: American retro open-top roadsters

Exotic brand Vanderhall (USA) produces three-wheeled roadsters with an emblem in the form of a stylized «V». The cars look like cars from the 1930s, but are equipped with modern engines (eg. Vanderhall Carmel has an engine 1.5L Turbo from GM power 200 hp). Features:

  • 🚗 No doors! Entry/exit is through the front of the body.
  • 💨 Maximum speed: 190 km/h (weighing only 680 kg).
  • 💰 Price: From $40,000 for the base model Venice.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia, such machines are equivalent to motorcycles (due to three wheels), so you need a category license to drive «A», not «B»!

6. How not to buy a fake: checklist for checking the “V” emblem

Fraudsters often fake logos of premium brands in order to pass off a cheap car as an expensive one. Here's how to avoid being scammed:

☑️ Checking the originality of the “V” emblem

Done: 0 / 4

🔍 Signs of a fake:

  • 🖌️ The paint on the emblem is peeling or has an uneven shade.
  • 🔍 There is no holographic sticker (for Volkswagen and Volvo it is on the reverse side).
  • 📏 The size of the logo does not correspond to the standard (for example, Volvo The diameter of the emblem is always 80 mm).
What to do if you find a fake emblem?

If you have already bought a car with a fake logo, contact the traffic police to check the documents. Fraudsters often counterfeit not only emblems, but also PTS. If the forgery is confirmed, the car may be confiscated and the transaction may be declared invalid. Save all receipts and correspondence with the seller - this will help in court.

In Russia and EAEU countries prohibited change factory emblems if this is misleading regarding the make of the car (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, fine up to 500 rubles). However there are exceptions:

  • ✅ It is allowed to remove the emblem completely (for example, for tuning).
  • ✅ Can be installed decorative stickers over the original logo (unless they are imitating another brand).
  • ❌ It is prohibited to replace the emblem Skoda on Volkswagen or Lada on Volvo.

📜 Case study: In 2023, the owner was fined in Moscow Dacia Duster, who covered the emblem with a logo Mercedes. The court found this to be a violation, since the car's appearance began to look like Mercedes GLA.

💡

If you want to change the emblem, it is better to choose a neutral design (for example, a sticker with a country flag) or contact a tuning studio for a legal modification.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with the “V” emblem

🔹 Why do some Volkswagen Is the logo just a "V" without the "W"?

These are modifications for the Chinese market. In China the combination VW is associated with failure (similar to the hieroglyph for “losing”), so as of 2019, only “V” is left on some models.

🔹 Is it possible to find out if the emblem is original by the VIN code?

No, the VIN contains information about the model, year and plant, but not the logo. However, using the VIN, you can check whether the make of the car matches the declared one (for example, that it is really Volvo, not Geely with the emblem re-glued).

🔹 What is the most reliable model with the “V” emblem?

By rating J.D. Power 2023, leaders:

  1. Volvo XC60 (reliability 85/100).
  2. Volkswagen Golf (82/100 if avoiding engines 1.4 TSI until 2015).
  3. Voyah FREE (80/100, but there is little data due to the newness of the brand).
🔹 How much does it cost to replace the emblem in the official service?

The cost depends on the brand:

  • Volkswagen: 3,000–5,000 rub. (including work).
  • Volvo: 8,000–12,000 rub. (backlit emblem is more expensive).
  • Vanderhall: ~$200 (order from the USA).
🔹 Why emblem Volvo sometimes it glows?

From 2022 on flagship models (EX90, S90) install emblems with LED backlight, which is activated when the car is unlocked. It's part of the system Welcome Light.