VW Specialist London Blog

The Bugs start to fly: New range of Beetle models now on sale

Entomologists in the UK are set for an exciting day, and not just because the ants are flying. There’s another kind of flying bug about: the Volkswagen Beetle with either a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI turbodiesel engine, or a 2.0-litre 200 PS TSI turbocharged petrol engine.

The latter is enough to propel this bug from zero to 62 mph in just 7.5 seconds and on to 139 mph, while the TDI takes a far from sluggish 9.5 seconds and can reach 123 mph. Of equal interest, however, will be its 57.6 mpg combined economy, and 129 g/km of CO₂ rating.

Both new versions are available with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes. The TDI comes in either mid-level Design or top-line Sport trim. The 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS model is available in Sport or special-edition Turbo Black and Turbo Silver specification, complete with ‘Turbo’ decals in either silver or black along the side, door mirrors in silver or black, the door rubbing strip in body colour (rather than black, as it is on standard Sport models), and 19-inch ‘Tornado’ alloys.

Specification levels are high. Design trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels in a choice of two styles, Bluetooth telephone preparation, an RCD 510 DAB CD/radio with MDI multi-device interface (for connecting an iPod or similar), front fog lights, rear Isofix preparation, an alarm, manual air conditioning, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

The range-topping Sport specification adds 18-inch alloys in a choice of styles, tinted glass, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors (silver or black on ‘Turbo’ special editions), gloss black dashboard and door panel and 2Zone electronic climate control.

The 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS Sport model uniquely comes with certain specification highlights over and above all other models. These include: four-link rear suspension, twin chromed exhaust pipes, red brake calipers and a body-coloured rear diffuser.

A wide range of optional equipment is also available on all Beetle models, including Keyless Access, satellite navigation systems, bi-xenon headlights and a selection of different alloy wheel designs.

The option that will make the biggest impact, however, is the Fender sound pack. Developed in conjunction with the eponymous electric guitar firm, this audiophile’s delight offers a 400W output and a subwoofer, along with switchable three-colour illumination surrounding the front loudspeakers, all for just £500.

The Beetle is also available with a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS engine with seven-speed DSG gearbox and a 1.4-litre 160 PS TSI with a six-speed manual gearbox. These models were restricted by supply at launch but are all now available, many with attractive low-rate finance offers. The new 2.0-litre models are also available to order now, with some models in stock ready for delivery.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

New look, greater economy: the revised Eos is unveiled

Volkswagen has unveiled the new face of the Eos convertible coupé ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show on 17 November.

The modifications bring the Eos in line with the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s design language as seen applied to the new Polo, Passat and Sharan. Horizontal lines dominate the front of the car with a prominent new grille complete with chrome highlights that create the impression that the Eos is wider and lower than the car it replaces. A set of new headlight units, similar in shape to those fitted to the Golf, features the option of integrated LED daytime running lights to lend the revised Eos an elegant new look.

A revised front bumper featuring new airdams and fog lights is joined by a reprofiled bonnet. At the back of the car a set of new tail lights, drawing on the look of those fitted to the new Passat, creates a distinctive new appearance.

As before, the Eos features an advanced five piece folding roof with an integrated tilt sliding glass sunroof. To go from a closed coupé to an open cabriolet – an operation that can now be undertaken remotely via the key fob if the car is specified with Keyless Entry – takes just 25 seconds while the boot capacity ranges from 205 litres when the roof is down up to 380 litres with the roof closed.

Inside, new trim finishes enhance the interior of the Eos which is both comfortable and extremely well equipped. Highlights include a leather multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, a powerful eight-speaker CD stereo system and sports seats.

The new Eos will be available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines when deliveries commence in the UK early in 2011. These include a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 122 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI unit producing 210 PS as well as a refined 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 140 PS. This unit, with BlueMotion Technology modifications including automatic Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, can return a combined economy of 58.8 mpg.

Prices and specifications for the new Eos will be announced when ordering opens for the car in November.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Volkswagen intends to make production 25 per cent more environmentally compatible by 2018

As part of its "Think Blue. Factory." Initiative, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has set itself clear targets for the environmentally sustainable positioning of all its plants. By 2018, the environmental impact of all Volkswagen plants is to be reduced by 25 per cent. This applies especially to energy consumption, waste volumes, air-borne emissions, water consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

"Through the growing efficiency and productivity of our plants, the Volkswagen brand is already making a key contribution to the achievements of Group strategic targets for 2018. However, we are going a step further: by 2018, we intend to make production at all our plants 25 per cent more environmentally compatible," said Hubert Waltl, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Production and Logistics. On the basis of annual values for 2010, future carbon dioxide emissions, waste volumes, energy consumption in megawatt-hours per vehicle produced and overall water consumption for production are to be significantly reduced.

"Sustainable, efficient production is a clear competitive advantage," added Prof. Werner Neubauer, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand with responsibility for Components. "With its "Think Blue. Factory." Initiative, the Volkswagen brand is pursuing a clear strategy which pools all environmental activities at our plants throughout the world. Our ambitious targets for sustainable vehicle production have now been defined in a way which is clear and comprehensible for our customers."

"Think Blue. Factory." is an addition to the Volkswagen "Think Blue." portfolio including key measures in the area of vehicle production. The programme, which is concerned with efficiency improvements in production and the expansion of environmentally aware energy supplies, addresses all employees at the plants. In future, approaches for reducing energy consumption in production will be honored by the Volkswagen Energy Cup at an annual "Think Blue. Factory." day.

Only a few weeks ago, the new Volkswagen plant at Chattanooga, Tennessee, was the first automobile factory worldwide to receive platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Platinum certification confirms compliance with the most demanding standards for sustainable, environmentally compatible production.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Fast, fun and very frugal: The Volkswagen Polo BlueGT

The Polo BlueGT, unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show, combines dynamic performance with extreme fuel efficiency, thanks to the use of ACT cylinder deactivation, which is being used for the first time in a production Volkswagen.

The turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine produces 140 PS, yet returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 4.7 litres per 100 km (around 60 mpg), and emits a forecasted 108 g/km of CO2. Opt for the seven-speed DSG transmission, and fuel consumption drops to a forecasted 4.5 litres per 100 km (62.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km. Top speed is 210 kmh (130 mph) and zero to 62 mph takes 7.9 seconds.

At the heart of the Polo BlueGT, and responsible in large part for its combination of high performance and low fuel economy, is the first of the new EA211 series of engines, which will become commonplace in the new modular transverse matrix (MQB) that will underpin future Volkswagen models.

Under light and medium loads, the second and third cylinders are automatically shut down, producing fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 km in the EU driving cycle. At a constant 50 kmh (30 mph) the savings can be as much as one litre per 100 km, and even at 70 kmh (44 mph) in fifth gear, around 0.7 litres per 100 km can be saved.

Cylinder deactivation occurs at engine speeds of between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm, and at torque outputs of 25 to 100 Nm (18 to 74 lbs ft). If the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the two cylinders are imperceptibly reactivated. All mechanical switchovers occur within 13 to 36 milliseconds, depending on engine speed. The multifunction display in the instrument binnacle lets the driver know when cylinders are deactivated.

While the cylinder deactivation is so unobtrusive that only the driver might know about it, the Polo BlueGT itself is distinguished both inside and out by various styling cues. On the outside, there are multi-spoke 17-inch alloys and GT badges front and rear. The suspension is lowered by around 15 mm. Added to this are some features borrowed from the Polo GTI (the rear spoiler, rear bumper with diffuser, plus front bumper with LED daytime running lights) and some features borrowed from the Polo BlueMotion (side sills and front windscreen rain channels). A black-painted front grille and black door mirror caps complete the look.

Inside, as in the Polo GTI, the roof lining is in black, while the instruments are also from the GTI. Both driver and passenger sit on bespoke BlueGT sports seats, and there is a leather-trimmed steering wheel with BlueGT emblem.

The Polo BlueGT goes on sale in Europe in July. UK availability is not yet confirmed.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Volkswagen lifts the lid on new Golf GTI Cabriolet

The most powerful production Golf Cabriolet ever is set to be unveiled next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Pictured here for the first time, the Golf GTI Cabriolet packs in all the performance and practicality of the GTI hatchback, and adds the pleasures of open-air motoring for four, thanks to an electrically powered fabric roof which can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds, even while travelling at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Visually, the Golf GTI Cabriolet has all the classic GTI design cues. The radiator grille has a honeycomb structure with red edging and the GTI badge, while the front bumper incorporates a deep honeycomb air dam and distinctive vertical fog lights. Side sill extensions help give the GTI a wide, well-planted stance, while a bespoke rear diffuser is framed by a chrome tailpipe on either side. Smoked LED tail lights complete the look. As on the GTI hatchback, standard wheels are 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloys.

Under the insulated fully automatic roof are four individual seats covered in the classic tartan ‘Jacara’ cloth upholstery; ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery is optional. The bespoke GTI multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, as are the handbrake and gear lever gaiter, all finished with contrasting red stitching. The pedals have brushed stainless steel caps, while there are black ‘Edge’ decorative inlays on the doors and facia. The hood lining and roof pillar trims are all finished in black.

Under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the GTI hatchback, mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and producing 210 PS. The benchmark zero to 62 mph sprint is covered in 7.3 seconds with either transmission (versus 6.9 seconds for the hatch), while top speed is 147 mph (146 mph for the DSG).

Maximum torque of 206 lbs ft (280 Nm) is available from just 1,700 rpm to 5,300 rpm, at which point maximum horsepower is achieved. This broad torque band helps to make the GTI an excellent cruiser – even at low revs in a high gear, the reserves of torque make the GTI’s performance easy to tap in to. A standard EDS electronic differential lock and XDS transverse differential lock help to ensure that the power is easily transferred to the road.

Safety is every bit as much a priority as performance. As with all Golf Cabriolet models, the GTI comes with automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a driver’s knee airbag as standard, all of which helped it to achieve a five-star (96 per cent) rating for adult occupancy in Euro NCAP crash tests.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet goes on sale in the UK in the second half of the year. Prices and further specification details will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

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