Volkswagen is displaying the potential of its flagship Golf R hatchback in the muscular form of the Golf R 400 concept. If the ‘400’ in the name doesn’t give the game away that this is a seriously powerful machine, then the body and bumper modifications and flared wheel arches should give more than a hint.

Based on the standard Golf R hatchback, which with its turbocharged 300 PS engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive is hardly a shrinking violet, the Golf R 400 ups the ante considerably, with 400 PS and an extra 70 Nm of torque, making for 450 Nm in total, available from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm. 

Developed by Volkswagen R GmbH, the arm responsible for high-power and customisation projects, the Golf R 400 uses a modified version of the engine found in the Golf R: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Type EA888). The extra power of the 400 helps propel this six-speed DSG-equipped model from rest to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, a whole second faster than its 300 PS sibling. Its top speed is 174 mph (governed). 

To achieve the increase in power, the Golf R 400 features a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment improves economy and performance.

At 1,420 kg, the Golf R 400 weighs the same as the standard Golf R, but its appearance has been substantially altered. The body is 20 mm wider on each side, with flared wheelarches that are reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60. These arches, like most of the body, are painted in ‘Silver Flake’ metallic, and contrast with the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps. New sill extensions seamlessly bridge the gap between the widened arches. Filling those arches are 19-inch alloy wheels on an increased offset. A development of the Golf R’s standard ‘Cadiz’ wheels, these are highly modified, with high-gloss back inserts that act as air vanes, helping to cool the reinforced braking system. The tyres are 235/35 R19s.

At the front, the bumper has been completely redesigned to take into account the greater cooling requirements of the R 400. A carbon fibre splitter and aerodynamic ‘wing element’ help to push air towards the honeycomb mesh of the grille – one of many aspects influenced by motorsport. The ‘R’ badge on the gloss black radiator grille sits on a ‘Lemon Yellow’ background, while the horizontal stripe across the grille (which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights) is also ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The redesigned rear bumper includes vents on each side, and the Golf R’s four tailpipes have been replaced with two centrally mounted items, like those on the 2002 Golf R32. These 110 mm diameter items are 200 mm apart, and point slightly upwards, displaying a honeycomb mesh. A black double spoiler with LED brake lights atop the tailgate finishes the look. Inside are motorsport shell seats with integrated head restraints and belt openings. These are upholstered in cross-quilted panels covered in Alcantara, and ‘carbon leather’, as are the two individual rear seats. Stitching throughout the interior is in contrasting ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The Golf R 400 is only a concept at this stage, with no production plans.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The Tiguan continues its success story in the latest generation, which has been on the market since last year. This substantiated by the Tiguan being one of the three finalists in this year's "World Car of the Year" Award. The successful model has not only won over the international trade press, however but also customers. More than 300,000 Tiguan models have been ordered since they became available in 2016.

The Tiguan is one of the most important models of the Volkswagen brand and stands for a successful SUV offensive. The first generation of the Tiguan started in 2007 and quickly developed into a bestseller. Today, it is produced in four countries (China, Germany, Mexico and Russia) and sold in 170 markets. After ten years, it is an integral part of the street scene with 3.5 million vehicles sold around the globe. Volkswagen builds on the successes of its predecessor with the new model and offers a Tiguan to suit every need, depending on the country.

For example, the range has been extended with the Tiguan Allspace, the new version for Europe. Sale of this new Tiguan, longer by over 20 centimetres, starts in mid-May. The Tiguan Allspace has much more space for luggage and up to seven passengers. In addition, it offers impressive variability and an extended range of standard features compared to the previous Tiguan. China already has its local version of the Tiguan Allspace available; the more spacious model will be introduced into the market in America later this year.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

How to make a lot happen with a small gesture.

Small gestures can achieve a lot in everyday life, but also when it comes to gesture control in your car. This function makes it even more convenient to operate the optional Discover Navigation Pro system. It enables you to easily move around in the main menu and various submenus using a right-to-left swipe gesture to switch pages. For example, with just a single hand movement, you can switch radio station, songs, or photos. For each gesture, you use a colour code on the user interface to see where gesture control works and where it doesnt - after all, the traditional control options are of course also available for use at any time.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The updated Volkswagen Golf GTE is open for order in the UK with a significant price realignment, two trim levels and a raft of new technologies on board.

Driving even greater value for money into a growing area of the UK market, the petrol-electric hybrid Golf GTE offers a compelling mix of engaging GTI-style dynamics, responsible e-Golf-style sustainability and generous GTD-style range.

The updated Golf GTE is now available with a choice of two new trim levels. The entry-level Golf GTE is joined by the new GTE Advance in a range line-up that now mirrors that of the award-winning Passat GTE.

The hybrid powered five-door Golf, with both a 150 PS 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a 102 PS (75Kw) electric motor for a system power output of 204 PS, unites economy and performance in a flexible and appealing package.

The total potential range of the Golf GTE is 514 miles and the GTE’s battery gives an all-electric range of 31 miles. This opens up the possibility of driving significant distances cross-country using the TSI petrol engine and then completing the journey into a town or city under zero emission full electric power.

Official performance figures for the 204 PS Golf GTE show it capable of covering the 0-62 mph sprint in 7.6 seconds with a top speed, where legal, of 138 mph. CO2 emissions are 38g/km for the GTE and 40g/km for the GTE Advance, while combined fuel economy is 166 mpg for the GTE and 157 mpg for the GTE Advance.

Sitting alongside the range of the Golf GTE is its ability to offer high performance driving when required. A press of the centre console-mounted GTE button combines spirited acceleration that comes via the instant torque of the electric motor working alongside the broad power of the turbocharged petrol engine.

Both the updated Golf GTE and Golf GTE Advance are equipped with a host of premium features such as full LED front and rear lights with sweeping indicators, Active Info Display, and Volkswagen Car-Net App Connect functionality.

The GTE Advance adds further luxuries such as 18-inch Marseille alloys, the updated Discover Navigation system, a Winter Pack including heated seats, 65 per cent tinted windows, a front centre armrest and exterior e-sound.

The GTE offers four operating modes: ‘E-Mode’, ‘GTE mode’, ‘Battery Charge’ and ‘Hybrid. In pure electric mode (activated at the press of a button), the Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles emissions free. Electric power can also be saved – for example when driving to a zero-emissions zone. In electric mode, the GTE is capable of speeds of up to 81 mph.

The 8.7 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in 3.45 hours from a domestic mains outlet, or 2.15 hours from a domestic wallbox. The battery weighs 120 kg, giving a kerbweight of 1,615 kg.

The GTE also has an e-manager which allows the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating. These functions can be operated remotely using the Car-Net app on a smartphone.

A full range of assistance and infotainment systems is also making its way into the Golf GTE. Thus the Volkswagen is available for the first time with Traffic Jam Assist (semi-autonomous driving up to 37 mph), the fully digital Active Info Display and the optional Discover Navigation Pro infotainment system including 9.2-inch display and gesture control.

Director of Volkswagen in the UK, Alison Jones, said: “The new Golf GTE – with its revised pricing and significantly enhanced appeal – perfectly represents Volkswagen’s ongoing commitment to offering accessible hybrid technology in an attractive and usable package.

“The updated Golf GTE, sitting alongside the rest of the 113-model updated Golf range, is more than ever a genuine alternative for everyday driving and we are looking forward to seeing more private buyers, and fleet users, take the opportunity to explore its capabilities on UK roads.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk