Volkswagen UK : Volkswagen News Feed

Volkswagen introduces standard DAB radio from Polo to Phaeton

2012-05-15T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen is tuning in to customer demand and fitting DAB radios as standard on all models from the Polo to the Phaeton, giving buyers not only a wider choice of radio stations but also a higher quality of sound.

The change means all 2013 model-year Volkswagens, from the Polo to the Phaeton, will be ready for the UK’s switch to digital radio. Digital radio not only offers listeners clear, crackle-free sound, but it also gives them a bigger choice of radio stations than is available through conventional FM or AM broadcasts alone. Listening options range from specialist music stations to comedy, current affairs and, of course, the all-important cricket coverage.

Naturally, all of Volkswagen’s audio systems will still be able to pick up conventional FM or AM analogue radio signals, as well as play audio CDs (including MP3 files), while every model in the Volkswagen range comes with an aux-in socket, to allow the connection of external audio devices such as an iPod or MP3 player.

To make the most of the higher quality of digital audio, every model from the Polo S upwards now comes with at least six speakers (the majority of models have eight speakers), connected to a standard RCD 310 audio unit or better.

Upgrade options include the MDI multi-device interface, which allows easy connection of iPods or USB sticks, which can then be controlled via the car’s audio system; Bluetooth connection of compatible telephones; Bluetooth music playback; audiophile-pleasing speakers and amplifiers from Danish specialist Dynaudio; higher-power audio systems with colour touchscreen controls and an SD memory card slot; and touchscreen satellite navigation systems, including with built-in HD memory. Beetle models may also be optionally ordered with an audio system developed in conjunction with legendary guitar and amplifier manufacturer, Fender.

The 2013 model-year vehicles can be ordered from your Volkswagen retailer now. To find your nearest Volkswagen retailer please visit http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/find-a-retailer.

30 Volkswagens set for brands bonanza

2012-05-15T23:00:00Z

A 30-car field is expected at Brands Hatch in a few days when the APR Volkswagen Racing Cup takes to the track for one of its biggest-ever weekends, supporting the world-famous DTM, the German touring car championship.

The attraction of competing on the 1.2-mile Brands Indy circuit at a blue riband race meeting has resulted in a number of old and new faces joining the championship to compete alongside the 25 who started the season last month at Oulton Park.
The already large KPM team is to expand yet further, with classic Ferrari racer James Cartwright set to make his modern saloons debut at the wheel of the ex-Peter Felix Golf GTI. Derbyshire-based 23-year-old James is more used to handling a Ferrari 328 in the Ferrari Formula Classic series, in which he competes alongside his father, classic Ferrari dealer Nick Cartwright, and brother Benjamin. “I bought the Golf for myself,” said Nick, “but I decided that at my age I ought to be encouraging Jamie’s career.”

Truck racing champion Richard Walker, a race winner in a Golf GTI at Brands in 2007, returns to the championship this weekend with KPM, while former motocross racer turned Golf GTI racer Stewart Lines moves across to KPM for Brands Hatch, joining the squad’s championship top-10 men James Walker, Craig Milner, Mike Neuhoff, Philip Morris and Cameron Thompson, as well as series guest driver Peter Wyhinny in his SEAT Leon and ex-Superbike racer David Fairbrother.

Scirocco driver James Walker - Richard’s son - jointly shares the championship lead with AWM Motorsport Golf GTI pilot Aaron Mason. At Oulton Park, Mason won the first of the two wet races, hounded home by the battle-scarred KPM Scirocco of Walker, James having miraculously survived being punted nose-first into the barriers away from the startline. Walker battled back up the field to second and might have challenged Mason for the win but for a slow puncture in the closing laps. Walker got his revenge to win round two, with Mason second to level the points.

In common with many in the field, Walker has limited experience of the Indy circuit at Brands. “I went there five or six years ago with my Caterham and was quickest in practice, but then I wrote it off at the end of the session and didn’t make the race. Hopefully that won’t happen again; I’d like to be up at the front and maybe bag a couple of podium finishes.”

Walker and Mason have clearly established themselves as the drivers to watch in title terms, but there are plenty of other pretenders to the throne. Two of the youngest drivers in the field are 21-year-old Dominic Pettit, who raced to third in round one on his debut in the Vindis-backed Jetta, and 20-year-old Tom Wilson, whose Complete Racing Golf collected a brace of fifth-place finishes.

They are not the youngest men in the field, however - that honour goes to Hainault’s Nikhil Chopra, who celebrates his 17th birthday this weekend. Nikhil’s R32 Golf is prepared in the Dartford workshops of Prestige Performance Centre, with local BTCC hero Tony Gilham overseeing the youngster’s track tuition. Dartford Golf GTI driver Andy Wilmot was another who made his Racing Cup debut at Oulton Park under Gilham’s wing.

Another returnee to the series this weekend is former T-Cars and Formula Palmer Audi star Howard Fuller, who raced to victory on his VW Cup debut at Rockingham in 2010. Fuller will drive a Tony Gilham Racing Golf, as will Richard Kingsnorth.
Oulton’s other podium finisher was Joe Fulbrook, the 2008 and ’09 champion, whose Warranty Direct-backed Bora Turbo, now one of the oldest cars on the grid, proved it still has the legs to keep up with the newcomers.

The championship’s paddock camaraderie attracts a wide cross-section of competitors; a trend in recent seasons has been the arrival of a number of former bike racers keen to maintain a competitive edge. These include Lines, who competed at Grand Prix and European Championship level in motocross; ex-Superbike star Fairbrother; ex-racer and West Sussex-based motorcycle dealer Richard Morgan; and Milner, who was a bike-racing champion in the 1990s. There is a famous truck racer on the grid also in the shape of Golf GTI racer Chris Levett.

The championship nurtures novices, too: Simon Andrews and Morris started their track careers in the series in 2010 and, despite both men being disabled, have flourished. Morris holds seventh in the championship currently, just ahead of Wilmot, Pettit and Thompson. This year’s crop of racing novices include Jonathan (father of Tom) Wilson, Chopra, Paul Dehadray and Simon Tomlinson.
Diversity of model is another facet of the APR Volkswagen Racing Cup. Joining the prolific Golf GTI Mk Vs this season is a MK VI for former champion Neuhoff, Sciroccos for Walker, Milner, Kieran Griffin (who won at Brands last season) and Wilson Snr. There are Beetles seen in the hands of Tony Harberman, Robin Riley and Andrew Smith, not forgetting Pettit’s Jetta and Wyhinny’s Leon, and the SlideSports Golf GTI of Mark Clynes.

The Volkswagen Racing Cup, whose title backer for 2012 is US Volkswagen group tuning giant APR, features 14 rounds over seven meetings, one of them at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The series enjoys additional support from Ceva, ECM, Eibach, Hankook, Milltek Sport and Paragon.

Provisional championship standings

1= Aaron Mason / Golf GTI 86 points
1= James Walker / Scirocco R 86
3= Joe Fulbrook / Bora 1.8T 72
3= Tom Wilson / Golf GTI 72
5= Craig Milner / Scirocco R 60
5= Richard Morgan / Golf GTI 60
7= Mike Neuhoff / Golf GTI 56
7= Philip Morris / Golf GTI 56
9 Andy Wilmot / Golf GTI 52
10= Dominic Pettit / Jetta Sport 38
10= Cameron Thompson / Golf GTI 38 etc

Brands Hatch timetable

Friday 18 May: 1135 qualifying
Saturday 19 May: 1400 race 1
Sunday 20 May: 1710 race 2

Seventh issue of "Das." now online

2012-05-13T23:00:00Z

In the summer of 2010, Volkswagen successfully launched its new digital, international customer magazine ‘Das.’ The seventh issue of this ‘Digital Automotive Space’ can be found online now at www.volkswagen-das.co.uk.

Everybody’s always loved the Beetle – and now there’s even more to love, thanks to sharp new styling, and sharper performance too – all built around the classic Beetle shape.

And if you’re into something a little more compact, meet the new Volkswagen up! It’s the perfect city car – so where better to put it through its paces than the busy streets of Rome? See the up! zip its way round the sights of the Eternal City – and turn plenty of heads en route.

Those with further to roam like a comfortable, powerful, stylish ride. Time you saw the new Volkswagen CC for yourself – our photo shoot lays bare the best of this classy new model.

And if all these great models aren’t enough, we can even show you the cars of tomorrow, today. We’ll give you a peek behind the scenes at Volkswagen Research – is that electronic car really driving itself? And how environmentally friendly can car protection get – at our award-winning Chattanooga plant?

As with the previous issue, Volkswagen offers an iPad version of Das. along with the Internet version. The Das. app can be downloaded free of charge at the iTunes Store.

'Rat Pack' to be reunited for Scirocco R-Cup race at brands hatch

2012-05-07T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup will welcome some extra special drivers at Brands Hatch (18 - 19 May) when Damon Hill, Mark Blundell, Perry McCarthy, Julian Bailey, Martin Donnelly and David Brabham join the regular line up for the ultra competitive one make race series.

With the exception of Brabham – who has been given honorary ‘Rat Pack’ status for this race – the other five drivers are all members of the 1980s racing gang who rose through the ranks of Formula Ford, Formula Three Formula 3000 and into Formula One giving themselves the name ‘Rat Pack’. Through all the years of competition the drivers have remained close friends and are gathering together to enjoy some healthy competition while raising money for Damon Hill’s charity – HALOW.

Perry McCarthy who instigated the reunion is convinced that they will all enjoy the experience even if some of the old rivalries return. ‘We are all really good friends,’ said Perry, ‘and we have regular reunions. This one will be a bit more serious but we are all looking forward to it. I haven’t actually sat in a racing car for eight years so I don’t expect great things but it will be a lot of fun and we will be ready for a party when the chequered flag is waved.’

The Halow project is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people with a learning disability and supporting them so that they are able to live independently. The charity is named after five young people, one of them being Oliver Hill, Damon Hill’s eldest son. The 1996 Formula One World Champion has not raced since retiring in 1999 and the opportunity of reuniting on the track with his old mates and raising money for his charity was too good an opportunity miss.

‘Perry, Julian and I are coming out of retirement for this race,’ said Damon, ‘so we are sure to be pretty rusty. But it promises to be a great weekend for all friends and family to get together and a great way to draw attention to the aims and objectives of the charity. I am looking forward to it.’

Mark Blundell, Martin Donnelly and David Brabham are all still regular competitors and some who have already raced as legends in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup will be keen to make their mark amongst their old rivals.

‘When they asked me to race with all the Rat Pack I couldn’t say no,’ said Blundell, who topped the legend’s race in 2010 and finished third overall. ‘We are all such good mates there will be a lot of banter but don’t let that fool anyone, we are all going to be really racing out there.’

Volkswagen tops off Golf Cabrio range with new GTI model

2012-04-30T23:00:00Z

Following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Golf GTI Cabriolet is now available to order at Volkswagen Retailers across the UK, with prices starting at £29,310 RRP OTR for the manual version and rising to £30,610 for the DSG. It sits at the top of the Golf Cabriolet range, combining all the pleasures of practical and safe open-air motoring for which this model is renowned, with all the performance and on-road dynamics for which the GTI name has stood since 1975.

Living up to this name, the Golf GTI Cabriolet has all the classic design cues. The radiator grille has a honeycomb structure with red edging and GTI badge, while the front bumper incorporates a deep honeycomb air dam and distinctive fog lights. Side sill extensions help give the GTI a wide, well-planted stance, while a bespoke rear diffuser is framed by a chrome tailpipe on either side. Smoked LED tail lights complete the look, along with standard 18-inch ‘Monza Shadow’ alloy wheels.

Inside, and under the insulated fully automatic electrically powered roof are four seats covered in the classic tartan ‘Jacara’ cloth upholstery; ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery is optional. The bespoke GTI multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, as are the handbrake and gear lever gaiter, all finished with contrasting red stitching. The pedals have brushed stainless steel caps, while there are black ‘Edge’ decorative inlays on the doors and facia. The hood, which can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds, even while travelling at speeds of up to 18 mph, has a black lining, while the roof pillar trims are also finished in black.

It’s no surprise that at the heart of the range-topping cabriolet is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found in the GTI hatchback, mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and producing 210 PS. The benchmark zero to 62 mph sprint is covered in 7.3 seconds with either transmission, while top speed is 147 mph (146 DSG). Combined fuel consumption is 37.2 mpg (36.7 DSG), with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km (180 DSG).

Maximum torque of 206 lbs ft (280 Nm) is available from just 1,700 rpm to 5,300 rpm and this broad torque band helps to make the GTI an excellent cruiser. A standard EDS electronic differential lock and XDS transverse differential lock help to ensure that the power is easily transferred to the road. Safety is ensured thanks to a comprehensive list of standard specification: as with all Golf Cabriolet models, the GTI comes with automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a driver’s knee airbag as standard, and a five-star (96 per cent) rating for adult occupancy in Euro NCAP crash tests. The ABI insurance rating for the new Golf Cabriolet GTI is 35E.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet is available to order now, with the first deliveries due in July. If you simply can’t wait that long, Volkswagen is offering some competitive finance deals on the current range of Golf Cabriolet models. For example, from now until the end of June 2012, the Golf Cabriolet S 1.2-litre TSI is available with a Solutions PCP package from Volkswagen Finance for £189 per month, with zero per cent APR up to 3 years or 30,000 miles servicing for only £99.

Polo R-Line: adding more style to the substance

2012-04-26T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen is adding even more style to its popular supermini, with the launch of the Polo R Line, which builds on the impressive specification of the Polo Match with unique styling touches inside and out.

On the outside, the R Line is distinguished by a unique styling pack. This consists of deeper, sportier R Line front and rear bumpers, a black gloss radiator grille with R Line badging, deeper side sills and 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels. From the B-pillars back, the glass is dark-tinted and 65 per cent light-absorbing, while the standard front foglights also include a static cornering function.

Step past the brushed aluminium scuff plates with R Line logos, and inside there are sports seats with ‘Kyalami’ cloth upholstery and an R Line logo on the headrests, along with a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel with R Line logo and aluminium-capped pedals, while the roof lining is finished in black cloth.

Standard equipment is comprehensive, including an RCD 310 radio/CD player with six speakers and multi-device interface, for plugging in an iPod or other compatible device, ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, a multifunction trip computer, electric windows (including in the rear on five-door models), height-adjustable front seats, a split-folding rear-seat backrest, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, front and rear reading lights, a tyre pressure monitor and, of course, remote central locking.

The R Line is available with just one engine, the existing 1.2-litre 105 PS TSI petrol unit, with a six-speed manual gearbox. This engine propels the Polo R Line from zero to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 118 mph. Fuel consumption is 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle, and CO2emissions are 124 g/km.

Prices start at £15,195 on the road for the three-door model, rising to £15,815 for the five-door. The Polo R Line is available to order at Volkswagen Retailers now, with first deliveries expected in July.

Polo R-line will be added to configure soon. Please use the link above to download the current pricelist.

Volkswagen at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show

2012-04-22T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen is lifting the lid on the E-Bugster concept car at the Beijing Motor Show, which opens its doors to the press on Monday 23 April. The E-Bugster made its debut as a coupé at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but this time the electric concept’s hard-top has been removed, giving the best hint yet of the look of the future Beetle Cabriolet, and also showing the potential for Volkswagen’s future all-electric drivetrains.

An electric motor provides the E-Bugster with 85 kWh (115 PS) of power, which can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds, and yet offers a range of at least 110 miles from the 28.3 kWh lithium-ion batteries. If the E-Bugster needs a top-up, a fast-charging function allows complete recharging in just 35 minutes from a specialist DC source, or slower charging from an AC source such as a 230-volt domestic outlet.

The E-Bugster also charges itself as soon as the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal, when kinetic energy is transformed into electricity and stored in the battery. Applying the brakes increases the intensity of regeneration, a function that is indicated to the driver in the instrument panel. Other instruments include driving range and battery state indicators, and a meter that shows how much energy the driver is requesting via the accelerator pedal.

The E-Bugster’s speedster look is created partly by a 90 mm lower windscreen, and also by the distinctive shape of the panel that covers the lithium-ion batteries behind the seats. Both front and rear bumpers have been substantially modified from those of the production Beetle. At the front, LED daytime running lights at the outer edges of the central air intake form a C-shape on the left that is mirrored on the right – a signature of Volkswagen’s electric vehicle concepts. At the back, reflectors take the place of LEDs.

At 4,278 mm long and 1,838 mm wide, the E-Bugster is the same length as a standard Beetle but 30 mm wider. Beneath the flared wheel arches sit 20-inch alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres.

Cross Coupé: diesel-electric hybrid makes Chinese debut

Also making its Chinese debut is the Cross Coupé concept. This diesel-electric hybrid was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show and promises a combined cycle figure of 1.8 litres per 100 km (around 157 mpg) and emissions of just 46 g/km of CO2. This is possible thanks to a drivetrain consisting of a turbodiesel direct injection engine and two electric motors, which together produce 306 PS (225 kW) of power. That’s enough to propel the 1,858 kg Cross Coupé to a top speed of 220 kmh (137 mph).

The Cross Coupé is built on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix (MQB). This revolutionary platform standardises certain parameters across models (such as the distance between the accelerator pedal and the front axle), but makes many other parameters variable, creating huge flexibility for developing a wide range of models. This means it is as easy to make a Cross Coupé that uses a petrol-electric hybrid system as a diesel-electric hybrid, or to use combustion engines alone, or electric power alone for example.

The Cross Coupé uses many elements of the new MQB modular toolkit: MQB front and rear SUV suspension, plus the new 190 PS TDI EA 288 engine, in this case mated to a six-speed DSG transmission. Added to this is a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery in the centre console, plus a 40 kW electric motor at the front and an 85 kW motor at the rear. Together, these can propel the Cross Coupé from zero to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds.

The 2.0-litre TDI engine alone provides the Cross Coupé with 295 lbs ft of torque (400 Nm) from just 1,600 rpm, while the front E-motor provides 133 lbs ft (180 Nm) and the rear E-motor a further 199 lbs ft (270 Nm) The drive system can provide a maximum of 516 lbs ft (700 Nm) at any one time. This helps give the Cross Coupé the performance of a sports car, but with efficiency greater than that of a city car.

In pure electric mode, the Cross Coupé can cover up to 45 km (28 miles) at speeds of up to 120 kmh (75 mph). If the TDI is needed (for example if the battery’s charge is depleted), it seamlessly re-engages within fractions of a second. So that in theory, the Cross Coupé’s 55-litre fuel tank gives it a range of 1,287 km (800 miles).

The Cross Coupé is a concept vehicle, and there are no plans to put it into production.

New Lavida: new version of one of China’s best-sellers

Making its world premiere at Beijing is the New Lavida, presented by Shanghai Volkswagen. This redeveloped and completely restyled saloon follows in the footsteps of its highly successful predecessor, the Lavida, which launched in June 2008. Since then, over 700,000 of these A-segment saloons have been sold, making the Lavida among the best-selling vehicles in Chinese automotive history.

New Lavida is offered with a choice of three engines and four equipment lines. Standard equipment includes ABS, ESP and front airbags. It is not available in Europe.

CC 3.0-litre V6

FAW Volkswagen is expanding the CC line-up with this new V6 version. It is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 producing 250 PS at 6,300 rpm and torque of 228 lbs ft (310 Nm) at 3,300 rpm. A six-speed DSG gearbox helps the CC to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 7.4 seconds, while fuel economy is 9.4 litres per 100 km (around 30 mpg).

Tiguan R-Line, Scirocco R and Phaeton Exclusive Concept

Also making their Chinese debuts in Beijing are the Tiguan R-Line, Scirocco R and Phaeton Exclusive Concept. The Tiguan R-Line offers stylish looks to match the performance of the 170 PS TSI engine, including R-Design bumpers, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery for the R-Line sports seats.

The Scirocco R is similar to the model available in the UK, but for China the engine produces 255 PS and maximum torque of 243 lbs ft (330 Nm), where the UK version offers 265 PS and 258 lbs ft (350 Nm).

The Phaeton Exclusive Concept, which made its European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, was developed with Poltrona Frau, an upmarket Italian company that is one of the world’s top sources for finely crafted leather upholstery.

Volkswagen up! is World Car of the Year

2012-04-04T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen is proud to announce that the up! has been honoured as the 2012 World Car of the Year. With 66 of the top automotive journalists from around the globe judging, the up! surpassed a total of 33 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 recognise the year's most outstanding vehicles based on merit, value, safety, environmental impact, significance, and emotional appeal.

‘This award shows once again that in the up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility,’ said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

The new Volkswagen city car has won numerous accolades since its launch in late 2011, winning special praise for its combination of small footprint, big interior space and innovative City Emergency Braking system.

Now in its ninth year, the World Car of the Year award has become one of the most credible and significant programmes 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 their ongoing, full-time professional work, and, collectively with all the jurors, reaches millions of consumers and automotive enthusiasts across the globe.

For more on the ninth annual World Car of the Year awards, please visit www.WCoTY.com.

Need to keep car costs down? Opt for a Volkswagen, says Parkers

2012-04-03T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen’s Polo and Touran models have claimed top honours in the Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards 2012, being judged the cars in their respective classes which make motorists’ cash go the furthest.

The Polo Match 1.2-litre TDI three-door won the Small Hatchback category – no mean feat in a market sector which is so price-sensitive – while the Touran S 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion Technology went on to victory in the hotly contested People Carrier category.

Now in their second year, the Parkers New Car Awards were designed by the experts at the car-buying website to help purchasers identify ‘the cars that make your cash go further’. The winners, rather than being based solely on the opinions of a panel of judges, are determined through the data produced by Parkers’ ‘cost of motoring’ tool – http://car-costs.parkers.co.uk. This uses objective data to identify all the different elements involved in keeping a car on the road for three years and covering 30,000 miles, including depreciation, taxes, service, maintenance and repair, fuel consumption and breakdown cover.

Commenting on the awards, Kieren Puffett, editor of Parkers says: ‘With the cost of motoring continuing to rise, customers are keener than ever to secure the best deal when buying a new car; yet motorists are often unaware of the unseen and long-term costs involved. Last year’s awards revealed a huge disparity in what motorists pay over the first three years of owning a new car and many people were surprised by the results.’

He added: ‘To win one Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Award is a real achievement, but to win two is outstanding. These awards are a clear demonstration that the Volkswagen Polo and Touran provide car buyers with exceptionally competitive running costs, strong residual values and fuel efficient engines.’

Scirocco line-up spring clean gives customers more choice and value

2012-04-02T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Scirocco range is being subtly refreshed, helping to ensure that this effervescent compact coupé stays fizzing at the top of customers’ wish-lists.

While the Scirocco’s award-winning dynamic characteristics remain unchanged, a price drop makes the entry-level model even more compelling value, while a new R Line specification brings more dramatic looks inside and out.

Every model in the range now comes with RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation, including the entry-level Scirocco, the price of which drops by between £420 and £600, depending on engine. Also now standard are a multifunction steering wheel and 17-inch ‘Long Beach’ alloys, while ACC Adaptive Chassis Control is now optional.

Move up to GT trim and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery is now standard, along with heated front seats. Also standard are ACC, 2Zone electronic climate control, front fog lights, heat-insulating tinted glass from the B-pillars back and 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels.

The new R Line builds on GT specification, but adds a dramatic bodykit, with bespoke bumpers and side skirts, and 19-inch ‘Lugano’ alloy wheels. Up front are Nappa leather R Line sports seats, an R Line wheel and chrome pedal covers.

At the top of the range, the Scirocco R offers the same compelling performance as before, thanks to its 265 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine, while RNS 315 satellite navigation and Nappa leather upholstery are now also standard.

Volkswagen Passat voted best company car of the year

2012-03-23T00:00:00Z

The Volkswagen Passat was voted the best new company car of 2011 at a ceremony attended by almost 1,400 fleet industry representatives this week.

The annual Fleet News Awards also witnessed BMW crowned as the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year in another headline award voted for by readers of the trade publication.

The ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on March 21 also saw awards for Ford, Skoda, SEAT, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and BMW in the car categories.

Cars were judged on a range of criteria, including operating costs (depreciation, fuel, servicing, maintenance and repair, lease rates, tax liability), suitability for their use as business cars and the level of support from the manufacturers and their corporate sales teams.

The Ford Fiesta and Focus won the Best Small Car and Best Lower Medium Car categories, while the Volkswagen Passat also won Best Upper Medium Car.

Other winners included the Skoda Superb estate, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 5 Series, Toyota Land Cruiser, SEAT Alhambra and Nissan Qashqai.

Meanwhile, Toyota and Lexus were given the award for Green Manufacturer of the Year, while Skoda was judged the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.

A panel made up of fleet industry experts as well as senior members of the Fleet News editorial team were involved in the lengthy judging process, chaired by former SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan and audited by Deloitte.

New Company Car of the Year and Fleet Manufacturer of the Year are voted on by fleet operator readers of Fleet News. The circulation database is used to allocate a code that allows voting only once to those who qualify.

Sleek new Volkswagen CC model hits UK roads today

2012-03-20T00:00:00Z

The first new Volkswagen CC models are hitting UK roads today, allowing drivers to experience the car’s impressive blend of four-door practicality and sleek coupé-like styling. Prices for the car start at just £24,200 (RRP OTR) for the entry-level 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS, and rise to £30,100 for the range-topping GT 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS DSG with BlueMotion Technology.

As well as a competitive list price and whole-life costs, the CC has a generous standard specification that includes RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, DAB digital radio, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, 2Zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights and brake energy recuperation. Safety features include a driver alert system, ESP electronic stabilisation programme and four-way adjustable front head restraints, to reduce the risk of whiplash.

The top GT trim comes loaded with even more equipment, with heated front seats, full Nappa leather upholstery, three-mode adaptive chassis control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and heat insulating tinted glass from the B-pillar back all included as standard.

If that’s not enough, options include High Beam Assist, which automatically controls dipping of the headlights; Side Assist, which monitors the vehicle’s blind spot; Lane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; a rear-view camera; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

Vehicles are available to test drive at Volkswagen Retailers from today. To find your local Retailer, click here http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/find-a-retailer.

The new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack: rugged and ready to order

2012-03-19T00:00:00Z

With its raised ride height, 4MOTION four-wheel drive and rugged body enhancements, the new Passat Alltrack has everything you need to venture off the beaten track; but customers need venture no further than their local Volkswagen Retailer to order one, ahead of the first cars arriving in showrooms in the UK on 28 May.

Based on the popular and versatile Passat Estate, the Passat Alltrack’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive and raised ride height give it greater agility off-road, while body enhancements provide some protection from scrapes when covering rough terrain. These features endow the Passat Alltrack with the practicality of an estate car and much of the versatility of a conventional SUV, while a high standard specification level adds more than a touch of luxury.

Just one trim level is available in the UK, with a choice of two drivetrains: a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS with six-speed manual gearbox, priced at £28,475 (RRP OTR), and a 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS with six-speed DSG transmission, priced at £31,025. Standard equipment includes Alcantara upholstery, 2Zone electronic climate control, RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation, DAB radio, MDI iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephone preparation, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system and 18-inch Canyon alloy wheels. A Driver Alert System that monitors the driver’s responses to raise awareness of fatigue is also standard, as is ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme).

Options include climate seats with massage function; High Beam Assist, which automatically controls dipping of the headlights; Side Scan Lane Change Assist, which monitors the vehicle’s blind spot; Lane Assist; ACC Adaptive Chassis Control; Automatic Distance Control with City Emergency Braking function; Park Assist (second generation); an interior ambient lighting pack; a rear-view camera; and an electrically deployed towbar.

The Passat Alltrack has a generous towing capacity of 2,000 kg (braked, 12 per cent incline), 200 kg more than an equivalent Passat Estate.

Time to get down to your Volkswagen Retailer to pick up an up!

2012-03-16T00:00:00Z

The award-winning new Volkswagen up! is now in UK showrooms. This cleverly compact city specialist has the interior space and features of a larger car, but its prices are in keeping with its small footprint. Prices start at £7,995 (RRP OTR), and rise to just £11,180, while retail customers using Volkswagen Finance’s Solutions PCP package can get into an up! from just £79 a month.

The up! distils Volkswagen’s values of quality, safety and value for money in a compact package, with modern, clean and efficient engines, class-leading safety features and an innovative infotainment system. It is available with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine options as well as a BlueMotion Technology version. There are three trim levels – Take up!, Move up! and High up! – plus special editions, the up! black and up! white. A five-door version will join the line-up later this year, along with an optional automatic gearbox. A fully electric version is in the pipeline.

Volkswagen Finance’s Solutions package means the up! is available to retail customers from just £79 a month, until 31 March, based on 10,000 miles per annum over three years*. For business users, up! starts at just £103 a month (plus VAT and initial rental) on a contract hire basis. Please visit your local Volkswagen Retailer for full details.

To ensure that customers continue to benefit from great value even after they’ve driven their new up! out of the showroom, Volkswagen’s three-year/30,000-mile fixed price servicing plan is available for £299, or for £99 if the vehicle is purchased with Solutions.

The up! has already won the What Car? Car of the Year for 2012 award, been named Top Gear magazine’s Small Car of the Year and also CarBuyer’s Best City Car.

Fast, fun and very frugal: The Volkswagen Polo BlueGT

2012-03-08T00:00:00Z

The Polo BlueGT, unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show, combines dynamic performance with extreme fuel efficiency, thanks to the use of ACT cylinder deactivation, which is being used for the first time in a production Volkswagen.

The turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine produces 140 PS, yet returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 4.7 litres per 100 km (around 60 mpg), and emits a forecasted 108 g/km of CO2. Opt for the seven-speed DSG transmission, and fuel consumption drops to a forecasted 4.5 litres per 100 km (62.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km. Top speed is 210 kmh (130 mph) and zero to 62 mph takes 7.9 seconds.

At the heart of the Polo BlueGT, and responsible in large part for its combination of high performance and low fuel economy, is the first of the new EA211 series of engines, which will become commonplace in the new modular transverse matrix (MQB) that will underpin future Volkswagen models.

Under light and medium loads, the second and third cylinders are automatically shut down, producing fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 km in the EU driving cycle. At a constant 50 kmh (30 mph) the savings can be as much as one litre per 100 km, and even at 70 kmh (44 mph) in fifth gear, around 0.7 litres per 100 km can be saved.

Cylinder deactivation occurs at engine speeds of between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm, and at torque outputs of 25 to 100 Nm (18 to 74 lbs ft). If the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the two cylinders are imperceptibly reactivated. All mechanical switchovers occur within 13 to 36 milliseconds, depending on engine speed. The multifunction display in the instrument binnacle lets the driver know when cylinders are deactivated.

While the cylinder deactivation is so unobtrusive that only the driver might know about it, the Polo BlueGT itself is distinguished both inside and out by various styling cues. On the outside, there are multi-spoke 17-inch alloys and GT badges front and rear. The suspension is lowered by around 15 mm. Added to this are some features borrowed from the Polo GTI (the rear spoiler, rear bumper with diffuser, plus front bumper with LED daytime running lights) and some features borrowed from the Polo BlueMotion (side sills and front windscreen rain channels). A black-painted front grille and black door mirror caps complete the look.

Inside, as in the Polo GTI, the roof lining is in black, while the instruments are also from the GTI. Both driver and passenger sit on bespoke BlueGT sports seats, and there is a leather-trimmed steering wheel with BlueGT emblem.

The Polo BlueGT goes on sale in Europe in July. UK availability is not yet confirmed.

The new Cross Coupé concept: Volkswagen's 157mpg SUV

2012-03-05T00:00:00Z

Last year, Volkswagen unveiled the Cross Coupé concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, powered by a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid system.

This week, a new Cross Coupé is making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, but with an even more frugal plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The Cross Coupé Concept is powered by an alliance of a turbodiesel direct injection engine (TDI) and two electric motors. Its combined fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle is a sensationally low 1.8 litres per 100 km (around 157 mpg). This translates into CO2 emissions of just 46 g/km, in a powerful SUV with a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph), 225 kW / 306 PS of power and a kerb weight of 1,858 kg.

Further information about the Cross Coupé will be available when it makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday 6 March.

Volkswagen up! and Golf Cabriolet win at CarBuyer awards

2012-03-01T00:00:00Z

In the same week that the first right-hand drive models are arriving in UK showrooms, the new Volkswagen up! has added to its growing tally of honours, winning car review website CarBuyer’s Best City Car award, while the Golf Cabriolet has claimed the accolade for Best Convertible.

Commenting on the awards, CarBuyer Editor in Chief Steve Fowler said: ‘The up! is a simply superb city car – it’s got all the attributes CarBuyer users will love: cheeky looks, mature driving manners, plenty of space, low running costs and a tempting price. It makes a great case for not needing anything larger.’

He continued: ‘Volkswagen’s latest Golf Cabriolet is the best yet. It has all the attributes that make every other Golf so brilliant, but with a huge dollop of sex appeal. It has its sensible side, but it sure knows how to let its hair down – it’s the perfect cabrio for CarBuyer users.’

On sale in the UK since last September, the Golf Cabriolet combines familiar Golf features with a more rakish look and an electrically powered fabric roof which can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds. Later this year, the line-up expands to include the fastest production Cabriolet yet, with the arrival of the Golf GTI Cabriolet.

The up! distils Volkswagen’s values of quality, safety and value for money in a compact package, from its modern, clean and efficient engines, through its class-leading safety features to its innovative infotainment system. The three-door model is on sale now, starting at £7,995, while a five-door version arrives before the end of the year. A fully electric version is also in the pipeline.

So far the up! has already won the What Car? Car of the Year for 2012 award and been named Top Gear magazine’s Small Car of the Year.

Growing up!: small car family expands at Geneva Motor show

2012-03-01T00:00:00Z

The new up! range is growing, with the unveiling of four up! design studies at the Geneva Motor Show next week, each of which shows the versatility and potential of the cleverly compact new Volkswagen city car.

The up! is as versatile as a Swiss Army Knife, so what better tribute to the host country of the Geneva Motor Show than the swiss up! concept. Inside and out the swiss up! reflects the colours of the Swiss flag, with Tornado Red paintwork, white mirror housings, a white dashboard facia and red bezels around the air vents. A leather band across the back of each front seat is provided for storing the eponymous pocket knife.

Next up (or rather next up!) is the winter up!, which is based on the cross up! concept first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011. With snowboards on the roof and cool Pure White and Malibu Blue paint, this concept is all set for the ski slopes. The raised ride height and underbody protection create a rugged look, while the low weight of the up!, along with front-wheel drive and ESP with electronic differential lock, make it surprisingly agile in slippery conditions.

Like the swiss up!, the x up! is based on the cross up!, but this time equipped for night-time expeditions, thanks to a roof box that comes with built-in searchlights. Burnt Orange exterior paint is complemented on the inside by two-tone door inserts and hand-sewn up! logos.

Lastly, there’s the cargo up! concept, which shows how you can load up the up! for city deliveries, with a huge 1,400-litre or 426kg payload. Underbody protection and a raised ride height allow the cargo up! to tackle pot-holed city streets, while the rear seats have been removed to create a flat load area. A bulkhead with the upper half made from Plexiglas separates cargo from driver, while the rear and rear side windows are body-coloured, keeping cargo safe from prying eyes while still allowing the driver to see through them.

The three-door up! goes on sale in the UK on Monday 5 March. The five-door model is set to join the line-up in the second half of the year.

Volkswagen lifts the lid on new Golf GTI Cabriolet

2012-02-29T00:00:00Z

The most powerful production Golf Cabriolet ever is set to be unveiled next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Pictured here for the first time, the Golf GTI Cabriolet packs in all the performance and practicality of the GTI hatchback, and adds the pleasures of open-air motoring for four, thanks to an electrically powered fabric roof which can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds, even while travelling at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Visually, the Golf GTI Cabriolet has all the classic GTI design cues. The radiator grille has a honeycomb structure with red edging and the GTI badge, while the front bumper incorporates a deep honeycomb air dam and distinctive vertical fog lights. Side sill extensions help give the GTI a wide, well-planted stance, while a bespoke rear diffuser is framed by a chrome tailpipe on either side. Smoked LED tail lights complete the look. As on the GTI hatchback, standard wheels are 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloys.

Under the insulated fully automatic roof are four individual seats covered in the classic tartan ‘Jacara’ cloth upholstery; ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery is optional. The bespoke GTI multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, as are the handbrake and gear lever gaiter, all finished with contrasting red stitching. The pedals have brushed stainless steel caps, while there are black ‘Edge’ decorative inlays on the doors and facia. The hood lining and roof pillar trims are all finished in black.

Under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the GTI hatchback, mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and producing 210 PS. The benchmark zero to 62 mph sprint is covered in 7.3 seconds with either transmission (versus 6.9 seconds for the hatch), while top speed is 147 mph (146 mph for the DSG).

Maximum torque of 206 lbs ft (280 Nm) is available from just 1,700 rpm to 5,300 rpm, at which point maximum horsepower is achieved. This broad torque band helps to make the GTI an excellent cruiser – even at low revs in a high gear, the reserves of torque make the GTI’s performance easy to tap in to. A standard EDS electronic differential lock and XDS transverse differential lock help to ensure that the power is easily transferred to the road.

Safety is every bit as much a priority as performance. As with all Golf Cabriolet models, the GTI comes with automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a driver’s knee airbag as standard, all of which helped it to achieve a five-star (96 per cent) rating for adult occupancy in Euro NCAP crash tests.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet goes on sale in the UK in the second half of the year. Prices and further specification details will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Volkswagen driver Ogier takes class victory in rally Sweden

2012-02-13T00:00:00Z

The Volkswagen factory team successfully concluded its test outing in the Rally Sweden, round two of the FIA World Rally Championship 2012, and gained valuable experience for future rallies with the Polo R WRC. Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia (F/F) took class victory with their Škoda Fabia; their team mates Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene (N/N) clinched third place. With more than 200,000 spectators looking on, the teams regularly left more powerful WRC cars trailing in their wake on the way to 11th and 14th in the overall standings.

‘The Rally Sweden is one of the real highlights of the World Championship season since it is only here that spiked tyres are used on snow and ice throughout the entire event. The character is unique and it was equally important for our team to collect experience in order to be as well prepared as possible next year with the Polo R WRC,’ explained Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. ‘Sébastien Ogier and Andreas Mikkelsen effectively controlled the Super 2000 class and were not only fast in the process, but also drove very reliably and within their limits – our two Fabias ran without problems, so many thanks to our team also for the excellent work.’

The Rally Sweden, which consisted of over 350 kilometres run against the clock on 24 special stages in the Swedish province Värmlands Län and in neighbouring Norway, provided spectators with rallying in its most spectacular form. The high speeds, long drifts and big jumps on icy tracks set the hearts of the many rally fans who lined the stages racing. Compact special stages close to the service park in Hagfors and head-to-head duels around the floodlit horse racing course in the start and finish area in Karlstad also inspired the spectators. The two Škoda Fabias fielded by Volkswagen Motorsport numbered among the crowd’s favourites from the very beginning. Sébastien Ogier took the S2000 class lead on the opening stage. With eight top-ten results and much to the enjoyment of the many fans he repeatedly moved into the leading group of the more powerful WRC. He said: ‘That was a very good rally for us. I’m very happy with our class win. The conditions on the stages were better than expected and it was great fun to drive here. Our pace was very good and because our team mates were also very fast the rally was interesting and informative for the entire team. After all is said and done and it was also the first rally on snow and ice with spiked tyres for our team.’ Not even a puncture on the 12th stage or changing the fuel filter after the 18th stage could slow Ogier/Ingrassia.

The 22-year old current Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) Champion Andreas Mikkelsen enjoyed the stages through his Norwegian homeland on Friday and was able to match his team mate’s pace throughout, before losing valuable time and a near certain second position in the class after suffering a puncture on the 22nd special stage. ‘My second rally with Volkswagen was a very, very good experience – it was obviously a great shame to lose second place within sight of the finish. Our first event together last year was the first WRC rally for the team. It was great to see just how much the team has developed since then. The teamwork is fabulous,’ said the Škoda UK driver who, together with co-driver Ola Fløene, contests selected rounds of the WRC for Volkswagen this year and otherwise aims to defend his IRC title. ‘When compared with the IRC events you must change your approach a little in the WRC. The rallies are longer, but at the same time you have fewer opportunities during the service breaks. You can’t drive so uncompromisingly, but want to be just as fast.’