Škoda Auto is unveiling the new-look Fabia and Roomster at this year’s Geneva Motorshow. Škoda’s compact cars have been given an exciting exterior redesign, plus a fresh range of engines, packed with new technology.
The new design accentuates the cars’ width, with a totally redesigned face that gives both cars a more dynamic look, increasing their road presence. Scout models have also been redesigned, with a new Fabia hatch version making its debut in Geneva. (more…)
The fifth generation of Volkswagen’s evergreen supermini, the Polo, has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, 34 years after the original went on sale in the UK. It’s sharper, lighter, safer and more cutting edge than ever before and is set to establish new standards in the small car class. Not only does the new Polo weigh 7.5 per cent less than the vehicle it replaces – despite being marginally wider and longer – but it’s also stronger, promises greater refinement and efficiency and features new packaging to make it the most versatile iteration yet. (more…)
Volkswagen is putting on a spectacular parade of new models in Geneva with a host of international product debuts. Taking centre stage will be the highlight of the show, the new Scirocco – a completely re-engineered all-round sports car. Another vehicle being showcased at Lake Geneva is the Golf TDI Hybrid. This concept car runs on just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The 150-PS Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel, also debuting in Geneva, represents a technology leap for automobiles run on natural gas. Other Volkswagen world premieres will be the extremely fuel-efficient Sharan BlueMotion (6.0 litres per 100 km) and the four-wheel-drive Golf Estate 4Motion. The Passat CC will also be on display for the first time ever in Europe. (more…)
The Touran is coming with a new look, new technologies and a new top TSI engine. The next generation of the bestseller will be presented in a world premiere at the Paris Auto Show on September 28. The market launch will be taking place in the middle of November. The van will be the first Volkswagen available with “Park Assist”, unique in its technical design; the parking system that makes parking a snap, even in tight quarters.
At first glance the new Touran is recognizable from the front by its Volkswagen crest radiator grill in chrome design, a new bumper and precisely cut headlights; the optional lights available as bi-xenon adaptive headlights follow the stylistic design of the Eos. At the back the new rear lights and the bumper modified along the lines of the front section allude to the second Touran generation. Numerous interior modifications and expanded standard equipment top off the extensive package of measures. Starting in spring 2007, the highest performance gasoline direct injection engine, a Twincharger with 125 kW / 170 hp, will be employed in the Touran for the first time. The gears of this sporty as well as thrifty 1.4 TSI are changed via the standard DSG direct shift gearbox. The 103 kW / 140 hp strong Touran 1.4 TSI, whose Twincharger is also optionally available with DSG, will get started right at market launch.
Park Assist guides the Touran into that space under 15 seconds
Another technology highlight of the Touran is the optional parking guidance assistant (including Park Pilot / distance warning front and back). Developed by Volkswagen, “Park Assist” enables automatic parking. “Park Assist” is activated at the push of a button. While driving by at speeds of up to 30 kph an ultrasonic sensor system detects all parking spaces on the right and left that are parallel to the driving lane; a control unit calculates the ideal path for parking. “Park Assist” notifies the driver about the starting position via display in the instruments. After engaging reverse gear the van maneuvers into the parking space in under 15 seconds. During the entire parking process the driver only has to accelerate and brake – the Touran does the steering.
The latest generation of the van bestseller starts at 20.460 euros
The Touran is regarded as the all-round talent for private and/or business use due, among other things, to its unrivaled range of innovative engines and gearboxes as well as its great interior versatility and capacity. From a standing start the first generation introduced in 2003 advanced to the most successful van series in Germany (approx. 8,000 new registrations per month); in Europe the Touran is also one of the most sold models of its class (11% market share in the segment). The new Touran should strengthen this position. At a purchase price of 20.460 euros (Touran Conceptline, 75 kW / 102 hp) it can be recommended in terms of economy.
Stainless steel, new materials and uncompromising safety features
New upholstery fabrics and appointments breath new life into the interior of the next generation Touran, lending it a more refined feel. The middle plate of the instrument panel, for example: It is now crafted in a stainless steel design. The same is true for the area around the standard storage compartment above the middle console. In addition, the basic “Conceptline” version is refined by the new “Media” interior trim. The “RCD 300” radio-CD system with integrated MP3 mode is standard on-board equipment. Also true in terms of safety: no compromises. Front, side and head airbags are included as standard features, as well as the ESP Electronic Stabilization Program including counter-steering feature and trailer stabilization.
New features also refine “Trendline” and “Highline”
The stainless steel theme is even more enhanced in the next highest equipment version: The décor strips here also exhibit this design. It has a sporty character matching the new “Energy” interior trim. The Touran Trendline now comes with the semi-automatic “Climatic” air-conditioning system as standard equipment (previously a Highline equipment feature). Taken from its predecessor are practical details such as the folding front passenger backrest with table and load-through facility.
At Volkswagen “Highline” traditionally refers to the most exclusive equipment version. In the case of the updated Touran this includes, among other features, newly designed 16″ light-alloy wheels (“Magny Cours” design), the refined “Mando” interior trim, an air-conditioning system (Climatronic instead of Climatic), the most powerful version of the “RCD 300” audio system with eight speakers and ParkPilot for the back.
Innovative extras for an all-round automotive talent
In addition to “Park Assist”, “Hill-Starting Assistant”, daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlights with cornering light, the new optional equipment for the second generation Touran includes a variable luggage compartment floor with two integrated storage compartments and a DVD-based radio navigation system (“RNS MFD DVD”).
140 hp Twincharger with DSG direct shift gearbox
The new top gasoline engine is, as described earlier, the Twincharger 1.4 TSI with 103 kW / 140 hp, first used in the Golf GT. In combination with the new Touran the dual charged high-tech engine (charged via compressor and turbocharger) enables a top speed of 198 kph while running on an average of only 7.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. The basic version engine Volkswagen offers for the Touran is a 1.6 liter gasoline engine with 75 kW / 102 hp.
A 125 kW / 170 hp TDI engine is at the top of the diesel engine range. The entry level here is a TDI with 66 kW / 90 hp. In the next TDI performance levels Volkswagen offers the new Touran with 77 kW / 105 hp and 103 kW / 140 hp. Another innovative way of saving without forgoing driving pleasure is the 80 kW / 109 hp natural gas version of the Touran, the “EcoFuel”, that will also be available at market launch. A world-wide novelty in the van segment: All TDI and TSI engines (at least 77 kW / 105 hp) can be combined with the DSG direct shift gearbox – in the eyes of many experts and customers the sportiest and most economical automatic transmission in the world.
Interior concept with up to seven seats and 1,989 liters of storage volume
The innovative seating system of the Touran shows the way in terms of versatility. Article originally posted on Babez.de! The three light-weight seats arranged next to one another in the second row can be quickly and easily moved – lengthwise and offset diagonally, folded down or removed. The Touran can be optionally equipped with a third row of seats; when not in use the two full-fledged individual seats can each be easily lowered separately into the luggage compartment floor. The luggage compartment of up to 1,989 liters (depending on seat configuration) is also a hallmark of versatile and efficient usability.
Right before the turn of the year Volkswagen is presenting another member of the “Cross” family at the 30th Bologna Motor Show. The CrossTouran. After the start of the CrossPolo and the CrossGolf the crossover model of the successful compact van now complements the range of options. The strikingly styled, front-wheel drive Touran appears as a practical and lifestyle-oriented all-round talent. The new CrossTouran meets the demands for driving fun, a high level of product quality and an attractive price-performance ratio. For the European market launch in Spring 2007 the CrossTouran will be available with three gasoline-powered engines and three TDIs with output ranging from 75 (102 hp) to 125 kW (170 hp). The 125 kW (170 hp) TSI Twincharger with standard DSG is certainly a highlight.
EXTERIOR
Robust bumpers, wheel arches and side trim and more ground clearance
On the exterior numerous modifications distinguish the CrossTouran from the classical Touran design. The interplay of all body elements visible from the outside is particularly noticeable. The silver anodized roof railing with black mount harmonizes with the “matte chrome” look of the new front spoiler. The central air inlet in the front spoiler was also given a border in “matte chrome” look. All other body features of the all-around protection (bumper lower sections, side running boards, wheel arches, side protective trim) consist of robust, high-quality black-grained carbon fiber. The CrossTouran has lettering directly above the side trims. The wing mirror casings and the hatchback handle are painted to match the body color. All of this bestows it a completely independent character.
Fresh body colors available for the CrossTouran provide a harmonious contrast to the applications. The color palette ranges from “Candy White” to “Deep Black”. The color “Red Rock” in particular underscores the unique character of the CrossTouran: It is a flexible all-rounder that conceptually shows true can-do qualities and at the same time makes a very positive statement about life.
One look at the silhouette also distinguishes the CrossTouran as a unique model. The mixed tire arrangement with 6.5-inch wide and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels on 215/50 tires in front and, in particular, the 8-inch wide alloy wheels on 235/45 tires in back underscore the road holding of the CrossTouran and competently fill out the wheel arches enclosed by the robust extensions. The extensions merge with the side running boards, which extend up into the doors and give the car an extremely solid and powerful character.
In order to gain the extra 12 millimeters of ground clearance the CrossTouran was equipped with a modified version of the rough-track chassis that is optional for this series: it also includes a longer suspension system. The silver anodized roof railing with black mount was however not included as a component of standard equipment for visual reasons only. It is in fact a classic way to anchor the mounting system and roof boxes. The maximum permissible load is 100 kilograms.
“Cross” is a unique product brand like “GTI” or “R”
The name “Cross” represents an independent product brand like “GTI” or “R” with a specific design as well as an equipment range specially developed for the CrossTouran. Features include the “Climatic” air-conditioning system, power windows in the front and back as well as height-adjustable comfort seats with lumbar support in front.
INTERIOR / LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
A colorful design specially developed for the CrossTouran, and great functionality make everyday driving easier
With its functional design and especially with the “Orange/Grey” interior colors, the inside of the CrossTouran imparts a youthful and pleasant atmosphere. In particular, in conjunction with the exterior “Red Rock” color this orange-grey combination has a special charm. For those who prefer to be a bit less ostentatious the “Latte Macchiato” color scheme is the fitting counterpart.
The matching cover fabrics (Design: “Eclypt Elon”) are not only used in the comfort seats in front and the back seats, but also in the door linings. The honeycomb structure incorporated into the seat flanks and upper rear part is something the observer notices right away. The seams of the three-spoke steering wheel covered in perforated leather are offset with lighter colored seams.
The practical individual seating system of the CrossTouran shows the way in terms of versatility. The three lightweight seats arranged next to one another in the second row can be quickly and easily moved – lengthwise and offset diagonally, folded down or removed. The CrossTouran can be optionally equipped with a third row of seats; if desired, the two full-fledged individual seats can each be easily lowered separately into the luggage compartment floor.
In terms of utilization, the CrossTouran is also extremely flexible when it comes to transporting luggage. In its basic configuration the luggage compartment is 695 liters. When necessary maximum storage volume can be expanded to 1,989 liters by removing the second row of seats and lowering the third row into the luggage compartment floor. Even bulky items or recreational equipment for the weekend pose no problem for the CrossTouran.
SAFETY
High stability passenger compartment and standard front, side and head airbags
The CrossTouran also makes no compromises in terms of safety. The laser-welded and, thanks to high tensile steel, especially rigid Touran body offers a high level of passive safety. The extensive standard safety equipment consisting of safety-optimized headrests in front and on the outer seats of the second row, driver and passenger airbag, side airbags in the front backrests and a head airbag system for the first and second row of seats in conjunction with three-point safety belts on all seats provide optimal occupant protection.
A high level of active safety is provided by the ESP electronic stabilization program including counter-steering feature and trailer stabilization as well as speed-regulated electro-mechanical power steering.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Six economical engines, two transmissions and a performance range from 75 to 125 kW
No matter if it’s a basic economical engine, dynamic alternative or high-torque and thrifty TSI or TDI, the CrossTouran offers the right engine for every use and taste. All engines comply with the Euro 4 emissions standard.
GASOLINE ENGINES
CrossTouran 1.6 with 75 kW / 102 hp
The entry level is represented by the “smallest” Touran four-cylinder engine with 1.6 liters of engine space and an output of 75 kW / 102 hp. With the basic engine and five-speed manual transmission the CrossTouran is already 176 km/h fast and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is limited to 8.3 liters over 100 kilometers.
CrossTouran 1.4 TSI with 103 kW / 140 hp
The “small” Twincharger TSI deserves special attention. Thanks to twin charging via compressor and turbocharger it features an extremely high-torque and agile characteristic. Nevertheless, the engine is extraordinarily thrifty with 7.6 liters of fuel consumption over a distance of 100 kilometers. For those who like it extremely comfortable, the CrossTouran with this engine type can also be ordered with a DSG (direct shift gearbox).
CrossTouran 1.4 TSI with 125 kW / 170 hp
The most powerful direct injection gasoline engine has a sporty temperament and will be used for the first time in the CrossTouran. The gears of the Twincharger with 125 kW / 170 hp will be changed with a DSG direct shift gearbox as part of standard equipment. It also convinces with low fuel consumption with an overall average of 7.8 liters over 100 kilometers. With this engine the CrossTouran has a top speed of 208 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 8.7 seconds.
DIESEL ENGINES
CrossTouran 1.9 TDI with 77 kW / 105 hp
The 1.9 TDI with pump-jet direct injection technology and turbocharger has a standard six-gear transmission, but can also be combined with the innovative DSG direct shift gearbox. The engine accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 13.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 176 km/h (DSG: 174 km/h). With average fuel consumption of only 6.2 (DSG: 6.5) liters for 100 km it is also extra thrifty.
CrossTouran 2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 hp
The pump-jet four-cylinder direct injection of the 2.0 TDI attains a full 320 Nm of torque. In combination with the standard six-gear transmission it has a top speed of 196 km/h. The 140 hp TDI can be optionally equipped with direct shift gearbox. As a TDI DSG Germany’s most popular compact van goes 194 km/h. It has average fuel consumption of only 6.2 (DSG: 6.8) liters over 100 km.
CrossTouran 2.0 TDI with 125 kW / 170 hp
The second 2.0 TDI provides superior driving performance: The engine is equipped with a highly innovative Piezo pump-jet high-pressure unit-injector system and two balancer shafts. This very quiet four-valve TDI has an output of 125 kW / 170 hp (4,200 rpm), developing torque of 350 Nm (1,750 to 2.500 rpm) and accelerating the CrossTouran to 100 km/h in only 9.2 seconds. Top speed is 210 km/h (208 km/h with DSG). Here too average fuel consumption is only 7 liters over 100 kilometers.