Automobiles Review

Tag: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo: the brand’s elegant car continues to impress both skeptics and enthusiasts

VW Polo is one of the most popular vehicles with its high-quality and agile spirit. Throughout the years, the model has been refreshed and updated with more and more advanced systems being incorporated within the vehicle.

The Polo is currently in its sixth generation, and about 18 million vehicles have been produced since the model’s release in 1975. Now, the latest version incorporates the model’s familiar Y-structure and an elegant contemporary design. There are a total of four engine choices and gearbox configurations – all 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engines, ranging in power output from 80 PS to 110 PS.

A five-speed manual gearbox is mated to the entry-level 80 PS, 93 Nm unit, while the 95 PS, 175 Nm power plant is available with both 5-speed manual and 7-speed DSG transmissions. The range-topping 110 PS, 200 Nm engine is available exclusively with the 7-speed DSG, and ahead of the Polo GTI, is the most rapid Polo in the range, taking 10.4 seconds to reach 62 mph.

In terms of equipment, the latest generation of Polo vehicles is geared with numerous safety and utility systems such as Travel Assist, LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control and an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit. There are also two front and two rear USB sockets, power-folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors, and automatic rain-sensing wipers, all included as standard.

As with any contemporary VW model, the new Polo can be further personalized with a range of exclusive options – some include vibrant colors, other exclusive alloy wheels, and all other styling goodies. Others include Assistance systems such as a rear-view camera and a pack bundling together Park Assist, Proactive Passenger Protection, and other features and a Sports Suspension Pack, which incorporates more dynamic suspension, the XDS electronic differential lock first introduced on the Golf GTI, and Driving Profile Selection.

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Lisa Hartley, Polo Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: The Polo is a supermini with a well-earned reputation for high quality, reliability and safety, and its regular spot in the top-sellers list shows just how much UK customers love it. As it enters the second phase of its sixth generation, it brings technologies that not only add more convenience, but also boost safety, efficiency and can benefit other road users too. A great example is the IQ.Light system, which was first introduced on the latest Touareg.

September 13, 2021
Volkswagen, Argo AI and MOIA show first ID.BUZZ autonomous prototype

In black and white camouflage and with neat roof structures, the new self-driving Volkswagen machine goes fully electric. Indeed, the ID.BUZZ AD will be deployed in commercial mobility services like MOIA in 2025.

Argo AI, the global autonomous driving technology company is developing the self-driving mechanism of the vehicle and also includes all kinds of hardware, software, and cloud-support infrastructure for the ID. BUZZ AD.

Also, the Argo team is actively testing many urban areas and all the ID. BUZZ AD prototypes. The Argo self-driving system comes with sensors, software, and computer platforms that altogether ensure a 360-degree awareness of the vehicle’s movement, prediction of other drivers and moving objects, accelerating, braking, and more.

Furthermore, Argo’s patented Geiger-mode technology is especially helpful when it comes to detecting even the smallest particles of light and therefore detects the black object even in the darkest of environment.

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While VW and Argo are developing the autonomous vehicle and its system, MOIA becomes the third component for autonomous mobility service. In 2025 MOIA is expected to become Europe’s largest all-electric ride pooling service provider. In fact, MOIA will also be the first user of the new ID.BUZZ AD lineup.

September 6, 2021
Volkswagen ID.3 makes its Chinese debut today

Volkswagen team boosts its e-offensive in China, as part of the brand’s ACCELERATE strategy. The ID.3, one of the best-selling cars in Europe, will also be available on the world’s largest market. In fact, the compact EV car celebrates its Chinese premiere today at the Chengdu Motor Show.

Volkswagen’s global electrification offensive is rapidly gaining further momentum. After the ID.43 and the ID.6, we are now launching the ID.3 as the third all-electric model series in China within a mere six months. We are thus underscoring our ambition to occupy a leading position in the market for electric vehicles in China as well as Europe, Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter said.

Following the debut, Chinese customers will be able to have their ID.3 via a pre-booking system prior to the market launch later this year. As VW witnesses a wide demand for the brand’s electric lineup of vehicles, the production is also boosted – As a result, deliveries of vehicles from the ID. family have doubled in the past three months from 1,500 units in May to some 3,000 in June and 5,800 in July. By year-end, 80,000 to 100,000 vehicles from the ID. models will be delivered to China.

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Volkswagen China CEO Stephan Wöllenstein said: With the ID.4 and ID.6 we have successfully launched two strong model series in recent months. Feedback from our customers is promising, delivery figures meet our expectations. With the ID.3, we are now offering our customers a product in the important compact segment and, in combination with the other ID. models, are able to cover a large share of the market.

September 3, 2021
Volkswagen Jetta: a quick overview of 7 generations of convenience

For seven generations the Volkswagen Jetta has delivered a neat mix of European handling and a four-door convenience in a single package. The model is so popular that about 18 million units are sold globally and about 3.2 are sold in the US. As the latest model arrives later this year, we take a closer look at some of the most notable vehicles in the lineup.

Influenced by the Golf, the original Jetta was introduced to America back in 1979. The first models were assembled at the Wolfsburg factory in Germany, and the first models delivered a total of 76hp and offered ample space for that era. Also, the Jetta was considered a bit more luxurious than other VW models at the time.

The debut was met with positive feedback and a new model was introduced in 1985 – the Mk2, with an output of 100hp and some more sophistication regarding the interior and exterior. Also, the new Jetta was bigger compared to the first model and had ample space for up to 5 passengers and their luggage. This model was offered in two- and four-door variants, and came with some neat drivetrain system upgrades.

During the 90s, Jetta evolved both in size and performance rates. The 1993 model came with a narrow-angle V6 unit with a total of 172hp and with some exclusive safety features, as well as some premium goodies like interior appointments and more.

Then came the Mk4 in 1999, which showcased more of the Bauhaus-style visual influences from the larger Passat rather than the smaller Golf. Also, Jetta now featured a wagon model.

The fifth iteration of the model was introduced in 2005 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which showcased some dramatic rework. Even wider and longer, the revised Jetta offered even more space and some next-gen technologies. Such included electric power steering, dual-zone automatic climate control, active head restraints, and optional seat-mounted rear-sided and emergency brake assist.

Then came the Jetta Mk6 in 2011 and was the first in the lineup to be offered with a hybrid power unit. The 2011 model featured a lowered sporty suspension, rear spoiler, and a two-tone heated seat set. All this was complemented by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generated a total of 170hp.

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Seven years later, in 2018 VW unveiled the new Jetta at the Detroit show. This was a rather special model, because of its advanced MQB platform, 1.4-liter TSI engine, and tons of infotainment features.

For the upcoming 2022 model, Volkswagen has prepared tons of surprises. The latest Jetta model will come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 engine, a revised drivetrain platform, and many new smart technologies that make the drive even more rewarding and pleasurable.

August 31, 2021
New Golf GTI: what is special about the 8th generation of the legendary lineup

In its latest generation, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers more power and driving pleasure, thanks to its new technologies and brand-new approaches when it comes to drivetrain systems. With this particular model, the challenges before designers and engineers were two: how to create an appealing new look and how to complement it with contemporary and advanced systems.

The all-new GTI is a design statement; it merges a dynamic, sporty character with uncompromising functionality, said Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design. As the former head of design for the Volkswagen brand, he oversaw the development of the new GTI, we wanted to show that the GTI in its eighth generation has made a huge leap forward in performance.

Based on the MQB platform, the exterior of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI has been completely restyled and now demonstrates a quite aggressive face and stance, and yet has retained this modest elegance the lineup is known for. The vehicle features a new and larger lower air intake grille, a new foglight design, and an overall cleaner and sportier stance.

The new Golf GTI boasts a very low visual center of gravity, which we achieved through the wide air intakes at the front and the striking shoulder line, said Zyciora, The connection between the upper grille element and headlights is much more precise, elongated even into the fenders, giving the car a much more concentrated and sportier look.

Furthermore, the new Golf GTI comes with a powerful rear shoulder and a diffuser placed lower, compared to previous models, and an exhaust system that is more powerful and ending with a pipe both on the left and right corner of the vehicle.

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As it comes to the interior, the GTI reveals a futuristic cockpit with a focus on the driver. There’s a set of two displays – the standard Digital Cockpit Pro and either an 8.25-inch Composition Media or available 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system, neat sports seats with integrated head restraints, ambient lighting, illuminated areas, and more.

August 26, 2021
Volkswagen is about to debut the SUV coupe ID.5 GTX at the IAA

Volkswagen presents the new ID.5 GTX – the vehicle is about to make its debut on the 7^th of September at the IAA Munich Motor Show. This is the brand’s first SUV to be based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) and is expected to showcase some neat new technologies and features.

Exterior design

At the front, the vehicle showcases a new IQ.Light LED matrix lights design that generates an intelligently controlled beam and gives the vehicle this elegant look. Also, the flat sloping A pillars at the right and near the front give an elegant flow of the roofline and stretches over the body, and taper out in an integrated rear spoiler. At the rear, there are horizontal lines that accenturate the width of the vehicle and attract attention with the light strip. The design is completed with a set of LED rear lights with a 3D design.

A new approach with a GTX badge

GTX means enhanced athleticism and high performance. The vehicle will continue the tradition to bring electrified solutions to the GTI, GTD, and GTE models and proceed towards electrified transition.

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As it seems VW aims to become the most popular brand in terms of sustainability and electrification. The goal is to increase the share of all-electric vehicles and to become a carbon-neutral brand by 2050.

August 9, 2021
New VW Tiguan eHybrid can be ordered from today!

The Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid is already available for purchase from customers. The latest addition to the VW’s hybrid is a key unit to the brand’s Way to Zero concept. With a CO2 output of just 38g/km and a fuel economy of up to 176.6mpg, the new Tiguan is definitely an appealing vehicle for both VW skeptics and enthusiasts.

The eHybrid comes with an agile 1.4-liter TSI petrol unit and a powerful electric motor, which together contribute to a total of 245hp, and 250Nm of torque available between 1,550 and 3,500rpm. Also, it can be specified in Life, Elegance, and R-Line trim, with respective emissions of 38, 43, and 41 g/km.

The electric range of the vehicle is about 30 miles and the battery can be charged in about five hours from empty.

Depending on the trim level, the vehicle comes with different features as part of the standard equipment The entry Life level offers -zone automatic climate control, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a Discover Media Navigation infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touch-screen, IQ. Light LED matrix headlights with multiple lighting modes.

Elegance adds up heating function for the steering wheel, 30-colour ambient lighting throughout the cabin, electric boot opening and closing function, with sensor for hands-free access to the load area, keyless entry with start/stop button on the centre console, and Volkswagen’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro TFT dashboard display. A suite of systems to assist the driver is also standard on the Elegance model – a rear-view camera, Side Assist, rear traffic alert, and Predictive Cruise Control, which uses road sign recognition and navigation data to automatically alter the preset speed to the legal limit, as well as safely, pre-emptively slowing for bends, roundabouts, and junctions.

The performance-focused R-Line offers the top specification. Customers will benefit from a roof spoiler, exclusive front, and rear bumpers and wheel arch extensions, black roof lining, and R-Line badging across the interior, as well as the same ambient lighting, keyless entry, Digital Cockpit Pro, Side Assist, rear traffic alert, and Predictive Cruise Control features brought by the Elegance model. Finally, 20-inch ‘Misano Black’ alloy wheels set the R-Line apart from the other trim levels.

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Nick O’Neill, Head of Fleet at Volkswagen UK, said: The brilliant Tiguan is already regarded as a great all-rounder, and with the introduction of the Tiguan eHybrid this appeal is boosted even further. Our latest plug-in hybrid brings a fleet-friendly 11-13% BIK taxation rate (depending on specification) and low running costs to its long list of skills and attributes. It’s not just fleet managers and company car drivers who will love the Tiguan eHybrid though – the family-friendly Tiguan is up for almost any challenge life can throw at it, and now there’s the flexibility of local trips with zero-tailpipe-emissions to add to the list.

August 6, 2021
Volkswagen presents details about the new 2022 Tiguan lineup

Today, Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced details for the new 2022 Tiguan compact SUV. The new model features a revised body language and tons of advanced technologies, all part of the standard equipment.

Furthermore, Tiguan can be specified with four trim levels, all geared with an efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine that generates a total of 184hp and 221lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain system is further characterized by a front-wheel 4Motion AWD system and a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

In terms of exterior, the Tiguan raises the bar with a revised front-end, new LED lights, and optional updated R-Line elements. There are also new types of aluminum alloys, ranging from 17- to 20-inch variants, depending on the trim level. Also, there are eight available exterior colors and new interior color schemes.

Mentioning the interior, the vehicle boasts tons of next-gen technologies as the VW Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, Car-Net with Wi-Fi capabilities, MIB3 infotainment system and more. Part of the convenience utilities include heated front seats, heated steering wheel, -generation Climatronic® Touch interface, leatherette or leather seating surfaces, power driver and passenger seats, panoramic sunroof, Fender Premium Audio, and 15-color ambient lighting.

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As it comes to safety features, 2022 Tiguan offers Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop and Go, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist.

August 4, 2021
Volkswagen reveals new Atlas Concept vehicle

Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the new 2021 Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept. The unique vehicle blends modern styling and an advanced engine system. Assembled in Chattanooga, the four-seater also demonstrates VW’s new Eisvogelblau exterior color.

Based on the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line, the new GT Concept showcases neat 22-inch ABT Sport HR AEROWHEELS, wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport V105 UHP 285/35R22 tires, ST suspension XTA Plus 3 coilovers, TAROX eight-piston front brakes, and glossy black exterior trim.

Under the hood, there is a refined version of the EA888 2.0-TSI power unit found in the VW Golf R, but with an IS38 turbo as an additional front-mounted radiator from an Mk7 Golf R. This setup generates a total of 300hp and is distributed via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and 4Motion AWD system.

The inside is characterized by the same Eisvogelblau, bespoke RECARO Sports seats, and custom VW Accessories floor mats.

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Finishing off the interior design is a one-of-a-kind rear center console, which follows the design language of the front console. Inside the storage compartment is a Volkswagen Accessories convenience safe and additional USB charging ports.

July 23, 2021
Volkswagen ends the assembly of the Passat lienup with an exclusive Limited Edition

After a decade of success with American sedan customers, Volkswagen of America, Inc. announces that it will end the assembly of the Passat sedan in Chattanooga with the model year 2022. This approach will allow VW to focus on electrified technologies. In order to celebrate the integral role of the Passat, the Volkswagen team will reveal a special Limited Edition of the vehicle.

2022 Passat Limited Edition

The vehicle includes a unique exterior and interior design with distinctive color combinations – there are Aurora Red Metallic models with Titan Black interior, Racing Green Metallic models with Mauro Brown interior, and Pure White models with Mauro Brown interior. The final count of all the units in the lineup is 1,973 – a number that commemorates the year the first Passat was unveiled in Germany.

Additional features include distinctive 18-inch aluminum alloys, black mirror caps for the power-folding mirrors and exclusive Limited Edition LED headlights with Advanced Front-Lighting System.

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Inside, the Limited Edition features unique stitching, exclusive mat cupholders, comfort sport seats with perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces, driver seat memory, power passenger seat, heated front and rear sets, Discover Media Infotainment, Fender premium audio system, Park Assist with front and rear Park Distance Control and Light Assist.

July 20, 2021
Another two victories for Volkswagen: ID.3 and new Golf steal the awards at the New Car Awards event

VW celebrates one more double victory at the New Car Awards event with the new ID.3 and Golf picking up prestigious recognitions and awards.

The jury at the event gave the “Best Small Company Car” to the ID.3 and paid tribute to the vehicle’s advanced drivetrain system and overall futuristic design and concept.

Steve Fowler, Editorial Director at Auto Express, said: “The company car class is changing fast, and no firm has reacted faster to the upheaval than Volkswagen. Not that long ago diesel dominated this sector, but with Benefit-in-Kind bills now favoring the lowest-emissions vehicles, in particular, EVs, drivers, and fleet managers have been clamoring to make the switch to electric power – and few cars make more sense in the corporate car park than the ID.3.”

SEE ALSO: VW takes two awards at the 2021 Fleet News Awards event

At the same time, the new Golf picked up the “Best Lower Medium Car” title, fighting off aggressive competition and numerous award-worthy opponents.

July 8, 2021
VW takes two awards at the 2021 Fleet News Awards event

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has scored a double win at this year’s Fleet News Awards with the Caddy Cargo that was awarded Best Small Van, and the Transporter 6.1 named Best Medium Van.

Despite the aggressive competition, the fifth-generation Caddy Cargo has managed to impress the jury and took the Best Small Van award. The vehicle was launched in 2020 on the new MQB platform and received positive feedback from both brand enthusiasts and industry critics.

In a similar category, the Transporter 6.1 was named Best Medium Van and was praised for its safety features and advanced driver assistance technologies. Judges were impressed by the vehicle’s neat reliability and praised it for its comfort and utility capabilities.

The annual Fleet News Awards highlight the leading fleet companies, suppliers, and manufacturers. The experts that comprise the jury are editors, specialists, and segment experts.

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Stephen Briers, editor-in-chief of Fleet News, commented: “Following such a strange year in 2020, we are very pleased to have been able to host this year’s Fleet News Awards at Ascot Racecourse, recognizing the best new vehicles and manufacturers in the industry.

July 8, 2021