The new Passat has been awarded the top rating of five stars in the renowned Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) consumer protection programme. This makes the vehicle one of the best-rated mid-sized models of 2024 in the independent European testing body’s overall ranking. After 2010 and 2014, the completely newly developed Passat also receives the highest award from Euro NCAP.

Now in its the ninth generation, the success story of Volkswagen’s best-selling Passat continues. The Passat, which is available exclusively as an estate model, impressed the experts at Euro NCAP with a host of important safety innovations. The safety assessment carried out by Euro NCAP, an independent European institute for consumer protection, covers four categories: the Passat achieved its best result in the Adult Occupant Protection category with a rating of 93 per cent. It also achieved very good results in the other three categories: Child Occupant Protection (87 per cent), Vulnerable Road Users (83 per cent) and Safety Assist (80 per cent).

Many assist systems fitted as standard. Even at the entry level, the Passat includes numerous assist systems at no extra cost. These include Side Assist (lane change system), Lane Assist (lane keeping system), ACC stop & go (Adaptive Cruise Control), oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, Park Distance Control (acoustic and visual warning signals if there are obstacles in the front or rear areas), Rear View (rear view camera system) and Dynamic Road Sign Display using the front camera, as well as LED headlights and tail light clusters.

Safety first, both inside and out. Particularly worth highlighting is Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, which increases the level of protection for vulnerable road users in the event of an impending collision.

Within the system limits, the exit warning system can prevent an occupant from opening one of the doors when another road user (bicycle, motorcycle, etc.) is approaching from behind and additionally issues acoustic and visual warnings.

Another important technology in the Passat is Car2X, which allows the vehicle to exchange information about local hazards with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure.

The Passat is both business class and an all-round family car. When it comes to occupant protection, great importance is attached to the safety of children. In both the frontal and side impact tests, the Passat was found to provide very good protection for all critical body areas of the two child dummies and was awarded the maximum score.

Since 2023, the Euro NCAP test criteria have become even stricter: the new requirements include, for example, the ability to detect any children left in the car – this criterion is also fulfilled by the new Passat generation.

Bestseller, especially as an estate. In its more than 50-year history, the Passat has been sold over 34 million times. In Europe, it is the estate version in particular that has been extremely popular over the years, and Volkswagen now offers the car only as an estate model.
And this enjoys great success: in Germany, the Passat Variant topped the rankings in the mid-sized class in 2023, with 45,494 new registrations.

The detailed Euro NCAP test is available at www.euroncap.com.

Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen models featuring the new-generation infotainment system are now also equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) of ChatGPT. The AI-based research tool is available in all new vehicles in the all-electric ID. family, as well as in the new Golf, new Tiguan and new Passat. It can be accessed using the IDA voice assistant and offers a range of new options that go far beyond the voice control previously available. For example, customers can now have search results read out to them, and can interact with the car using natural language.

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development: “Volkswagen has a long tradition of democratising technologies. As a volume manufacturer, we make these technologies accessible to large numbers of people. By seamlessly integrating ChatGPT into the backend of our voice assistant, we are now offering drivers the opportunity to use this artificial intelligence on a daily basis, thus underlining how innovative our products are.”

Current Volkswagen models already allow users to control the infotainment, navigation and climate control systems using the IDA online voice assistant. The vehicle is also able to answer questions about various topics. But with the introduction of ChatGPT, the possibilities have expanded significantly: for example, AI can provide information on tourist attractions, report on past football tournaments or help solve maths problems. All of this works intuitively: the driver simply talks to the assistant in natural language, and there is no need for them to take their eyes off the road.

Easy to use, no additional account necessary. Volkswagen customers with an existing account for VW Connect/VW Connect Plus can use the IDA voice assistant as usual – they do not require additional access or an additional app. The digital assistant is launched by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. Only if a query cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system is it forwarded anonymously to ChatGPT; the answer is then provided in the familiar Volkswagen voice. At no point does ChatGPT gain access to vehicle data. Questions and answers are deleted immediately in order to ensure optimal data protection. The online voice assistant can be deactivated either in the settings area of the Volkswagen app or in the infotainment system’s privacy settings.

Technology available in five languages. In January 2024, Volkswagen presented the first vehicles with ChatGPT integrated into the IDA voice assistant at the CES 2024, a trade show for electronics. The technology is currently available in the system languages English (US), English (UK), Spanish, Czech and German. Its use in Volkswagen vehicles has been made possible thanks to a collaboration with Cerence Inc., the global leader in automotive AI solutions, and its Cerence Chat Pro, which uses a variety of sources – including ChatGPT – to enable IDA to provide accurate and relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Golf R and Golf R Variant are on the starting line: Volkswagen presents the two new top-of-the-range Golf models in a world premiere. They come with optimised driving dynamics, exclusive standard equipment and an output of 245 kW (333 PS). The new maximum output has increased by 10 kW (14 PS) compared with the predecessors of these models. The top speed of 250 km/h can be boosted by another 20 km/h to 270 km/h with the optional R-Performance package. This makes these two Golf R versions the world’s fastest Volkswagen production models, alongside the Arteon R Shooting Brake06. Pre-sales start on 3 July in Germany. The Golf R will be available from €53,79504, and from €55,06504 as an estate (Golf R Variant). An additional option: the Golf R Black Edition, an exclusive all-black model available from €58,44004.

Sharper design, expanded range of R-specific equipment. The new R models are based on the eighth generation of the Golf, which received a major update this year. The dynamism is reflected in the redesigned front with its LED Plus headlights, an illuminated VW badge and air curtains in the bumper, as well as the new LED tail light clusters. The new 19-inch “Warmenau” forged wheels are available as an optional extra. These have an appealingly clean design, a weight of just eight kilograms per rim and efficient brake cooling, which is especially advantageous when driving on a racetrack.

The infotainment system’s hardware and software have also been revamped and feature the largest display (diagonal: 32.8 cm) offered by Volkswagen. Operation has also been significantly improved thanks to new graphics and a fresh menu structure for the touch display. The control of the illuminated touch sliders for the automatic climate control and volume control as well as the voice assistant IDA04, which accesses the AI-based software "ChatGPT" to answer questions, have also been newly developed. Additionally, the responsiveness of the touch steering wheel has been optimised.

The Golf R models are equipped with the enhanced Digital Cockpit Pro as standard (display diagonal: 26 cm). In addition to the classic views available in other models in the product line, the Digital Cockpit Pro in the Golf R offers an enhanced Sport Skin, featuring a central round rev counter with an R-specific design, as well as the R-View with a horizontal rpm display.

Interior in a class of its own. The interior of the Golf R models is ergonomically tailored to the driver and exclusively refined in the "R" style. The driver and front passenger sit on top sports seats with integrated head restraints. There will again be an optional black nappa leather interior with carbon-look elements with blue applications in the side area and an "R logo" in the seat backrest. Also available as an option: interior applications in real carbon. These equipment details underline how high-quality the exclusive overall concept of the new Golf R has been designed.

Golf R – for maximum performance. The new R models have an impressive output of 245 kW (333 PS), which the powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine transmits to a 7-speed DSG and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. The latter improves driving stability and agility by distributing the drive power individually to the rear wheels to optimise cornering. The torque of the new models is 420 Nm. The top speed of 250 km/h can be boosted by another 20 km/h to 270 km/h with the optional R-Performance package.

R-Performance package – more fun behind the wheel thanks to additional modes. In addition to the higher top speed, the R-Performance package offers two additional modes for motorsport enthusiasts who also drive on roads and tracks away from normal road traffic: Drift and Special. “Special” mode has been specifically adapted to the conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Additional downforce is provided by a larger roof spoiler through which the air flow is routed. The R-Performance package for the new model also includes the GPS lap timer and the G-meter – both of which are displayed in the Digital Cockpit Pro.

The Vehicle Dynamics Manager optimises the driving experience. Adaptive chassis control (DCC) – fitted as standard in vehicles sold in Germany – is a technology that continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation, while taking account of various elements including steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres. The lateral dynamic components of the DCC running gear are coordinated and further optimised by the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. Consequently, DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics. This allows the new R-models to effortlessly strike a balance between everyday driving and sportiness at all times. The Golf R Variant provides a particularly high degree of flexibility: with a maximum luggage compartment volume of 1,642 litres (with folded rear seat backrests), it offers generous stowage space.

Exclusive Golf R Black Edition. The exclusive model, which can be ordered directly at market launch, has a sophisticated dark look: with darker VW badges and R logos, black R brake callipers with a dark R logo, black 19-inch Estoril wheels and black tailpipe trims. The darkened IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are another standard feature. The equipment scope also includes the R-Performance package, which is an optional extra for other models.

The Golf R, a success story. Volkswagen R as a premium performance brand has already been offering special models for more than two decades. With their equipment for enhanced performance combined with expressive design, they generate enthusiasm all over the world in Volkswagen fans. The Golf R’s success story began in 2002 with the legendary Golf R32 – it and its four successors to date have sold well over 250,000 units.

Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

01. Golf R - combined energy consumption: 8.5-8.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 193-184 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment 02. Golf R - combined energy consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 192 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment 03. Golf R Variant - combined energy consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 194 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment 04. Applies to the German market 05. Golf R Black Edition - combined energy consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 193 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment 06. Arteon R Shooting Brake - combined energy consumption: 8.9-8.6 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 203–195 g/km; CO₂ class: G. Where ranges are stated, the values for consumption and CO₂ emissions depend on the selected vehicle equipment 07. Golf R - combined energy consumption: 8.5-8.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 193-184 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Golf R Variant - combined energy consumption: 8.5-8.2 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 193-185 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment 08. Golf R Variant - Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 8,5-8,2 l/100 km; CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 193-185 g/km; CO₂-Klasse(n): G. Angaben zu Verbrauch und CO₂-Emissionen bei Spannbreiten in Abhängigkeit von den gewählten Ausstattungen des Fahrzeugs

Volkswagen R is presenting its most powerful Golf models this month: the new Golf R and the new Golf R Variant. In addition to outstanding performance, the new Golf R models also impress visually: one highlight is the new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel available as an option.

Stability, appearance and lightweight construction in harmony. The innovative forged wheel was developed by Volkswagen R in cooperation with Volkswagen Design and can be ordered as an option for all new Golf R models. With a weight of only eight kilograms per wheel rim, the wheels are about 20 per cent lighter than comparable alloy wheels – this reduces the unsprung masses and ensures perfect handling. “The ambitious weight target posed a major challenge for us, as the structural stability of the wheel rim is paramount. It took months and many iterations and simulations to find the right balance between strength and weight,” explains Volkswagen designer Ranbir Kalha.

Design allows higher performance. At the heart of the wheel rim design are ten overlapping rectangles. “We tried out different proportions to make the wheel look as big as possible,” says Kalha. The stability and wear resistance have been improved with a very large opening ratio of 71 per cent. This allows the brakes to be cooled even more effectively, thereby reducing thermal stress, especially on racetracks.

Volkswagen R in its genes. The Warmenau wheel rim – named after Volkswagen R’s headquarters in the village of Warmenau on the outskirts of Wolfsburg – is available in black or dark grey with a diamond-cut finish (also with 235/35 tyres). The design of the new performance rim is inspired by the wheels on the first sporty Golf R32 models.

Volkswagen R. Volkswagen’s premium performance brand is responsible for the sportiest vehicles that complement the product range. With more than 35,000 vehicles produced, the year 2023 was a record year for Volkswagen R. More than 300,000 R models have been delivered since 2002. Volkswagen R is now realigning itself for the future: based on the four pillars of performance, design, innovation and quality, the portfolio will gradually see a shift to all-electric R models by 2030. Volkswagen R was founded in 2002 as Volkswagen Individual GmbH. Since 2020, the department has been a separate business unit within the Volkswagen brand. The R in the name continues to symbolise the passion for motorsport and racing up to the present day.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com