Volkswagen is enhancing the specification of the award-winning Passat. Available to order in its updated guise from today, Friday 5 January, each of the five Passat trim levels gain new standard features inside and out.

LED headlights are now standard on the SE Business, GT and Alltrack trims and the Passat R-Line now features Premium LED headlights. LED headlights replace the previous halogen units, and include 12 separate LED daytime running lights that also perform the indicator function.

On the Passat R-Line, the Premium LED headlights feature dual ‘U-shaped’ LED daytime running lights and dynamic curve lighting. Here, the lights swivel as the steering wheel is turned giving greater visibility of approaching corners and an early warning of potential hazards.

Every new Passat now comes with Volkswagen’s App-Connect system as standard. App-Connect enables the driver or a passenger to link their smartphone to the car via a USB cable. The screen of the phone is then ‘mirrored’ onto the Passat’s infotainment touchscreen.

This enables the user to play music and playlists on the move. The car will also read out text messages and allow the user to dictate a reply. A wide variety of other apps are available, too, including Spotify and Skype. App-Connect works with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink™ which means it is compatible with the vast majority of mobile smartphones.

From today the upgraded Passat SE Business, R-Line and Alltrack models will feature heated front seats as standard. Already on the Passat GT’s extensive equipment list, this means nearly every new Passat from now on will include this welcome addition.

SE Business models now feature 3Zone climate control. This means the driver and front passenger can set the temperature for their area of the car. There are separate controls for the rear passengers, too, and so the temperature of these three ‘zones’ of the Passat can be individually controlled. 3Zone climate control was already standard on the Passat GT, R-Line and Alltrack models.

Another update for the Passat SE Business is the addition of a colour multi-function display. The multi-function computer gives the driver a variety of information about the status of their Passat.

The Passat SE Business gains the most enhancements and, in comparison to the previous model, has £1,955 worth of extra equipment. This contrasts to a small price increase to this trim of £550 RRP OTR, so the customer saving is £1,405.

R-Line models have a similarly high total customer benefit of £1,315, and on Passat Alltrack models the specification adjusted saving is £1,000. The Passat GT enhancements, including a small £200 increase in the OTR RRP, result in a customer saving of £705.

The price of the Passat S hasn’t changed, and so it continues to start at £22,025 RRP OTR. The extra equipment on this model equates to a customer saving of £165.

The Passat won the prestigious European Car of the Year award when it was launched in 2015, and it continues to offer a high level of value for money. Every model includes, as a minimum, Volkswagen’s latest generation Composition Media infotainment system with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen. This includes Bluetooth telephone and audio connection for two compatible smartphones, DAB digital radio, a CD player and an SD card reader.

Starting the range is the Passat S, which has 16-inch ‘Aragon’ alloy wheels and chrome radiator louvres, while anti-lock brakes, disc brakes, and electric front and rear windows add to the equipment list. The Passat S also features power-assisted steering, an electronic handbrake with hill-hold function, and a Driver Alert system to monitor driver fatigue.

SE Business adds satellite navigation via Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation infotainment system, with branded points of interest, three route options (Fast, Short and Eco), and preloaded European map data. Adaptive Cruise Control takes the strain out of longer journeys and Front Assist constantly monitors for potential collision risks. Parking sensors and electrically adjustable and foldable door mirrors further enhance the appeal.

Volkswagen Golf and Golf Estate

In 2017 Volkswagen significantly updated the Golf, it’s best-selling model to date, and the German manufacturer is starting the New Year with a further addition: the 130 PS BlueMotion version of the new 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine is now additionally available to order on Golf GT hatch and Golf Estate GT.

Focused on even better fuel economy, the 130 PS 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine features a full shut-down mode. When the car is cruising, all four cylinders can temporarily turn off. As soon as more power is needed, the engine restarts. The driver barely notices the process other than the illumination of a small light on the dash panel to show the engine is in ‘Eco’ mode.

In the Golf hatch this new BlueMotion engine takes the car from a standing start to 62 mph in 8.8 seconds, whether the six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox is selected. Top speed for each variation is also the same, at 130 mph. The 130 PS of peak power is reached between 5000 and 6000 rpm. On the Golf Estate, 0-62 mph takes 9.2 seconds and top speed is 131 mph.

This technologically advanced engine was already available in SE and SE Navigation models on both the Golf hatch and the Golf Estate. It continues to be available in its more powerful 150 PS guise on the Golf GT and R-Line hatch models, and Golf Estate GT. In the 150 PS version two of the four cylinders are able to shut down.

Volkswagen today also introduces a petrol engine to the latest Golf Alltrack for the first time. Previously available with a choice of 2.0-litre diesels with 150 PS or 184 PS, the model now features the option of a 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine with a peak power output of 180 PS.

Designed to tackle rough terrain as comfortably as the urban jungle, the Golf Alltrack is based on the Golf Estate. It has an increased ride height (approx. 30 mm higher than the Golf Estate) and off-road suspension. It also has unique styling, including anthracite wheel arch protection and matt-chrome effect side-sill and underbody protection. Inside, it is equipped with Active Info Display, a 12.3-inch TFT screen, in place of traditional instrumentation.

Equipped to tackle rugged ground, the Golf Alltrack is available as a 4MOTION all-wheel drive car. In the new 1.8-litre 180 PS petrol version the Alltrack reaches a top speed of 135 mph and sprints to 62 mph from a standstill in only 7.5 seconds. Peak power is 180 PS at 4500-6200 rpm.

For full details of the expanded range of Volkswagen cars, together with brochures and full pricing information, and to use the brand’s online configurator, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

• Production record thanks to largest model offensive and growing demand from customers across the globe
• Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Santana, Passat and Polo lead rankings
• More than 60 models in product portfolio
• Brand produces vehicles at more than 50 plants in 14 countries

By the end of the year, Volkswagen will produce more than six million vehicles, setting a new record. The largest model offensive to date in the history of the Volkswagen Group's core brand and growing demand from customers across the globe have led to the new record. The Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Santana, Passat and Polo lead the brand's global production rankings.

Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Production and Logistics, sees a clear signal: "More than six million vehicles produced in 12 months - there is one thing that this shows above all: our plants and employees are continually improving their production competence. We have top teams in production which successfully master growing demand from customers."

This development is driven by the long-standing best-sellers Jetta, Golf, Santana, Passat and Polo, growing demand for the Tiguan and recently launched products such as the new Polo, Arteon and T-Roc. Overseas models have also contributed to the production record. The Chinese Santana sedan is an especially popular model.

The Volkswagen brand produces vehicles at more than 50 plants in 14 countries. Since series production started with the original Beetle 72 years ago, more than 150 million Volkswagens have rolled off the production lines. The brand's global product portfolio now includes over 60 models.

Within the framework of the TRANSFORM 2025+ strategy for the future, the Volkswagen Group's core brand is stepping up its model offensive. In 2017 alone, Volkswagen launched more than 10 new models throughout the world. Over the next few years, the entire product range is to be renewed and expanded in core segments such as SUVs and e-mobility. In this first phase, especially the brand's presence in the SUV segment is to be boosted. By 2020, the brand will offer 19 SUV models throughout the world and will increase the share of SUVs in the overall model range to 40 percent. In the second phase, from 2020 onwards, the brand is to build up a comprehensive family of full-electric vehicles on the basis of an entirely new electric architecture. The I.D. will be the automobile future of Volkswagen. The family will include the I.D., I.D. Crozz and I.D. Buzz. These three models are part of the initial formation which Volkswagen will be introducing at rapid intervals from 2020 onwards to launch its worldwide electric offensive.  In 2025, one million electric Volkswagens are to reach the roads.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com

The new Tiguan Allspace is now available to order across Volkswagen’s UK Retailer network. Based on the successful Tiguan sports utility vehicle, the Tiguan Allspace has a longer wheelbase and a greater overall length than its sibling.

To be precise, the Tiguan Allspace is 4,701 mm long (Tiguan: 4,486 mm) and has a wheelbase of 2,787 mm (Tiguan: 2,681 mm). A third row of fold-flat occasional seats means the Tiguan Allspace can carry up to seven people and still boast a luggage capacity of 230 litres. Or, with five people in the car, the luggage capacity is 700 litres, and increase of 85 litres over the ‘regular’ Tiguan (615 litres).

Further emphasising its enhanced flexibility, the Tiguan Allspace’s middle row of seats can be slid fore and aft by 180 mm, and can also fold flat. With both the middle row and the third row of seats folded down, the luggage capacity of the Tiguan Allspace is a cavernous 1,775 litres.

Three high specification trim levels make up the Tiguan Allspace range. Beginning with the generously equipped SE Navigation models, it continues with the luxurious SEL and sporty R-Line.

Equipment levels are high across the board in the Tiguan Allspace. As well as the third row of fold-flat seats every model has at least 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and 3Zone climate control. All have Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation infotainment system with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen, satellite navigation, DAB radio and a CD player, as well as Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.

Driver assistance systems fitted across the board come in the form of Adaptive Cruise Control, which tracks the speed of the car ahead and automatically accelerates and brakes the Tiguan Allspace while keeping a safe gap ahead, as well as Lane Assist, Front Assist and City emergency braking.

SEL spec’ adds Active Info Display, Volkswagen’s 12.3-inch TFT screen mounted in the instrument binnacle. It offers customisable menus that display a range of different information about the car such as speed, gear, fuel consumption, navigation instructions or map, and much more. SEL trim also includes 19-inch alloy wheels, front sports seats with 14-way adjustment, hands-free boot opening, and a panoramic sunroof.

R-Line brings a variety of sporty styling cues to the Tiguan Allspace, including 20-inch ‘Suzuka’ alloy wheels, sports suspension (lowered by approx. 15 mm), a body-coloured rear spoiler, and black interior rooflining.

Engine options are broadly similar to the Tiguan. The 1.4-litre TSI ACT engine has a peak power output figure of 150 PS (5,000 to 6,000 rpm) and benefits from Active Cylinder Technology, which means two of the four cylinders shut down when the car is cruising to save fuel. A second petrol option is the 2.0-litre 180 PS TSI unit, available exclusively with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The diesel range includes three 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, with peak power outputs of 150 PS, 190 PS and 240 PS. The 150 PS unit is particularly versatile, with the choice of front-wheel drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive and six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes.

In 190 PS diesel-engined form the Tiguan Allspace has a top speed, where legal, of 130 mph and completes the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.6 seconds. When equipped with the 240 PS BiTDI engine the top speed is 142 mph and 0-62 mph takes 6.7 seconds.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle ranges from 46.3 mpg for the 150 PS TSI to 43.5 mpg in the 240 PS TDI diesel engine. CO₂ measurements range from 131 g/km for the 2.0-litre 150 PS TDI with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive to 175 g/km for the 2.0-litre 180 PS TSI engine with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

As well as being a strong performer on the road, the Tiguan Allspace is a capable off-road SUV. To that end, the optional off-road pack offers an alternative front bumper design to increase the approach angle from 16.9 degrees to 24 degrees. It also adds additional underbody protection and chrome door sill protectors.

All Tiguan Allspace models equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive include 4MOTION Active Control. This is an intuitively operated rotary/push-button switch that allows the driver to activate one of four driving modes: ‘Onroad’, ‘Snow’, ‘Offroad’ and ‘Offroad Individual’. It tunes the transmission of the car to meet the conditions the driver is facing.

The versatility of the Tiguan Allspace continues via the model’s towing capacity of 1,800 kg to 2,500 kg (braked), depending on the engine and gearbox combination. Volkswagen’s clever Trailer Assist system combines the optional Park Assist and rear-view camera to make reversing and parking with a trailer easy and accurate. The optical display visualises actual and possible steering angles and reverse steering is automatic, with the driver side door mirror adjustment switch acting as a joystick. The driver controls the pedals and keeps a good look out.

From its UK launch in June 2016 to the end of 2017 more than 40,000 second generation Tiguans have been sold here, cementing the car’s position as a top three model for Volkswagen UK. The Tiguan Allspace aims to further strengthen that sales performance as a standalone car. It has been designed to echo the sharp styling of the regular Tiguan despite its larger proportions, and boasts various styling amends including a new front grille and a higher bonnet with different accent lines.

Larger rear doors enable good access to the third row of seats, while the contours around the C-pillar are also new. The roof section is finished with a striking structural design that pays homage to classic SUVs.

Volkswagen’s SUV range continues to expand. Below Touareg, Tiguan Allspace and Tiguan is the all-new Volkswagen T-Roc, which blends the dominance of an SUV with the dynamism of a compact hatchback.

For more details on the new Tiguan Allspace – together with brochures and pricing – and to use Volkswagen’s online configurator, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The stage is set for the rally GTI: The Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 enjoyed a successful world premiere. The four-wheel drive rally car for customer sports, which is based on the sixth and latest generation of the new Polo, was introduced to the public for the first time at the official driving presentation of the Polo GTI² in Mallorca on Monday evening. The development of the new rally sports car incorporated the experience and know-how acquired whilst winning four world titles in the pinnacle of rallying, the WRC, from 2013 to 2016.

“Presenting the new Polo GTI R5 to the public was a magnificent moment,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. “The close relationship to the road-going Polo GTI is unmistakable. In the rally Polo, the GTI family has another spectacular ambassador. Our team and the colleagues at Volkswagen Design in Wolfsburg deserve great credit for this. Over the coming months, the Polo GTI R5 must prove itself in a series of tough scenarios, in order to ensure that it can build on the success of its predecessor in the customers’ hands.”

Initial tests successful, homologation planned for late summer 2018

Development of the Polo GTI R5 has been in full swing since the start of the year. Initial tests on asphalt and gravel took place in mid-November in Fontjoncouse, France, and will continue in Great Britain in December. Responsibility for the entire project lies with Technical Director François-Xavier “FX” Demaison, as well as Project Manager Jan de Jongh, who, as race engineer, looked after world champion Sébastien Ogier’s Polo R WRC from 2013 to 2016.

“The Polo GTI R5 came through the initial tests without any problems. The feedback from the test drivers was very positive,” says Demaison. “It is obviously beneficial to be able to call upon an experienced team of engineers and mechanics, who helped to develop the Polo that won the world championship. And it goes without saying that, as we have in the past, we are also taking advantage of the close and excellent cooperation with the colleagues in the technical development department in Wolfsburg, as well as our Škoda colleagues, who have been offering their customers an R5 car since 2015.”

As in the GTI for the streets: four-cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection

Like the production model – the new Polo GTI – the Polo GTI R5 has a powerful straight four-cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection, which is mounted transversely in front of the front axle. The capacity of the rally car is limited to 1.6 litres, in accordance with regulations. This is sufficient to generate an impressive 200 kW (272 hp) and maximum torque of 400 Newton metres. A close-stepped, sequential, five-speed racing gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive achieve outstanding acceleration on any surface – whether asphalt, gravel or snow. Weighing just 1,320 kilograms, the rally GTI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

The four-door, steel chassis, which serves as the basis for the assembly, is manufactured at the production plant in Pamplona, Spain. In accordance with FIA regulations, it is strengthened with a role cage and other safety components. The Polo GTI R5 will be homologated in the summer of 2018. The first deliveries to customer sports teams, and the first competitive outings, are planned for the second half of the year.

In 2012, the International Automobile Federation FIA passed the R5 regulations for a new generation of rally cars, aimed primarily at customer teams, talented youngsters and privateers. Since then, more than 400 cars have been produced by five different manufacturers and have been in action in national and international championships all over the world.

¹ Polo GTI R5: The concept vehicle has not gone on sale, and therefore Directive 1999/94 EC does not apply.

² Polo GTI (147 kW/200 PS) fuel consumption in l/100 km: urban 7,7 / extra-urban 4,9 / combined 5,9; CO2-emissions (combined) in g/km: 134; efficiency class: C.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk