Car Inovation 201X: Volkswagen

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Volkswagen XL1 Concept - Driving Impressions

That’s right, a sipper car, not a supercar like the VW Group’s Lamborghinis or Bugattis that appeared at the 2011 Qatar Auto Show.

It’s not unusual for us to find all sorts of experimental vehicles at auto shows, but to drive one just a few days after its launch? Very unusual.

But that’s why we were in Doha, Qatar, where VW’s slim and aero slick XL1 made its debut. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch—grandson of Ferdinand Porsche and godfather of such legends as Porsche’s 917 race car—has set the 1-liter/100-km mileage goal—that’s 235 mpg to us—as a corporate quest.

With the XL1 Concept, Volkswagen beats that goal with an astounding fuel consumption figure of only 0.9 liters/100 km, which translates to 261 mpg.

Approaching the Problem from All Fronts

Aero: Super sleek with a CD of 0.186, the XL1 has an overall teardrop shape. The aero detailing is precise, from louvered inlets for radiator air, to a sculpted bellypan, to rear wheel spats to well defined covers on the wheels that hold the super-narrow Michelin low-rolling-resistance tires.

Weight: Or More Precisely The Lack Of It

The heart of the XL1 is a carbon-fiber tub that looks like it came from an upsized, 2-seat Formula 1 car. The same material is used for the body panels, and the weight savings program even went so far as true magnesium wheels and aluminum wiring.

Packaging

VW points out that the XL1 has the length and width of its Polo subcompact, but is only as tall as a Gallardo. Where VW’s first stabs at 1-liter/100-km cars placed the passenger behind the driver, this one has them almost side by side...the passenger is situated slightly behind the driver to help trim the car’s width. Aft of the cockpit is the engine compartment, while behind that is a 3.5 cu.-ft. trunk.

Drivetrain

This is the most interesting element of the equation. VW matches a 48-horsepower 0.8-liter 2-cylinder diesel (half its 1.6-liter production TDI) to a 20-kW motor, a lithium-ion battery pack and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The result is a plug-in hybrid that will go 22 miles in electric mode and go as far as 342 miles with the diesel engine. Then you fill up the fuel tank and keep going, a la Chevrolet’s Volt. The electric motor both provides motive power and added oomph for the diesel when needed.

Safety

Lightweight doesn’t have to mean flimsy, and VW has created a safety cell with the monocoque chassis, to which is added various crush elements. Naturally, the XL1 has such modern safety aids as ABS and ESP stability control.

What’s It Like to Drive?

You enter the XL1 through doors that flip up and forward to allow an easy slip into the driver or passenger seat. Two pushes of the power button and the VW doesn’t so much start up as light up.

Into drive and off you glide. VW claims a 0-100 lm/h (62 mph) time of 11.9 seconds, but what’s important is the feeling the XL1 has sufficient power for you to be comfortable in traffic. It squirts along nicely and you wouldn’t be holding up other cars. Need that extra power at low speed? Push down on the pedal and the diesel jumps to life. It isn’t subtle, suddenly whipping a high-compression diesel up to operating speed. This changeover to the balance-shaft diesel isn’t as noticeable above, say, 35 mph, but it also isn’t invisible.

The regenerative ceramic brakes aren’t assisted and feel a bit vintage, but that’s a comment not a complaint. The ride is what you might expect from a 1753-lb. car on efficient-but-hard tires, not that great a sacrifice for the mileage you’re achieving.

Fuel efficiency is the overriding concern when driving the XL1. It’s easy to find little faults with it compared to even a small cheap car, but what do you expect? This is a prototype, just one step along the way to future production.

When? VW isn’t even guessing, but the XL1 is a commendable next move.

Spied! 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle - Spy Shots

Our spy photographers have managed to capture the 2012 New Beetle coupe completely undisguised and without any pesky camouflage. Be forewarned: If you loved the funky curves of the last model, the newest New Beetle will take a little getting used to. The overall design appears to include a lower roofline and flatter nose—which might allow for a wider range of engines under the hood.

VW will likely address some of our recent complaints about the current New Beetle. After 13 years in production (that’s right, the VW New Beetle hasn’t actually been all that ‘new’ in quite a long time) the car’s tight rear seating, limited cargo room and, most recently, some sub-par safety ratings have dented its image. While few cars offer as much cuteness and nostalgia as the outgoing New Beetle, this fact remains—the competition has moved the game on since the car’s introduction.

2012 Volkswagen New Beetle Spied

The New Beetle’s lower greenhouse is flatter and much less rounded than before, which should permit a welcome boost in rear headroom. A longer rear end and more vertical back glass also hint at an increase in cargo capacity. At the moment, a 2010 New Beetle offers 12 cubic feet of luggage space. A 2010 VW Golf offers only a fractionally more (12.4) but the practical hatchback layout and square-shaped trunk make the available room much more useful.

A170-bhp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine will be standard in the 2012 New Beetle, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It remains to be seen whether the New Beetle convertible—presently offered only with an automatic—receives a manual transmission.

2012 Volkswagen New Beetle

The current New Beetle is priced at $19,440, which is a good deal of money for a car that has limited its functionality in the spirit of nostalgia. Of late, VW has been extremely aggressive with bringing down the sticker-price of new models, particularly with the new Jetta and Passat sedans. It remains to be seen whether the 2012 New Beetle will similarly undercut the outgoing model’s base price, but it wouldn’t surprise us if it did.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI - 2011 Chicago Auto Show

When Volkswagen introduced the new 2011 Jetta, we were patiently biding our time for the sportier GLI version. Sure, the base 2.0-liter four (115 bhp/125 lb.-ft.), 2.5-liter 5-cylinder (170/177) and TDI turbodiesel (140/236) engine options were fine, but we coveted the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, capable of 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque at an ultra low 1,700 rpm. What’s more, the standard transmission for the GLI is a 6-speed manual, although DSG with paddle shifters is an option. Despite DSG’s quick shifts, perfectly rev-matched downshifts and one extra mpg on the highway (32 mpg versus 31 for the manual) we still take the true manual.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Rear

Rear Axles, Really Upgraded

Jetta enthusiasts know the 2011 model did away with independent rear suspension in favor of an economical and lighter torsion-beam layout. Before you start booing and hissing, VW’s rectified the situation with the new GLI, converting to fully independent suspension that has been tuned on the track for excellent performance. Also, the GLI tosses the disc/drum brake setup of the S and SE models in favor of 4-wheel discs with floating red calipers. For the final bit of performance, the XDS cross differential system first used on the GTI to minimize inner wheel spin makes its way into the new VW.

The new 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI comes standard with a 6.5-inch touch-screen radio with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, one-touch up/down power on all four windows, plus the multifunction display found in other trims. In addition to the amenities, the Jetta GLI comes equipped with bolstered bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, shift boot and rear seats all with red stitching accents. Combined with the aluminum pedals and GLI-badged door sill, the Jetta’s interior has a sporty look that’s not overdone. The dash has been upgraded to soft-touch plastic and the door panels have improved materials as well.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

With a model-specific front splitter, side skirts and rear valance, the Jetta GLI comes available in three trims. The base GLI will carry an MSRP of $23,495. Next up is the GLI Autobahn at $25,545, a model that adds dual-zone climate control, 18-in. wheels, sunroof, heated V-Tex Leatherette seats and the upgraded Fender audio system—and yes, the famous electric guitar company’s first foray into the 12-volt automotive world is completely worth the premium. Add navigation and keyless access with pushbutton start, and the MSRP of the new 2012 Jetta GLI creeps up to $26,445.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI - 2011 Chicago Auto Show

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Rear

Rear Axles, Really Upgraded

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Volkswagen Golf Economy Range launched

Volkswagen has released a range of Eco cars - The VW Golf Economy RangeAs is the case with all car makers these days, the economy, or ‘Eco’, range of cars are the stars – at least as far as sales go. So following on from the launch of the sixth generation VW Golf GTD

recently, VW has now turned its attention to economy on the diesel, and has launched the VW Golf Economy Range – which includes a Golf BlueMotion version – all based on VW’s 1.6 litre common-rail diesel.

With the obsession by car makers with CO2 emissions (but only because Governments structure their targets on CO2 levels) the aim of these Eco Golfs is to trim CO2 levels down, and they’ve succeeded in getting the whole Golf Economy Range under 120g/km, and the Golf BlueMotion down to 107g/km.

Three versions of the 1.6 TDi are offered – a 90PS version, a 105PS version and a 105PS BlueMotion version. VW has achieved the lower emissions with aerodynamic tweaks, longer gear ratios and regenerative braking. In addition, the Golf BlueMotion also gets a lowered ride height and stop-start.

The Golf Econ0my Range is now available to order in the UK, but the Golf BlueMotion won’t actually be arriving in showrooms until September. VW has also said that an additional Golf BlueMotion – based on the Golf S – will be available later in the year and achieve CO2 levels below 100g/km.

Volkwagen to take over Porsche

VW now seem set to take control of PorscheIf you read our report earlier today about the resignation of Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking, you won’t be at all surprised that VW has now released a statement which appears to confirm that Porsche will become another VW brand – sooner, rather than later.

Porsche need a way out of the hole they are in and VW is the best way out. The two warring side of the Piech family – owners of VW and Porsche – now appear ready to swallow hard and see the inevitable happen. But will it be so bad? Frankly, it probably won’t make a blind bit of difference to Porsche – it’s just a matter of pride.

VW has released a statement which says they seek “an integrated automotive group with Porsche under the leadership of Volkswagen”. Which is pretty clear. In addition, VW Chairman Martin Winterkorn stated – “Like Audi today, Porsche can also continue its independent development under the aegis of Volkswagen and preserve its own identity.”

Sounds like it’s a done-deal, and Porsche are out of options. But the financial mess left from the attempted takeover of VW by Porsche will still necessitate an injection of funds. The likely source appears to be Qatar, who are likely to take a stake of up to 20% in the VW group, but with the Piech family remaining the major shareholders.

Perhaps now VW and Porsche can get back to making cars instead of playing bankers and hedge-brokers.

Vokswagen Tiguan Reviewers- latest update

A bunch of VW Tiguan ReviewersAs you’ve seen before, we decided to follow what was going on with VW’s aim to find the best amateur car reviewer in their People’s Reviewer competition. So as it’s been a week or two since we last had a look, we thought we’d do a quick update.

There have already been two groups of reviewers, and some have them have been a bit barking. One guy, Stefan, thought the VW Tiguan had performance like a scalded cat. Good thing we didn’t ask him to do our Jaguar XFR Review last week – he’d have exploded! Others have taken the Tiguan camping, on a cross-country busking trip and to tow random vehicles around an industrial estate.

The third group of reviewers have now been given the keys to a Tiguan (brave people at VW!). They are Kaela Marshall, an expecting mum from the Manchester area who works as a residential childcare worker, Harriet Gore from Lancashire, an entertainer and charity worker and Peter Selous Jones from the Eastbourne area, a competitive skier and volunteer fireman.

Kaela will hitch a horse box to the Tiguan and head to the beach. “I wanted to go the Welsh coast and gallop through the water. The horse loves it.” There is only one complication to the plan. Kaela is expecting her first child, so horseback riding is out of the picture. But the plan will go ahead. Kaela has recruited her friend Kathy and her horse, Corrie, to make the trip.

Harriet is using the Tiguan to raise awareness for a cause she’s been involved with for some time — Romanian Relief, a charity for under-privileged children in Romania. Harriet travelled to Romania a year ago to teach the children there sign language. “This week, I’ll be travelling to lots of children’s parties in the Lancashire area to raise awareness, to raise lots of money.”

Peter will stay closer to home. He has little choice. He’s on duty for the local fire brigade. He may need to use the Tiguan to report to an emergency. “As a local fireman, yes, it’s a possibility,” he says. So he’ll have an excuse to blat to the local retained fire station when his beeper goes off. Not that that will wash with plod!

The voting’s finished on the first group of reviewers, and Eric was named the winner. VW has now opened up voting on the second lot – Di Coke, Johnny Hindle and Patrick Molyneux – so if you want to have a look at their efforts you can vote.

More updates in a week or two. I’m not sure how credible these reviews are professionally, but some of them are a bit of a laugh. But they are trying hard. Very hard. You never know, they may throw up the next Clarkson yet!

New Volkswagen Golf Plus BlueMotion Introduced

Volkswagen has introduced the new VW Golf Plus BlueMotionThere seem to be even more new VW Golf variants than there are Porsche 911s, and now we’ve got a new one to add to the mix – the new Volkswagen Golf Plus BlueMotion – as part of the VW Golf Economy Range.

The new VW Golf Plus Bluemotion is basically a Golf Plus with the standard BlueMotion tricks added to improve economy and emissions. These include low rolling resistance tyres, revised gear ratios, start-stop and regenerative braking – the usual box of tricks.

The 1.6 litre common rail diesel engine in the Golf Plus BlueMotion – down from 1.9 litres in the old Golf Plus BlueMotion – manages 65.7 mpg and emissions of 114g/km, an improvement of 11% in economy and 10% in emissions. The upside of all this is a big drop in the benefit in kind cost and big savings on fuel. VW reckons that the average Golf driver – who does around 8,000 miles a year – will only have to fill up once a month.

The new VW Golf Plus BlueMotion comes in either S or SE trim levels, and the price premium over the standard Golf Plus is £325, meaning the Golf Plus BlueMotion starts at £17,570. And the trim levels are half-decent. The SE gets ABS and ESP, together with six airbags and AirCon. Move up to the SE and you get Park Assist, Cruise and alloys. You also get the irritating little light telling you to change gear on both models.

The VW Golf Plus BlueMotion is available to order from today, with first deliveries in the UK in October.

Volkswagen BlueMotion at Frankfurt

The new VW BlueMotion versions of the Polo, Golf & Passat will be at Frankfurt this monthVW are bringing new versions of the Polo BlueMotion, Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion to the Frankfurt Motor Show this month.Even though we’ll be seeing some proper supercars at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, much of the focus will be on economy, hybrid cars and electric cars. So VW are taking the opportunity to display three of their BlueMotion models which offer exceptional emissions – the Polo, the Golf and the Passat.

The most efficient of the BlueMotion models is – hardly surprising – the new Polo Bluemotion. The Polo emits just 87g/km CO2 and manages to travel at least 870 miles on a tank of juice., averaging as it does 85.6 mpg. The new 1.2 litre three pot common rail diesel in the Polo produces 74bhp which is driven through a fibe speed manual ‘box and features stop-start and longer gearing.

The Golf BlueMotion gets the 1.6 litre TDi common rail diesel that produces 104bhp. As with the Polo, the Golf gets longer gearing and stop-start. These changes have allowed the Golf BlueMotion to dip below the freebie VED level of 100g/km as it manages to produce just 99g/km (amazing how many cars sneak in at 99g/km). The Golf also averages out at 74.3 mpg, giving the Golf BlueMotion a range of 900 miles.

Biggest of the three new BlueMotion cars is the Passat, which gets – for the first time – the same 1.6 litre TDi as in the Golf. The i.6 replaces the 2.0 litre found in the current Passat BlueMotion which is why the Passat can manage 64.2 mpg, an improvement on the old Passat’s 57.6 mpg. Emissions also fall to 114g/km.

All the new VW BlueMotions benefit from the usual aerodynamic tweaks to achieve their quite remarkable economy, which include new front bumpers, sill extensions, a lower ride heights and relocated air ducts behind the grille elements.

VW say the new BlueMotion range will go on sale in the UK in the New Year, with UK prices and specifications to follow.

New Volkswagen to enter F1?

VW are considering entering a team in to Formula One if the costs of participation continue to fall. Audi F1? Bugatti F1? Porsche F1? We’ll see.Volkswagen are on a world domination quest at the moment. Despite the economy, just about all their brands are performing ahead of the market, and they have recently wrestled control of Porsche, having managed to turn the tables on Porsche’s own predatory plans.

But we’re hearing reports that VW is considering going in to Formula 1 which – with manufacturer teams leaving willy-nilly – does perhaps seem a bit odd. And VW has no F1 history to speak of. Yes, Auto Union did participate in Grands Prix pre-war, Porsche had a very minor bash decades ago and Lamborghini has offered up a few engines for other teams. But no direct involvement from VW.

So why would they choose now to reveal an F1 team is under consideration? Especially as car makers like Ford, Jaguar, Honda and BMW have all tried and subsequently pulled out. Well, they have made it clear they would only participate if costs continue to fall – which they probably will. And with VW close to becoming the biggest car maker in the world the halo profile of running in F1 could be very valuable to them.

They would also have the option of running as any number of teams – Audi F1; Lamborghini F1; Porsche F1; VW F1; Bentley F1 or even Bugatti F1. And they certainly have the technical knowledge in-house to make a pretty good fist of things if they put their might behind it. We could even see a return of Auto Union to F1 if the report we did last month that VW is considering re-branding the VW Group as Auto Union comes to pass.

The 2011 F1 season could see some interesting names cropping up.

Volkswagen wants Karmann

Volkswagen are bidding to buy Karmann ahead of possible liquidation. But Karmann want more than VW are offering.Just like all the other specialist coachbuilders out there – Zagato, Pininfarina, etc – life has not been a bed of roses for a long time for Karmann. Once a great way for wealthy owners to ‘Customise’ their cars, the specialist coachbuilders have relied more and more on relationships with big car makers to survive. None more so than Karmann, whose hopes for survival rested on VW divvying up an order for electric cars.

But it seems that even a big order from VW won’t be enough to keep Karmann in business, according to their administrators. So now VW has decided to bite the bullet and picth in with an offer for Karmann – lock, stock and barrel. But it seems that they’re not offering enough – at least as far as the families behind Karmann are concerned.

It appears that VW are offering somewhere in the low 5 figures (€10 million +). The owners want €65 million. Big gap. But it would seem as if VW are likely to get their way. The administrators say if they don’t agree a sale then Karmann will be put in to liquidation. In which case there’s every possibility VW will end up getting Karmann for even less than they’re offering.

The VW / Auto Union world domination plan continues.

Volkswagen gets Karmann

Volkswagen has revealed that it is to acquire coachbuilder Karmann in a deal to save Karmann from liquidation.Last month we reported that VW were interesting in buying up coachbuilder Karmann. Which made a lot of sense. Karmann are probably best known for the Karmann Ghia – which was basically a VW – and taking the Karmann marque in-house at VW made a lot of sense.

But despite the sense and logic there was a pretty big obstacle. The family controlling Karmann reckoned that the business was worth €65 million. VW put it at more like €10 million. Which you would think was an insurmountable obstacle. But there was a big fly in the ointment for Karmann. The administrators said that if they didn’t take an offer from VW they’d have to liquidate the assets. Which has obviously focused minds a little as VW has now announced they are to acquire Karmann.

So what does this mean for Karmann and VW? Hard to say, although there are a couple of things that spring to mind. Magna had issues with car makers who used them pulling business away when Magna were busy trying to buy GM – conflict of interest issues. And as Karmann do build cars for other makers – such as the CLK for Mercedes – there is likely to be a degree of collateral damage from third party business.

The most likely scenario is that VW will utilise Karmann for some of its more specialist new models – perhaps the VW Bluesport Roadster. Or we could see the Karmann badge being revived as a sort of high-end VW marque. I’m sure we’ll see soon enough.

But at least Karmann survives – sort of.

Volkswagen takes stake in Suzuki

It has been announced that Volkswagen is to take a 19.9% stake in Suzuki to help gain access to the Indian market.We’re back on the co-operation and rationalisation path again, this time with Volkswagen and Suzuki, with the announcement that VW is to take a 19.9% stake in Suzuki, with Suzuki in turn re-investing up to half of the proceeds in to Volkswagen shares.

This deal has bee on the cards for some time but has obviously been pushed in to reality by the changing landscape for car manufacturers, where they seek to find a more secure future with takeovers, mergers and partnerships. Which is all very logical, even if it will inevitably lead to less choice for the car buyer in the long term. But it’s not just about securing the future, but about saving money.

VW has had its corporate eye on Suzuki for its expertise in areas that VW doesn’t. In particular, VW see Suzuki as a quick in to the burgeoning Indian market. Suzuki already has 50% of the domestic market in India through its Maruti Suzuki India Ltd business, and VW sees this as a shortcut to moving VW cars in India. The expertise Suzuki has with low-cost fuel-efficient cars also brings something to the table for VW.

Suzuki and VW have held a press conference to announce the deal. Osamu Suzuki, CEO of Suzuki, said that they plan to develop s range of hybrid and electric car solutions which will be marketed by both companies.

Step 493 in VW’s world domination plan.

Volkswagen Brands – enough for now

VW boss Martin Winterkorn says Volkswagen has enough brands

VW’s CEO , Martin Winterkorn, VW Brands, VW Acquisitions, Car News, Auto News has said that VW has enough brands and won’t be seeking to expand further by acquisition.Volkswagen seems to be on a world domination plan. Audi is expanding with every passing day and the VW Group (Auto Union to be) has an unrivalled list of brands under its umbrella, including Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and of course VW itself. It also recently effectively took control of Porsche (after the failed efforts by Porsche to take control of VW) and has just announced a near 20% stake in Suzuki.

VW has also snapped up the failed coachbuilding firm of Karmann last month which will apparently take on the building of Porsche Boxsters after VW ended its deal with Magan to produce the car. So what next for VW? According to VW boss Martin Winterkorn it’s going to be organic growth from here on in with no further acquisition plans on the horizon, although he doesn’t rule out increasing the stake VW has in Suzuki.

Winterkorn has been speaking to German magazine WirtschaftsWoche, and when asked if VW would be seeking further brands to add to their ‘Portfolio’ he said:

“There are some who knock on our door. Some really want to come under our roof as they see we’re on a good path strategically. But we are satisfied with the current line-up. I don’t see any need.”

Still, I think they have enough to be going on with for now.

Volkswagen Touareg 2010 / 2011 Press Release

LIGHTER, CLEANER AND READY FOR ALL CONDITIONS: THE NEW TOUAREGThe all-new Touareg has been unveiled – a car which is up to 200 kg lighter and up to 20 per cent more fuel efficient than the model it replaces. It’s sharper, cleaner and yet, in Hybrid form, able to out-accelerate many hot hatches while returning 34 mpg on the combined cycle. The new vehicle maintains all the same virtues of space, comfort, refinement and off-road and towing ability that have led the original Touareg to build up a loyal following since its launch in 2003.

Clean new styling which draws inspiration from the design direction established by the Golf Mk VI, the new Polo and the New Compact Coupé concept lends the new Touareg greater presence and a lower drag coefficient without sacrificing the functional requirements of short front and rear overhangs for off-roading.

The overall length and wheelbase of the Touareg have each grown by 40 mm to measure 4,758 mm and 2,900 mm respectively. The width of the new Touareg remains as before at 1,928 mm while overall height drops by 20 mm to 1,724 mm.

The changes over the outgoing model extend far beyond new styling. Standard examples of the new Touareg will feature an eight-speed transmission as well as, on the majority of models, Start/Stop technology, touchscreen satellite navigation and leather upholstery. In addition, a choice of advanced new options can be specified including High Beam Assist that automatically dips the headlights when it senses oncoming traffic, Side Assist to warn of vehicles occupying blind spots, adaptive roll compensation air suspension and air conditioned, massaging seats.

At the heart of the new Touareg is a range of highly efficient petrol and diesel engines and, for the first time, a Hybrid.

The new Touareg Hybrid brings together a 3.3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 333 PS and 265 lbs ft of torque and an electric motor generating 47 PS, resulting in a total output of 380 PS and 428 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor can operate independently of the combustion engine making the new Touareg a full hybrid. On electric power alone the new Touareg is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph. Alternatively the electric motor can supplement the V6 engine to provide a useful boost during overtaking manoeuvres and allows the Touareg Hybrid to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 149 mph.

The entry-level engine and the likely volume seller is a powerful and refined 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine generating 240 PS and 405 lbs ft of torque while returning 38.1 mpg and emitting 195 g/km of CO2 to place it in VED band J.

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

The new Touareg range will extend to four versions in the UK: SE, Altitude, Hybrid and Escape. The Escape model, available with the V6 TDI engine, features a system called 4XMOTION which comprises reduction gearing, centre and rear differentials that can each be fully locked for off-road applications and five stage control for the four wheel drive system. The first stage is for on-road applications, the second is for off-road use and activates automatic control for the mechanical differential locks, stage three engages the low-range gearbox with revised mapping of the gearbox to raise the shift points and switches off the automatic upshift in manual mode. Stage four applies the centre differential lock, stage five adds the rear differential lock.

The greater refinement afforded by the new drivetrain is matched by an all-new interior featuring a subtle mix of leather, wood and aluminium highlights and more space than ever before thanks to the longer wheelbase on which the new Touareg sits. Though the Touareg remains a five-seater, legroom in the rear has grown significantly due to the new sliding rear bench and reclining backrests while the boot measures from 580 litres to 1,642 litres depending on the seating arrangement.

Production of the new Touareg for the UK market starts in June before first deliveries commence in August. Prices and specifications will be announced nearer this time.

New Touareg summary

Model

Power

(PS)

Torque

(lbs ft)

Combined

economy (mpg)

CO2

g/km

3.0-litre V6 TDI

(SE, Altitude, Escape)

240

405

38.1

195

3.3-litre V6 Hybrid

380

428

34.4

193

4.2-litre V8 TDI

(Altitude)

340

590

239

(ends)

8527/AF/kt

THE NEW TOUAREG

* All-new Touareg; over 200 kg lighter than current model and 20 per cent more efficient

* Powered by a range of highly efficient yet powerful diesel V6 and V8 engines as well as

the option of a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain for the first time

* In Hybrid form, able to out-accelerate many hot hatches while returning 34 mpg

* Maintains all the same virtues of space, comfort, refinement and off-road and towing

ability that have led the original Touareg to build up a loyal following since its launch

* Clean new styling drawing inspiration from the design direction established by the Golf Mk VI, the new Polo and the New Compact Coupé concept

* Overall length and wheelbase grow by 40 mm to measure 4,758 mm and 2,900 mm respectively. Width is 1,928 mm, overall height drops by 20 mm to 1,724 mm

* New Touareg will feature an eight-speed transmission on the majority of models as well as Start/Stop technology, touchscreen navigation and leather upholstery

* A choice of advanced new options are available including High Beam Assist that automatically dips the headlights when it senses oncoming traffic, Side Assist to warn of vehicles occupying blind spots, adaptive roll compensation air suspension and air conditioned, massaging seats

* New Touareg Hybrid brings together a 3.3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 333 PS and 265 lbs ft of torque and an electric motor generating 47 PS, resulting in a total output of 380 PS and 428 lbs ft

* Electric motor is linked to a disengagement clutch to allow it to operate independently of the combustion engine making the new Touareg a full hybrid

* On electric power the new Touareg can travel at speeds of up to 30 mph

* Electric motor can supplement the V6 engine to provide a useful boost during overtaking manoeuvres and allows the Touareg Hybrid to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 149 mph

* Entry-level engine and the likely volume seller is a powerful and refined 3.0 V6 TDI engine generating 240 PS and 405 lbs ft of torque while returning 38.1 mpg and emitting 195 g/km of CO2 to place it in VED band J

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

* Four versions to be available in the UK: SE, Altitude, Hybrid and Escape

* Escape model, available with the V6 TDI engine, features 4XMOTION which comprises reduction gearing, centre and rear differentials that can each be fully locked for off-road applications and five stage control for the four wheel drive system

* Boot measures from 580 litres to 1,642 litres depending on the seating arrangement

* Production of the new Touareg for the UK market starts in June before first deliveries commence in August. Prices and specifications will be announced nearer this time

Volkswagen R – Volkswagen R GmbH created

Volkswagen has created a new company – Volkswagen R GmbH – to handle their performance cars – such as the Golf R and Scirocco R – and R-Line cosmetic packages.

Mercedes has AMG, BMW has its M Division and Audi has quattro. Volkswagen already has cars badged with the ‘R’ moniker - which originally meant performance models but can now equally mean just cosmetic changes to appear faster – but until now it was just a badge without a clearly defined place in VW’s structure. But not any more.

Volkswagen has created a new company – Volkswagen R GmbH - which will be responsible for “…competencies in development, implementations and sales of individualised vehicles”, much of which used to be done by Volkswagen Individual. We reported in January that VW were going to launch Volkswagen R GmbH – although we expected the announcement at Geneva – and we’re really hoping that making ‘Volkswagen R’ a seperate entity means that we will see more than just more bolt-on extras across the VW range.

It’s a certainty that there will be cosmetic ‘R’ packages for more cars across the VW range, because that’s what buyers want and VW are very good at it. But if they are going to imbue the ‘R’ badge with the same sort of credibility as Mercedes’ AMG or BMW’s M then they will have to have more than a couple of cars in the range – the VW Golf R and the VW Scirocco R - which are true R Performance cars.

Be interesting to see where this goes.

Volkswagen Sharan (2010) – Video View

We have video of the 2010 VW Sharan, including interior and exterior beauty shots and driving footage.The Geneva Motor Show has provided us with a number of debuts, one of which was the 2010 VW Sharan, Volkswagen’s first proper reworking of its full size people carrier in half a generation.

VW started out the launch for the 2010 Sharan with a little visual tease last month, but we get most of the detail with the reveal of the new Sharan at Geneva this week. Lots of new bits and bobs, some clever interior details and much better passenger carrying ability; sliding doors and a set of decent engines make the 2010 VW Sharan a serious consideration for anyone with a proper brood to ferry.

But all the details (actually, there are still more to come – including price – so we’ll keep you posted) and a decent set of Sharan photos are no substitute for seeing the Sharan in action. No, we don’t have VT of the Sharan blatting round the Nurburgring (although the chances are that VW has given it an outing or two) but we do have a video showing some interior and exterior ‘Beauty’ Shots, which give you a much better idea of what the new Sharan is about and some driving footage. Yes, like all full-sized people carriers it is a bit van-like, but a big improvement on the old Sharan nonetheless.

We should get some price and model detail soon. More on the 2010/2011 Sharan then.

Volkswagen Polo – 2010 World Car of the Year

The VW Polo has been voted World Car of the Year 2010, beating off competition from the Mercedes E Class and the Toyota Prius.As you may have realised from some of the stories coming in, the 2010 New York Motor Show is in full swing in the Big Apple. Not the most exciting car show on the planet – and pretty US-Centric at that – but a few nuggets have piqued interest. One of these is the announcement that the latest VW Polo has been declared the 2010 World Car of the Year.

The new Polo beat off competition in the final from the latest Toyota Prius and the 2010 Mercedes E Class to take the honour. And that’s about right. The E Class certainly deserved to be in there and maybe even the Prius too (not because it’s a good car – it’s not – but because Toyota was the first to market with the hybrid which – in forms other than those peddled by Toyota – is offering the motoring Holy Grail of more for less).

The Polo is a cracking car. It’s well conceived, beautifully put together and offers a model to suit just about every need you can conceive of for a small car – and then some. It’s also good to drive and has great residuals. Which all adds up to a very desirable little run-around.

Also up for grabs was the World Performance Car of the Year Award, which was a showdown between the Audi R8 V10, the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Ferrari California. The award went to the R8 V10, which is also probably the right decision. We’re not all that sure the final entrants were the best final three possible, but we can’t deny the R8 V10 is an astonishing car, especially from such a mainstream car maker as Audi. The Porsche GT3 is probably a bit too extreme to win and the California is a bit of a cynical car.

So the awards were about right. If a bit safe.

VW Passat CC 5 Seats – UK buyers WILL get the option

Volkswagen in the UK is set to announce that they will, after all, be offering the 5 seat option to UK buyers of the VW Passat CC.Sometimes it’s the oddest of stories that get big reactions.

We ran a story last month about Volkswagen deciding to offer a 5-seat option on the Passat CC. We were so convinced it was a non-story we took the Mickey. But we were wrong. It would seem the 5 seat option on the Passat CC is a very big deal – certainly for some customers.

We’ve actually has a steady stream of emails since we published the story bemoaning VW UK’s refusal to offer the option, plus we had a couple of comments this last week on the original article. So we thought we ought to dig a bit, as the option is obviously important to a surprisingly large number of buyers.

We sent VW UK an email asking them to explain what’s going on. We didn’t get a reply straight away so we decided to put someone on researching buying a RHD Passat CC in Germany with the 5 seat option. Now whether our emails out to VW in Germany got back to VW UK – or our email to VW UK got to the top of the pile – we don’t know. But a response we got.

The official line on the 5 seat option is that the “‘…5-seat option has been under review by Volkswagen in the UK”. In other words our article made a lot of people go to their dealers asking for the 5 seats on the Passat CC – as one commenter said on the original article – so VW dealers have been asking VW UK why they can’t offer it. When pushed VW concede that they will make “…an announcement before long on the possible inclusion of a 5-seat option on the Passat CC”.

Off the record, expect an announcement within the week that the 5 seat option will be available for the Passat CC in the UK.

Volkswagen Tiguan facelift accidentally spilled?

Whether intentional or not, we're always amazed at how often auto manufacturers are the source of their own leaks. For the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan facelift, this is exactly the case as a sharp-eyed WCF reader, who happen to be on the Volkswagen Germany site at the right moment, was perceptive enough to take a screenshot. The web page has since been removed, but thanks to Wolfgang S. (our tipster) we're able to still share it with you.

So what changes? Not much. Homoginized into current VW design paradigm, there's a restyled front bumper, updated grille, LED daytime running lights, which are integrated into the headlights, and new set of wheels. Under the hood, engine and transmission options are expected to carry over. Despite this, Volkswagen could make minor modifications to improve fuel efficiency and decrease emissions. Out back the taillights have most likely been redesigned along with a rear bumper fascia. Interior upgrades are also very probable but we'll have to wait until details are officialy released.

With this leak we can only guess VW is preparing for its media release ahead of its public debut in Geneva next month. Stay tuned.

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