Volkswagen is celebrating a quadruple win at The Sunday Times Motor Awards 2020, adding to an already bustling trophy cabinet for the brand, and a successful year so far.

The Volkswagen Golf and up! GTI led the charge with category wins at The Sunday Times Motor Awards, with the technology-packed Golf winning ‘Family Car of the Year’ and the plucky, fun-filled up!GTI taking the ‘Value Car of the Year’ title. The Golf’s breadth of appeal and position as the standard-setter for the C-segment were noted and praised by The Sunday Times judges, while the up! GTI’s clear Mk1 Golf GTI DNA was key to the pocket rocket’s success with the panel.

So far ahead of its competitors was the Golf, that it was also crowned overall ‘Car of the Year’, jointly with its Volkswagen Group stablemate, the Porsche Taycan. And last – though certainly not least – the fourth award went to the Volkswagen brand, which was named ‘Manufacturer of the Year’. The publication reserved particular praise for the brand’s range of MEB-based ID. cars, of which the ID.3 has already arrived on UK roads.

Volkswagen’s 2020 is set to continue this momentum, with the imminent arrival of the updatedArteon, new Arteon Shooting Brake and the revised Tiguan. Furthermore, high-performance R variants of the Tiguan and Touareg will arrive in early 2021, shortly followed by the Arteon R, and the ID.4 – the next chapter in the Volkswagen ID. story. The series versions of the ID.3 will also open for order in the coming weeks, making the wider line-up of the ground-breaking electric hatchback available to the motoring public.

The eighth-generation Golf has been praised by experts since its launch earlier this year for its dependable blend of quality, innovation, driving experience and appeal to all. It is a benchmark not only in its segment, but across the automotive industry overall – a true ‘People’s Car’. Alongside this proven recipe, the Golf was the first volume model in Europe to launch with innovative Car2X technology – a system with the potential to revolutionise car safety, providing advance warnings of dangers ahead, facilitated by its ability to pass details on to other Car2X-equipped cars. This way, notice can be passed back through traffic to give warning of an approaching hazard, emergency vehicle, or another unexpected scenario on the road.

Will Dron, Editor of The Sunday Times’ Driving.co.uk, said: "The Golf continues to be the benchmark against which all other family cars are judged. The new model is the perfect blend of forward-thinking and everyday practicality, with a modern but familiar shape and a strikingly high tech, minimalist interior. Its astonishingly wide selection of powertrains will suit every type of driver, too.

“The up! GTI, meanwhile, captures the spirit of the original Golf GTI — a pocket rocket that's great fun to drive but won't break the bank. And while Volkswagen is still developing high quality cars that are testament to its esteemed heritage, we also had to recognise the brand for its renewed focus on hybrid and electric models — the ID. range is one to watch and its arrival could mark another significant moment in the history of motoring."

Andrew Savvas, Managing Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “During a year like 2020, recognition like this is inspiring for all at Volkswagen UK, with our icon – the Golf – awarded with ‘Family Car of the Year’ as well as the overall ‘Car of the Year’ title by The Sunday Times.

“The up! GTI’s success as ‘Value Car of the Year’ is also pleasing, given its status as a through-and-through driver’s car with GTI DNA running through it. It is a great value, brilliantly fun package.

To win the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award, though, is something else entirely. This recognises every car we offer, from the up! itself to the Touareg luxury SUV, and includes hot-off-the-press models like the newly-introduced ID.3, the upcoming ID.4, updated Tiguan, and a raft of exciting R models to set pulses racing. It also recognises the level of investment we are making, compared with other car brands, in the field of e-mobility. I am really pleased and proud for Volkswagen to receive this prestigious accolade.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The ID.4 boasts a powerful and sporty, but simultaneously also likeable char-acter. The exterior lighting plays a major part in this: it forms an integral part of the electric SUV’s design concept and stages the vehicle in a new way.

Until now, whenever automotive designers wanted to draw attention to highlights, they often used chrome details and strips – on the inside and outside. For a few years now, the trend has additionally been moving towards new light elements in the vehicle interior, but most of all on the outside of the vehicle. “Light is the new chrome,” Klaus Zyciora explains as the Volkswagen Group Head of Design and former Head of Volkswagen Brand Design. “Light plays a major role, especially for an electric vehicle. It represents energy and electricity, but also warmth and safety. Light is a perfect symbol for the mobility of the future.”

Zyciora and his team applied this philosophy to the ID.4, creating a new, unmistakeable light design. Large headlights dominate the front end of the electric SUV to lend it a friendly look. They already largely feature LED technology as standard. The tail light clusters have been fully equipped with light-emitting diodes and a red light strip connects them to each other. The exterior mirror housings feature an additional light element: they conceal logo projectors which project a diamond-shaped pattern, ID. models’ typical design motif, onto the ground upon opening the doors.

High-tech by Volkswagen: IQ.Light. Anyone additionally seeking a certain je ne sais quoi will in future be able to order the optionally available IQ.Light with LED matrix headlights. Its light modules are made up of eleven individual LEDs each, which can be individually switched off and dimmed. They consequently emit an intelligently controlled, continuous main beam, always illuminating the road as brightly as possible without dazzling other road users.

The modules bear a strong resemblance to human eyes. Illuminated rings with a flattened lower section surround them – they are the hallmark of ID. models featuring IQ.Light. Honeycomb-shaped openings in the modules’ housings and all-round fibre optic cables generate the daytime running light. When the lighting is on, a light strip runs across the front end to link the headlights to each other.

Light modules in the headlights communicate with the driver even before the ID.4 sets off on a journey: whenever drivers approach the vehicle with the key, the lights electrically swivel upwards from the bottom to thus welcome them by looking up. With the Keyless Advanced access system on board, the vehicle features an enhanced welcome scenario: in this case, the light modules “open their eyes” and then additionally swivel to the side – making the impression that the vehicle is seeking eye contact with the approaching driver.

Global innovation: optional 3D LED tail light clusters. In the ID.4 the Volkswagen brandis using 3D LED tail light clusters for the very first time. Their tail light forms a flat curve and has a particularly homogeneous and vivid effect. In each case nine fibre optic cable surfaces emit the light in an unusually rich red. Each of these discs, consisting of several, thin layers, appears to be floating in front of a black background. The brake lights light up in the shape of an “X”.

Fast-paced animations in the lights initiate from the logo to welcome drivers and bid them farewell. Customers can switch over between two design modes. The 3D LED tail light clusters additionally incorporate a dynamic turn signal – it moves from the inside towards the outside to thus clearly convey in which direction the vehicle is heading. Klaus Zyciora continues by saying that “the light in the ID.4 is not an end in itself. It fulfils vital functions in an intelligent way and represents an integral element of the exterior design.”

Electrically into the future. Volkswagen’s electric offensive is further gathering pace with the new ID.3 and ID.4 models: the ID.3 is currently being launched on the first European markets. The world premiere of the ID.4, which will in future be available in the booming compact SUV segment, will be on 23 September. The first vehicles will be delivered before the end of this year.

Volkswagen is thus underlining its ambitions to become the global electric mobility market leader. For this purpose, the Group will be investing around €33 billion by 2024, €11 billion alone in the Volkswagen brand. In Germany the Zwickau site will become Europe’s largest and most potent electric vehicle plant, assuming a pioneering role in transforming Volkswagen’s worldwide production network. Preparations for the launch of the E-SUV are also in full swing at an international level. Pre-production has already begun at the Chinese plant in Anting and production of the ID.4 at the Chattanooga site in the USA will launch in 2022.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The new ID.4 has arrived – with the versatility of an SUV and the sustainability of an electric vehicle. Presales of Volkswagen’s new, electric SUV are simultaneously launching in Germany and further European countries only one day after its world premiere. There are two preconfigured edition models to choose from: the ID.4 1ST and ID.4 1ST Max. Both generate an output of 150 kW (204 PS), feature a battery with 77 kWh and very generous equipment. The ID.4 is launching in the world’s largest market segment, the compact SUV class.

Klaus Zellmer, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The ID.4 is our zero-emission response to the unbroken SUV trend and the next step on our way towards offering climate-neutral mobility for each segment. The ID.4 impresses in terms of its function, design, price and sustainability. I am confident that we will spark a passion in customers around the world with our first electric SUV.”

Redefining the SUV.

For the very first time, Volkswagen is offering a fully electrically driven SUV, the ID.4, generating zero local emissions. The ID.4 also merges all benefits customers appreciate about SUVs. Its clear-cut, flowing design inspires at first glance. The sporty and powerful electric vehicle also boasts an impressive acceleration. The high-voltage battery installed in the floor of the body guarantees a centre of gravity that is ideal for driving dynamics and balanced handling. The modular electric drive matrix (MEB) grants ample space in the vehicle interior with compact exterior dimensions. Colours and materials in the vehicle interior are both modern and homely. The luggage compartment volume is 543 to 1,575 litres, depending on the rear backrest position.

Modern and simple: operation and connectivity

The cockpit has been clearly structured and is almost exclusively controlled by touch functions and the intelligent Hello ID. voice control. Optional features include an augmented reality head-up display, which combines the displays with the actual surroundings. The Discover Pro navigation system brings We Connect Start online services on board while IQ.Drive assist systems make driving even more masterful. Software and hardware have been designed in a new architecture that makes it possible to transfer updates to the car after having purchased it.

Two variants upon the order launch.

ID.4 1ST and ID.4 1ST Max edition models have a battery with an energy content of 77 kWh (net) on board – enough to cover a range of around 490 km (WLTP). It is situated under the passenger compartment, thus shifting the car’s centre of gravity downwards. The electric drive motor at the rear axle generates 150 kW (204 PS). The ID.4 sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds while its top speed has been limited to 160 km/h. 21 centimetres of ground clearance and the large wheels underline the sporty and powerful character.

Very comfortable: the ID.4 1ST

The ID.4 1ST has 20-inch Drammen design wheels. The Exterior Style package and the tinted rear windows lend it a very stylish appearance. Front seats, multifunction steering wheel and the windscreen can be heated. The background lighting can be adjusted in 30 colours, stainless steel pedals feature Play & Pause design. A 2-zone Climatronic air conditioning system rounds off the range of convenience features. The Discover Pro navigation system is on board, as are vital assist systems – Front Assist, ACC stop & go adaptive cruise control and the Lane Assist lane keeping system. A rear view camera system helps when manoeuvring. The ID.4 1ST additionally features a highly energy-efficient heat pump that boosts the range in low temperatures as well as a towing bracket as standard.

Leaves no wishes unanswered: ID.4 1ST Max

The ID.4 1ST Max includes almost the full range of available equipment: in addition to the scope of the ID.4 1ST it includes further features. Interactive IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and 3D LED tail light clusters especially catch the eye on the exterior. 21-inch Narvik wheels sharpen the handling in conjunction with progressive steering and adaptive chassis control DCC.

In the vehicle interior, the ID.4 ST Max boasts superior comfort. It includes electrically adjustable seats, a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, acoustic glass, 3-zone Climatronic system and an electrically operated boot lid as standard. The top-of-the-range model also comes perfectly equipped in terms of operation, connectivity and driver assist systems: the augmented reality head-up display, central 12-inch display, Comfort mobile phone interface, Travel Assist, Side Assist and Emergency Assist are all on board.

An ID.4 Pro Performance model is additionally available to order in Germany. It delivers identical, technical key data: 150 kW (204 PS), 77 kWh battery, a range of 522 km (WLTP) and a price starting at €44,450. An even more reasonably priced ID.4 entry-level model will be added to the product line at the beginning of 2021. At this point the ID.4 Pure will be available to order throughout Europe, offering a range of up to 340 kilometres (WLTP) at a price of under €37,000.

The comfortable ID.4 1ST comes with a price tag of €49,950 while the ID.4 1ST Max is available for €59,950. All models fully qualify for environmental grants: in Germany the net grant amounts to €9,000 each. The limited-edition models are restricted to 27,000 units. Once they have sold out, they will be followed by the pre-configured models. They bundle the most in-demand equipment options as part of appealing packages.

Carbon-neutral balance: production and operation of the ID.4

The ID.4, which is produced at the Zwickau plant,is carbon-neutral along the entire value chain. Volkswagen is launching a comprehensive package on the market called We Charge which makes it possible for customers to charge their electric vehicle in a sustainable, connected and convenient way. At home, the ID.4 1ST and ID.4 1ST Max can be charged with Volkswagen Naturstrom from renewable sources and along motorways customers can charge with direct current supplied by suitable charging stations. Thanks to an output of 125 kW this is done speedily: it takes a mere 30 minutes to recharge the energy to cover the next 320 km (as per WLTP).

Global car – electric mobility on key markets in Europe, China and the USA

As of late, Volkswagen has been supplementing its traditional product portfolio with the ID. family, a new, independent product range. Following the compact ID.3 model, the new ID.4 is the brand's second, fully electric model. Five plants on three continents will be producing the new, electric SUV: series production has already kicked off in Zwickau, in Saxony. Production will also launch at the Chinese plants in Anting and Foshan before the end of the year. The production launch in Chattanooga (USA) and at the plant in the German city of Emden is planned for 2022.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is launching presales of the new Golf Variant just a few days after its world premiere. The compact estate is now more digital, more dynamic and more versatile than ever before: with more space in the interior, it offers plenty of room for all the family or even large pieces of sports and recreational equipment. The extensive standard equipment and numerous assist systems ensure you have all the comfort you need. For the first time, the wide range of drive options also includes engines with mild hybrid and twin-dosing technology. Three engine variants will be available in the presales phase; prices start from 28,566.21 euros (for the Golf Variant 2.0 TDI with 85 kW/115 PS).

The innovations in the new Golf Variant are also reflected in its design, which is more dynamic and clearer-cut compared to its predecessor. The new generation of the Golf Variant is also 66 mm longer, shifting its proportions and making the new model appear more elongated and flatter. The spacious interior comfortably holds up to five people – that’s because the rear of the new model offers much more legroom. With a stowage capacity of 611 litres (loaded up to the rear seat bench), the Golf Variant also features an impressively large luggage compartment. When loaded to roof height up to the backrests of the front seats (with the built-in luggage net partition), the stowage capacity even increases to 1,642 litres.

The engine options have been expanded to include new mild hybrid versions (eTSI). These are particularly economical when it comes to fuel consumption because the Golf Variant switches off the TSI direct-injection turbo petrol engine whenever possible and coasts with zero local emissions. All eTSI engines are combined with an automatic dual clutch gearbox (7-speed DSG) as standard. Without a DSG gearbox, the imperceptible changeover between the coasting phase and the TSI drive would not be possible. As the first mild hybrid, the 1.0 eTSI will be launched with 81 kW/110 PS, with other versions set to follow. The Golf Variant is also available with innovative TDI engines, which will be initially launched with two output levels: as a 2.0 l TDI with 85 kW/115 PS and with 110 kW/150 PS. In both versions, technology known as twin dosing – dual AdBlue® injection with two SCR catalytic converters (Selective Catalytic Reduction) – significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx).

Volkswagen has reconfigured the equipment matrix of the Golf Variant: above the basic Golf Variant version, there will now be the Life, Style and R-Line equipment lines. The extensive standard equipment of the basic model already includes the lane keeping system Lane Assist, Front Assist with the City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, the XDS electronic differential lock, the Car2X traffic hazard alert system, the keyless comfort start system Keyless Start and automatic lighting control.

Always as standard in the vehicle interior: Digital Cockpit Pro (digital instruments), the Composition online infotainment system with 8.25-inch touchscreen, We Connect and We Connect Plus online services and functions, a multifunction steering wheel, Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioner and a Bluetooth telephone interface.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com