Volkswagen – Page 45 – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen eT!

The eT! research vehicle could someday actually revolutionise the world of lightweight commercial vehicles. Completely reconceptualised, driven with zero emissions, thought through to the last detail and driving semi-automatically if necessary! Just how wide-ranging the significance of this research project could be for sustainability in the transportation field is underscored by the support for the eT! project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

“We analysed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term. In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semiautomatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today.”, commented Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research.

“The eT! research vehicle unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future importance, specifically for logistics businesses. In particular, the possibility of driving the car semi-automatically – and electrically – in downtown areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever. As a vision of the future, the eT! Is showcasing what is the maximum feasible technology for electric vehicles in the commercial market today with a special design that systematically addresses future customer needs.”
explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Variants of this lightweight transport vehicle could be implemented for all conceivable business uses. And these derived concepts are also the focus of research activities. Meanwhile, the eT! concept shown in a world premiere at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types. The research vehicle will now be integrated in a driving test study and further analysed.

Source: Volkswagen

November 18, 2011

Volkswagen Beetle R Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show

Volkswagen will exhibit the Beetle R Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car made its official debut in Frankfurt earlier this year. The US was the biggest market for the previous New Beetle, and that’s likely to remain the same with the new vehicle.

Beetle R comes with redesigned front and rear bumpers. The front has three air intakes in a black high-gloss finish and the rear has a diffuser and four tail-pipes – two either side. Above this sits a large spoiler with a gloss black finish on top and body-coloured finish beneath.

Along the sides flashes of gloss black give the Beetle R a distinctive look: it can be found on the door mirror caps (just as on the Golf R and Scirocco R), the door handles, the 15 mm wider side sills and also on the roof.

The Concept stands on 5-spoke Talladega 20” alloy wheels, which will be familiar to drivers of the Golf R or Scirocco R.

The interior comes with racing seats covered in black Nappa leather and dashboard accented in high gloss black. The instrument panel highlights the Beetle R’s sporting intent: the tachometer is in the middle and the speedometer to the side, while atop the dashboard are three auxiliary instruments: an oil temperature gauge, chronometer and turbo boost pressure indicator, all with distinctive blue needles.

There is no data about the engine, but Golf R and Scirocco R, use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit with 270PS and 265PS, so the power will be around that number.

Source: Volkswagen

November 16, 2011

Fleet News – 2010 BMW 3-Series is the most reliable car

The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.

The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10^th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.

“We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

“Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.

The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.

Check out all rankings, below!

Most reliable cars

BMW 3 Series
Honda Accord
Volkswagen Golf
Audi A3
Toyota Avensis
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Passat
Audi A4
Mazda6
BMW 5 Series

Most reliable car manufacturers

BMW
Audi
Honda
Volkswagen
Toyota
Nissan
Mercedes-Benz
Ford
Lexus
Skoda

Most reliable vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Ford Transit Connect
Volkswagen Caddy
Ford Transit
Volkswagen Transporter

Most reliable van manufacturers

Volkswagen
Ford
Mercedes-Benz
Fiat
Renault

November 9, 2011

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Upgrades

In order to get all your money, Volkswagen has announced a number of nice R-Line accessories for the 2012 Tiguan. The manufacturer assumed that the most successful SUV on the German market will need some upgrades both for exterior and interior.

The exterior R-Line package includes a new front front and rear bumpers painted in body colour, modified side skirts with Matt chrome inserts and an R-Line roof edge spoiler. There is also a a black textured rear diffuser, aluminium door sill plates with R-Line logo and another R-Line logo on the radiator grille.

Last but not least, you can get a huge 19” Mallory alloy wheels painted in Sterling silver fitted with 255/40 tires.

The exterior package costs €2 460, without the wheels of course.

The interior R-Line package includes sport front seats, with lateral supports in San Remo microfibre fabric, head restraints with integrated R-Line logo and a multifunction steering wheel with aluminium accents and R-Line badge.

The price of the interior package is a real bargain – €840.

You can also order Vienna leather seats for €2 120, R-Design rear spoiler – €150 and Titan black roofliner – €180.

Source: Volkswagen

November 6, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Passat CC

The Passat CC was extremely successful vehicle. It featured a unique style both inside and outside at decent price and some of the clients, who wanted Mercedes-Benz CLS went to get Passat CC, because it looked rather the same.

Now however, there is a new version of the 4-door coupe – 2012 Passat CC, which will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

The new highlights are modified radiator grille, new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a reprofiled bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured winglets that frame the fog lights.

At the rear, the car is completely redesigned, with more emphasis on horizontal lines and a reworking of the characteristic chrome strip. There are new taillights with LEDs and LED numberplate lights.

An interesting thing is that the “Passat” has been dropped from the name. Rather radical idea, but we like it, because this is completely different car.

The standard equipment list is huge, but some of the safety features include driver alert system and front head restraints with four-way adjustment. A lot of option extras are now available – High Beam Assist, Side Assist, ane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

The engine range includes 1.8 liter TSI with 160PS and 2.0 litre TSI with 210PS. The diesel range includes 2.0 liter engine with either 140 or 170 PS. All models with 170 PS or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

The CC will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show before going on sale in the US in early 2012.

Source: Volkswagen

November 6, 2011

Volkswagen GT Up! Concept

Volkswagen has announced their plans to creat GT Up!. Until then, you’ll be able to see GT Up! Concept car. The GT Up! Concept promises to distil the driving pleasure of the seminal hot hatch, the GTI, into a powerful yet petite package.

It comes with sporty style – wide-mouthed honeycomb grille, broad bumper including ducts to provide cooling airflow to the front brakes, these ducts also containing the wing-shaped LED daytime running lights. The sporting theme continues along the flanks, which feature extended sills and black gloss-painted door mirrors. The wheels are arch-filling 17-inch alloys with wide 195-section tyres. At the rear, a deep roof spoiler helps reduce lift over the rear axle, while a black diffuser at the bottom is framed by an exhaust pipe on either side.

VW GT Up! will be powered by a small turbocharged petrol engine with around 100PS.

The interior boasts a black roof lining, anthracite-coloured seats offset by central panels with a blue chequered pattern that has more than a hint of GTI about it. The gloss-black dashboard and upper door trim panels are similarly offset by blue rings around the air vent nozzles, while the driver gets to grip a chunky leather-bound three-spoke wheel.

Volkswagen GT Up! Concept will be exhibited at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: Volkswagen

November 1, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Price – £16 490

Volkswagen UK has announced the price list for the new 2012 Beetl.

Firstly, two engines will be available: the small 1.2 litre TSI with 105PS mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox and a 1.4 litre TSI with 160PS mated to a 6-speed manual.

There are three trim levels: Beetle, Design and Sport. The standard equipment includes air conditioning, remote central locking, an RCD 310 CD system with DAB radio and rear Isofix seat preparation.

Design adds 17” alloy wheels in a choice of two styles, Bluetooth telephone preparation with MDI iPod connectivity, front fog lights, an alarm, an RCD 510 DAB CD/radio, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

The top-of-range Sport specification brings 18” alloys in a choice of two styles, tinted glass, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors, dashboard and door panel and 2Zone electronic climate control.

The options list includes Keyless Access, satellite navigation systems, a panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.

Check out the price list, below!

2012 Volkswagen Beetle:

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO₂, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR
Beetle	1.2-litre TSI 105 PS 7 spd DSG	137	47.9	16,490

Design	1.2-litre TSI 105 PS 7 spd DSG	137	47.9	18,895
Design	1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual	153	42.8	19,470

Sport	1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual	153	42.8	21,220

Source: Volkswagen

October 20, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Polo R-Line

Volkswagen has introduced the new 2012 Polo R-Line. Polo R-Line will be offered in two different packages – the R-Line Exterior and the R-Line Plus.

The R-Line Exterior includes a complete exterior body kit including new R-line front and rear bumpers, fog lights, R-line side skirts, rear diffuser, chrome exhaust tips, R-line roof spoiler and LED license plate illumination. There are also 16” light alloy “Mallory” wheels as the 17” are optional and a black high-gloss grille.

The R-Line Exterior costs additional €1 450, if you have Polo Comfortline and €1 010, if you opted for Polo Highline.

The R-Line Plus comes with sport seats wrapped in leather and Alcantara. There are also leather steering wheel, R-line logo, sill plates with R-Line logo and aluminum pedals. The R-Line Plus package is priced at €855 on the Comfortline and €450 on the Highline model.

Source: Volkswagen

October 17, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Up Price – £7 995

Volkswagen hits the UK market with the all new 2012 Up. The small city car is priced at just £7 995 and will be available in the spring of 2012.

2012 Volkswagen Up was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This is a small four-seater will highly efficient engines. There will be three trim levels and two 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol engines as well as a BlueMotion Technology version. A five-door version is expected to join the line-up in the second half of 2012.

The entry level Take Up! is priced at just £7 995 with 1.0 liter 60PS engine. The standard equipment includes include body-coloured bumpers, daytime running lights, front and side head/thorax airbags, the new RCD 215 CD radio with aux-in, rear ISOFIX points, and 14” steel wheels.

The second trim level – Move Up! is priced at £8 970. It adds remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows, easy-entry seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, variable-height load floor and 60:40 split/fold rear seats. Outside, the Move up! gains body-coloured door mirrors and handles. If you add just £360 more, the BlueMotion Technology adds a Stop/Start system that reduces urban fuel consumption by up to six per cent, battery regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres.

The top-of-range High Up! is priced at £10 390 and it comes with 1.0 liter 75PS engine. It also includes heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake grip, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, the Maps & More personal infotainment device and a choice of dashboard colour. From the outside, the High up! is distinguished by its front fog lights and 15” alloy wheels.

Options list:

Sensor pack (£350): parking sensors, cruise control, multifunction computer
Driver’s assistance pack (£400): City Emergency Braking, ESP, passenger airbag deactivation switch
Comfort pack (£350): remote central locking, electric front windows, height adjustable driver’s seat
Winter pack (£350): front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors
Chrome pack (£250): chrome door mirror caps and side strips
Sports pack (£450): 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and tinted glass from the B-pillar backwards
Sound pack (£100): four additional speakers (two front, two rear)
Leather-look pack (£650): leather-look seats, leather-covered steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake, plus carpet mats

Volkswagen Up! pricing:

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO₂, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR
Take up!	1.0-litre 60 PS 5 spd manual	105	62.7	7,995

Move up!	1.0-litre 60 PS 5 spd manual	105	62.7	8,970
Move up!	1.0-litre BlueMotion Technology 60 PS 5 spd manual	97*	67.2*	9,330

High up!	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	10,390

up! black	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	11,180
up! white	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	11,180

Source: Volkswagen

October 10, 2011

2012 Volkswagen California Beach Price – £34 970

Volkswagen has introduced the new California Beach model, which is an entry-level camper offering added value and more versatility with seating for up to seven people. 2012 Volkswagen California Beach is priced from £34 970 RRP.

The interior boasts seating for up to seven people is available with a two-, or three-, seat rear bench, and further optional individual chairs. The front seats swivel to face the rear and a portable table, neatly stored in the sliding side door, can create a sociable lounge area. In addition, two folding chairs are stored in the tailgate.

The California Beach is powered by a choice of 2.0-litre TDI engines. There is also a new 114 PS BlueMotion Technology variant with optimised fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. This engine comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, cruise control, Stop/Start system, brake regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres, it offers a combined fuel economy figure of 40.4 mpg and a CO₂ output of 184 g/km.

The more powerful 140PS version has 6-speed manual gearbox. It returns up to 36.7 mpg on the combined cycle with CO₂ emissions of 203 g/km.

The standard equipment of California Beach includes 16” Miyato alloy wheels, air conditioning and a CD/radio with 8 speakers. The choice of Sunny Yellow exterior paint and Takato upholstery are exclusive to Beach models.

The options list includes larger alloy wheels, a 32-litre cool/warm box (powered by second leisure battery), programmable parking heater, an awning, privacy glass, double glazing and Bluetooth mobile phone provision, plus satellite navigation with Western Europe mapping pre-loaded to an internal memory and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights,

Source: Volkswagen

October 6, 2011

Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG

Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG took the top honour in its Class and we on to be voted overall winner of the 29^th Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Competition.

“It was a real eye-opener being at Millbrook seeing all the cars being put through their paces, they really are put to the towing test.”, commented former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert.

“The Club extends its congratulations to all the winners in this Competition. Special plaudits go to the terrific Volkswagen Jetta, it really is a great vehicle and it proved itself time and time again with the judges during testing.”, said Grenville Chamberlain, Caravan Club Chairman.

The VW Jetta Sport diesel is powered by a 2.0 liter TDI with 140PS (103 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a double-clutch DSG gearbox and has a staggering range of 1280km (795 miles), which means 5.47 liters per 100 km (43 mpg).

Class wins in the Competition also went to the Skoda Superb Estate Elegance 2.0 DSG; the Volkswagen Touareg Escape 3.0 V6 TDI and the Volvo V60 D5 AWD Volvo Ocean Race.

Source: Volkswagen

September 21, 2011

LSD Volkswagen Scirocco

With gull-wing door plates by LSD, the VW Scirocco (type 13) becomes a real head-turner. LSD offers the hinges as a complete set for both doors including hinges, cable set fitting materials and attachments for only 1549 Euro including VAT.

The plates are equipped with the new GRS (Guided Roller System). It offers an adjustment possibility with the roller guidance of the roller bearing integrated in the hinges. This results in more safety and more precise opening and closing of the door.

LSD plates are delivered with a part certificate by the German Technical Control Board which ensures that the LSD gull-wing doors fulfil all security standards.
Compared to other retrofit-sets for gull-wing doors, the LSD plates “made in Germany“ impress with a fully developed technology and the highest-possible quality standard. Moreover, a test laboratory accredited by the Federal German Transport Authority confirmed in a side crash-test that the LSD-solution which is patented in Germany is as safe as any serially fitted door. That means that passenger safety in a side crash is guaranteed according to guideline 96/27/EG by the LSD hinge system. LSD enables an easy and quick assembly without welding or painting works and impresses by its perfect fitting accuracy due to its three-dimensional adjustment.

The LSD plates are fitted to the original door attachment points of the dismantled original plates. After the assembly, the otherwise unchanged original door first opens outwards and then securely guided and damped upwards. Adjustable plates stop doors from opening too far or from falling inwards or downwards when opened. And also, it only takes one grip to close the doors. The LSD gull-wing doors render a sensational look to any car and are the ideal solution of fans of extraordinary tuning- and show cars. The LSD door plates can be obtained directly from LSD or from a specialist dealer.

Source: LSD

September 21, 2011

Tag: Volkswagen