Volkswagen revealed a Golf Estate Match Edition - replacing the SE trim.
VW
Classic car, Auction, News, Family Car
42 year old 'time warp' VW Beetle up for auction
A 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, that has covered just 90 km, has been discovered in time warp condition and will be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Race Aarhus Auction in Denmark on 28th and 29th May.
Concept Car, Convertible, Motorshow, News, SUV
Volkswagen reveals T-Cross Breeze
Volkswagen has unveiled an all-new SUV concept in Geneva.
Called the T-Cross Breeze, it’s described as ‘a progressive SUV with the added appeal of a modern soft-top convertible’.
Aiming to be an affordable convertible, the T-Cross Breeze showcases ‘dynamic body proportions and crisp, short overhangs’ says VW. The four-seat T-Cross Breeze is equipped with an interactive cockpit and a next-generation operation concept, touch-sensitive surfaces and newly developed “by-wire” solutions replace conventional switches and buttons. The T-Cross Breeze is powered by a ‘highly efficient’ 1.0 litre TSI turbo petrol engine with an output of 81 kW/110 PS.
Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand said: “Our T-Cross Breeze is the first open-top SUV in its class and, at the same time, an affordable, cheeky cabriolet with a raised seating position that gives you a perfect view.” With this concept, Volkswagen underlines the fact that the brand is blazing a trail and making mobility more of an experience than ever before.
Diess also confirmed: “At the moment the T-Cross Breeze is purely a concept, but we can well imagine putting such a convertible on the market as a production model. An affordable fun car that is also entirely suitable for everyday use. A genuine People’s Car.”
Volkswagen Scirocco gets special Black Edition models
Volkswagen has added a GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition to its Scirocco range.
The special editions get black painted alloy wheels, a black painted contrast roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler, and 90 per cent tinted rear windows as standard.
The Scirocco GT Black Edition includes 18-inch Black Lisbon alloy wheels, while the R-Line Black Edition receives arch-filling 19-inch Black Lugano alloy wheels. Priced from £23,135 OTR for the GT Scirocco Black Edition 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology - a premium of £550 over the equivalent GT and R-Line trims - the new models 'offer great value for money' says VW. As an example, the 18-inch Lisbon alloy wheels alone would otherwise be a £610 option on the GT trim, while the cars' 90 per cent tinted windows are a £70 option.
In new GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition guise the petrol range comprises a 1.4-litre 125 PS or a 2.0-litre 180 PS unit while two diesel engines, both 2.0-litre, offer either 150 PS or 184 PS. The 1.4-litre TSI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.
Performance over the 0-62 mph sprint ranges from 9.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds, depending on engine and transmission choice, while top speeds range from 126 mph to 155 mph (limited).
The Scirocco GT includes, in addition to the standard features, a Composition Media system, dynamic navigation based on TMC+, preloaded European navigation data and Fast, Short and Eco route options as well as 2Zone climate control; front and rear parking sensors; the 'chequered flag' dash inserts and aluminium-look pedals and cloth and part Alcantara-trimmed upholstery.
The R-Line model comes with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts; R-Line scuff plates; an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever; 'carbon-look' dash inserts; and heated, electrically adjustable 'Vienna' leather sports seats.
Top-of-the-range Scirocco R models adds Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC); lowered 'R' sports suspension; Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting, static cornering function; black brake calipers with 'R' logo; LED daytime running lights set into the front bumper; a bespoke 'R' styling pack; leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel Vienna leather upholstery and front sports seats with embossed 'R' logo.
The Volkswagen Scirocco GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition models are available to order now, with first deliveries due in January 2016.
Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA
Volkswagen is set to give its new Beetle Dune a World premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The crossover model, which is reminiscent of the Baja California dune buggies, features many off-road accents (although it isn't designed for off-roading), including large 18-inch wheels and a higher ride height, raised 10 millimetres.
The completely redesigned model is making its debut as both a coupe and convertible and features a large central air inlet - with a silver frame - and a black honeycomb screen. In side profile, the black wheel-well and body add-on extensions contrast with the lighter body colours. In addition, black side trim strips - or Beetle running boards - are joined by "DUNE" badging.
A large rear spoiler finished in glossy black/body colour and newly designed bumper with diffuser in "Reflex Silver" are joined by new LED rear lights. A total of nine body colours are available, including a new "Sandstorm Yellow Metallic" and "Dark Bronze Metallic." In addition, the Coupe can be ordered with the roof painted black.
All Cabriolet versions come with a black soft top while on the inside, the 'Dash Pad' (styling panel on the dashboard) is painted in body colour as is the contrasting stitching on the sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and parking brake grip. In contrast, areas of the seat system, door trim panels, roof pillars and headlining are finished in black.
The Beetle Dune features the latest generation of Volkswagen infotainment systems. Voice control can be used to operate the radio, phone and access to connected media and - in the "Discover Media" system - the navigation functionality as well. Volkswagen is also offering an optional high-end sound system by guitar manufacturer Fender. The key component of this sound system is a 10 channel amplifier with Class A/B output amplifiers and 400watts of output power (as well as woofers, tweeters, subwoofer).
In Europe, the new Beetle Dune is available with three turbocharged petrol engines and two turbodiesels. The petrol engines produce 77 kW / 105 PS1, 110 kW /150 PS2 and 162 kW / 220 PS3; the diesel engines develop 81 kW / 110 PS4 and 110 kW / 150 PS5.
The VW Dune coupe will go on sale in the first quarter of 2016, while the Dune Convertible will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of the year. Prices start at 23,625 euros (Approx. £16,500) for the Coupe and 27,800 euros (Approx. £19,500) for the Cabriolet with UK pricing yet to be confirmed.
The LA Auto Show opens to the public November 20-29, 2015.
Volkswagen reveals upgraded Match Edition
Volkswagen has unveiled a new Golf Match and Match BlueMotion Editions.
The new Match Edition models add high-end equipment as standard including Discover Navigation with Car-Net Guide and Inform, and Winter Pack. The new cars arrive with an 'even higher' level of specification than the Golf Match they replace - with the additions offering more than £1,100 in value if specified separately, but at a cost of £100.
A 1.0 115PS TSI six-speed manual three-door Golf Match BlueMotion Edition therefore costs from £19,840 OTR. The Golf Match Edition, meanwhile, is available from £20,400 OTR in 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS BlueMotion Technology five-speed manual three-door model form.
Standard features include front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a mirror pack - which consists of automatically-folding door mirrors with puddle lights and reverse-activated dipping on the nearside, while the new models add 16-inch 'Dover' alloys and the Discover Navigation system. This includes a 6.5-inch colour touch-screen control system for navigation, CD and radio functions. Preloaded with European navigation data, two map view options, three calculated routes (Fast, Short, Eco), dynamic navigation based on TMC live traffic updates, branded points of interest and Traffic Sign display it also features Car-Net Guide and Inform online services.
The Golf Match BlueMotion Edition is offered with a 1.0-litre TSI 115 PS engine in six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG form, both returning 65.7 mpg combined. The Golf Match Edition with a 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS engine mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes returns 54.3 to 56.5 mpg combined.
Available to order now, first deliveries are expected in January 2016.
Volkswagen to recall 8.5 million vehicles in Europe
Volkswagen has confirmed it will recall a total of approximately 8.5 million vehicles in Europe (EU28 markets).
The German brand says it welcomes the 'swift decision' by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) to implement the timetable and plan of measures submitted last week by issuing a recall. This decision gives customers clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles, with the vehicle owners set to be notified.
The 8.5 million european vehicles include some 2.4 million vehicles in Germany, according to KBA. Outside the EU28, each individual country will clarify in detail which emissions classes of the EA 189 engine are in fact affected.
In addition, every VW customer can visit the recently set up www.volkswagen.de/info website and enter the chassis number of their vehicle to find outstraight away whether they are affected. Similar customer websites are active in the other EU countries and for the Audi, SEAT and Skoda brands.
Work on the technical solutions detailed in the plan of measures is currently 'proceeding at full speed' according to the German car giant. Remedial action on the vehicles will begin in January 2016 - at no cost to the customer. The technical solutions can involve software as well as hardware measures. These are currently being developed for each affected series and each affected model year. All measures will first be presented to the responsible authorities. Volkswagen will subsequently inform the owners of these vehicles over the next weeks and months.
Customers now have clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles. All of the vehicles affected remain technically safe and roadworthy. The current successor generation of EA 288 diesel engines (in use since 2012) is not affected.
Volkswagen manipulated diesel emissions tests
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have revealed that while testing diesel cars from the Volkswagen Group, they detected manipulations that violate American environmental standards.
News, Family Car, People Carrier
Volkswagen confirms new Touran pricing
Volkswagen Caddy pricing confirmed
Volkswagen has confirmed that pricing for the fourth-generation Caddy van will start at £15,600.
The Caddy Life and the longer wheelbase Maxi versions - including Maxi Life, Maxi Kombi and Maxi Window van - are now available to order ahead of first UK deliveries in September.
The short wheelbase Caddy Life 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine costs from £15,600 while the Caddy Maxi Life, with the same engine, starts at £17,985.
As with the new Caddy Panel van which opened for ordering at the start of July, these models feature the same technology, comfort, convenience and safety systems. These include a composition colour infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, heated windscreen, post-collision braking, daytime running lights and BlueMotion Technology modifications, for added efficiency and lower emissions, as standard.
The Caddy Life and Maxi Life include, with what Volkswagen describes as, 'a significant amount of standard equipment'. These new models all come with the 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 engines and are available with a 102 PS or 150 PS power output. They also have BlueMotion Technology modifications as standard, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres as well as regenerative braking and stop/start systems. The most economical 102 PS engine has a combined fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg and a CO2 output of 114g/km.
Volkswagen's Caddy Life offers flexible seating for up to seven passengers, including the driver. The two rear rows of seats can be folded, double folded or removed to leave a loading space of up to 3,030 litres. The Caddy Maxi Life, with its extra 420mm length, offers an additional 340 litres, bringing the total loading area up to 3,370 litres.
The new Caddy Maxi Kombi will be N1 type approved and starts from £17,510 for the 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine. The new Caddy Maxi Window Van will start from £17,185 for the same engine and will be M1 type approved.
Volkswagen California pricing confirmed
Volkswagen has announced that pricing for the latest generation California campervan will start at £37,657 OTR.
Available to order from 3 August with first deliveries before the end of the year, the new California is available in two trim levels - Beach and Ocean - and with a choice of three 2.0-litre engines ranging in power from 102 to 204 PS. All are EU6 compliant and feature BlueMotion Technology modifications to give fuel consumption and emissions figures which have been lowered by up to 15 per cent. A 4MOTION four-wheel drive version is also offered in conjunction with the 150 PS or range-topping 204 PS powerplant.
The entry-level Beach model offers up to seven seats and sleeping space for four. The bench-seat folds to convert to a two-berth bed across the width of the vehicle, while a manual pop-up roof gives access to a further double bed. A fold-out table and chairs are stored in the sliding door and tailgate, while an integrated awning makes for a 'comfortable and practical camping experience' says VW. The Beach is available with a 2.0-litre 102 PS TDI engine with a five-speed manual gearbox, and a 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission.
The California Ocean replaces the SE model from the previous generation, with prices starting at £47,840 OTR. Customers can choose from two engines with either 150 or 204 PS and six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. 4MOTION four-wheel drive variants mean the ultimate 'home from home' can go further and wider afield, says to the German brand. The Ocean also adds an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof with lighting, plus a kitchenette with two rings, a fridge and sink.
Safety, comfort and convenience features include a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, as well as the option to add Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking for safer and more relaxed cruising. In the cabin the California gains a new 'premium' dashboard (optional on Beach) with wide centre console and car-like feel, plus the latest infotainment system, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and new multi-function display. A new cupholder as well as new fabrics, leathers and plastics enhance the ambience inside.
Electric, Hybrid, News, Saloon, Estate Car
Volkswagen reveals new Passat GTE plug-in hybrid
Volkswagen has launched the new Passat GTE plug-in hybrid.
Following the Golf GTE, the new hybrid Passat is available in Saloon and Estate variants. Adding zero-emission to a long-distance touring car, VW describes the Passat GTE as a car with 'superb system output of 160 kW / 218 PS' as well as frugal NEDC fuel consumption of 147mpg and 12.2 kWh/100 km (Estate: 12.4 kWh). The Passat GTE also features an all-electric range of up to 31 miles.
Under normal operating conditions the new Passat GTE begins its journey in all-electric and thus emission-free mode. This E-Mode can also be activated at the push of a button, for example towards the end of a journey as you enter a city. In cities like London, drivers are therefore exempt from the usual congestion charge.
Volkswagen says the Passat GTE is an independent trim line. The high-tech model's 'extensive standard features' include LED headlights (for main and dipped beam), Driver Alert System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, the Front Assist ambient traffic monitoring system including City Emergency Braking function, a rain sensor, ParkPilot for front and rear, chrome trim on the side windows and comfort seats (in the front).
In addition, there are elements of individualisation that have been conceived solely for the Passat GTE. These include at the front a specific chrome radiator grille unit with an integrated blue stripe (the colour of Volkswagen electric motoring) a completely redesigned bumper with a C-shaped LED daytime running light signature and 17-inch Montpellier alloy wheels.
On the inside, the interior has also been 'conceptually aligned to the new drive system'. The Media infotainment system features a dedicated menu matrix to the functions and displays specific to the plug-in hybrid's drive system while standard details such as the blue ambient lighting, the multi-function leather steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, a GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and the seats, likewise with a matching blue basic structure.
The Passat GTE and Passat GTE Estate will arrive on the European market this autumn, prices have yet to be announced.
Volkswagen develops Golf for the racetrack
Volkswagen Motorsport is developing a new Golf for the racetrack.
The production-based Golf is a 330 PS concept car, assembled in accordance with TCR regulations and is intended to help Volkswagen evaluate a potential customer racing programme from the 2016 season onwards.
Visually, the racing genes are clear to see, with 18-inch racing rims, a chassis roughly 40 centimetres wider than that of the production car, and a striking rear wing give the Golf a 'ready-to-race' look and first-class handling.
An aerodynamically designed front splitter and carbon rear wing are also among the modifications for the racetrack. On the inside, components designed to protect the driver include a racing seat with head protectors, a racing safety cell, and a safety tank in accordance with FIA regulations.
The new Golf is propelled by a powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection, borrowed from the range-topping Golf R. The racing version of this engine generates 330 PS (243 kW) and 410 Nm of torque and is mated to a DSG gearbox with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
Volkswagen says the new Golf has been meticulously prepared for its outings at the racetrack. Volkswagen Motorsport is developing the car in cooperation with the sport department at SEAT, meaning it can call on SEAT's experience with the Leon Cup Racer. As with the Volkswagen Group's production vehicles, the MQB platform also offers many synergies for racing cars and reduces the cost of assembling and running the touring car.
In order to accelerate the development of the car, the new Golf will be tested under competitive conditions between now and the end of the season: as cooperation partner, the Liqui Moly Team Engstler will run two cars at the eighth round of the Touringcar Racer International Series (TCR) at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.
"The newly created TCR category provides a promising platform for customer racing - on a national and international level. With exciting races, production-based technology and reasonable costs, it offers a new outlook for private racing teams," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. "When developing the Golf-based concept car, we are able to fall back on the resources at Volkswagen. This reduces both development time and costs. We will also use the rest of the season to test the car under competitive conditions and evaluate a possible customer racing project from 2016."
Exclusive Bentleys inspired by Breitling Jets
Bentley has unveiled the exclusive Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series.
Limited to just seven cars, each is inspired by one of the seven Breitling Jets, commemorating their forthcoming grand tour across the United States and Canada.
Bentley's Mulliner division has re-imagined the Continental GT Speed to mirror the distinctive look of the Breitling Jets, with the exterior painted in a duo-tone split of Hallmark and Onyx with highlights colour-matched to the exact Pantone reference of the Swiss watch company's unique Yellow, reflecting the trademark look of the L-39 Albatros Jets.
The colour theme is continued on the interior, with unique sculpted seats featuring accents in Breitling Yellow.
Each car is individually numbered and corresponds to one of the seven Breitling Jets. The dashboard's carbon fibre fascia panel displays an image of the seven planes in their signature Avenger flight formation, with the corresponding jet highlighted in Breitling Yellow.
Similarly, Mulliner has matched the hide and thread to Breitling's signature yellow and designed a series of logos and graphics for the headrests that highlight the number of each car and the jet that inspired it. The tread plate plaques are also individually numbered.
The series will debut at the Boeing Seafair Airshow on 31 July in Seattle, where the Team is performing. The key for each car will be handed over to its owner by the corresponding plane's pilot, but not until they have experienced a flight in the jet that inspired their car.
Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner, said: "The Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series demonstrates the level of customisation Mulliner can achieve for customers. Creating this very special edition has been an exciting experience for the entire team, taking inspiration from the Breitling Jet Team's grand tour."
The Breitling Jet Team is the world's largest professional civilian flight team performing in jets. The team is comprised of seven L-39 C Albatros jets that can reach speeds of up to 565 mph and fly within just a few feet of each other.
Widely recognised for their precision and seamless coordination displayed throughout high-speed aerobatic performances, the France-based team is appearing in North America for the very first time.