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Volkswagen’s all-new Golf is making its motor show debut this week in Paris, with the seventh-generation of the evergreen model displaying a new look plus new technology, engines, safety and infotainment features. But no Golf line-up would be complete without the iconic GTI.  That’s why Volkswagen has also revealed a concept of the GTI Golf on the stand alongside the standard hatchback.

The new Golf GTI, which is set to go on sale in mainland Europe in early 2013 and the UK in summer 2013, is powered by an advanced engine from the existing EA888 series: a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine with 220 PS (10 PS more than the current Golf GTI).  For the first time in the car’s history, the GTI will also be available, direct from the factory, with a ‘performance pack’ which will boost the car’s maximum power to 230 PS.  

In the entry-level car with 220 PS, maximum torque has been increased by 70 Nm to 350 Nm – the same as the previous Golf R – which gives impressive flexibility and in-gear acceleration.  The new Golf GTI concept with 220 PS has a zero to 62 mph time of 6.6* seconds and a top speed of 153 mph; add the performance pack and maximum power rises to 230 PS, top speed to 155 mph, and the sprint time falls to 6.5 seconds.

Adding the 10 PS pack not only enhances performance but also handling, with front brake disc diameters increased, plus a front axle differential lock which reduces power-related understeer.

But the GTI’s power does not come at the cost of fuel economy or emissions.  Both GTI versions will be equipped with a standard Stop/Start system, and fulfil the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014. With a six-speed manual gearbox, the GTI is set to return 47.1* mpg (an 18 per cent improvement over the Mk VI), with carbon dioxide emissions of 140 g/km.  A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option for both power levels.

Both GTI models also benefit as standard from a variable ratio steering system which, in essence, allows the driver toturn the car through a desired radius with smaller movements of the steering wheel.  While conventional steering systems work with a fixed ratio, the new Golf GTI operates with a variable steering ratio which reduces steering input perceptibly when manoeuvring and parking. On twisting country roads, the driver experiences a benefit in dynamics due to the more direct layout.

Naturally, the new Golf GTI also benefits from all the technological advances of the standard seventh-generation Golf, such as reduced weight, new safety systems including multi-collision brake and innovative infotainment systems. 

The new Golf GTI concept is distinguished by numerous external and internal styling features, including red brake callipers, honeycomb grille with double red stripe detail, smoked LED rear lights and LED licence plate illumination and chrome 80 mm diameter tailpipes.  Inside, tartan sports seats, a flat bottomed steering wheel, GTI golf ball gear knob and GTI-specific red ambience lighting hark back to cars of previous generations while remaining completely up to date and refreshed for the new generation.

article source: Volkswagen.co.uk

New Sharan debuts at the Geneva Motor Show

The all-new Volkswagen Sharan has made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.  Based on an advanced new platform and featuring twin sliding doors, a seven seat configuration and a range of frugal yet powerful petrol and diesel engines, the Sharan is set to establish new standards of efficiency, practicality and refinement in its class.

At 4,854 mm in length, the new Sharan is 220 mm longer than the model it replaces, 92 mm wider and 12 mm lower.  Despite these gains the new Sharan weighs 30 kg less than the previous generation model.

Access to the rear seats in the new Sharan is granted via a pair of large sliding doors that can, along with the tailgate, be specified with electric motors to operate automatically.  The centre row features three individual seats that can be moved by up to 160 mm back and forth if required and, when not in use, can be folded to create a flat loadspace.

The third row of seats is made easy to access through the ability of the centre row of seats to slide and pivot forwards by 20 degrees.  As a result of a wheelbase extended by 75 mm over the outgoing model, the new Sharan’s third row of seats is large enough to accommodate adults as well as children.  As with the second row of seats, they can also be folded flat into the floor when not required.

At the heart of the new Sharan is a range of four advanced TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines linked to six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes.  A 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine developing 150 PS while returning 38.1 mpg and emitting 172 g/km of CO₂ is joined by a 2.0-litre unit which is mated to a standard DSG gearbox and produces 200 PS.  This engine emits 201 g/km of CO₂ while returning 32.8 mpg.

The diesel range comprises two 2.0-litre common rail engines producing 140 and 170 PS.  In 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS form the Sharan returns 52.3 mpg while emitting 143 g/km of CO₂ to make it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class.  The 170 PS model emits 152 g/km of CO₂ and has a combined economy figure of 49.5 mpg.  To further improve efficiency, all models except the 200 PS variant feature Stop-Start and regenerative braking systems as standard.

The new Sharan is the most advanced people carrier Volkswagen has ever produced.  Available as an option for the first time on the Sharan is the Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system featuring electronically controlled pneumatic dampers with three selectable stages – normal, comfort and sport.  In addition, a new version of Park Assist makes its debut on the Sharan.  The system is now capable of guiding the vehicle into parking spaces at right angles with the direction of traffic as well as parallel spaces.

Following its international debut in Geneva the new Sharan will go on sale in the UK later this year with prices and specifications due to be announced nearer this time.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

All-new seventh generation Volkswagen Golf breaks cover in Berlin

The all-new Volkswagen Golf has been unveiled in Berlin, 36 years after the original model redefined the small family car.  The seventh generation Golf builds on the success of its predecessors, of which over 29 million have been sold, bringing new levels of comfort, practicality, safety and efficiency to the class. 

Despite offering more room for passengers and more advanced technological features than ever before, new production techniques contribute to the Mk VII Golf being up to 100 kg lighter than the car it replaces, helping to make it up to 23 per cent more efficient than before.  On top of this, the new Golf is also safer than ever, thanks not just to a stronger body structure (which is also 23 kg lighter) but also to a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems.

The new Golf is built on the so-called MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) platform or Modular Transverse Matrix.  This standardises many vehicle component parameters across brands and vehicle classes, and allows access to new powertrains and technologies, including innovations in the areas of safety and infotainment, which until now were reserved for vehicles in higher segments. 

At 4,255 mm long, the new Golf is 56 mm longer than its predecessor, with a 59 mm longer wheelbase of 2,637 mm.  The front wheels are 43 mm further forward, helping to generate more interior space, while the Golf is also 13 mm wider, at 1,799 mm, and 28 mm lower, at 1,452 mm.  This helps to create a 10 per cent improvement in the drag co-efficient, which is now 0.27 Cd. 

Though the new car’s dimensions are larger, its overall design is unmistakeably that of a Golf, thanks to a design DNA that has evolved through the decades.  Walter de Silva, Head of Design for Volkswagen AG, said: ‘One of the keys to the Golf’s success lies in its continuity.  There are a handful of cars with a design that, like the Golf’s, has been refined, tweaked and enhanced down the decades and thus become timeless.’

Inside the Golf there is more room than ever.  Rear legroom is improved by 15 mm, and the front seats have been moved 20 mm further back, benefitting taller drivers.  Front shoulder room is improved by 31 mm to 1,420 mm (at the rear it is 30 mm wider) and elbow room by 22 mm to 1,469 mm (20 mm wider at the rear).  There is more room for luggage, too: the boot is 30 litres larger, at 380 litres, with a low 685 mm sill to make loading effortless.  The front passenger seat can also optionally fold fully forward, creating a loadspace which is up to 2,412 mm long.

In the cockpit, the centre console is now angled more towards the driver, giving them easier, more ergonomic and direct access to auxiliary controls, including the new generation of touchscreen infotainment systems that is available on the Golf.  All Golf models now have touchscreen systems as standard, starting in the UK with a 5.8-inch colour display system, and rising to the range-topping satellite navigation system with eight-inch colour display.  It operates with finger gestures that will be familiar to smartphone users.  Features include DAB digital radio, auxiliary inputs (including USB), Bluetooth telephone preparation and access to vehicle trip information.

Between the front seats, space is increased by virtue of the new electronic parking brake with auto-hold feature.  And for the first time in a Volkswagen, the compartment under the centre armrest optionally includes a universal phone holder with inductive aerial, which not only increases the signal strength of a phone placed in it, but also reduces the drain on the phone’s battery.

The new Golf also features a number of innovative standard safety systems, while optional systems include many previously only available on vehicles in a class above.  Standard on all new Golf models is a multi-collision brake system.  This automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision, to reduce kinetic energy significantly and thus minimise the chance of a second impact.  Research in Germany shows that around a quarter of accidents involving personal injury are multi-collision events. Also the PreCrash system that made its debut on the Touareg is standard from the SE upwards.  If it detects the possibility of an accident, it pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof, leaving just a small gap, to ensure the best possible protection from the airbags.

Other electronic aids include Adaptive Cruise Control (standard in the UK from SE models upwards), which uses radar sensors to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front; Front Assist, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and operates at speeds of up to 150 km/h (approx. 93 mph); and City Emergency Braking, which operates at up to 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph), and can reduce or prevent the chance of accidents occurring.  A Driver Alert System, as introduced on the Passat, monitors the driver’s inputs, to detect any signs of tiredness; while a camera-operated Lane Assist system can help keep the car in a specific lane, providing countersteering assistance where necessary.  A Dynamic Light Assist system optionally masks the vehicle’s high beam lighting, making for brilliant illumination without dazzling on-coming traffic.  

The Golf’s steering now uses a variable ratio system that offers more agile steering in dynamic driving situations, while ensuring high-speed stability, and easy manoeuvring in the city.  Specify the latest generation Park Assist, and the new Golf will even park itself in a space no more than 80 cm longer than the vehicle.

For the first time, the Golf is also available with driver profile selection, which allows the driver to choose from four modes – Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual; with a DSG gearbox a fifth option – Comfort – is also offered.  Each of these modes alters the throttle mapping and engine management (among other parameters) to the chosen style, so in Eco mode, for example, the engine management, air conditioning and ancillary systems are controlled to achieve maximum fuel consumption. 

Powering the Golf is a new range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.  At launch, the petrol engines are a 1.2-litre TSI 85 PS unit returning 4.9 l/100 km (around 57.6 mpg and 113 g/km), and a 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS unit with Active Cylinder Technology, which can deactivate two of the cylinders, and achieves up to 4.8 l/100 km (58.9 mpg and 112 g/km).  The launch diesel engines are a 1.6-litre unit with 105 PS, which returns 3.8 l/100 km (74.3 mpg and 99 g/km), and a 2.0-litre 150 PS unit which returns 4.1 l/100 km (68.9 mpg and 106 g/km). 

Further details on the new Golf will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show.  The car will go on sale from October, with the first UK deliveries expected in January 2013.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Autostadt - the City of Cars

We value our cars so highly we've built a whole city devoted to them. Our £270m Autostadt was opened in 2000, next to Volkswagen HQ in Wolfsburg. When you visit this stunning 250,000sq m complex, which features lakes and parks, marketplaces and streets and even its own train station, you embark on a fascinating voyage of discovery. You can also enjoy various types of entertainment, world restaurants, and a unique events centre.

Each year, 1.2m visitors from all over the world visit the Autostadt to study the technology behind our legendary reliability, and share our vision of the future.

The Group Forum explains how we meet the needs of our customers worldwide. The Marque Pavilions showcase the many faces of Volkswagen: famous brands like Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini and Bentley, each displayed in its individual setting. While in the Volkswagen Automuseum you can admire vintage Volkswagens and other landmark models and learn about the history of motorcars.

Experience the Autostadt

• Take a virtual tour of the Autostadt: Enter the official microsite
• Alternatively call the hotline on +49 (0)800 28 86 78 23

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk