The logo in the form of two crossed checkmarks (or sabers) on the hood or grille belongs to Volkswagen - one of the most recognizable automobile brands in the world. This symbol appeared in 1937 and has since become the calling card of the German manufacturer, uniting under its wing not only passenger cars, but also commercial vehicles, as well as premium sub-brands like Audi or Porsche. If you see a car on the street with the VW emblem in a circle surrounded by two curved lines, this is exactly what you are looking at. Volkswagen, regardless of model or year of manufacture.

However, not everyone knows that behind this logo there is an entire empire of the concern. Volkswagen Group, including more than a dozen brands - from budget Škoda to supercars Lamborghini. Two ticks on the emblem are often associated with reliability, German quality and innovation, but each generation of cars has its own “diseases” and features. In this article we will look at how to distinguish the original VW from fakes, which models with this logo are the most popular in Russia, and what to look for when buying a used car with such an emblem.

The history of the “two ticks” logo: from Nazi Germany to world leadership

Emblem Volkswagen was developed in 1937 by order of Ferdinand Porsche, the legendary engineer who was at the origins of the brand. The official version is that the two checkmarks (or "sabers") symbolize the letters V and W (Volkswagen), stylized as a dynamic victory sign. However, there are alternative interpretations: for example, that the logo refers to the swastika (due to the historical context of the brand's creation in Nazi Germany), although the company categorically denies this.

Fun fact: until 2020 logo VW had a voluminous 3D design with a blue background and silver contours, but after rebranding it switched to a minimalistic flat version. Today the logo looks like this:

  • 🔹 1937–1945: Black and white version with Nazi symbols (used on the first prototypes of the Beetle).
  • 🔹 1945–1967: A blue circle has appeared, the checkmarks have become thicker, and political references have been removed.
  • 🔹 1967–1995: The logo gained volume due to shadows and gradients.
  • 🔹 2000–2020: The 3D effect has been enhanced and chrome elements have been added.
  • 🔹 2020–present: Flat, minimalistic design for the digital age.

In Russia, the “two ticks” logo is associated primarily with models Volkswagen Polo, Golf and Passat, but in fact crossovers are also produced under this brand (Tiguan, T-Roc), and electric cars (ID.4), and even trucks (Volkswagen Caddy). However, the emblem may vary slightly depending on the model: for example, on premium versions (Arteon) ticks are thinner and more elegant, and on commercial vehicles - more massive.

Myths about the VW logo

There is a common misconception that two checkmarks on the emblem Volkswagen - These are crossed lightning bolts, symbolizing speed. These are actually stylized letters V and W, and lightning is more likely associated with Opel (their logo is a lightning bolt in a ring). Another legend says that the logo was invented by Adolf Hitler himself, but this is not so: the authorship belongs to graphic designer Franz Reimspies, who worked on the visual style of the company commissioned by Porsche.

What cars are produced under the brand with “two ticks”?

Concern Volkswagen Group unites 12 car brands, but directly under the logo VW (two checkmarks in a circle) only models of the same are sold Volkswagen. They can be divided into several categories:

Category Popular models Features
City hatchbacks Polo, Golf, up! Compact, economical, ideal for the city. Golf is the best-selling VW model in the world.
Sedans Passat, Jetta, Arteon Passat - flagship sedan, Arteon positioned as a premium model.
Crossovers/SUV Tiguan, T-Roc, Touareg Tiguan — the brand’s most popular crossover, Touareg — flagship with all-wheel drive.
Electric cars ID.3, ID.4, ID. Buzz New line on the platform MEB. ID.4 — electric crossover.
Commercial vehicles Caddy, Transporter, Amarok Transporter - legendary minibus, Amarok — pickup.

Most in demand in Russia Volkswagen Polo (assembly in Kaluga), Tiguan and Passat. At the same time, used ones are often found on the secondary market. Golf and Jetta, brought from Europe. ) were not officially supplied to Russia, so their purchase is associated with risks regarding service and spare parts.

Polo (budget sedan)|Tiguan (crossover)|Passat (family sedan)|ID.4 (electric car)|Another option-->

The “double tick” emblem is one of the most counterfeited in the world, especially on Chinese replicas or “clones” of German cars. To avoid running into a fake, pay attention to the following details:

  • 🔍 Workmanship: On the original emblem, the swooshes have clear contours without burrs, and the paint does not peel off. Counterfeits often suffer from blurry lines or cheap plastic.
  • 🔍 Location on the body: On the present VW the logo is attached strictly in the center of the radiator grille (on sedans) or the hood (on hatchbacks). On Chinese copies it may be shifted.
  • 🔍 Backlight: On premium models (for example, Arteon) the emblem is illuminated by LED lamps. Counterfeits use cheap LEDs with cool blue light.
  • 🔍 VIN code: Check whether the body number under the emblem matches the data in the vehicle title. On fakes, the VIN is often missing or counterfeit.

You should be especially careful when buying used Volkswagen from Europe. Fraudsters often change VINs or replace emblems on cars after an accident. To avoid problems, always check your car history through services like Autocode or CarVertical.

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If the seller refuses to provide original documents or allow inspection at a service station, this is a reason to be wary. Official dealers Volkswagen They can always check the authenticity of the car using the concern's database.

Despite the reputation of reliable cars, Volkswagen There are typical “diseases” that depend on the model and year of manufacture. Here are the most common:

  1. Electrical problems (especially for Passat B6/B7 and Tiguan first generation). Symptoms: headlights switching off spontaneously, errors on the dashboard, power windows not working. The reason is weak contacts in the fuse box.
  2. Oil leaks in engines 1.4 TSI (series CAXA, CZDA). Due to design defects, the crankshaft and camshaft oil seals begin to “cry” after 100,000 km.
  3. Body corrosion at Polo Sedan (until 2015) and Jetta. The sills, wheel arches and underbody are especially vulnerable. In Russia, the problem is aggravated by reagents.
  4. DSG-7 robot malfunctions (dry clutch). It appears jerkily when changing gears. The solution is to change the oil every 60,000 km or switch to a “wet” DSG-6.
  5. Turbine problems on diesel 2.0 TDI (code CBAB). The turbine may “die” after 150,000 km due to a clogged intercooler or low-quality oil.

If you are considering buying a used Volkswagen, be sure to check:

Diagnostic scanner (for engine and transmission errors)|Condition of oil seals and gaskets (oil leaks)|Electronics operation (all sensors, windows, climate control)|Paint thickness (for hidden corrosion)|Service history (regularity of oil and belt changes)-->

It is worth noting that after 2018 the build quality Volkswagen improved thanks to the modernization of plants in Kaluga and Germany. However, even new machines require careful attention to maintenance.

How much does a car with the double tick logo cost in 2026?

Prices for Volkswagen in Russia vary from 1.5 million rubles for a used one Polo 2015 up to 10+ million for a new one Touareg or electric car ID.4. Below is the current price range for popular models (as of June 2026):

Model Year of manufacture Mileage, thousand km Price, rub.
Volkswagen Polo (sedan) 2020 50–80 1 800 000 – 2 300 000
Volkswagen Tiguan 2019 60–90 3 000 000 – 3 800 000
Volkswagen Passat 2018 70–100 2 500 000 – 3 200 000
Volkswagen Golf 2017 (imported from Europe) 80–120 2 200 000 – 2 800 000
Volkswagen ID.4 (electric car) 2023 10–30 4 500 000 – 5 500 000

The cost is affected by:

  • 💰 Equipment: All-wheel drive vehicles 4Motion and a leather interior is 15–20% more expensive.
  • 💰 Engine type: Diesels (TDI) are cheaper than gasoline analogues, but more expensive to maintain.
  • 💰 Purchase method: Used cars from Europe (for example, Golf or Passat) may be cheaper than Russian analogues, but require verification for customs restrictions.
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Upon purchase Volkswagen With mileage, pay attention to the service history. Cars serviced by an official dealer cost 10–15% more, but break down less often.

Car ownership Volkswagen in Russia is associated with several legal features:

  1. Customs duties: When importing cars older than 3 years from Europe, a duty of 54% of the cost applies. The exception is cars from Belarus and Kazakhstan (within the EAEU).
  2. Restrictions on diesel engines: In some regions (for example, Moscow) there are environmental regulations prohibiting the use of diesel engines older than Euro 5.
  3. Warranty: For new ones Volkswagen, purchased from an authorized dealer, are covered by a warranty of 3 years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first). For electric cars (ID.3/ID.4) battery warranty - 8 years or 160,000 km.
  4. Recycling fee: When purchasing a new car at the dealership, the fee is already included in the price. When imported from abroad, it must be paid separately (from 20,000 to 150,000 rubles, depending on the model).

Important: since 2023, Russia has had a preferential lending program for domestic cars, but Volkswagen, collected in Kaluga (Polo, Tiguan), under it don't hit, since the brand is considered foreign. However, some banks (for example, Rosselkhozbank) offer special conditions for the purchase of cars VW on credit.

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Before buying imported from Europe Volkswagen check it through the service GIBDD.RF for restrictions (arrest, bail). Even if the car is “clean”, customs clearance may be required.

Alternatives to Volkswagen: which cars have similar logos?

Sometimes the double tick logo is confused with the logos of other brands. Here are the most common cases:

  • 🚗 Audi (four rings): Often associated with VW, since both brands are included in Volkswagen Group. However Audi is positioned as a premium sub-brand.
  • 🚗 Škoda (winged arrow): Czech brand, also owned by VW Group. Models Octavia and Kodiaq built on the same platforms as Volkswagen, but 10–15% cheaper.
  • 🚗 Seat (stylized letter S): Spanish brand of the concern. The logo is not similar to "swooshes" but is often confused with VW due to similar models (Seat Leon vs VW Golf).
  • 🚗 Opel (zipper ring): German brand, not affiliated with VW, but sometimes mistakenly associated due to its German origin.

If you're looking for a car with similar specs but cheaper, check out Škoda - this brand uses the same engines and gearboxes as Volkswagen, but costs 15–20% less. For example, Škoda Karoq and VW Tiguan built on one platform MQB, but the first one will be cheaper to purchase and maintain.

❓ Why do some Volkswagens have an emblem without a blue background?

From 2020 Volkswagen switched to a flat, minimalistic logo without a blue circle - this is part of the rebranding. Older models (until 2020) retain the classic logo with volume and a blue background. A simplified logo is also used on electric cars (ID.3/ID.4) to emphasize their innovativeness.

❓ Is it possible to put an Audi or Škoda logo on a Volkswagen?

Technically yes, since brands have emblem mounts VW Group often coincide. However, this violates the warranty (if applicable) and may cause problems when selling the car. In addition, replacing the logo with a foreign one (for example, Audi on VW Polo) misleads buyers and may be considered fraud.

❓Which Volkswagen models are the most reliable?

According to independent ratings (for example, ADAC or J.D. Power), the most reliable are:

  • Volkswagen Golf (Mk7 generation, 2013–2020) - especially with engines 1.4 TSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TDI.
  • Volkswagen Passat B8 (2015-present) - if serviced regularly.
  • Volkswagen Touareg (second generation, 2010–2018) - subject to careful operation.

Avoid Polo Sedan until 2015 (corrosion problems) and Tiguan first generation (weak DSG-7).

❓ How to check the authenticity of a Volkswagen by VIN?

VIN code Volkswagen consists of 17 characters and starts with letters WVW (for passenger cars) or WVG (for commercial vehicles). You can check the authenticity:

  1. Via the official website Volkswagen (section “Checking car history”).
  2. In services Autocode or CarVertical (paid check).
  3. At the dealer - they have access to the concern’s database.

⚠️ Attention: If the VIN does not match the data in the title or on the plate under the hood, the car could be stolen or damaged.

❓ Where is it better to service Volkswagen: at the dealer or in a third-party service?

Advantages of an official dealer:

  • Warranty on work (1–2 years).
  • Original spare parts.
  • Access to proprietary diagnostic scanners (VAS 5054).

Cons: high cost (30–50% more expensive than independent services).

Third-party services are beneficial for machines older than 5 years, but choose those that specialize in VW Group (have experience working with DSG, TSI and TDI).

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When buying used Volkswagen Be sure to check your service history. Cars that have been regularly serviced by a dealer last 20–30% longer.