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In this edition, discover how it feels to be a rally champion, behind the wheel of the Polo WRC. We head to Oslo to put another winner through its paces – the e-up! The first emission-free car in series production from Volkswagen. And, closer to home, four kids and a shopping trolley show us why we don’t need to be on a rally track to benefit from all-wheel drive.

Also, as the weather gears up to do its worst, we share our top tips for surviving whatever winter throws your way.

And, for survival of a different kind, we travel to South Africa, to see how they’re putting nature conservation into action – from inside a shark cage.

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At the 1974 Geneva Motor Show, a sleek new Volkswagen hatchback coupe made its debut.  Forty years and over a million sales later, the Volkswagen Scirocco is preparing to return to Geneva, with a new range of advanced engines that offer up to 280 PS yet also promise fuel efficiency improvements of up to 19 per cent, without compromising the Scirocco’s dynamic performance.

Externally, the Scirocco’s stylish shape has been refined and modernised with new headlights and tail lights, as well as revised bumper styling.

The revised front bumper features aerodynamic ‘blades’ in the outer section, like those of the latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.  On models fitted with the optional bi-xenon headlights, the daytime running lights are LEDs within the main headlights.  At the rear, all Sciroccos now have LED tail lights, while the bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and more purposeful.  As on a Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now has an additional purpose: functioning as the tailgate release handle.

As before, the range-topping Scirocco R has a distinct look, with bespoke bumpers and alloy wheels.  The Scirocco R now comes as standard with 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels, as on the Golf R.  The rest of the range also receives new alloy wheel designs, including the option of the ‘Talladega’ alloy previously reserved for the ‘R’.

Under the bonnet (which as before features the Volkswagen roundel) are six new tubocharged direct-injection petrol and diesel engines, all of which meet EU6 emissions standards and return between 68.9 and 34.9 mpg. 

The petrol range consists of a 1.4-litre petrol with 125 PS (was 122), a new 2.0-litre 180 PS unit which replaces the previous 1.4-litre 160 PS unit.  Despite the increase in capacity and power, it is more economical than the unit it replaces.  The previous
2.0-litre TSI 210 PS has been replaced with a 220 PS unit that is also 19 per cent more fuel efficient.  The new Scirocco R uses a 2.0-litre unit producing 280 PS: 15 PS more than before.

Two diesel engines will be offered, both 2.0-litre units, with either 150 PS or 184 PS, and economy of up to 68.9 mpg.  Depending on power output both petrol and diesel engines come with a choice of six-speed manual and six- or seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Inside, the dashboard has been updated, with new-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console, consisting of chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges – a tribute to the 1974 model.

The Scirocco opens for ordering in the UK in May, with first deliveries expected in September.  More details will be available closer to launch.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The Volkswagen Polo is to be updated with a range of new technologies and efficient engines, along with a makeover inside and out.  The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s best-selling supermini which will feature these changes is due for launch this summer.

Chief among the changes for the Polo – over 14 million of which have been sold worldwide since its introduction in 1975 – is a range of advanced technology features that will be familiar to drivers of the latest Golf, as Volkswagen continues to democratise technology that advances safety, practicality, comfort and efficiency.

All new Polos will be equipped as standard with an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to reduce kinetic energy significantly and thus minimise the chance or consequences of a second impact.  Options include a Driver Alert System and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Automatic Cruise Control.

A new optional Sport Select suspension system will be offered, using electronically controlled dampers to switch between two suspension settings.  Meanwhile a new electro-mechanical steering system improves efficiency and offers more precise control.

Volkswagen’s modular infotainment system, familiar to Golf drivers, is being introduced across the Polo range.  This touchscreen system includes a proximity sensor and a function that reacts to wiping movements by the fingers (as used on smartphones).

Under the bonnet, the revised Polo will feature a range of new EU6-compliant engines offering fuel efficiency improvements of up to 21 per cent over the old units.

New three- and four-cylinder petrol engines lead the changes.  There are two 1.0-litre MPI units, with 60 or 75 PS and two 1.2-litre four-cylinder TSI engines with 90 or 110 PS.  As before, a 1.4-litre TSI engine with cylinder deactivation (ACT) will be available, this time with power increased by 10 PS to 150 PS.  A range-topping Polo GTI with increased power will be available next year.

In the UK, the diesel-powered Polo BlueMotion is to be replaced with a new petrol-powered Polo BlueMotion TSI, which returns 68.9 mpg* on the combined cycle and emits just 94 g/km* of CO2.  It uses a new turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine that produces 90 PS.

Diesel power is provided for by two new three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI engines (previously these were 1.2 and 1.6 litres), with 75 and 90 PS.

Exterior changes are subtle but effective, and include more precise lines on the redesigned front bumper and grille, with a chrome line that separates the front fog lights.  Optional LED headlights are a first in this class, and have a distinctive light signature.  At the rear there are new lights and a new bumper, while five new alloy wheel designs complete the look.

Inside, the driver faces wholly redesigned instruments and a new steering wheel, while a refreshed centre console with new heating and ventilation controls ensures ease of use.

Full details will be available when the new Polo opens for ordering in the UK in April.  First deliveries are expected in late July.  

* provisional data.  Final figures will be confirmed closer to launch.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk