VW Specialist London Blog

Volkswagen present at the Bremen Classic Motorshow (2 to 4 February) in its own right for the first time
Corrado celebrating its 30th birthday in 2018
Two highly exclusive models on display

Congratulations, Corrado! The sporty coupé is celebrating its 30th birthday in 2018. The Volkswagen brand is presenting two very exclusive models from this series at the Bremen Classic Motorshow, which begins today.

The Bremen Classic Motorshow traditionally marks the beginning of the new classic car season. Volkswagen is attending the small but impressive classic car show in the northern German city in its own right for the first time in 2018. Its centrepiece will be a sports coupé celebrating its 30th birthday this year – the Volkswagen Corrado. The dynamic 2+2-seater was introduced in 1988 and was originally planned as the successor to the Scirocco II. But the latter continued to be manufactured alongside the Corrado until 1992, while production of the Corrado ceased in 1995.

The Golf II served as the technical basis for the Volkswagen Corrado unveiled in autumn 1988. When introduced, the coupé had a high-torque 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine which was charged by a mechanically powered G-Lader supercharger. This G60 engine boasted power output of 118 kW/160 hp. Two further engines were added to the Corrado range in 1991 – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 102 kW/136 hp and the top-of-the-range 2.9-litre VR6 engine (140 kW/190 hp) that accelerated the Corrado to up to 235 km/h. The range was extended downwards in 1993 with a 2.0-litre engine offering 85 kW/115 hp.

A specific feature of the sports car made in Osnabrück was the rear wing that was raised automatically to improve the vehicle's roadholding at high speeds. In addition to being delivered within Europe, the Corrado was exported to the USA and Canada.

Volkswagen Classic is presenting two highly exclusive Corrado models to visitors in Hall 5: a prototype with a 154 kW/210 hp 16V G60 engine which was produced by Karmann in Osnabrück in 1989 and later became part of the Volkswagen Classic collection. The second exhibit is equally fascinating: it is the last left-hand drive Corrado to be manufactured – a 140 kW/190 hp VR6 in classic green pearl-effect paintwork, which rolled off the production line on 6 July 1995.

The look of the Volkswagen Classic Parts stand is entirely in keeping with the Corrado, presenting select spare parts from among the extensive Corrado array – featuring everything from model lettering to an entire side panel.

And this isn't the only reason why the Bremen Classic Motorshow is worth a visit: it will once again feature more than 600 exhibitors spread across space of 47,000 m². The total of eight show halls can be comfortably navigated in a day – offering a major advantage over larger and more expansive shows. In addition to the manufacturers' stands, visitors can come and discover more than 100 different club stands and an extensive private spare parts market.

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

No less than three Volkswagen models come out top in the auto motor und sportreaders' poll
Tiguan and T-Roc also make it onto the podium

The readers of motoring magazine auto motor und sport have voted the Golf, the new Polo and the up! the "Best Cars 2018" in their respective categories. No less than three Volkswagen models thus secured one of the year's most important awards. They were presented this morning in Stuttgart to Dr Herbert Diess (Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management), Dr Frank Welsch (Member of the Board of Management responsible for Development) and Jürgen Stackmann (Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales).

"The Golf is the heart of our brand – and therefore we're especially delighted to win this award", said Dr Diess at the presentation event.

This is reflected too in the car's record of success in the "Best Cars" poll, as this is the sixth time in succession that the Golf has won in the "Compact Class" category and also the popular model's 32nd award in total in the 42-year history of the poll (formerly "The Best Cars").

The Golf thus continues to be a major player in the motoring world. Its story of success too is an exemplary one, beginning all of 44 years ago. With over 34 million units built across seven generations, the Golf has been setting standards in the compact class for decades and continues to this day to take on a pioneering role in the introduction of leading edge vehicle technologies.

The Polo was voted top in the "Sub-Compact Cars" category with 33 per cent of the readers' votes. It's 43-year history of success shows that the Polo too is one of the key pillars of the Volkswagen brand. With around 17 million units sold to date, the Polo is one of the world's most successful compact cars. The recently launched sixth generation has a fully new exterior design, which makes the car – now as a rule with four doors – appear sportier and more grown up. At the same time, the new Polo is now bigger than its predecessor in every dimension.

In the "Mini Cars" category the readers crowned the up! the winner. While the up! is admittedly the smallest and newest Volkswagen of this trio, with more than 1 million vehicles sold (since 2011), it too can show a formidable record of success.

The small car has a very clear design, a comprehensive set of standard features and a multitude of options for personalisation. Highlights of the range include the new 85 kW / 115 PS up! GTI and the special edition up! beats with a 300-watt sound system.

Two Volkswagen SUVs also did well in the poll: in the "Compact SUV / Offroad Vehicles" category the company's top SUV, the Tiguan, took second place and the T-Roc, only launched last autumn, celebrated a surprise success in third.

The auto motor und sport international readers' poll is celebrating its 42nd anniversary this year. In addition to the German edition, 15 other European and three non-European magazines from the "auto motor und sport" group took part in the poll. In total, 378 models in eleven categories were on the nominations list to be voted the best cars of 2018.

WLTP: up! GTI (85 kW/115 PS) fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined 5.7 - 5.6; CO2 emissions (combined) in g/km: 129 - 127.
NEDC: up! GTI (85 kW/115 PS) fuel consumption in l/100 km: urban 6.0 / extra-urban 4.1 / combined 4.8; CO2 emissions (combined) in g/km: 110; efficiency class: C.

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

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

180 top managers from the components industry at Supplier Summit for next-generation Golf
Main plant at Wolfsburg to remain the Golf capital
Brand invests €1.8 billion in model family

Together with its suppliers, the Volkswagen brand is making intensive preparations for the next Golf generation1.
At the "Golf 8 Supplier Summit" held at the Volkswagen Arena, the Board Member for Procurement Ralf Brandstätter and Karlheinz Hell, Head of the Compact series group, underscored the importance of the new generation for the brand and for the Wolfsburg plant. At the same time, they also indicated to the "Golf Community" the opportunities and responsibilities resulting from sustained partnership.

The Wolfsburg plant currently produces more than 2,000 Golf family vehicles per day and is to remain the capital of the popular compact class in the future. In 75 weeks, the eighth generation of the bestseller in the compact segment is to roll off the production lines at Volkswagen's main plant in Wolfsburg, Europe's largest car factory. The Golf is sold in 108 countries and has convinced more than 35 million customers since 1974, the total investment of the brand in the next generation of the Golf will be about €1.8 billion.

Brandstätter explained to 180 top managers of the brand's 120 key suppliers: "Together with the I.D family, the introduction of the upcoming Golf generation will be the most strategically important product launch for the brand." Following supplier selection, the next phase of joint work with suppliers will now start with a view to ensuring a trouble-free start of production for the new Golf. "We have reached the decisive second stage of the project," Brandstätter said.

Volkswagen integrates its partners in the component supply industry intensively in the product creation process at an early stage within the framework of value sourcing. Suppliers contribute their ideas and technical solutions to vehicle projects in concept competitions.

Brandstätter explained the positive effects of the fact that 80 percent of all Golf 8 suppliers were already under contract for the current Golf: "This is a sign of considerable mutual loyalty, creates a broad basis of trust and provides greater security for planning."

The key role in the development of the next Golf is played by Karlheinz Hell, Head of the Compact series group, Volkswagen's largest series group, which reached a total global volume of 3.4 million vehicles in 2017. In the development of the next Golf, Hell will be responsible for ensuring that all departments cooperate in the optimum way and that the Golf makes its contribution to financial performance.

Like its predecessors, this model will meet customers' requirements with respect to design, economics, CO2 values, comfort and reliability. According to Hell, "The next Golf will take Volkswagen into the era of fully connected vehicles with extended autonomous driving functions. It will have more software on board than ever before. It will always be online and its digital cockpit and assistance systems will be the benchmark in terms of connectivity and safety."

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

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