Volkswagen UK News Feed

Volkswagen's holding out for a hero...

2010-08-23T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen is set to launch a heroic new campaign to introduce the new Touran and Sharan MPVs into the UK.

Based around the concept that modern parents are everyday heroes, capable of juggling work and the demands of family life while retaining the ability to cobble together a scale model of HMS Invincible from nothing but a lump of plasticine and a fork, the campaign introduces a suitably heroic pair of seven-seat vehicles in the shape of the new Touran and Sharan which are designed to meet their needs.

From 23 August, visitors to www.ultimatefamilyhero.co.uk will have the opportunity to upload an image and have it turned, through the power of the ‘heroiser’, into the superhero of their choice before creating their own comic book cover.

Once complete, visitors have the option of sharing with their friends via Facebook or entering the finished comic book cover into a competition to win either a new Touran or Sharan. They can either nominate themselves or another family member by writing a brief explanation of why they deserve the title of ‘superhero’ and the chance to win a new car.

All nominations will be displayed in the online ‘Superheroes Gallery’ and three finalists will be chosen. These finalists will then be tasked with a series of challenging ‘missions’ – for example the ultimate school run or ultimate family day out – in the new Touran or Sharan. On 11 October, footage of these missions will be posted onto the website and the public will be able to vote for their favourite ‘Superhero’ family.

In addition to winning a new Touran or Sharan the family will receive a prize of £5,000 to donate to a local community charity, project or group, while each of the two runners-up will also receive £2,500 to donate.

As well as running online, the campaign will also be hitting the road from 21 August with a series of displays at shopping centres around the UK. These include Meadowhall in Sheffield, Cabot Circus in Bristol, Highcross in Leicester, the Trafford Centre in Manchester and the Bullring in Birmingham. The live exhibitions will allow shoppers to make their own heroes while also experiencing the versatility of the new Touran and Sharan.

The new Touran opened for ordering in the UK this month while first deliveries of the new Sharan are expected to start in November. For more information visit www.ultimatefamilyhero.co.uk.

Volkswagen unveils its new Dakar challenger

2010-08-23T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has unveiled its new Dakar challenger, the Race Touareg 3.

Replacing the Race Touareg 2, twice winner in 2009 and 2010 of the gruelling Dakar Rally and the first diesel-powered vehicle ever to win the event, the new Race Touareg 3 promises to be faster and more efficient while retaining the immense strength and durability of the outgoing car.

Wind tunnel testing has led to changes being made to the carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork with particular attention to improving the cooling systems around the roof of the vehicle while minimising disruption to the airflow at high speeds. At the same time the changes have meant the Touareg has adopted a fresh look with new LED lights, a new grille, window line, rear clamshell and wheels.

Beneath the bodywork the twin-turbocharged 2.5-litre TDI engine has been optimised to allow greater economy while still producing 300 PS and 442 lbs ft of torque. It has also been revised to cope with the severe altitude changes incurred on the Dakar with the vehicle climbing to heights of over 15,000 feet above sea level. The Race Touareg 3 can now adapt to these conditions, meaning the performance doesn’t suffer despite the thinner air encountered at such altitudes.

The 2.5-litre engine channels its drive through three limited slip differentials via a newly upgraded five-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch.

The result is the ability to accelerate to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 117 mph in nearly any conditions.

In order to maintain these speeds in extreme off-road conditions the Race Touareg 3 needs to be able to withstand the rigours passing over sand dunes, through deep mud, and across gravel and broken tarmac roads. As a result the Race Touareg 3 is based on a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis with a pair of springs and damper units fitted to every corner in order to protect the vehicle against severe impacts. A set of specially developed BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres provide the grip while a pair of wheels and tyres are carried by the vehicle at all times.

The new Race Touareg 3 has already undergone shakedown tests comprising 10,000 kilometres of simulated special stages ahead of the 2011 Dakar Rally. This equates to twice the length of the Rally itself and a greater distance than Formula 1 cars cover in an entire season.

Das. World of Volkswagen magazine takes off

2010-08-05T23:00:00Z

The first edition of Das. Volkswagen’s new quarterly digital magazine has been released. The first edition kicks off with a feature called Think Blue, which explores Volkswagen’s energy efficient BlueMotion technologies, start/stop and a range of economical engines. There is also an opportunity to discover our new cars first hand – this month, meet the smart new Touareg.

Perhaps, most exciting of all, you can win tickets for the Red Bull Air Race 2011 – the airborne version of Formula 1 – which will be hosted in Abu Dhabi.

To explore our new magazine click here

Smarter and cleaner: new Volkswagen Touran MPV now on sale

2010-08-05T23:00:00Z

The new Volkswagen Touran compact MPV opens for ordering today complete with fresh styling both inside and out, a range of efficient new engines and a starting price of £17,585 RRP on the road. First deliveries are set to take place on 22 September.

Unveiled at the Leipzig Motor Show in April, the new Touran draws on the design language seen on the Polo and new Sharan with a mix of clean lines and a lower, wider appearance than the model it replaces. The changes extend to the front wings, bonnet and front bumper which are joined by new wing mirrors, rear lights and a restyled tailgate and bumper.

Inside the new Touran the entertainment and climate functions have all been revised and a new three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of restyled dials. Fresh trim finishes are also available.

As with the outgoing car, the new Touran’s focus is on versatility, with the ability to carry seven adults with the third row of seats folding flat into the floor. In addition, air conditioning, alloy wheels, roof rails, a CD stereo system, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and six airbags are all fitted as standard. A five-seat option is also available.

The second generation of Park Assist, a system that will also be available on the new Sharan, is offered. Not only does the new system require less space to perform parallel parking manoeuvres, it also allows the Touran to be parked in spaces at 90 degrees to the kerb.

Fitted for the first time to the Touran is the advanced new 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine. Despite a modest displacement of 1,197 cc, the turbocharged unit develops 105 PS and 129 lbs ft of torque while returning 44.1 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 149 g/km of CO₂. In BlueMotion Technology form, complete with Stop/Start and battery regeneration, the 1.2-litre TSI engine is capable of returning 47.9 mpg while emitting an estimated 139 g/km of CO₂.

A further petrol and four diesel engines will be available, ranging in power from 90 to 170 PS. Three trim levels – S, SE and Sport – will be available with BlueMotion Technology variants being offered with each. The full range of engines and prices are detailed on the following page or can be accessed here.

For more details, visit your Volkswagen Retailer or click here to visit the Touran section of the website.

Volkswagen does the double at Auto Express New Car Awards

2010-08-03T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Golf has again been recognised as the best in its class with a pair of wins in hotly contested categories at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards.

Judged by the editorial team at Auto Express, the awards recognise the best cars on sale today. Both new and existing models are eligible with the best vehicles in every class being selected for an award.

For the second year in a row, the Golf has been awarded the title of ‘Best Compact Family Car’ by the judges.

Auto Express editor in chief David Johns said: ‘With its classy looks, high-quality cabin and executive car refinement, the Volkswagen still sets the standard. Better still, it’s great to drive, excellent value and has a brilliant range of engines – including innovative turbocharged TSI petrol units.’

The Golf, now in its sixth generation, has accounted for over 27 million sales worldwide since it was launched in 1974 making it the most popular model Volkswagen has ever produced, surpassing the 21 million sales achieved by the original Beetle.

The second award of the night was won by another icon. Despite 33 years having passed since the Golf GTI was launched, the car that defines the hot hatch remains the benchmark in its class.

The Golf GTI retained the ‘Best Hot Hatch’ award despite fierce competition from new models. David Johns said: ‘There are rivals that are faster and more eye-catching, but few can match the Golf’s all-round ability and appeal.

‘Its smooth 2.0-litre engine delivers perfectly judged performance, while its composed chassis mixes comfort and composure in equal measure. Plus, it comes in three and five-door bodystyles, and with manual and twin-clutch DSG transmissions.’

Chris Craft, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: ‘We’re proud to have retained two such prestigious awards; a huge amount of work both in Germany and here in the UK goes into ensuring we offer the best possible mix of affordability, quality, safety and comfort. Since the last Auto Express awards we’ve added the Match model to the Golf range which brings new levels of standard equipment and technology to the line-up to ensure that it continues to represent incredible value for money in what is a hugely competitive marketplace.’

The Auto Express award adds to the list of accolades claimed by the Golf in the past year from such prestigious titles as What Car?, Top Gear, Fleet News, Diesel Car and BusinessCar.

Volkswagen starts a service revolution for customers

2010-07-15T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has launched its most straightforward and comprehensive fixed price servicing offer yet, aimed at providing great value to customers who own Volkswagen cars aged between three and 10 years old.

This easy to understand service and maintenance solution also gives peace of mind and easy budgeting through competitive fixed routine servicing costs and transparent ‘per job’ prices which include parts, oil, labour and VAT for routine maintenance items.

An MOT test for any Volkswagen aged between three and 10 years with an engine up to and including 2.0-litres in capacity will now cost £30, while a minor service is priced at £119 (at participating Retailers*).

The other key elements of the offer are broken down into three key areas: maintenance, convenience and car care. Maintenance covers the main routine items such as air conditioning service, replacement of brake pads, and a cambelt change. For each item it suggests a recommended change interval as well as a fixed job price. Convenience is exactly what it says – and includes a courtesy lift, collect and deliver service or a loan car while the service is taking place. Small dents, chips or alloy wheel refurbishment are covered under the car care heading, enabling a professional repair (where viable) to the vehicle. An exterior wash and vacuum are available free of charge for any vehicle which is in the workshop for more than an hour.

Volkswagen’s Head of Customer Services and Aftersales, Stephen Butt, commented: ‘We’re launching this fixed price servicing programme as an extension of the Service Promise we introduced last year, allowing customers of older Volkswagens to enjoy the same standards of aftersales care as owners of newer cars.’

He continued: ‘When we asked customers what they wanted, transparent servicing costs were top of the list. We’re confident that by introducing these and offering service and maintenance by Volkswagen experts with the latest training who have instant access to the right tools and technology, there will be no reason for owners of older vehicles to look outside the network for aftersales care.’

Full details of the new fixed price servicing scheme can be found here or by visiting your local participating Volkswagen Retailer.

* Note to editors: At the time of going to press 77.7 per cent of Volkswagen’s UK network of 247 Retailers and Authorised Repairers had signed up to the terms of the Fixed Price Servicing Programme.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion named What Car? Green Car of the Year

2010-07-15T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen’s BlueMotion range of vehicles has added a further three awards – including overall Green Car of the Year – to its list of accolades, this time at the What Car? Green Awards 2010 which were presented last night at a ceremony at Twickenham Stadium in London.

The Golf BlueMotion was named best Green Small Family Car, and also beat eight other category winners to claim the overall Green Car of the Year title. The Passat BlueMotion won the Green Family Car award.

Commenting on the Golf BlueMotion, Steve Fowler, What Car?’s editor-in-chief, said: ‘The Golf is a well deserved award winner: carbon dioxide emissions are a paltry 99 g/km making it exempt from road tax and its average fuel economy is 74.3 mpg. So, as well as being impressively green, the Golf is classy, well made, practical, safe, brilliant to drive and an affordable long-term investment. There surely aren’t many other virtues you need?’

Collecting the award on behalf of Volkswagen was Professor Dr Stefan Gies, head of chassis development. He said: ‘Ever since the first BlueMotion model was launched in 2007 our strategy for this environmental sub-brand has been to produce class-leading vehicles which are efficient, sustainable, practical, comfortable and competitively priced. This is what our customers want and all these values are encapsulated in the Golf.’

At the heart of the Golf BlueMotion is a 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine, producing 105 PS and 250 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm. Its remarkable economy is achieved through a package of measures which includes a Start/Stop system, low rolling resistance tyres, battery regeneration, revised gearing, a multifunction computer providing visual gear change recommendation for optimum fuel consumption and aerodynamic changes.

In April this year, the Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion models claimed the Green Car of the Year award at the 2010 World Car of the Year awards.

Also available from Volkswagen is a comprehensive line-up of BlueMotion Technology products which use a range of economy measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Key to all BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology vehicles, however, is that they all remain as practical, comfortable and desirable as the standard models on which they are based and are just as easy to service, repair and maintain.

Volkswagen unveils a sharp new look for the Jetta

2010-06-17T23:00:00Z

The new Jetta has been unveiled at Times Square in New York, featuring a sharp new look, greater space and the most advanced range of petrol and diesel engines yet.

Drawing inspiration from the popular NCC (New Compact Coupé) concept car which made its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the new Jetta was styled under the leadership of Klaus Bischoff, head of design for the Volkswagen brand. Every panel is new with precise, clean lines lending the Jetta an elegant appearance that marks the latest evolution of the new Volkswagen design language.

The fresh styling and acute attention to detail continues inside the Jetta. An all-new dashboard featuring subtle aluminium highlights sits ahead of a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel. Every Jetta will feature an integrated multifunction display, air conditioning and a CD stereo system. Available as an option will be touchscreen satellite navigation.

As with the outgoing Jetta, the new car mixes the practicality of being able to seat five adults with a large, 510 litre loadspace and a comprehensive range of standard safety features including six airbags, ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP).

The overall length of the Jetta has grown by 90 mm to measure 4,644 mm. In addition, the wheelbase has also been extended to 2,648 mm, an increase of 70 mm, resulting in 67 mm greater legroom for rear seat passengers.

Powering the new Jetta is a range of advanced petrol and diesel forced induction engines. New to the Jetta is the 1.2-litre TSI engine producing 105 PS while the twincharged 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine mixing performance and economy is added to the range. The 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS and 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS continue unchanged. Diesel options consist of a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS and a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS engine.

BlueMotion Technology modifications including Start/Stop and battery regeneration will be made available linked to the 1.2-litre TSI and the 1.6-litreTDI engines. The changes allow the 1.2-litre TSI version to achieve 53.2 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 123 g/km of CO2. The 1.6-litre TDIvariant is capable of returning 68 mpg and emits just 109 g/km of carbon dioxide.

The original Jetta was launched in Germany in 1979 with over 9.6 million vehicles sold with the nameplate since then.

Sustained popularity in the US market has led the Jetta to become the biggest selling German saloon car inNorth America where it accounts for 110,000 sales every year.

Sales of the new Jetta in the UK will commence in early 2011 with prices and specifications being announced nearer this time.

Ordering opens for new Volkswagen Touareg; prices announced

2010-06-16T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has announced prices for the new Touareg as it opens for ordering in UK Retailers today ahead of the first customer deliveries taking place in October.

Prices for the new Touareg start at £38,225 for the SE 3.0-litre TDI 240 PS, while the Hybrid model, which goes on sale next month, costs £54,995.

The new Touareg builds on the virtues of space and comfort, as well as off-road and towing ability that led to the original Touareg building up a loyal following in the UK. Despite being 40 mm longer both in its wheelbase and overall length, the new Touareg weighs over 200 kg less than the outgoing car and is 20 per cent more efficient.

The drive in efficiency is epitomised by the new 3.0-litre V6 TDI and Hybrid models. The 3.0-litre 240 PS is capable of returning 38.2 mpg while emitting 195 g/km of CO2 to place it in VED band J, and is expected to be the volume seller.

The Hybrid model meanwhile can out-accelerate many hot hatches with a zero to 62 mph time of 6.5 seconds through its combination of a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 TSI petrol engine developing 333 PS and an electric motor generating 47 PS resulting in a total output of 380 PS and 428 lbs ft of torque. Yet the new Touareg Hybrid is capable of returning 34.4 mpg while emitting 193 g/km of CO2.

All of the above models feature a number of economy enhancing features including battery regeneration (recuperation or energy recovery during braking phases) and a Start/Stop function.

A new 4.2-litre TDI V8 engine producing 340 PS and 590 lbs ft of torque completes the range. Despite its substantial power and torque outputs the new engine is still capable of achieving 31 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 239 g/km of CO2.

All new Touareg models have a new eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Standard equipment on the Touareg across the four ranges – SE, Altitude, Escape and Hybrid – is comprehensive. On the entry-level SE model, leather trim, touchscreen satellite navigation with DAB radio, six airbags, burr walnut interior trim, 2Zone climate control and 4MOTION four wheel drive are all standard.

Prices for the new Touareg follow; for full specification details please see the price list. For further information or to configure a Touareg, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/touareg

Value-added Match model joins Volkswagen Golf range

2010-05-18T23:00:00Z

Reinforcing the ‘Unbelievable value’ message of its latest marketing campaign, Volkswagen is adding a new model to the Golf line-up. Using the familiar Match name, the new variant replaces the SE trim level, and adds over £1,600 worth of extra equipment while costing just £300 more than the outgoing car. The Match also comes with the newly-available option of a 140 PS BlueMotion Technology model for added economy and performance.

On top of the SE’s already generous specification which includes, among other items, ABS, ESP, seven airbags, Climatic air conditioning, alarm, cruise control and multi-device interface for connectivity to iPod or MP3 player, the Match adds unique 16-inch ‘Croft’ alloy wheels, a leather multifunction steering wheel, DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth system, front and rear parking sensors and an RCD 510 touchscreen stereo with six-disc CD autochanger.

The built-in Bluetooth and multifunction steering wheel ensures making and taking a call on the move is easy and safe. The factory-fitted fully integrated system makes use of the RCD 510’s five-inch touchscreen to display information at the press of a button, while its hands-free profile compatibility means it can be twinned with more phones than previously, including Blackberry and iPhone.

The new Match model is available with the same engines as the outgoing SE trim. This means customers can choose from a 1.4-litre TSI petrol with 122 PS, a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS or a 2.0-litre TDI with 140 PS. Both the petrol and the 1.6-litre TDI are offered with Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG gearbox, while the 2.0-litre TDI can be specified with the six-speed DSG option.

An efficient BlueMotion Technology Match model is also available with the 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS returning 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 107 g/km of carbon dioxide. New for the Match is a BlueMotion Technology model in combination with the popular 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS unit. This offers customers a combined fuel economy of 65.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of only 114 g/km and, as such, is likely to appeal to fleet customers who will benefit from BIK tax advantages as well as environmentally conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance. The BlueMotion Technology models’ enhanced economy comes as a result of a Start/Stop system and battery regeneration.

Adding to the value proposition is the option of a three-year/30,000 mile £250 fixed price servicing deal which saves customers money as well as giving them peace of mind against routine servicing costs.

Ordering for the new Golf Match opens today with prices starting at £17,730 RRP OTR for the 1.4-litre TSI three-door. The first customer deliveries will start at the end of June. For full details, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk. To view the new Golf price list, please click here.

Golf blue-e-motion: The future of Volkswagen e-mobility

2010-05-04T23:00:00Z

To coincide with the foundation event held in Berlin for a National Platform for Electric Mobility and in the presence of German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf blue-e-motion and has outlined its future programme for electric and hybrid production vehicles.

Following on from the Touareg Hybrid which goes on sale this summer, in 2012 a hybrid Jetta will be launched before hybrid versions of the Golf and Passat join the range in 2013.

Also in 2013 the first of the all-electric vehicles will go on sale in the form of the Up! blue-e-motion followed closely by the Golf blue-e-motion and the Jetta blue-e-motion. Joining them in the same year will be an electric version of the Lavida for the Chinese market.

The Golf blue-e-motion adopts an electric motor developing 115 PS and 199 lbs ft of torque powered by lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 26.5 kilowatt-hours.

This allows the Golf blue-e-motion to accelerate to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 86 mph with a range between charges of over 90 miles.

The batteries are neatly located in the boot of the Golf blue-e-motion, under the rear seats and in the transmission tunnel to leave a boot capacity of 279 litres. The batteries are kept at the optimal temperature through the use of a secondary cooling system.

Mounted in the engine bay, the electric motor, transmission and differential along with high-voltage pulse-controlled inverter, the 12 Volt electrical system, DC/DC converter and charging module are all incredibly compact and account for a rise in overall weight of only 205 kg when compared to a conventional diesel Golf.

The Golf blue-e-motion will take its next step in 2011 when a fleet of 500 prototypes begin testing in real-world conditions ahead of production starting in 2013.

On unveiling the Golf blue-e-motion, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG commented: ‘Future electric cars give us enormous opportunities for reshaping mobility to be even more sustainable. When it comes to the environment, however, we must ensure that the energy used to operate these electric cars is produced from renewable sources. Since automotive manufacturers do not have any influence on the types of power plants that are built, the federal government must ensure that eco-friendly energy sources are utilised. Only then will we experience a genuine transition to a new era.’

Completing the unveiling, the German Federal Minister for traffic, building and town development Dr. Peter Ramsauer, was given a tour of the new Golf blue-e-motion by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen AG with responsibility for Vehicle Development.

Prepare for the big match with Volkswagen's latest Tiguan model

2010-05-04T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen is set to launch a new model into the Tiguan range – the Match.

Although a familiar name in the Polo, Golf and Touran model ranges, it’s the first time the Match name has been applied to the Tiguan. Replacing the SE trim level, the new Match model promises to deliver greater value and equipment to the comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features already fitted to the Tiguan.

The new Tiguan Match will add Park Assist, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, climate control, a touchscreen DAB digital radio and a leather multifunction steering wheel.

This comes in addition to the existing standard specification which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD autochanger, heat insulating glass from the B-pillar back, six airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ABS.

Despite these gains, the Tiguan Match commands a premium of only £250 over the existing SE model.

The Match is available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. The petrol engines are a 1.4-litre TSI unit developing 150 PS and a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 170 PS. The diesel variants are based on a 2.0-litre TDI engine with either 140 or 170 PS outputs. Both the 170 PS petrol and the 140 PS diesel engines can now be specified with the newly introduced option of a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The Tiguan Match is on sale now with a starting price of £22,110 ‘on the road’ RRP for the 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology model with two-wheel drive. The Tiguan match Which model and Configure sections will be available on the website soon.

Think Blue

2010-04-22T23:00:00Z

Last year, our Volkswagen Efficient Technologies campaign promoted our super-efficient products. This year, we want to prove that efficiency can be interesting, with a series of interactive exhibits.

What are the exhibits, and when and where can I find them?

The BlueMotion Technologies exhibits have already appeared at the Gadget Show Live at the NEC, and now they're heading to Grand Designs Live at London's Excel Centre on 1-9 May.

Pop along to the show and you'll be able to get up close and personal with exhibits that break down our efficient BlueMotion Technologies in a meaningful way.

For example, there's a really cool water illusion that, through the injection of light through the water, can make the water look like it is suspended, or even flowing upwards. You've got to use the pedals (like those in a car) to balance the water in the display. Get it right, and you'll see a number of facts about BlueMotion Technologies and how you can make every bit of fuel count.

Of course, you don't need to go to Grand Designs Live to see just how good BlueMotion Technologies are – you can take a look right here http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/technology/bluemotion or pop along to your nearest Volkswagen Retailer.

New Phaeton unveiled in Beijing

2010-04-21T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has unveiled the revised Phaeton at the Beijing Motor Show.

Featuring a new look and technologies, the updated Phaeton builds on what is already one of the most advanced and thoroughly engineered cars on the road today.

Built in a state of the art transparent factory in Dresden, the new Phaeton features a new face, comprising a pair of bi-xenon headlight units complete with LED running lights and a new grille featuring two pronounced horizontal bars to lend the car a more imposing stance. Elsewhere, new front wings and a reprofiled bonnet are joined by a revised front bumper, complete with chrome strips and a set of LED foglights.

At the rear, a set of light units fitted with intricate lenses sit above a redesigned bumper. Finally, new alloys wheels complete the changes to the outside of the car.

Inside, a new steering wheel and a colour electronic display ahead of the driver are joined by fresh trim finishes and, for the first time on a Volkswagen, the option of Google Maps on the RNS810 satellite navigation system. Feeding power and information between these and other vehicle systems are over 2,000 separate cables measuring 3.2 km connecting to 60 control units.

The air conditioning system on the Phaeton remains one of the most advanced in the world. As well as featuring a humidity monitoring function to avoid the vehicle misting up in all conditions, the Phaeton W12’s 4Zone climate control system is designed to be capable of maintaining a steady interior temperature of 22 degrees Celsius while the vehicle is at a constant speed of 186 mph in an ambient temperature of 50 degrees.

While this situation is unlikely to be encountered by the majority of motorists, the climate control systems, aerodynamics, brakes, suspension, steering system and even wipers have been designed to cope with speeds far exceeding the norm of 0-155 mph.

The new Phaeton retains a very high level of standard equipment including 4MOTION all-wheel drive, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adjustable air suspension, leather trim, satellite navigation, 18-way adjustable electric seats, a laminated finish to all glass areas and a total of eight airbags.

Two wheelbase options will be offered (120 mm differentiating the two) and a choice of two engines – a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel developing 240 PS and a 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine producing 450 PS.

The new Phaeton goes on sale this August with prices and specifications set to be announced nearer this time.

New Touran unveiled with fresh look, new engines and technology

2010-04-08T23:00:00Z

The new Touran has been unveiled at the Leipzig Motor Show. Featuring fresh styling, pioneering technology and a range of efficient new petrol and diesel engines, the new Touran is set to build on the strong reputation of the 1.13 million examples of the compact MPV sold across Europe to date.

The new Touran features styling that takes inspiration from the design direction established by the Polo, Golf and new Touareg. The new grille features strong horizontal lines that are replicated in the new front bumper while at the rear, revised tail-lights featuring intricate LED bulbs are fitted along with a new tailgate and bumper. Completing the revisions are a set of new alloy wheels and chrome-edged rubbing strips running down the side of the vehicle.

Inside the Touran, fresh new trim finishes are joined by a three-spoke steering wheel ahead of a new set of dials featuring subtle white backlighting and a large electronic display to relay information on the vehicle’s systems. A revised centre console with chrome highlights houses new controls for the ventilation system.

The versatility that has led to the Touran establishing a loyal customer base has been retained in the new car. The new Touran is fitted with seven seats as standard, the third row of which can be folded down into the floor of the vehicle to leave a 695 litre loadspace that can be increased to 1,913 litres when the centre row of seats is folded. A total of 39 storage compartments can be found around the new Touran.

Powering the Touran is a range of highly efficient new forced induction engines that promise greater performance and economy while delivering fewer emissions. The entry-level petrol engine is a new 1.2-litre TSI unit delivering 105 PS. It’s joined by a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 140 PS.

The diesel range comprises two engines with four different power outputs. A 1.6-litre TDI engine is available with a choice of 90 or 105 PS outputs while the 2.0-litre TDI engine offers 140 or 170 PS. In addition, the 1.2 TSI 105 PS petrol and 1.6-litre 105 PS diesel engines can be specified in BlueMotion Technology trim complete with Start/Stop and, in the case of the latter, the ability to return 61.4 mpg on the combined cycle – making the new Touran the most efficient MPV Volkswagen has ever produced.

In addition to the gains in efficiency, the Touran also breaks new ground in technology, featuring, for example, the latest generation of ParkAssist which allows the vehicle to park in not only parallel spaces but also end-on spaces. The system operates through a single button and doesn’t require any complicated set-up procedure.

The new Touran will go on sale in the UK in September with the first models arriving in October. Prices and specifications will be announced nearer this time.

The revised Passat CC: Five seats, sat nav and Bluetooth as standard

2010-04-07T23:00:00Z

The Passat CC, which mixes elegant coupé styling with practicality and refinement, is set to benefit from a series of revisions to add new technologies and greater flexibility to help it represent stronger value than ever before.

For the first time the Passat CC can accommodate five adults thanks to the addition of an extra space situated between the rear seats, while up front satellite navigation is fitted as standard along with a touchscreen Bluetooth device.

This comes on top of the already comprehensive list of standard equipment which includes 2Zone electronic climate control, a leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, 17-inch ‘Phoenix’ alloy wheels and six airbags.

The GT model also benefits from the revisions plus it gains Nappa leather interior, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control.

The GT trim level also retains 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels, ACC (Adaptive Chassis Control) electronically controlled pneumatic dampers and heat insulating tinted glass from the B-pillar backwards.

These changes on the entry-level model represent an extra £1,000 worth of equipment yet the revised Passat CC will cost only £515 more than the model it replaces. On the GT model the gap is even greater with an extra £3,000 worth of equipment being fitted yet the overall price of the car rises by £1,000.

The existing line-up of powerful yet efficient 1.8-litre TSI, 2.0-litre TSI and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines remain, as does the choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes on selected models.

The new model opens for ordering this week with prices set to start at £22,645 RRP on the road for the 1.8-litre TSI model.

Great value Passat CC gets more seats, more equipment, even more appeal

2010-03-31T23:00:00Z

We have added a fifth seat to the Passat CC, along with more standard equipment, to boost its already substantial appeal.
Passat CC gets more than £1,000 worth of equipment for just £515 over the previous price, including:

Three rear seats
RNS 310 sat-nav
Bluetooth touch adaptor

The GT version gains almost £3,000 worth of equipment for just £1,000 over the previous price, including:

Three rear seats, RNS 310 sat-nav and Bluetooth touch adaptor
Nappa leather interior
Front and rear parking sensors
Cruise control

Three rear seats are now standard for all derivatives of Passat CC. It remains every bit as comfortable and spacious for two rear passengers, but the third seat gives added flexibility. The central rear storage compartment has been removed and replaced with a seat with integrated three-point seatbelt and head restraint. The versatile 60:40 split folding backrest is retained.

On top of this, we're making the Passat CC even better value, by adding more comprehensive standard equipment. All derivatives will now be equipped with RNS 310 full-colour satellite navigation and Bluetooth touch adaptor as standard. GT models will also now have a Nappa leather interior, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control as standard.

Volkswagen Polo named 2010 World Car of the year

2010-03-31T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen AG and Volkswagen of America, Inc. are proud to announce that the Polo has been honoured as the 2010 World Car of the Year. With 59 of the top automotive journalists from around the globe judging, the Polo surpassed a total of 29 other nominees. Announced this morning at the New York International Auto Show in New York City's Jacob Javits Center, the annual World Car of the Year awards recognize the year's most outstanding vehicles based on merit, value, safety, environmental impact, significance, and emotional appeal.

"We're honoured that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors," said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. "After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. These automobiles have reaped numerous awards, winning well-nigh every prize the automotive industry has to award. This shows that Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history."

The latest generation of the Volkswagen Polo has quickly become a favorite in the brand's lineup to drivers and media alike, with its uncluttered, timeless design, and exceptional versatility and efficiency. More than 230,000 customers worldwide have placed orders for the newest version of Volkswagen's popular subcompact vehicle.

Now in their seventh year, the World Car of the Year awards, have become one of the most credible and significant programs of its kind. The World Car jurors hail from 25 countries, and are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of their expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of his ongoing, full-time professional work, and, collectively with all the jurors, reaches millions of consumers and automotive enthusiasts across the globe.

In a separate award, the BlueMotion product brand consisting of the Golf, Passat, and Polo, was declared the 2010 World Green Car of the Year by the World Car of The Year organisation.

The 59 member jury awarded the BlueMotion product brand over two other finalists in the 2010 World Green Car award: the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius.

Jurors felt that: ‘It is not necessary to add an electric motor and a heavy battery pack to achieve class-leading efficiency. Based on Volkswagen's common rail diesel engines, the BlueMotion models are among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In fact, the Passat BlueMotion can travel just about 1,000 miles on one tank of fuel in the European cycle. As far as internal combustion engines go today, these models are the ultimate you can get.’

‘BlueMotion is one of the most successful efficiency brands worldwide. It stands for tremendous competence in efficient and economical drive trains at Volkswagen,’ said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, delighted about the appreciation by the jury.

The award was received at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday morning by Walter de Silva, head of design for Volkswagen Group.

Volkswagen BlueMotion models added to Avis rental fleet

2010-03-29T23:00:00Z

Leading international car hire company Avis has ordered more than 540 Golf BlueMotion models for its fleet in the UK. These vehicles will form part of the Avis Eco Collection, offering environmentally conscious drivers low emission vehicles.

The Eco Collection is a new scheme, set up by Avis, offering drivers a diesel vehicle with CO₂ emissions lower than 120 g/km. Fitted with the highly efficient 1.6-litre common rail TDI engine producing 105 PS, the Golf SE BlueMotion Technology emits 107 g/km and achieves 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle; with emissions of 99 g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 74.3 mpg, the Golf BlueMotion is capable of almost 900 miles on one tank.

The new models will be added to Avis’s low carbon fleet over the next 12 months as the company continues to reduce its carbon footprint. Both models combine efficiency with comfort and equipment to offer enhanced economy and produce less emissions than their traditional counterparts. Yet all BlueMotion products remain practical, stylish and are conventional to service and maintain.

Commenting on the forthcoming additions to the Avis rental fleet, Nick Mountfield, Head of Marketing Avis UK explained: ‘As a nation we are becoming increasingly conscious of the environment, car emissions and fuel economy, and we are finding that customers are keen to do their bit for the environment wherever possible. The Golf BlueMotion models were chosen as part of an ongoing drive to improve the offering of vehicles with low CO₂ emissions and high fuel economy for the Avis Eco Collection.’

Mountfield continued: ‘Due to the initial demand of Eco Collection and customer demand for the current Golf model, we are building on the success by upgrading to the Golf BlueMotion models. These Golf models are a desirable package for both Avis and our customers as, despite being extremely efficient and economical, they are conventional to drive and offer superb value and reliability.’

BlueMotion products have been extremely well received since being introduced in 2007, proving especially popular with the fleet market. With the Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion models, which emit just 91, 99 and 114 g/km of CO₂ respectively, the ‘BlueMotion’ badge denotes the most fuel and CO₂ efficient model in each Volkswagen range.

Golf whole life costs

2010-03-28T23:00:00Z

You may have recently seen this advert running in national newspapers, magazines or on poster sites around the country and are wondering how we calculated this rather “unbelievable” figure. Well its time to believe, the average Golf really is 14% cheaper to run over 3 years and 36,000 miles.

In order to make this a fair comparison we chose one of the most popular specifications of Golf, in this instance the Golf GT TDI 2.0 140ps and compared it with equivalent models from Ford and Vauxhall. In order to be fair we have chosen models that have engines with a similar engine capacity and power output, where possible we have also tried to match equal levels of specifications across the models we compare.

We then use an Independent data source: KeeResources KWIKCarCost to analyse the results. In this calculation we have used the independent data source to forecast the likely depreciation and running costs of the vehicles over the course of 3 years and with an average annual mileage of 12,000. The running costs calculation is based on the likely service, maintenance and repair bills as well as fuel costs (calculated using an average price per litre), we have also included the cost of registering the vehicle and the vehicle excise duty. The last step is to compare the models total running costs with each other and then work out the percentage difference. In this instance the Golf is 14% cheaper to run than its competitors.

Details:
Data supplied by KeeResources KWIKCarCost July 2010. Vehicle excise duty costs from April 2010. Based on a comparison of equivalent models from Ford (Focus Titanium TDCi DPF 2.0l Diesel 136ps) and Vauxhall (Astra Sri CDTi 2.0l Diesel 160ps) to Volkswagen (Golf GT TDI 2.0l Diesel 140ps.) Assumes vehicles cover 36,000 miles over 36 months and cost includes depreciation, servicing and maintenance costs, fuel costs, initial registration fee and vehicle excise duty.Official Fuel consumption for the Golf GT TDI 2.0l Diesel 140ps in mpg (litres/100km): urban 42.2 (6.7) – 46.3 (6.1); extra urban 62.8 (4.5) – 68.9 (4.1); combined 53.3 (5.3) – 58.9 (4.8). C02 emissions 126-138g/km.