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Traffic Message Channel (TMC)

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The Traffic Message Channel (TMC) is a digital data channel provided by the traffic news service that supplies continuously updated 'real time' traffic data. When your route has been selected, our navigation systems with dynamic route guidance make use of this data to check traffic conditions. If the TMC indicates a traffic jam or other hold-up, the system automatically calculates an alternative way to your destination. It takes into account the time required for the alternative route and if this is longer than driving through the traffic jam, your route is not changed. The Traffic Message Channel is now available in much of Europe with data transmitted digitally, decoded by your navigation system, and displayed in your own language.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk


Volkswagen is on a charge as it enters innovative new partnership with Zipcar

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Volkswagen is joining forces with the world’s largest car-sharing network, Zipcar, to launch the ultra-low emission Golf GTE in the UK’s capital city.  ‘Zipwagen’ is a clear demonstration of how Volkswagen is offering not only cutting-edge technology in its cars, but also in the ways in which those cars are used by new types of customers.

In future, increasing numbers of inner city residents will choose to use cars only when required and most suitable to their needs, making car sharing schemes attractive.  And with air quality a long-standing and still growing focus, an ultra-low emission vehicle such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid is the ideal choice.

With 40 cars located in the London Borough of Westminster and a further 10 cars throughout the capital Zipwagen is a partnership which will see a total of 50 Volkswagen Golf GTE models, with dedicated charging stations, made available to Zipcar members.

The partnership allows members of the car club access to the dynamic, multi award-winning Golf GTE for as little as £7 per hour – bringing sustainable, low- and zero-emission driving within the reach of a large number of Londoners.

The innovative Golf GTE is powered by a combination of petrol engine and electric motor.  Capable of returning up to 166 mpg, and with CO2 emissions measured at just 39 g/km, this desirable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has already scooped a series of prominent automotive industry awards including an overall win in the UK’s influential Green Apple Awards, and the Green category in the annual BusinessCar Fleet Technology Awards.

When fully charged in all-electric mode, the Golf GTE has an electric range of up to 31 miles**.  When electric and petrol combine, the total range is 580 miles**.  The car therefore provides the best of both worlds: the zero tailpipe emissions of a pure EV along with the reassuring extra range, low emissions and impressive economy of a latest generation Volkswagen petrol engine.  This makes the Golf GTE equally suitable whether on short trips in the city or longer journeys out of town.

The car’s latest generation lithium-ion battery can be charged in two ways: either when plugged into a charging station or, if necessary, while being driven on the road.  From zero to full charge takes 2 hours 20 minutes at one of the dedicated Zipcar charging points.

Welcoming the launch of the Zipwagen initiative Rod McLeod, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Volkswagen is once again demonstrating its forward thinking with this exciting new Zipwagen initiative.  We are already leading the way in terms of product technology and the new car buying experience – from clicks right through to collection – but this partnership with Zipcar shows that we are also providing attractive solutions to increasing numbers of inner-city residents who want to use cars on demand in preference to actually owning one.

“Engaging low- or no-emission driving in the city, allied to the well-established quality and practicality of today’s Volkswagen Golf, means I expect the Zipwagen initiative to prove extremely popular and look forward to seeing the 50 Golf GTEs involved in the scheme out and about on the streets of London in the weeks and months ahead.” 

Mark Walker, Zipcar UK General Manager, said: “The Volkswagen Golf GTE is ideal for Zipcar members and ideal for London.  Volkswagen’s innovative plug-in hybrid technology means the best of both worlds: zero emission driving in the city, combined with total flexibility for driving long distances.  

“Thanks to our Zipwagen partnership, Zipcar members will be able to drive this leading-edge, premium car for just £7 per hour and, once they have done so, I’m confident they will become positive advocates for electric driving in the city.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2016: Volkswagen celebrates 40 years of the GTI in England

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 It is one of the most extraordinary events for classic automobiles and racing cars of every era: the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Thousands are flocking to the home of the Earl of March and Kinrara, Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, in Westhampnett, England, for the annual automotive festival. This year at the site, two hours’ drive from London, they will witness celebrations for a Volkswagen icon: the Golf GTI, which is now 40 years young. The journey across the English Channel has been made by a Golf Mkl GTI race car and the new Golf GTI Clubsport S. Another star at the spectacle of speed is the Polo R WRC. Both the Golf Mkl GTI and Polo R WRC will be taking part in the legendary hill climb. At the wheel: racing drivers Strietzel Stuck and Jari-Matti Latvala.

It all began in 1976.Volkswagen launched the first Golf GTI. A production run of only 5,000 was planned. But the GTI democratised the outside lane of the motorway and became the icon of compact sports cars. To date more than two million motorists around the world have gone for a Golf GTI. Delivering 228 kW I 310 PS, the most powerful version is the new Clubsport S - a finely balanced cross between road and racing car with a limited production run of just 400. Volkswagen is now bringing history full circle at Goodwood. With the Golf Mkl GTI and the Golf GTI Clubsport S the company is showing the origin of the cult compact car and its new flagship at the same time.

In terms of power the Golf GTI Clubsport S is on a par with the 232 kW / 315 PS Polo R WRC, with which Volkswagen won the World Rally Championship in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and is on course for the title again in 2016. Driver Jari-Matti Latvala (31) will be powering the Polo R WRC up the famous southern English hill. Also taking part in the legendary hill climb will be Hans-Joachim Stuck (65) - the well-known former Formula 1, DTM and Le Mans star - in an historic Golf Mkl GTI racing car (222 PS).

*Golf GT/ Clubsport S fuel consumption in l/100km: 7.4 (combined).C02 emissions in glkm: 172 (combined). Efficiency class: F. All performance, fuel efficiency and emission figures given in this press release are forecasts as at June 2016.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

New Tiguan scores maximum five stars in more stringent EURO NCAP tests.

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The new Tiguan has today been awarded the top rating offive stars by the independent European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP. The latest generation of the popular SUV passed the demanding NCAP safety tests with top marks, making the Tiguan one of Europe’s safest new cars.

The overall safety rating of five stars is aggregated from the new Tiguan's results in four sub-sections: occupant protection for adults and children; pedestrian protection; and driver assistance systems. The new Tiguan passed the comprehensive Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) test series with outstanding results – not least thanks to its first-class package of safety features, including optimised vehicle body structure, a highly effective safety belt, seat and airbag combination and innovative driver assistance systems.

Since 1997, Euro NCAP has been regarded as one of the most important benchmarks for vehicle safety in Europe. This year, the conditions for the test were made even tougher. In the extensive testing of occupant safety for adults the new Tiguan achieved an outstanding 96 per cent of the maximum rating. In this process it was put through the following safety tests:

  • Frontal crash into an aluminium barrier at 64km/h and 40 per cent overlap
  • Frontal crash at 50 km/h into a rigid barrier with 100% overlap
  • Side impact at 50 km/h into the vehicle side structure
  • Side pole impact at 32 km/h
  • Protection against whiplash in the event of arear-end collision
  • Automatic emergency braking to avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians

An excellent result – 84 per cent of the possible points total – was also achieved by the new Tiguan for child safety. This year, new child crash test dummies were being used in the assessment for the first time. Thanks to the standard ISOFIX and Top Tether child seat anchors and safety belt tensioners on the second row of seats, children are very well protected in the event of any frontal or side impact.

In the pedestrian protection category the Tiguan scored a total rating of 72 per cent. Design details on the Tiguan that reduce the risk of injury to passers-by were, in particular, positively rated. These include the 'active bonnet', which in the event of a collision is designed to help reduce dangerous head injuries. The popular SUV is also equipped with an emergency braking system and – as a first in the Tiguan – with a pedestrian detection function.

In the area of safety assistance the Tiguan was able to impress, and score 69 per cent of the possible points, with its standard ESC, seatbelt fastening reminder function in the back, Front Assist emergency braking system and the Lane Assist function that helps drivers to stay in lane.

The new Tiguan has been available to order in the UK since April and comes with an extensive range of safety features. These include airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger (including front-seat passenger airbag deactivation and a knee airbag on the driver’s side) and a head airbag system for the front and rear passengers, including side airbags. There are also safety-optimised headrests which minimise the risk of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision, and seatbelt alerts for every seat. The new Tiguan also has systems such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with countersteer assistance, including ABS with brake assistant, the Post- Collision Braking System and a tyre pressure indicator.

The Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection system, which recognises critical situations with increased potential of an accident, tightens seatbelts being worn in the front and closes any open windows and/or sliding sunroof is also fitted as standard in many countries.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

VOLKSWAGEN AND LG AGREE JOINT DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIVE CONNECTED CAR PLATFORM

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Going forward, the twocompanieswill work together onVolkswagen’sCross-Over-Platform, which isaimed at enhanced vehicle connectivity and convenience. Using the latest in cloud technology, it willoffer drivers seamless digital access to extensive featuressuch as smart home and location-based services.

Over the coming years, the two companieswill be concentrating on:

  • Developing technologies that bring together the connected car and the smart home so thatdrivers are able to control and monitor smart devices in theirhomes — such as lights,security systems and domestic appliances — from out on the road.
  • Developing a context-sensitive notification centre that can deliver messages in an intuitive and safe manner and provide optimised recommendations to the driver in real time.
  • Developing next-generation infotainment technology for connected cars.

Key LG Electronics executives present at the signing at VolkswagenGroup headquarters includedRichard Choi, Head of LGCloud Center, and Lee Sang-yong, Head of LG Vehicle Infotainment System ResearchLab. Representing Volkswagen were Prof. Thomas Form, Head of Electronics and VehicleResearch, and Robert Kattner, Head of Vehicle Information Systems, both of the Group Research Division.

"Volkswagen is pressing on with the digitalisation of its brands. Our focus in doing so is always on ourcustomers. For them, comfort, safety and energy efficiency play a central role. LG is a strong,reliable partner in the implementation of new features andone of the drivers of innovation in the networked household. Welook forward to working with LG and to developing in future simple, easy-to-use smarthome solutions for our customers integrated into our vehicle systems," said Form at the official signing of the agreement.

“LG Electronics andVolkswagenare teaming up to develop the next generationof connected car platform that allows wide integration with smart homeservices andadoption of open IoT connectivity technologies,” said Richard Choi. “We think LG’s expertise in smart technology together withVolkswagen’sleadership in theautomotive sectorwill revolutionise theway drivers interact with their vehicles.”

This agreement is an example of the long-standing relationship that LG and Volkswagenhave developed over the years. LG was one of the first electronics companiesto commit itself to the automotive industry. It has beensupplying audio-visual products for vehicles since 2007, establishing a reputation for reliability and technological innovation.

In March in 2015, Volkswagensubsidiary ItaldesignGuigiaro unveiled its GEA concept car at the Geneva Motor Show with seven keycomponents supplied by LGElectronics, including the holographicdisplay, connected smart watch, tail lights and rearcamera. In July, LG was selected as Volkswagen’s strategic electronics supplier and also listed as a partner company on its FAST (Future Automotive Supply Tracks)programme. At CES earlier this year, the twocompanies attracted great attention showcasing a smart home system that could be controlled remotely from the vehicle.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

1982 - Cooperation agreement with SEAT

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A cooperation with the "Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, SA" (SEAT) opens the way for Volkswagenwerk AG to enter the Iberian market. The Spanish vehicle manufacturer handles the sales of imported Volkswagen and Audi models with its own dealer network. Starting in early 1984 it produces licensed versions of the Passat and Polo. Transferring production of the Polo to Spain opens up capacity in Wolfsburg, augmenting the Golf production and helping Volkswagen to reach the top of the European automobile industry.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

VOLKSWAGEN LEADS THE WAY IN 2016 WHICH? CAR GUIDE ‘BEST BUY’ CATEGORIES

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Volkswagen delivers an industry-leading performance in the new car ‘best buy’ categories of prominent independent UK consumer body Which?.

The 2016 Which? Car Guide, published today, puts no fewer than four Volkswagen models top of their respective classes based on a combination of independent lab and road tests carried out by the Which? team, plus owner feedback gathered through the annual Which? Car Survey.

Among the Volkswagen models named as ‘best buys’ are two of the brand’s electric models: the e-up! and the e-Golf.  Scooping the best buy in the City Car class is the diminutive e-up! while the e-Golf’s performance in the Medium Car class led the experts at Which? to declare of it: “All the brilliance of a Golf, but battery powered.”

Another class-leading Golf is the SV, which takes the MPV best buy honours in the 2016 guide.  The family-focused car is characterised as offering “all the benefits of a Golf and more; a fine five seater”.  Meanwhile the capacious and practical new Passat Estate is the German brand’s final category leader in the 2016 Car Guide.  It secured a ‘best buy’ in the Estate Car class, with Which? declaring of it: “A consummate all-rounder. [It] blends estate versatility with the upmarket image of a premium German saloon.”

In his foreword to the 2016 publication, Which? Cars Editor Nic Shaw writes: “The 2016 Which? Car Guide is your guide to the very best cars you can buy based on our expert impartial tests, plus reliability and satisfaction data from the UK’s largest survey of car owners.”  

Which? is today the largest consumer body in the UK with more than 1.4 million members and supporters.

Welcoming the ringing endorsement for four of the brand’s models Director of Volkswagen UK, Alison Jones, said: “It’s great to see such a broad spectrum of new Volkswagen cars praised in this independent guide.

“But, just as encouragingly, it is two of our new breed of electric cars – the e-up! and the e-Golf – that are singled out for praise in their respective classes.

“Volkswagen has a clear strategy to develop and extend its e-mobility offering over the years ahead, and to see that we are already leading the way so successfully is very encouraging.”  

For more details of the entire Volkswagen range, please log on to www.volkswagen.co.uk and to find out more about the brand’s range of pure electric and hybrid models, visit http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/technology/electric-vehicles

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

STYLING CHANGES AND NEW R-LINE TRIM FOR REVISED VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

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The Volkswagen Beetle is a genuine motoring icon.  It’s one of a handful of cars that, in the 20th Century, brought motoring to the masses as more than 20 million examples of the original Beetle were sold around the world.  And when it was reborn in 1998 as the New Beetle, a further million sales brought the Beetle’s distinctive character to a new generation. 

In 2011 the ‘New’ moniker was dropped and the Beetle comprehensively redesigned.  Its new shape was lower and wider, with a longer bonnet, and the Beetle’s more sporting and masculine stance captured the world’s imagination all over again.

Now, this latest iteration of perhaps the best loved Volkswagen is being refreshed, with changes that include a more sculptured body and a fresh interior design.  The styling enhancements and new options further enrich the appeal and value that is inherent in Volkswagen’s Beetle range, which is available in coupe and cabriolet forms and, with the new Beetle Dune, as a crossover.

The styling changes comprise sharpened lines for the front bumpers, while larger openings around the indicator and fog light surrounds give extra depth to the car’s appearance.  Meanwhile, the new Beetle R-Line trim has a more sporty bumper design unique to that model.  It features extra air intake openings along the upper edge of the bumper.

On the inside, the Volkswagen Beetle’s distinctive cabin has brighter instrument panel lighting and new dials and dash styling for the Design and R-Line models.  New upholstery materials bring further styling options.

In the new range the Beetle R-Line replaces the previous Sport trim level.  The R-Line will be available with Volkswagen’s powerful 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS diesel engine and a choice of either six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission.

The new Beetle R-Line also boasts sports suspension, 18-inch ‘Twister’ alloy wheels, and the unique new R-Line bumper.  It is also available with a new alloy wheel design, the 18-inch ‘Ashmie Adamantium’, at no extra cost. 

Whichever wheels are chosen, the sporty finish of the Beetle R-Line is enhanced further with a body-coloured rear diffuser and chromed twin exhausts.  And the R-Line’s exterior styling is developed with gloss black door mirrors and door protectors.  Of course an R-Line specification Beetle wouldn’t be complete without a rear tailgate spoiler.

Clearly Volkswagen’s designers have worked diligently to enhance the external look of the modern Beetle but, inside the car, the traditional Volkswagen driver-focused design remains.  In the R-Line this starts with ‘Sports’ instrument dials, while the pedals are trimmed in aluminium and the scuff plates feature the distinctive R-Line logo. 

The quality of the interior is evidenced by the leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, which has an R-Line badge insert and coloured stitching too.  The seats are finished in ‘Kyalami’ cloth and the R-Line badge is resplendent in the headrests.  Height and lumbar adjustment add to the comfort of the seats.

Finally, 2Zone climate control with automatic air recirculation, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control increase the technology that is standard on the Beetle R-Line.

In addition to the debut of the R-Line trim, a new option pack is available for the Beetle Design.  The Black Style Pack includes 17-inch ‘Rotor’ black alloy wheels and a black painted roof.  The air intake grille is also coloured black, as are the outside decorative trim stripes.  The protective side moulding is painted black and has a chromed strip, while the wing mirror housing is painted black.  All of this extra equipment costs just £625¹. 

The Beetle of course has a wide array of personalisation options to match the individual customer’s choice.  Outside, two new pearlescent-effect colours are available: ‘Bottle Green’ and ‘White Silver’. The interior colours can also be changed, with the dash centre console and steering wheel inserts of the Design trim now being offered in a choice of Sandstorm Yellow, Tornado Red, Habanero Orange or Pure White for £125. 

Interior lighting colour, too, can be changed depending on customer preference, when the ‘Fender’ premium sound pack is purchased (£545).  It also includes eight-speakers and a subwoofer.  The body style of the Volkswagen Beetle is particularly receptive to changes in the wheel design.  For the daring, there is now even the option of fitting 17-inch ‘Orbit’ wheels in red: a £100 option on the Beetle Design.

Recently the Beetle range was extended to include the rugged Beetle Dune, too.  This charismatic new Volkswagen harks back to the famous Beetle dune buggies that roamed the West Coast of America in the 1960s and 1970s, and Dune models also benefit from the upgrades.

For more details on all the cars in the Volkswagen Beetle range, together with brochures and pricing and to use Volkswagen’s online configurator, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk


RECORD BREAKING GOLF GTI CLUBSPORT S IS A SELL-OUT SUCCESS

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Every single Golf GTI Clubsport S model allocated to the UK market has been sold on release of the new car.

Only 400 examples of the Golf GTI Clubsport S will be built, of which the lion’s share (150) will come to the UK – a country where the enduring popularity of the hot hatchback is unmatched anywhere else in the world.  Deliveries of these limited edition cars are expected to begin in early October.

The Clubsport S is the ultimate expression of the legendary Golf GTI.  The front-wheel-drive car’s 2.0-litre TSI engine packs 310 PS, enabling a blistering 7m 49.21 s record lap time around the gruelling Nürburgring Nordschleife back in May.

The Golf GTI Clubsport S is focused on outright performance.  It weighs 1,285 kg, resulting in a strong power-to-weight ratio of 4.15 kg/PS.  A revised fuel pump is only one example of how comprehensively this car has been evolved but of greater significance is the weight reduction compared with the Golf GTI on which this car is based.  Features such as an aluminium subframe on the front axle and aluminium brake covers illustrate the Wolfsburg engineers’ commitment to shedding the kilograms.

Continuing that theme, a smaller battery, along with the removal of components such as insulating material, the variable luggage compartment floor, the parcel shelf, floor mats and the bonnet damping have together pushed the weight tally down further.  Finally, fitting the car with a manual transmission and removing the rear seats completes the comprehensive weight-saving programme.

That weight reduction contributes to the incredible performance of the Golf GTI Clubsport S.  Standstill to 62 mph is reached in 5.8 seconds, and the top speed, where the law permits, is 164 mph.  It packs a torque figure of 380 Nm between 1,850 and 5,700 rpm, with maximum power available between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm.

To transfer this performance to the road and track are four 235/35 ZR Michelin tyres, which are mounted on 19-inch ’Pretoria’ alloy wheels.  The handling of the car can be adjusted by the driver thanks to Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). DCC makes it possible to achieve the optimum response to driving conditions.  Comfort, Normal and Race modes are available, as well as a special ‘Nürburgring’ option that further modifies the suspension, sound, engine and steering parameters.

The Golf GTI Clubsport S features race-derived heated bucket seats to connect driver and car.  The character of the Clubsport S engulfs the driver through sound as well as feel thanks to a new exhaust system.  The diameter ahead of the tailpipes is 65 mm instead of 55 mm, which reduces backpressure and increases performance.  The side effect is the atmospheric backfire produced when decelerating.

This very special Golf has a recommended retail price of £33,995 on-the-road.  Three colours are offered: ‘Tornado Red’, ‘Pure White’ and ‘Deep Black’.  Air conditioning is available as a no-cost option, its inclusion adding around 10 kg to the lightweight car.  CO2 emissions for the Clubsport S are 172 g/km and its economy on the combined cycle is 38.1 mpg*.

The Clubsport S joins the Clubsport Edition 40 in the GTI line-up – also a special edition to celebrate the GTI’s 40th birthday.  It boasts 265 PS – 45 PS more than the standard GTI – with an overboost function to take power up temporarily to 290 PS, and is priced from £30,935 RRP on-the road.  Both Clubsport versions of the Golf GTI share DNA with the successful Golf GTI TCR racing car that was launched at the start of the year.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

NEWS VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GTE DELIVERS THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS

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Space, pace, and environmental credentials that even before its official UK showroom debut have already secured it a prestigious ‘green’ award: the new Volkswagen Passat GTE is calculated to offer drivers the very best of all worlds.

A winner in the Large Family Car class in the recent Next Green Car Awards even before its showroom debut here, the new Passat GTE is available to order today (02/08/16) through the Volkswagen UK retailer network with prices starting at £36,525 (RRP OTR), excluding Government Plug-In Car Grant of £2,500.

The first Passat with a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid drive system, the innovative new car offers spirited performance alongside the possibility of zero emissions when driving in all-electric mode.

Available in saloon or estate body styles, the most environmentally responsible Passat to date emits just 39g of CO2 on the EU Combined Cycle, equating to fuel economy of 166 mpg.  Yet with 400 Nm of torque and combined system power of 218 PS, the new car can sprint from rest to 62 mph in a lively 7.6 seconds before heading to a top speed of 140 mph, where legal. The potential range between refuelling stops is more than 660 miles.

The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid that can be driven up to 31 miles on electric power alone in E-Mode.  A 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivers 156 PS, while the electric motor adds a further 115 PS.  Underlining its engaging performance capabilities, the electric motor alone can provide up to 330 Nm of torque from near-standstill.

A specially developed six-speed DSG gearbox is standard on the Passat GTE and features a third, disengagement clutch.  This decouples the TSI motor whenever possible, to allow the vehicle to make best use of kinetic energy and hence increases efficiency still further.

Building on the already elegant lines of the new Passat – voted European Car of the Year 2015 - the Passat GTE is distinguished outside by distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights and an additional blue line across the radiator grille: design cues which are shared with the award-winning Golf GTE.  A redesigned front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels also mark out the new car.

Inside, in addition to the optional innovative Active Info Display with specific customised read-outs, standard features include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in Alcantara with Vienna leather side bolsters.  Unique GTE badging also marks out the new Passat.

Bristling with innovative and engaging new technology, the new Passat GTE boasts Volkswagen’s new Car-Net e-Remote app which allows a wide variety of tasks – including charging – to be controlled via smartphone.  All climate control functions can be also activated remotely, while information on the vehicle’s state of charge, recent driving data or last parking position can be displayed.  It is also possible to check whether the doors are closed and the lights turned off.

The Passat GTE’s electric motor develops maximum torque of 330 Nm and offers continuous torque of 170 Nm.  The 1.4-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine is as sophisticated as the electric motor and drivetrain.  This four-valve per cylinder unit from the EA211 engine family uses an ultra-rigid die-cast aluminium crankcase.  Maximum power of 156 PS comes at 5,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 250 Nm is on offer between 1,500 rpm and 3,500 rpm.

Under normal circumstances, the Passat GTE starts in pure electric E-Mode. When it reaches minimum battery charge hybrid mode is activated. Here the Passat GTE operates as a full hybrid, charging the battery under deceleration and automatically using the TSI motor and/or electric motor as required.  However, should the driver wish to conserve electric power (for example to use E-Mode in a city at the end of a journey), Battery Charge mode can be selected.  For maximum power, GTE mode can be chosen: this uses both petrol and electric motors.

The car’s lithium-ion battery is fitted in the floor area of the rear seat bench. Comprising eight modules of 12 cells each, it creates a nominal voltage of 360 V and power of 9.9 kWh, with a peak output of 85 kW.  The high-voltage battery is overseen electronically by the Battery Management Controller, which manages various functions including the battery’s liquid cooling system.

Charging is achieved either via a standard UK domestic mains outlet in around four hours and 15 minutes; or in two hours 30 minutes from a dedicated wallbox with a 3.6 kW supply.

The Passat GTE comes in two highly specified trim levels in the UK.  On top of the standard features of the Passat GT (such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, Discover Navigation, Bluetooth and parking sensors), standard items include LED headlights and tail lights, Mode 2&3 charging cables and Car-Net e-Remote.  Standard items on the GTE Advance trim also include the new Active Info Display, Discover Pro navigation (eight-inch screen), Nappa leather, Area View and LED premium headlights.

Despite its extra technology and revised styling, dimensions of the Passat GTE match those of the standard Passat, including boot volume (402-968 litres for the saloon and 483-1613 litres for the estate).

Judges in the Next Green Car Awards said of the Volkswagen: “Volkswagen’s Passat is an excellent large family car that performs well in every area. Add to it the plug-in hybrid powertrain that effortlessly provides drive for all situations and the Passat GTE becomes a dominant model in the large family class.”  

The new Volkswagen Passat GTE, in saloon or estate form, is available to order on 2 August, with first registrations due in August. 

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Coupe Concept

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Volkswagen has presented the new C Coupé GTE at Auto Shanghai 2015. This four-door concept car for the Chinese market – which is over five metres in length – combines exclusivity, perfection and passion. The C Coupé GTE is powered by an innovative plug-in hybrid drive system, whose drive sources combine to produce an impressive 500 Newton metres of system torque.

The progressive C Coupé GTE illustrates a new design approach for Volkswagen’s top future saloons. Its contemporary form is impressive from all angles: while its long bonnet conveys a confident appearance, from the side, the four-door C Coupé GTE shows elegant lines, low-profile side windows and horizontal character line that is formed by two lines. From the rear, this structure comes together distinctively, emphasising the vehicle’s width.

The C Coupé GTE has one of the world’s most advanced plug-in hybrid drive systems. It consists of a turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine (TSI) with four cylinders,an 8-speed automatic gearbox, an electric motor integrated in the gearbox module and a lithium-ion battery. The TSI engine produces 210 PS, while the electric motor has a power output of 124 PS. The hybrid drive develops a system power of 245 PS and an impressive system torque of 500 Nm. The battery integrated at the rear can be charged while driving or while parked.

The C Coupé GTE can also be powered all-electrically (up to a speed of 130 km/h (81 mph)); this mode enables driving with zero local emissions and a range of 50 kilometres (31 mph). The car’s combined fuel consumption (NEDC for plug-in hybrid vehicles) is 2.3 litres per 100 kilometres. This figure equates to CO2 emissions of just 55 g/km. The car’s total driving range is over 800 kilometres (497 miles). Despite its excellent fuel efficiency, the C Coupé GTE also has sporty ambitions. This Volkswagen accelerates to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph).

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Super, Seb! Volkswagen wins at home event in the WRC

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Wolfsburg (21 August 2016). Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) are back on the winning track – and it is asphalted: victory at the Rally Germany went to Volkswagen for the second year in a row. As they did last year, Ogier/Ingrassia won round nine of this season’s FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with the Polo R WRC, making full use of the slight advantage that came with opening the route on the first all-asphalt race of the year. Extremely difficult conditions, ranging from dry asphalt to wet concrete, made tyre selection a real challenge all weekend. Ogier/Ingrassia produced a display worthy of world champions to extend their lead in the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship by 14 points to 59. Their closest rival, Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger (N/N) just failed to take second place in a thrilling finale and ultimately had to settle for fourth. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), in the third Polo R WRC, recovered from a damaged gearbox on Friday to score two bonus points on the closing Power Stage. They also fought back to finish eighth in the WRC class and contribute to Volkswagen taking a big step towards defending its title in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

“Winning the ADAC Rally Germany again is a great success for Volkswagen and an important step towards defending the title in the World Rally Championship,” said Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for “Development”, who visited the works team in Trier alongside Christian Eisenlohr, General Secretary Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “The Rally Germany once again lived up to its reputation as being particularly challenging. Our entire team did an outstanding job in front of our home fans, and I would like to thank them for that,” said Welsch.

Gripping finale for second place – Mikkelsen/Jæger narrowly beaten in fourth place

Thrilling down to the finish: Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger (N/N) once again found themselves embroiled in a gripping three-way battle for second place on the final day at the Rally Germany. In light of the looming rain, they opted for three soft and three hard Michelin competition tyres for the showdown on the closing three special stages. And thereby for one more replacement tyre than their rivals at Hyundai – but with the option of having more wet tyres in the damp conditions. The rain never came, but Mikkelsen/Jæger tried everything to seize second place, however, they were forced to pay the price of the extra weight of around 20 kilograms and overheating brakes: Fourth place, despite an immensely strong performance on all rally days.
 
The duo in second place in the championship staged a gripping duel with their Volkswagen team-mates Ogier/Ingrassia for the lead on Friday and Saturday, which went in favour of the three-time World Champion on the legendary “Panzerplatte”.

Fantastic atmosphere at the first asphalt event of the year

Thousands of fans at the "Panzerplatte" and along the special stages in the vineyards: The first asphalt event of the year presented not only a great driving and technical challenge, but also a mesmerising atmosphere. The WRC completed three days of classified stages around Trier, and there were completely different characteristics of asphalt stages on three occasions. The preliminary decision in favour of Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia came on the "Panzerplatte", which with wide sections of track on concrete, bordered by the menhirs, characterised the rally Saturday. On the narrow asphalt routes through the vineyards, a gripping duel for the lead developed between Mikkelsen/Jæger and Ogier/Ingrassia on Friday. The stages "Drohntal" and "Sauertal", which were held as a Power Stage for the first time, hosted spectacular rally action with a mix of fast sections and serpentines in the vineyards on Sunday.

WRC lead extended: Ogier/Ingrassia 59 points ahead of Mikkelsen/Jæger

An important step in the world championship for Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia in the drivers’ and co-drivers’ standings, and for Volkswagen in the manufacturers’ standings: With the fifth win of the season for the brand, the third for Ogier/Ingrassia, the team came a little closer to defending the titles in all three standings. Ogier/Ingrassia now have 169 points to their name, 59 more than Mikkelsen/Jæger in second place in the overall standings. Latvala/Anttila are in fifth place with a deficit of 80 points. In the manufacturers’ standings, Volkswagen defended a lead of 55 points.

This means that Ogier and Ingrassia could successfully defend their titles in the drivers’ and co-drivers’ standings already if they were to win the next event, the Rally France on Corsica.

Power Stage: Two bonus points for Latvala, one for Ogier

The Rally Germany came to a conciliatory end for Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila. They were forced to retire their Polo R WRC with gearbox damage after just a few kilometres on Friday, but came back strongly under Rally 2 regulations on Saturday and Sunday and secured themselves two bonus points for the second-fastest time on the Power Stage. The final point on the Power Stage only just went to Ogier/Ingrassia, who beat Dani Sordo/Marc Martí (E/E, Hyundai) by one thousandth of a second. That corresponds to three centimetres.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

VOLKSWAGEN AND PISTONHEADS MARK 40 YEARS OF THE GOLF GTI

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An eclectic mix of Volkswagen Golf GTIs from across the model’s remarkable 40-year history journeyed to Volkswagen UK’s headquarters in Milton Keynes on Saturday (20 August) to attend a special ‘birthday celebration’ for the iconic hot hatch.

The unique event, organised in association with the UK’s largest online motoring forum – PistonHeads.com – saw the owners of 85 GTIs from across the years set their alarms extra early and ignore typically British ‘summer’ rain to make the pilgrimage to the cars’ spiritual home in Britain – the headquarters of Volkswagen UK in Milton Keynes. 

Branded the first PistonHeads’ Golf GTI Open, the event drew a remarkable mix from across the four decades of the car’s existence – with everything from meticulously restored examples to flamboyantly modified GTIs converging on the brand’s UK HQ.

The honourable award for rarity went to the solo Golf GTI Mk III in attendance, while a plethora of Mk V cars – 24 to be precise – saw that iteration of the charismatic hot hatch become the most numerous on show, just pipping the Mk II of which 23 examples were on display.

Volkswagen UK supported proceedings with a mini GTI showcase of its own including a carefully restored Mk I and, bringing things bang up to date, the very first example of the already sold-out Golf GTI Clubsport S to be seen in the UK; the left-hand drive car having been loaned for the event by Volkswagen’s global headquarters in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony.

James Drake, Head of Community and Marketing at PistonHeads, said: “The PH Sunday Service is a tried, tested and hugely popular format for gathering PHers together at significant motoring-related venues nationwide to admire cars, swap ownership stories and generally bring the online forums into the ‘real world’.

“When Volkswagen suggested we consider creating a PH Sunday Service-style celebration event for the GTI we jumped at the chance and Saturday’s PH Golf GTI Open with its impressive turn-out of superb Golfs from across the years, and across the country, clearly demonstrates both the breadth of PH membership and the appeal of the GTI.”

Mike Orford, Head of Press and PR for Volkswagen in the UK, was at Saturday’s celebrations.  He said: “This inaugural Golf GTI Open has been a resounding success.  I can honestly say I’ve never seen such a varied selection of Golf GTIs in one place, and to gather them together here at our headquarters for this celebration shows the depth of feeling – love, even – British owners of this iconic hot hatch feel for their cars.”

The Golf GTI was launched to a stunned automotive audience in 1976, with the German brand initially targeting sales of around 5,000, globally, for the newly minted performance version of its already well-regarded compact hatchback.

Today, 40 years and more than two million registrations later, the Golf GTI remains a genuine icon of ‘everyday’ sporting excellence. 

The latest chapter in this exciting story, limited to just 400 examples worldwide, is the exceptional Golf GTI Clubsport S of which 150 in right-hand drive form have been earmarked for UK customers.  The 310 PS ‘ultimate GTI’ sold out here within weeks of its announcement, which came as the car claimed the front-wheel drive lap record for the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in an incomparable seven minutes and 49 seconds.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

2017 GOLF ALLTRACK: VOLKSWAGEN’S STYLISH AND SOPHISTICATED WAGON IS READY FOR ADVENTURE

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  • MSRP ranges from $26,950 for the S model to $32,890 for the top-tier SEL trim
  • 4Motion® all-wheel drive, Hill Descent Control, Alltrack-exclusive “Off Road Mode,” and increased ground clearance provide exceptional performance on a variety of road conditions
  • Available advanced driver assistance systems include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist)front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist)
  • Golf platform offers the utility of a compact SUV—cargo volume, roof rack—without compromise in road manners 
  • High-tech features include a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with rearview camera, Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect and an available Off-Road HMI section for the MIB infotainment platform

Herndon, VA – The Golf Alltrack, the eagerly awaited derivative of the Golf SportWagen, marries that vehicle’s practicality and fun-to-drive nature with the capabilities of 4Motion® all-wheel drive and rugged exterior styling. The Alltrack offers an affordable yet upscale alternative to existing all-wheel-drive wagons that are on the market.

The Alltrack uses Volkswagen’s powerful yet fuel-efficient 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which makes 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The TSI engine will initially be offered with a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual transmission available later in the model year. The latest generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive system features a fast-acting center differential. Golf Alltrack will be available in three trims—S, SE and SEL—and will be in dealer showrooms in October.

Article source: www.vw.com

POWER UP! VOLKSWAGEN’S NEW ALL-ELECTRIC E-UP! IS OPEN FOR ORDER

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Expanding on the extensive appeal of the new up!, which has already been roundly praised for its style, versatility and quality, the new e-up! builds on the standard car’s accomplished packaging with a zero emission solution.

With its 82 PS electric motor the e-up! boasts a peak torque figure of 210 Nm, equating to a brisk 0-62 mph time of 12.4 seconds and it will keep on going, where the law permits, to 80 mph.  The car boasts a maximum range of around 93 miles between charges.

This e-up!’s power derives from a lithium-ion battery pack located within the car’s floor and consisting of 204 cells, together rated at 374 volts and 18.7 kWh.  The motor is mated to a single-speed gearbox that is optimised for minimum friction.  The driveline is particularly quiet and compact as a result of the electric motor and the gearbox being integrated with very high quality intermeshing inside a single housing.

The battery weighs 230 kg but, despite this, the e-up! still weighs less than its internal combustion engined sibling, tipping the scales at 1,139 kg thanks to Volkswagen engineers’ extensive weight-saving measures.  The necessary variety of charging cables includes a fast charge connection which allows for up to 80 per cent of the battery’s capacity to be replenished in just 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, a full charge from a standard household plug takes nine hours.  Customers can purchase an optional wall box for home garage use, which provides a 3.6 kW supply and can recharge a battery in six hours. 

Zero emission electric drive doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or convenience, either.  A strong line-up of factory-fitted equipment includes electronic air conditioning as standard, as well as cruise control and parking sensors.  The windscreen wipers function automatically, and when the sun goes down a dusk sensor automatically activates the headlights. 

The new e-up! is available as a five-door, and fresh styling includes beefier front bumpers which house unique ‘C’ signature LED running lights that make the e-up! stand out from the crowd.  At the rear, a more angular bumper includes a prominent diffuser panel alongside a sharper tail light design.  The interior of the new e-up! features a leather-trimmed steering wheel, while chrome-trimmed interior door handles, air vent surrounds and instruments add a finishing flourish. 

The new e-up! scores highly when it comes to bringing the online world into the cabin.  Like the new up! it features an innovative smartphone docking station which enables the driver’s phone to be turned into the car’s infotainment system.  Simply click the smartphone into the ‘Maps + More’ docking system on the centre console to unlock a host of features via the Volkswagen app. 

The smartphone can be used to select and play music, or as a navigation system.  It can even display key data from the e-up!’s systems and tips from the Volkswagen Think Blue. Trainer - which coaches a driver in efficient driving techniques.

The smartphone connection is extended in the new e-up! thanks to Volkswagen’s Car-Net e-remote.  This gives the driver the power to manage the car’s charging process from their smartphone via the Volkswagen e-up! app.  They can also use the app to switch on their e-up!’s air conditioning remotely before getting in and review vehicle trip statistics, too.  A three-year subscription to the Car-Net e-remote service is included with the new e-up!.

The new e-up! is priced at £20,780 (RRP OTR) including the Government Plug-in Car Grant of £4,500.  Deliveries are expected to begin in October and the e-up! comes with a standard three-year warranty.  The vehicle’s battery comes with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty, while the standard service interval is 20,000 miles or two years.

Currently, the e-up! is available from £275* per month via Volkswagen’s e-Solutions Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) scheme, with a £900 deposit contribution.  The deal is based on 6.4% APR representative, with full details available from Volkswagen Retailers.

The latest e-up! is a continuation of Volkswagen’s long history of electric mobility provision.  The first electric Golf, for instance, was launched fully 40 years ago, in 1976, badged as the CityStromer. Around 100 examples were built. 

Now the e-up! joins the all-electric e-Golf in Volkswagen’s line-up of plug-in cars.  The Volkswagen range also includes the award-winning petrol-electric hybrid Golf GTE and Passat GTE models.  These four cars represent the start of a significant acceleration toward electro-mobility for Volkswagen.  The German manufacturer has stated, via its recently announced TOGETHER – Strategy 2025 programme, that it will introduce 30 additional electric or plug-in hybrid models by 2025.  And by that year Volkswagen expects purely battery-powered electric vehicles to account for a quarter of the global passenger car market.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk


VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ESTATE ALLTRACK CROWNED THE CARAVAN CLUB TOWCAR OF THE YEAR 2017

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Volkswagen’s Passat Estate Alltrack lifted this year’s overall trophy, and also scooped class and category wins in The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Competition.

The competition’s 47 entrants, which were split into seven price classes and two weight categories, saw winning vehicles from Volkswagen, Citroën, Peugeot, Škoda, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

However, it was the Volkswagen Passat Estate Alltrack that took the overall victory. It was described as “one of the classiest mid-range cars by a mile”.

Each towcar was thoroughly tested – being judged not only on its towing performance over the testing circuit at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, but also for ‘caravanability’.  Caravanability evaluates how well the car caters for caravanner’s needs – how much typical holiday gear and caravan essentials it can accommodate, how easily it can be hitched up to a caravan and the quality of towing information available in its handbook.  Also added to the marking equation was the towcar’s value for money.

Seven driving judges evaluated each car for its dynamic abilities and ergonomic qualities – the test route included tight and twisty ‘country lanes’, 17% hill stops and starts, as well as circuits of a high-speed bowl.  They were also put through rigorous reversing examinations. These four days of rigorous evaluation highlighted that every vehicle could be considered a respectable towcar, so long as it was properly matched to its caravan.

Price class awards in the competition went to: the Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl BlueHDi 100; Peugeot 308 SW Active BlueHDi 120;  Škoda Superb SE L Executive 2.0TDI 150PS; Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0TDI 4MOTION 150 PS; Volkswagen Passat Estate Alltrack 2.0TDI SCR 4MOTION 150 PS; Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG Line Saloon; and the BMW X5 xDrive40d M Sport.

All-wheel drive vehicles competed in two additional weight categories; ‘Under 1800kg’ and ‘Over 1800kg’. The BMW X5 xDrive40d took the ‘Over 1800kg’ prize, while the Volkswagen Passat Estate Alltrack took first place in the ‘Under 1800kg’ category before going on to win the overall title.

The results of the competition were announced at The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Royal Automobile Club in London on 22 September.  The awards were presented by Olympic athlete, Roger Black MBE.

Grenville Chamberlain, The Caravan Club Chairman, said: “It was a thrill to see such a great choice of vehicles being put through their paces during the Competition – the winning manufacturers should feel very proud of their achievements.  These vehicles will enable our Caravan Club members to have wonderful holidays and effortless towing experiences.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The Volkswagen Golf R 400

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Volkswagen is displaying the potential of its flagship Golf R hatchback in the muscular form of the Golf R 400 concept. If the ‘400’ in the name doesn’t give the game away that this is a seriously powerful machine, then the body and bumper modifications and flared wheel arches should give more than a hint.

Based on the standard Golf R hatchback, which with its turbocharged 300 PS engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive is hardly a shrinking violet, the Golf R 400 ups the ante considerably, with 400 PS and an extra 70 Nm of torque, making for 450 Nm in total, available from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm. 

Developed by Volkswagen R GmbH, the arm responsible for high-power and customisation projects, the Golf R 400 uses a modified version of the engine found in the Golf R: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Type EA888). The extra power of the 400 helps propel this six-speed DSG-equipped model from rest to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, a whole second faster than its 300 PS sibling. Its top speed is 174 mph (governed). 

To achieve the increase in power, the Golf R 400 features a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment improves economy and performance.

At 1,420 kg, the Golf R 400 weighs the same as the standard Golf R, but its appearance has been substantially altered. The body is 20 mm wider on each side, with flared wheelarches that are reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60. These arches, like most of the body, are painted in ‘Silver Flake’ metallic, and contrast with the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps. New sill extensions seamlessly bridge the gap between the widened arches. Filling those arches are 19-inch alloy wheels on an increased offset. A development of the Golf R’s standard ‘Cadiz’ wheels, these are highly modified, with high-gloss back inserts that act as air vanes, helping to cool the reinforced braking system. The tyres are 235/35 R19s.

At the front, the bumper has been completely redesigned to take into account the greater cooling requirements of the R 400. A carbon fibre splitter and aerodynamic ‘wing element’ help to push air towards the honeycomb mesh of the grille – one of many aspects influenced by motorsport. The ‘R’ badge on the gloss black radiator grille sits on a ‘Lemon Yellow’ background, while the horizontal stripe across the grille (which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights) is also ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The redesigned rear bumper includes vents on each side, and the Golf R’s four tailpipes have been replaced with two centrally mounted items, like those on the 2002 Golf R32. These 110 mm diameter items are 200 mm apart, and point slightly upwards, displaying a honeycomb mesh. A black double spoiler with LED brake lights atop the tailgate finishes the look. Inside are motorsport shell seats with integrated head restraints and belt openings. These are upholstered in cross-quilted panels covered in Alcantara, and ‘carbon leather’, as are the two individual rear seats. Stitching throughout the interior is in contrasting ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The Golf R 400 is only a concept at this stage, with no production plans.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Recuperation - BlueMotion Technologies

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Saving every time you brake.

Recuperation recycles the energy normally lost during braking by storing and then using it for acceleration or starting.

When you're trying to save energy while driving it makes sense to recover it where you can. One way we've done this is to raise the alternator voltage when slowing down and braking. This increases battery charging and helps the car slow down. The alternator load is then reduced when accelerating to lighten the burden on the engine and cut fuel consumption. Recuperation is a feature of some of our BlueMotion cars.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE VISIONARY I.D. CONCEPT CAR AT 2016 PARIS INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

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Wolfsburg, 29 September 2016 – Think New! Under this guiding principle, and with a visionary electric vehicle, Volkswagen is offering a fascinating outlook on the mobility of tomorrow at the Paris International Motor Show (1 –16 October). The world premiere of the I.D. is the focal point of the company's show appearance. The zero-emission I.D. will go into production in 2020, and it will kick off a new generation of innovative electric vehicles.

Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand explained: “In 2020 we will begin to introduce an entire family of electric vehicles on the market. All of them will be based on a new vehicle architecture which was specially and exclusively developed for all-electric vehicles. Not for combustion engine or plug-inhybrid vehicles. The I.D. stands for this new era of all-electric vehicles, for a new automotive era: electrical, connected and autonomously driving.”

Volkswagen’s show appearance in Paris unites all three phases which together show the way from the present to the future: the I.D. presents the world of “the day after tomorrow”. The latest generation e-Golf – which celebrates its world premiere in November –presents the world of tomorrow. Equipped with gesture control and a zero-emission range of up to 300 kilometres, the new e-Golf will set standards. The world of today is embodied in highly advanced Volkswagens like the new Tiguan. It already guarantees customers a fascinating digital experience in the current generation model with such technologies as the ActiveInfo Display and head-up display.

Volkswagen is giving a new direction with the I.D. It will be the first Volkswagen on the market to be based on the newly developed Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). The I.D. is positioned as a compact electric car with which Volkswagen aims to expand its range of high-volume models in parallel to best-sellers such as the Polo, Golf, Tiguan and Passat. The I.D. will be powered by a 125kW / 170 PS electric motor. Offering a range of up to 600 kilometresand a price on the level of today’s Golf with comparable power, the I.D. will make the “zero emissions” theme a natural aspect of everyday driving.

The I.D. shows a completely new Volkswagen design language for electric vehicles of the compact class. What is known as the Open Space Concept has been implemented for the first time in its interior. Somewhat shorter than a Golf, the I.D. offers the generous space of a Passat.This was made possible by the new drive concept architecture with an electric motor on the rear axle and a high-voltage battery in the vehicle floor, which enables more space and flexibility. At the same time, the I.D. already bridges over to the year 2025: the I.D. is the first Volkswagen concept car to be fully autonomous in the “I.D. Pilot” mode. The“I.D. Pilot”is activatedby touching the VW logo on the steering wheel, which then disappears into the instrument panel and gives the driver an entirely new feeling of space.

The conventional car key has been retired in the I.D. Instead, a smartphone will be used as a “Digital Key” to open the car and enable the vehicle to start. The idea behind it: in the near future, individuals who drive a Volkswagen will get their own “Volkswagen ID”. This ID is an individual profile that stores such information as personal seat and climate control settings, favourite radio stations and play lists, settings of the sound system, contact data for friends and business partners and the navigation system configuration. This profile is called up via the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Most potent Volkswagen Tiguan to date is now available to order

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With more power on tap than even the current iteration of the iconic Golf GTI, Volkswagen is making its most potent Tiguan yet available for order in the UK this October.  The new 240 PS bi-turbo diesel, designated BiTDI, also offers an increase of fully 30 PS over the previous most powerful Tiguan, the 2.0 TSI seen in the preceding generation of the car.

The bi-turbo 240 PS engine is similar to that offered in the current Volkswagen Passat and Passat Alltrack, and boasts a high-performance cylinder head and two-stage turbo charger.  The injection pressure of the common-rail piezo injection system is a mighty 2,500 bar and the engine is capable of generating up to 120 PS per litre.

Mated as standard to Volkswagen’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive system, it endows the new Tiguan with prodigious performance in the mainstream SUV segment.  Capable of reaching 142 mph, where the law permits, the 2.0 BiTDI-equipped Tiguan meanwhile sprints from rest to 62 mph in just 6.5 seconds. 

Selective Catalytic Reduction helps to reduce emissions by injecting AdBlue™ into the Tiguan’s exhaust system, thus helping to reduce NOx by converting it into harmless water.  The Volkswagen SUV also includes a Start/Stop system and battery regeneration which, together, contribute to a CO₂ figure of just 167 g/km*.  All the engines in the Tiguan range meet the latest EU6 emissions standard.

As well as the 240 PS bi-turbo engine, the most powerful of the Tiguan’s three petrol engines is also now open for order in the UK.  The 2.0 TSI 180 PS is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission.  It is also offered as standard with 4MOTION four-wheel drive and offers a top speed of 129 mph, 0-62 mph time of 7.7 seconds and a CO₂ figure of 170 g/km*.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

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