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Volkswagen kicked off its Rally Argentina (21-24 April) with a spectacular event in Buenos Aires at the weekend, prior to the official start. Volkswagen drivers Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger (N/N) took the Polo R WRC for a spin in front of thousands of spectators in Tigre on Saturday. They completed a thrilling street circuit, during which they put their smoking tyres through their paces with a number of donuts. The Red Bull X Fighters also put on a stunning show, with breath-taking stunts in their freestyle motocross display. The event was broadcast live on Argentinean television – including by FOX TV, a partner station of the Rally Argentina. Beforehand, the team from Wolfsburg had been welcomed by Volkswagen Argentina CEO Pablo Di Si and the mayor of Tigre, Julio Zamora. “It is a fantastic event,” said Di Si. “We are proud and happy that the team was able to stop by, and we have our fingers crossed for them for the rally.”

Di Si was given a taste of how it feels to travel flat-out in a World Rally Car, as Sébastien Ogier’s co-driver. Away from the action on the specially-erected circuit, Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito, Volkswagen Brand Ambassador Luis Moya (E), and the driver/co-driver pairings were on hand to answer questions from almost 100 invited journalists in the media tent. Ogier and Mikkelsen were back at the wheel of the Polo R WRC on Sunday. The two stars of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) had been invited by partner Castrol to take a city tour through the trendy Argentinean neighbourhood of Palermo.

TCR Germany
First race, first podium: Second place for Leuchter in the Golf GTI

Volkswagen driver Benjamin Leuchter (D) claimed a podium finish at the inaugural TCR Germany race in Oschersleben. The first race of the ADAC’s new touring car series saw Leuchter finish runner-up in the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR for the Racing One team. The German actually led for a long time at the circuit in the Magdeburger Börder region of Germany. However, with just nine minutes of the race remaining, Leuchter was passed by eventual winner Josh Files (Seat) after a thrilling duel. British driver Files also won the second race on Sunday, with Leuchter missing out on the podium by half a second. He crossed the finish line fourth behind Jürgen Schmarl (A, Seat) and Harald Proczyk (A). The next races in the TCR Germany will take place at the Sachsenring from 29 April to 01 May.

FIA World Rallycross Championship
No luck in the final: Sixth place for Kristoffersson in Portugal

Johan Kristoffersson (S) of the Volkswagen RX Sweden team finished sixth at the opening round of the World Rallycross Championship.The Swede progressed to the final in Montalegre, Portugal, with his Volkswagen RX Supercar. However, Kristoffersson’s hopes of repeating last year’s victory were dashed by a collision with an opponent. Kristoffersson had previously won the semi-final and set fastest times in the heats to demonstrate the huge potential of the 600-hp Volkswagen RX Supercar and the new Volkswagen RX Sweden team, which was formed by merging Marklund Motorsport and Volkswagen Team Sweden.

Kristoffersson’s team-mate Anton Marklund (S) made it to the semi-final, but failed to qualify for the final. The next round will be held in Hockenheim (D) from 6 to 8 May – on the same bill as the season-opener in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM).

Engen Volkswagen Cup South Africa
La Reservee and Bland – two winners on second race weekend in Cape Town

Shaun La Reservee (ZA) and Trevor Bland (ZA) were the winners on the second race weekend of the Engen Volkswagen Cup South Africa. The opening ten-lap race at the Killarney Motor Racing Circuit saw La Reservee triumph ahead of Keagan Masters (ZA) and Chris Shorter (ZA) who finished second and third. In race two at the 3.267-kilometre race track near Cape Town, Bland crossed the finish line first in his Polo, ahead of Shorter and Masters. This was Bland’s second win of the season, having previously won race two on the opening race weekend in Zwartkops. The next races in the popular South African series will be held at the Aldo Scribante Circuit near Port Elizabeth on 14 May.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

• The stylish new Volkswagen Tiguan goes on sale from 5 April
• First Volkswagen SUV to sit on the innovative MQB platform 
• Prices expected to start from around £22,500 (RRP OTR) for entry-level model

The first versions of the dynamic new Tiguan SUV today open for order at Volkswagen UK Retailers nationwide. Designed and engineered to redefine the compact SUV segment new Tiguan introduces class-leading levels of interior space, practicality and safety while also debuting cutting-edge technology and connectivity.

New from the ground up, today’s Tiguan brings previously unseen levels of quality and refinement to its sector with a premium look and feel that belie its price.  The first new Volkswagen SUV to sit on the innovative and flexible MQB platform – which also underpins the class-leading Volkswagen Golf – the new car signals the start of a comprehensive SUV offensive which will see the brand represented in all core SUV segments over time.

By virtue of its cutting edge MQB underpinnings the new Tiguan debuts exceptional levels of safety and connectivity.  Standard from entry will be a raft of valuable safety features such as Front Assist; City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, while hi-tech features available for the first time in a Tiguan include Active Info Display; Head-Up Display; Area View and Trailer Assist.

Designed to excel

Perfectly proportioned, and shaped to develop the character of the original best-selling Tiguan, the new car balances clean lines with a powerful, dynamic stance.   

With a 33 mm reduction in height versus the outgoing car to 1,632 mm, and a 30 mm growth in width to 1,839 mm, new Tiguan exhibits an even more sleek, confident shape.  At 4,486 mm in length it is also 60 mm longer than its predecessor.  The wheelbase has been significantly extended to 2,681 mm – a gain of 77 mm.  At the front, in particular, the unit formed by the radiator grille and optional LED projection headlights reinforces the car’s powerful impression and upright stance.

At the sides the waist and character lines as well as the eye-catching wheel arches attest to the creativity of the designers, led by Volkswagen Head of Design Klaus Bischoff.  Meanwhile the Tiguan’s character line helps to define a rear section boasting clear edges and horizontally aligned surfaces.

The SUV design language is taken up consistently inside new Tiguan, too.  The cockpit, for example, is now aligned towards the driver for better comfort and without constricting the airy impression of the interior. At the same time, the wider centre console typical of SUVs is paired with the new 4MOTION Active Control rotary switch to create a defining interior element with a premium feel.  Ambient lighting generates a sophisticated overall impression, completed by the optional panoramic roof – standard from SEL trim upwards – and details such as the elegant door handles and smart trim strips.

This generously-proportioned interior offers more head room and knee room than previously – up by 29 mm in the case of knee room – and when the rear bench is folded the cargo space, at 1,655 litres, is 145 litres larger than before.  Meanwhile a lower load sill improves ease of use and underscores the Tiguan’s everyday utility, while an optimised body structure and improved aerodynamics add to occupant comfort via reduced cabin noise.

The car also offers a sliding rear bench seat that has been optimised to permit up to 180 mm of adjustment – 20 mm more than in the previous model. When the rear bench is slid forwards, the boot provides 615 litres of space – a gain of 145 litres.  Highlighting the new Volkswagen’s practicality is a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg (depending on model and drivetrain) which is unique in this class of compact SUVs.

Engineered to perform

The extended engine range of the new Tiguan gives customers the greatest possible range of choices for power, style and comfort.  A broad line-up has been created to appeal to the widest possible customer base.

In the UK the car will over time be offered with up to three new petrol engines, with power outputs from 125 PS to 180 PS, and four new diesel engines ranging from 115 PS to 240 PS.  All EU6-compliant, they are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the comparable EU5 engines of the previous model.  The diesel engines feature SCR catalytic converter technology, using the now familiar AdBlue additive.

As order books open, the high-volume diesel will be available as a 2.0 TDI 150 PS with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) or six-speed manual transmission; or with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox.  In addition the 2.0 TSI with 180 PS, 4MOTION and DSG is also on offer from today. These engines are expected to account for around three quarters of UK Tiguan sales.  Extended engine, drive and gearbox options will be available in two further order waves which open in the UK on 5 May and 2 June.

The first wave of engines in the UK offer 0-62 mph times of between 7.7 seconds (2.0 TSI 180 PS) to 9.3 seconds (2.0 TDI 150 PS), with top speeds, where legal, ranging from 129 mph to 124 mph. For the first wave of engines, CO2 emissions* are calculated at between 125 g/km (2.0 TDI 150 PS front-wheel drive with six-speed manual gearbox), to 170 g/km (2.0 TSI 180 PS 4MOTION with seven-speed DSG).

Fuel economy* for the launch engines, on the official EU combined cycle, ranges from 58.9 mpg (2.0 TDI 150 PS front wheel drive six-speed manual) to 38.2mpg (2.0 TSI 180 PS 4MOTION with seven-speed DSG).

Safety is paramount

New Tiguan sets standards when it comes to safety, with a raft of active and passive safety measures delivered by virtue of the use of the MQB platform.  Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring; active bonnet; automatic post-collision braking and Lane Assist are fitted as standard (in Europe).

The first active bonnet on a Volkswagen reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists by lifting upward in the event of an impact – rising 50 mm within 22 milliseconds of an impact. The safety equipment roster also includes a network of seven airbags – including a knee airbag on the driver’s side.  It sets standards, and not only for A-SUVs.  The new Tiguan, like all Volkswagen cars based on the MQB platform, also comes with the automatic post-collision braking system which helps to avoid dangerous secondary collisions.

A market leader is born

In the UK, the new Tiguan instantly becomes one of the five key pillars of the Volkswagen passenger cars brand sitting alongside up!, Polo, Golf and Passat.  Indeed, last year the outgoing Tiguan accounted for 21,889 sales here – up from 8,121 just four years before.  Tiguan is now the third best-seller in the UK, bettered only by Golf and Polo.

The UK range will be badged using Volkswagen’s familiar S, SE, SE Navigation, SEL and R-Line designations, with diesel engines expected to account for around 95% of sales.

Welcoming the arrival of new Tiguan Rod McLeod, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “This exceptional new car showcases the very best of what Volkswagen can deliver.  Ingenious engineering, exceptional practicality and fine styling sit alongside class-leading safety in a package that brings a premium look and feel to the compact SUV class.

“I know our Retailers are gearing up for a busy time as orders for, and deliveries of, new Tiguan take off here in the UK.”

The new Volkswagen Tiguan range is expected to be priced from around £22,500 (RRP OTR) when all versions are available, and deliveries of the first customer cars are expected this summer.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

• Landmark day for Golf GTI as order books open for GTI Clubsport Edition 40 
• Most potent GTI to date with up to 290 PS; 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds  
• Special edition model priced from £30,875 (RRP OTR) 

‘Iconic’ is, perhaps, a word bandied around all too freely but, when applied to the mould-breaking Golf GTI, it can be used with genuine justification.  The car that popularised the ‘hot hatch’ phenomenon is 40 years old in 2016 and, to mark the occasion, Volkswagen has created the most potent iteration of the GTI to date.

Available to order in Volkswagen UK Retailers now, the specially commissioned Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 celebrates four decades of a true automotive icon.

Powering this addition to the GTI range is a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine that delivers 265 PS, making it the most powerful Golf GTI yet.  But that’s not the whole story. Accelerate hard in third gear or higher and, for up to 10 seconds, an additional ‘overboost’ function increases the engine power to 290 PS.

The engine – which delivers its 265 PS between 5,350 and 6,600 rpm – is technically based on the 1,984 cc TSI engine that appears in the award-winning Golf R.  This is a third generation EA 888 unit boasting technical refinements such as a water-cooled exhaust channel to the turbocharger that is integrated in the cylinder head, and variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment.  Maximum torque, under boost, is 350 Nm.

In the new Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 this power is channelled entirely to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG. The lightweight front-wheel drive system that is typical of the Golf GTI offers tremendous agility, working as it does in conjunction with an electronically controlled front differential lock and the XDS+ vehicle dynamics function.

The DSG version of the car is also equipped with launch control as standard.  Just as with a track racer the Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 – which boasts an unladen weight of as little as 1,375 kg, depending on bodystyle – accelerates in a controlled manner from standstill using its maximum overboost power of up to 290 PS.

Top speed is limited to 155 mph and the 0-62 mph time for both three- and five-door versions – either manual or DSG – is a brisk 6.3 seconds. CO2 emissions* range between 158 g/km and 162 g/km depending on bodystyle and transmission choice, while combined fuel economy* similarly varies between 40.9 mpg and 40.4 mpg.

Power and precision

As with all Golf GTIs, the new Clubsport Edition 40 is equipped with a sport chassis with 15 mm lower ride height as standard.  Up front, MacPherson suspension provides precise tracking while the modular performance suspension does the same job at the rear.

Equipped with a front differential lock as well as the XDS+ vehicle dynamics function and progressive steering – which means significantly smaller steering inputs are required – the latest Golf GTI is all the more agile because the familiar sport chassis has been tuned to its more powerful nature.

Specifically, its handling characteristics have been perfected by virtue of a new spring layout, newly tuned dampers and optimised bump stops.  These measures, working alongside the specially modified aerodynamics, combine to deliver high levels of agility and steering precision along with extremely precise driving stability at high speed, linear and predictable vehicle reactions and optimised grip.

The anniversary model is also available with DCC dynamic chassis control as an option.  This, too, has been adapted to the high power potential of the anniversary model via new control algorithms.  The result is a car whose handling is more intuitive than ever.

Power is transferred to the road via 18-inch alloy wheels that are offered as standard with 225/40 tyres.  These exclusive “Quaranta” forged wheels are nearly 3 kg lighter per wheel than conventional alloys.  Optionally, the GTI Clubsport Edition 40 may be ordered with 19-inch “Brescia “ alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres.  Another option: street-approved semi-slick 235/35 R 19 tyres on eight-inch wide “Pretoria” wheels.

Motorsport-style downforce

For this very special Golf GTI, Volkswagen exterior designers have created a completely new front bumper, new side sills, a rear diffuser that is also new, a new multi-part roof spoiler and exclusive forged alloy wheels.  The goal was not to just help the car stand out from its siblings but, more importantly, to deliver valuable downforce on both axles and, thereby, improve the car’s dynamic handling still further.

At the front, the new design offers improvements in air supply to the engine, aerodynamics and downforce.  The new bumper features high-gloss black air deflectors which route a portion of the airflow – guided by three additional bars – through a narrowing air duct (air curtain) on each side and thereby through the bumper.  This optimises air flow around the bumper and front wheels.  The air then exits in the wheel housings without striking the wheels directly.  The central cooling air intake – in characteristic GTI honeycomb design – has also been further refined with two additional air intakes flanking the radiator grille trim.  Beneath the bumper there is a front spoiler that is designed as a sharp splitter in high-gloss black.  It optimises downforce at the front axle.

At the back, the much larger, multi-part redesigned roof edge spoiler has been aerodynamically perfected in the wind tunnel.  The two-part roof edge spoiler extends upward above the roof line while at the sides the spoiler merges homogeneously into the high-gloss black flaps on the tailgate.  Multi-part spoilers of this type are complex components that perfectly fulfil the aerodynamic tasks assigned to them: to significantly increase downforce on the rear axle.

Unmistakably GTI

Inside, the new car features iconic details that are essential for every GTI.  These include the ergonomic sports seats with a tailor-made look featuring Alcantara and black cloth upholstery; red topstitching; a gear knob in golf ball design; and a black headliner.  

Optional ergonomic sports bucket seats with prominent lateral support provide optimal comfort and stability when cornering and are stylishly finished in part Alcantara/part cloth, with the GTI lettering sitting proudly on the backrest.  Meanwhile, black honeycomb patterned backrests and seat centre section with red seaming perfectly complement the dynamic and sporty interior.

New trim strips in “Honeycomb 40” design (instrument strip, centre console and doors) give the interior an even more exclusive appearance.  Sporty decorative features include Alcantara trim on the gear lever, an Alcantara-clad sport steering wheel (with GTI emblem, red seam and 12 o’clock marking) and customised floor mats with red edging.  When the driver and front passenger open the doors, they see the exclusive stainless steel door sill plates with red GTI lettering.

The anniversary model is being offered with optional black painted roof which is combined with one of the body colours: Pure White; Tornado Red; Oryx White mother of pearl effect; Reflex Silver; Carbon Grey Metallic; or Urano Grey.  The solid colour Deep Black pearl effect is also available.

Production of the new Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 is time limited, and it is anticipated that no more than 1,000 examples of the latest ‘collector’s item’ GTI will be made available to UK buyers. 

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 is available to order now, priced from £30,875 (RRP OTR), with deliveries of first customer cars expected this summer.  For more details please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

* Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (Directive 93/116/EEC).  This allows a direct comparison between different manufacturer models but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in ‘real world’ driving conditions.  More information is available on the Volkswagen website at www.volkswagen.co.uk and at www.dft.gov.uk/vca

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

• The Volkswagen Beetle Dune is available to order from 5 April
• Stylish new Dune combines classic Beetle style with off-road ruggedness
• Prices start at £21,300 (RRP OTR), with petrol and diesel engines available

The Volkswagen Beetle is renowned as an automotive style icon with, perhaps, the most well-known silhouette of any modern car.  Original Beetles have been modified in small numbers over the years to suit specialist drivers’ requirements and among the most famous of these are the ‘Baja Bugs’ vividly associated with west coast America.

Now the spirit of those original conversions is rekindled in the modern Beetle range with the UK showroom debut of the exciting new Beetle Dune.  Engineered and styled to pay tribute to those off-road heroes, and with a ride height raised 10 mm compared with the standard car, the Beetle Dune is designed to offer a vibrant new dimension to the existing Beetle line-up.

Available to order from 5 April through the Volkswagen UK Retailer network, the Beetle Dune’s rugged looks are enhanced via 18-inch ‘Mythos’ alloy wheels, front and rear wheelarch extensions and bold new bumper designs.

Beetle Dune customers have a choice of Coupe or Cabriolet versions and deliveries of both will begin in June, while a selection of five body colours complement the car’s eye-catching styling.  The Sandstorm Yellow metallic and Dark Bronze metallic, in particular, have been developed exclusively for the Beetle Dune.  Other colour options include Deep Black pearlescent, Black (non-metallic) and Pure White (non-metallic).  Parts of the dash and door panels also share the exterior body colour.

Indeed, styling inside and out helps the new car stand out from the crowd.  Its adventurous character is emphasised by a large silver-framed central air inlet and a black honeycomb grille.  In profile, the black wheel well and body extensions contrast with the eye-catching paint colours.  In addition, black side trim strips – stylised ‘Beetle running boards’ – and ‘Dune’ badging underscore the dynamic image of the latest Beetle.  At the rear, a large spoiler and new LED lights create a futuristic look.

Inside, extensive use of contrast ‘Turmeric’ stitching on the sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and parking brake grip help define the new Dune while contrasting areas of the seat system, door trim panels, roof pillars and headlining are finished in black.

The generously equipped new Beetle Dune is based on the existing Beetle’s Design trim level which means a comprehensive selection of technology and creature comforts as standard.  Among the highlights is the Composition Media system which includes 6.5-inch touch-screen with Bluetooth telephone connection, DAB digital radio receiver, dash-mounted single CD player, MDI (Multi Device Interface) via USB connection, SMS messaging functionality and eight speakers.  Standard-fit technology also includes a Light and Sight pack comprising auto dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers, while convenience is enhanced by ultrasonic parking sensors front and rear.

A multifunction leather steering wheel with decorative 'Dune' insert and contrast 'Tumeric' stitching, leather-clad handbrake with contrast stitching and carpet mats front and rear with 'Tumeric' contrast stitching continue the Dune’s bespoke look.   ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning keeps things comfortably cool inside.

Safety is enhanced via ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) fitted as standard and the Beetle Dune Cabriolet has rollover protection.  In addition, all Beetles have Isofix child seat preparation for two rear child seats, tyre pressure loss indicator and a comprehensive suite of airbags.

The Beetle Dune is powered by a choice of two engines.  The 1.2-litre petrol TSI engine develops 105 PS and is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox.  With both options, the hatch model accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds.  The 2.0-litre TDI develops 150 PS and comes with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed auto DSG gearboxes and, in the hatch version, reaches 62 mph in 9.2 seconds.  Top speeds, where legal, vary from 110 mph for the petrol manual to 124 mph for the diesel manual.

Fuel economy ranges from 51.4 mpg (combined) for the 1.2 TSI manual to 62.8 mpg (combined) for the 2.0 TDI manual while CO2emissions range from 117 g/km to 127 g/km depending on engine and gearbox choice. 

Today’s production Beetle Dune was presented to the world as a concept car at the Detroit Motor Show in 2014.  The concept’s off-road interpretation of the classic Beetle design attracted global interest, and was itself a highly successful development of an earlier concept car revealed in Los Angeles in 2000.

The petrol-engined new Beetle Dune costs from £21,300 (RRP OTR), and the diesel version is offered from £23,805 (RRP OTR).

Details of the Beetle Dune including configurator will be added to website soon.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk