2011 Volkswagen Touran

New for 2011 is the facelifted Touran compact MPV. The Touran made its public debut at the Leipzig motor show back in April. After selling more than 1.13m units across the world and dominating nearly 50% market share (in its segment) in Germany, the Touran ranks among the top five in its class in Europe.

The facelift consists of a restyled grill, bigger front body-coloured bumper and a set of new headlights, all of which echo the Golf Mk6. At the rear, the Touran now gets LED tail-lights as well as a new spoiler for better aerodynamics.

Internally, major changes start with the new multi-function steering wheel, improve cabin materials with more use of chrome and enhanced front-seat headrests, all of which are also borrowed of the Golf Mk6.

Under the hood on the petrol side is VW's new-developed 1.2 litre TSI with 105bhp and 175Nm (129lb/ft) of torque. Combined fuel economy is rated at 44.1mpg (6.4l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 149g/km. In Bluemotion form, 47.8mpg (5.9l/100km) combined can be achieved, with CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The 1.2 TSI will feature alongside the previous 138bhp and 168bhp 1.4 litre engines.

On the diesel end, the arrangement stays the same with two 1.6 litre engines with 89bhp (90PS) and 104bhp (105PS) and two 2.0 litre TDI diesels with 138bhp (140PS) and 168bhp (170PS). The 1.6 TDI CR 90PS engine will return 55.3mpg (5.1/100km) combined. The Touran Bluemotion uses a 1.6 TDI CR 104bhp engine and has a combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg (4.6l/100km), while emitting 121g/km of CO2. The 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp is mated to a 7 speed DSG gearbox, while it’s optional on other engines, which gets a standard 6 speed manual.

A new feature added to the Touran is VW's Dynamic Light Assist, which helps control the headlamps' lighting so it doesn’t dazzle oncoming vehicles, while not compromising visibility for the driver. Standard features vary with each trim-level but include air-conditioning, radio/CD with MP3, x4 electric windows, light & rain sensors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, chrome interior trim, black roof rails, multi-function leather steering wheel, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, multi-function colour display and Alcantara interior.

Optional features consist of adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, metallic paint, panoramic glass sunroof, rear-view camera, RNS 315 touch-screen satellite navigation system and DCC dynamic chassis control.

The VW Touran will also see its price rise to £17,000 (€19,367) from £15,800 (€18,000) when it goes on sale during August in Germany, Autumn for rest of Europe.

 
 

Volkswagen Touran facelift pricing announced (UK)

The revised 2011 Volkswagen Touran goes on sale, priced from £17,585 rising to a hefty £25,535.

Fresh & sharper styling has brought the MPV up-to-date with the rest of the Volkswagen line-up. New five-spoke alloy wheels, chrome-edged rubbing strips along the sides, 3 spoke steering wheel, new dials and a revised centre console now feature.

The Touran comes with 39 cubby holes and 7 seats as standard, with the third row of seats folding flat into the floor.

Under the hood is a choice of two petrol and four diesel engines. Petrol engines start from a 1.2 TSI 105bhp, which returns 44.1mpg combined with emissions of 149g/km and a 1.4TSI 138bhp. The Bluemotion 1.2 TSI, with brake energy regeneration and start/stop, combined fuel economy is 47.9mpg with emissions of 139g/km.

On the diesel side is a 1.6 TDI with 89bhp or 104bhp and a 2.0 TDI unit producing 138bhp or 168bhp. Volkswagen most economical MPV yet and averages 61.4mpg with emissions of 121g/km. The diesel Bluemotion is powered by the 1.6 TDI 105bhp.

Three trim levels are available: S, SE and Sport. Entry-level S models get air conditioning, cruise control, x4 windows, roof rails, CD stereo system, ABS w/ ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and 6 airbags as standard.

Mid-spec SE adds alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and body-coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors.

Range-topping Sport models receive front sports seats, climate controlled air conditioning and front fog lights.

Order books for the new Volkswagen Touran have opened with first deliveries starting on the 22nd September.

Prices:

1.2 S TSI 105PS 6 speed manual: £17,585

1.2 S TSI 105PS Bluemotion 6 speed manual: £18,220

1.2 SE TSI 105PS Bluemotion 6 speed manual: £20,145

1.4 SE TSI 140PS Bluemotion 6 speed manual: £21,210

1.4 SE TSI 140PS Bluemotion 7 speed auto DSG: £22,345

1.6 S TDI 90PS 6 speed manual: £18,585

1.6 S TDI 105PS 6 speed manual: £19,185

1.6 S TDI 105PS 7 speed auto DSG: £20,255

1.6 S TDI 105PS Bluemotion 6 speed manual: £19,415

1.6 SE TDI 105PS 6 speed manual: £21,110

1.6 SE TDI 105PS 7 speed auto DSG: £22,180

1.6 SE TDI 105PS Bluemotion 6 speed manual: £21,340

2.0 SE TDI 140PS 6 speed manual: £22,530

2.0 SE TDI 140PS 6 speed auto DSG: £23,585

2.0 SE TDI 140PS Bluemotion 6 speed manual: £23,105

2.0 Sport TDI 140PS 6 speed manual: £23,855

2.0 Sport TDI 140PS 6 speed auto DSG: £24,910

2.0 Sport TDI 140PS Bluemotion 6 speed manual: £24,430

2.0 Sport TDI 170PS 6 speed auto DSG: £25,535

Press Release:

 

The new Volkswagen Touran compact MPV opens for ordering today complete with fresh styling both inside and out, a range of efficient new engines and a starting price of £17,585 RRP on the road. First deliveries are set to take place on 22 September.

 

Unveiled at the Leipzig Motor Show in April, the new Touran draws on the design language seen on the Polo and new Sharan with a mix of clean lines and a lower, wider appearance than the model it replaces. The changes extend to the front wings, bonnet and front bumper which are joined by new wing mirrors, rear lights and a restyled tailgate and bumper.

Inside the new Touran the entertainment and climate functions have all been revised and a new three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of restyled dials. Fresh trim finishes are also available.

As with the outgoing car, the new Touran’s focus is on versatility, with the ability to carry seven adults with the third row of seats folding flat into the floor. In addition, air conditioning, alloy wheels, roof rails, a CD stereo system, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and six airbags are all fitted as standard. A five-seat option is also available.

The second generation of Park Assist, a system that will also be available on the new Sharan, is offered. Not only does the new system require less space to perform parallel parking manoeuvres, it also allows the Touran to be parked in spaces at 90 degrees to the kerb.

Fitted for the first time to the Touran is the advanced new 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine. Despite a modest displacement of 1,197 cc, the turbocharged unit develops 105 PS and 129 lbs ft of torque while returning 44.1 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 149 g/km of CO2. In BlueMotion Technology form, complete with Stop/Start and battery regeneration, the 1.2-litre TSI engine is capable of returning 47.9 mpg while emitting an estimated 139 g/km of CO2.

A further petrol and four diesel engines will be available, ranging in power from 90 to 170 PS. Three trim levels – S, SE and Sport – will be available with BlueMotion Technology variants being offered with each

Volkswagen to resurrect Lupo name-plate

Volkswagen’s new city car, internally known as ‘Up’, will be sold as the Lupo. The Lupo city-car will also be available as an Audi, Seat and Skoda, by 2015 as part of Volkswagens go-getting target to take global market leadership by 2018.

With the Brazilian-built Fox to be withdrawn, the newcomer will be the entry-level car in Volkswagens line-up when it reaches the UK in 2012. It will be manufactured in Slovakia and is the first model in an extended range of modern small cars, which Volkswagen officials call the New Small Family (NSF).

Initially created with a space-saving rear-engined/rear-wheel drive design, the new car has been comprehensively reworked during its three-year development procedure. Financial concerns have required the platform to be switched to front-engined, front-wheel drive that VW says will allow it to use existing engine and gearbox combinations without any major penalty in overall packaging.

The new Lupo will elongate to no longer than 3,445mm in length, 1,628mm in width and 1,495mm in height; approximately 525mm shorter, 54mm narrower but 33mm taller than the Polo 3dr.

In the VW line-up, the Lupo will be placed above cheap offerings like the Nissan Pixo, Suzuki Alto & KIA Picanto but beneath Polo in order to draw both first-time car buyers and those looking for a second car. The latest hint suggests that the entry-level Lupo will have a sticker price of £8,200 (€9,700) in the UK, thus competing directly with the Fiat 500, Citroën C1, Ford KA, Peugeot 107, Renault Twingo, and the Toyota Aygo.

Keeping with the newcomers ‘back to basics’ theme, the Lupo is intended to be sold with a restricted range of engines during the early sales stage. The Lupo will be released throughout Europe in Summer 2011 (as a 2012 MY) using two engines; a 65bhp naturally aspirated 1.0 litre 3 cylinder petrol engine and a 1.2 TDi CR 75bhp 4 cylinder engine, with the latter potentially offering in excess of 80mpg and emitting less than 80g/km in Bluemotion variant.

The 5dr Lupo will launch in Spring 2012, with an all-new 85bhp turbocharged 1.0 litre TSI 4 cylinder petrol engine. In the pipeline is an electric variant, dubbed E-Up that’s being built with Audi and is expected to reach European dealerships by Winter 2012, with U.S sales predicted in early 2013. A shooting-brake model, similar to that of the Up Lite concept is likely to be sold.

Volkswagen L1 Concept

The L1 name refers to the European concept of a "1-Liter" car, meaning one so efficient it uses no more than 1.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. If you're not particularly metric, that translates to 235 miles per gallon.

VW didn't quite make its mark; the L1 actually uses 1.38 L/100 km, meaning its gas mileage is "only" 170 miles per gallon.

The rear-mounted engine, a 0.8-liter two-cylinder turbocharged diesel, is essentially half of VW's current 1.6-liter TDI turbodiesel engine. It puts out 27 horsepower in Eco mode, which rises to 39 hp in Sport mode, and drives through a 7-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) paired with a 14-hp hybrid electric system that switches off the engine as the car comes to a stop.

Volkswagen Set For Podium Clean Sweep - top three positions in the 2010 Dakar

Volkswagen looks set to make a clean sweep of the top three positions in the 2010 Dakar, as the “World’s Toughest Race” enters its final stage from San Rafael to Buenos Aires, the finish point. In the overall lead after 13 stages is VW’s former WRC champion Carlos Sainz, but he’s only leading teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah by just two minutes and 48 seconds. American Mark Miller looks to have secured the final podium spot – he is over 31 minutes behind Sainz but almost two hours ahead of Stephane Peterhansel, the highest placed X-Raid BMW driver in fourth.

The penultimate stage was won by nine-time Dakar winner Peterhansel. With that, the Frenchman has won four stages in this year’s race, extending his record of stage victories to 55. The relatively smooth and fast wrap up stage will start today evening in South America.

Volkswagen reveals the 178hp Polo GTi!

Volkswagen has finally unwrapped the all new Polo GTi. This high-performance Polo has a supercharged 1.4 liter TSI engine under its hood which is able to crank out 178hp at 6,200 revs and 249Nm of torque from as low as 2,000 revs.

This enables the mini GTi to hit 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and it will continue till it reaches 225 km/h. That’s actually pretty decent as anything below 8 seconds starts getting fun. Fuel consumption is figured at 47 mpg on a combined cycle.

The engine in paired with the company’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, fondly known as DSG. The hot super mini also has an XDS electronic differential system which is part of the standard ESP system. The Polo GTi is treated to new springs and dampers which bring the hatch lower by 15 mm.

Exterior wise it has a honeycomb grille with red strips, a subtle bodykit, new headlights with the option to add LED daytime running lights and a pair of chrome-tipped exhaust pipes at the back. It sits on 17-inch alloy wheels which are also found on the Golf GTi.

Inside you will find a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminium pedals, front sports seats finished in tartan trim, gloss black trim on the centre console as well as a black headliner.

Continue reading to view an image gallery.

Second-generation Volkswagen Touareg premieres with Hybrid model

This is the second generation VW Touareg, which is lighter, more fuel efficient and cleaner than the original SUV to bear the name launched in 2003. The big news is that the Touareg range includes a hybrid model, Volkswagen’s first production hybrid.

The Touareg Hybrid combines a 3.3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 328 bhp and 360 Nm of torque and an electric motor generating 46 bhp, resulting in a total output of 374 bhp and 580 Nm. The electric motor can operate independently of the combustion engine, making the Touareg a full hybrid. On electric power alone the new Touareg is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h, but most of the time it supplements the V6 to provide more grunt -the Touareg Hybrid does 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240 km/h. On the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 12 km/l.

The entry-level engine and the likely volume seller is a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine generating 237 bhp and 550 Nm while returning 13.5 km/l and emitting 195 g/km of CO2. A new 4.2-litre TDI V8 engine producing 335 bhp and a massive 800 Nm of torque sits at the top of the range.

VW says that the new models are up to 20 per cent more fuel efficient than the cars they replace, also thanks to a weight reduction of 200 kg, a new eight-speed automatic and Start/Stop technology. The new body also has a lower drag coefficient. Overall length and wheelbase of the Touareg have each grown by 40 mm to measure 4,758 mm and 2,900 mm respectively. Width remains at 1,928 mm while overall height drops by 20 mm to 1,724 mm.

The new car is easily recognisable as a Touareg from the outside, even though it features VW’s new family face. The all-new cabin looks good too, and while it remains a five-seater, rear room is claimed to have grown significantly due to the new sliding rear bench and reclining backrests. More pictures after the jump.

Volkswagen Passat CC Test Drive Review

As motoring journalists, we’re very lucky to have the newest and shiniest cars in town parked in our porch. After awhile, the “immune system” gets build up to a level that only the very captivating will leave a mark.

The Volkswagen Passat CC is one such car because it’s such a beauty. I caught myself looking back everytime I walked away. I unrolled the curtains so I could occasionally look at it while reading the papers. Such was the effect.

Continue reading the report after the jump.

Volkswagen Eos top pictures and wallpapers

Dakar: Volkswagen set for podium clean sweep

Volkswagen looks set to make a clean sweep of the top three positions in the 2010 Dakar, as the “World’s Toughest Race” enters its final stage from San Rafael to Buenos Aires, the finish point. In the overall lead after 13 stages is VW’s former WRC champion Carlos Sainz, but he’s only leading teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah by just two minutes and 48 seconds. American Mark Miller looks to have secured the final podium spot – he is over 31 minutes behind Sainz but almost two hours ahead of Stephane Peterhansel, the highest placed X-Raid BMW driver in fourth.

The penultimate stage was won by nine-time Dakar winner Peterhansel. With that, the Frenchman has won four stages in this year’s race, extending his record of stage victories to 55. The relatively smooth and fast wrap up stage will start today evening in South America.

Volkswagen New Compact Coupe

This is the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe (NCC), Wolfsburg’s Detroit show star. Looking a lot like a “poor man’s Audi A5″ the NCC is powered by a hybrid powertrain which combines a 1.4-litre TSI engine with 148 bhp and 220 Nm and a 27 bhp electric motor VW calls E-motor. Naturally, power goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

VW quotes great consumption and emission figures – 23.8 km/l economy and 98 g/km of CO2 to be precise. As a comparison, the Eos Bluemotion is rated at 16.1 km/l and 144 g/km. Performance is not sacrificed to achieve this; 227 km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds are resepectable.

A 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack stored in the NCC’s rear powers the E-motor. Efficiency measures include regenerative braking, stop-start and a “coast down” measure, where engine is disengaged from transmission as soon as the driver releases the gas pedal. This is even possible at higher speeds, as in highway cruising. Drag losses are eliminated, so the NCC coasts for a long time to save fuel.

At 4.54m long and 1.78m wide, the NCC has a similar footprint to the Jetta, although it has a lower roofline and longer wheelbase (2.65m) than the sedan. Boot volume is 380 litres. The four-seat coupe is positioned between the Scirocco and Passat CC. You can probably image that the new Mk6-based Jetta will be a four door version of this one.

Everything looks highly ready for production, from the simple, cleanly designed body to the cabin that uses parts found in current VW models. Chief Designer Klaus Bischoff describes the NCC as having a “timeless dynamic and purist elegance that is typical of Volkswagen”. When will it be launched? “When the time is right,” is the statement in the press release.

2010 Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI