2011 Volkswagen CrossPolo

Volkswagen will add a fourth version to it’s immensely successful Polo line-up in March at the Geneva Motor Show. Following in the trail of the Polo, the Polo Blue Motion, and the Polo GTI will be the CrossPolo, a robust all-terrain hatchback featuring a new freshly-cheeky design, new exterior and interior colors and a suspension higher by 15mm.

The CrossPolo will be offered with a choice of six engines - three petrol and three common rail TDI - with output ranging from 70 hp to 105 hp. Two of these engines will be combined with a 7-speed DSG transmission. The gasoline engines will have a fuel consumption of 5.5 liters/100 km with the TDI variant having a fuel consumption of 4.7 L/100 km.

The car will be available with a choice of six special exterior colors, including "Magma Orange" and "Terra Beige Metallic", with the upper areas of the bumpers and handles - doors and tailgate - being painted in using the car’s body color, while the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames being treated in a high-gloss black hue. The CrossPolo sits on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

The next generation of the CrossPolo is ready for new adventures. The clever compact in rugged all-terrain look is celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. After the Polo base version presented in 2009 and the Polo BlueMotion (debut in 2010) with its superior and possibly record-breaking fuel efficiency, as well as the Polo GTI now also debuting in Geneva, the CrossPolo completes the series as a fourth model. With its refreshingly cheeky design, unique world of colours and features, and a higher ride height (15 millimetre gain), the five-door is very appealing as one of the most unconventional vehicles in its class.

This all-rounder is powered by extremely fuel-efficient engines with a power range from 51 kW / 70 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS. Buyers can choose from three petrol and three common rail TDI engines. Three of the six engines can be ordered with a 7-speed DSG, like the one used on vehicles such as the Polo GTI.

Fun and Cross: From special edition to production model

The new CrossPolo continues in the tradition of its successful predecessors: the Polo Fun and the first generation CrossPolo derived from it. Originally, a production run of only 5,000 units was planned for the special edition Polo Fun, but great demand exploded all forecasts. The consequence: the step was taken from special edition to production model and to the Cross version.

Exterior: Tough qualities and lifestyle character

The rugged-sporty character of the CrossPolo – always produced as a five-door – are reflected in many of its details. Especially striking: the individually styled front apron – in anthracite colour - with integrated front fog lights and large air inlet at the centre. It gets a black honeycomb insert bordered by fine chrome trim. Towards its lower edge, the bumper finishes with a section in light silver with the visual appearance of underbody protection. Taken from classic Polo styling are the upper radiator grille with its chrome inlay and the VW logo integrated here; the same applies to the dual headlights with standard daytime running lights.

The side profile of the CrossPolo also shows very tough qualities. Here sporty black wheelarch extensions and coordinated body sills set the styling. The latter continue visually into the lower door area. In off-road driving and in the jungle of metropolitan parking spaces, these rugged plastic guards protect the car from damage. Fitting the character of the CrossPolo are the 17-inch alloy wheels (“Budapest” style) in 5-spoke design with size 215/40 tyres.

Another unmistakable characteristic of the CrossPolo: the silver anodized roof rails. They are a traditional feature on this model, and are certainly not just decorative. They can be used to mount roof boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75 kilograms. Colour coordinated with the roof railing, like on the previous model: the door mirrors that are always painted in silver. At the rear, the CrossPolo continues the rugged all-terrain look in the bumper, whose lower section is also designed in a black, rugged plastic. At its centre, a separate section painted in silver catches the eye that is styled to look like a diffuser.

Six exterior colours accentuate the powerful style of the CrossPolo; offered exclusively on the new Volkswagen are the colours “Magma Orange“ and “Terra Beige Metallic”. Across the board, the upper areas of the bumpers and handles (door, tailgate) are painted in body colour, while the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames are treated in a high-gloss black.

Interior: Exciting and versatile

The high-end interior of the CrossPolo is a fitting match for the all-terrain look of the exterior. Here it is primarily the two-tone fabrics of the sport seats, the rear bench and the door trim that create a friendly and youthful ambiance. Up to four different colour trims are available, depending on the exterior colour. While the outer areas of the seats are always in anthracite, customers can choose from the colours “Hot Orange”, “Orange”, “Latte Macchiato” and “Grey” for the inner seat panels and middle sections of the door trim panels. On seat contact surfaces for the back and legs the fabrics (“Dimension” pattern) all have a black webbed structure, making them more durable. The “CrossPolo” signature is embroidered into the backrests of the front seats.

Throughout the cockpit materials are friendly to the touch. Take the steering wheel: It has a fine perforated leather cover; the steering wheel spokes are produced from a brushed chrome application. The seams of the steering wheel cover and the leather-trimmed parking brake handle are given the colour of the interior trim. The CrossPolo’s high level of quality is highlighted by the instrument panel, finished in “Slush” technology with its soft surface texture that is pleasant to the touch.

The CrossPolo has an ample array of standard equipment. In the interior, specific standard features include height-adjustable sport seats, an asymmetrically split rear bench and backrest, pockets on the backs of the front seats and sliding drawers under them, leather-trimmed steering wheel, centre armrest in front (with storage compartment), pedal caps in aluminium look and chrome on various switches and components. The latter include the door handles, surrounds for the window lift switches and air vents. Also standard: electric adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric window lifts all around, illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors, multi-function display (MFA) including tyre pressure monitoring (tyre pressure monitoring system, TPMS) and central locking with RF remote control.

Estate car qualities: Cargo space increases up to 952 litres

The new CrossPolo also shows off its versatile talents when it comes to space and efficient space utilisation. As mentioned, the rear bench can be folded with a standard 60:40 split. When it is completely folded, the car’s cargo capacity increases from 280 to 952 litres. The dual cargo floor - adjustable to two height levels - creates a continuously level loading surface. Four tie-down eyes simplify secure fastening of the cargo to be transported, while two hooks in the side trim panels keep bags from tipping over.

Engine variety: Three petrol, three diesel and one 7-speed DSG

The six engines of the CrossPolo have power levels between 51 kW / 70 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The entry level among the petrol engines is represented by the 70-PS version with a 1.2 litre displacement. Following at the next level is a 1.4-litre engine with 63 kW / 85 PS. The top petrol engine is the new 1.2 TSI with the mentioned 105 PS. This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine accelerates the CrossPolo to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, reaches a respectable top speed of 188 km/h, yet has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres of fuel (equivalent to 128 g/km CO2). The highlight here: The Volkswagen not only attains these values in conjunction with the standard 6-speed gearbox, but also with the optional 7-speed DSG, an automatic. Also deliverable as an optional DSG version is the CrossPolo with 85 PS.

Among the quietest engines of their kind are the three common rail, direct-injection turbodiesels (TDI) fitted with a particulate filter. All engines have 1.6 litre displacement and are available at the power levels 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. All three variants need just 4.3 litres of diesel per 100 km in combined mode and emit just 113 grams CO2 per kilometre. The 90-PS version can also be combined with the direct shift gearbox as an option; in this case, combined fuel consumption is 4.6 l/100 km. All CrossPolo engines meet the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard.

Advance sales for the new Volkswagen are beginning in march. In Germany, the CrossPolo will already arrive at Volkswagen dealers and first customers at the end of May. Right afterwards, the market launch will continue across Europe and in Japan.

Read more...

2011 Volkswagen Touareg

The second generation of Volkswagen’s full sized SUV, the VW Touareg has made its first appearance on the internet, before we actually see the new car in flesh this March at the Geneva Motor Show. Aside from the revised exterior styling, the new Touareg will be the first and only off road capable vehicle in Europe built by a German car maker to be offered as a hybrid when it goes on sale this April.

The new Touareg is a much more elegant SUV thanks to the addition Volkswagen’s new "design DNA" that includes touches like a leaner more athletic body featuring more horizontal lines on the front end as well as distinctive headlights that give the new Touareg an unmistakable appearance at night; and will be offered with a choice of FSI V6, TDI V6 and V8 as well as a hybrid version that replaces the old gas burning V8 mill for most markets. The hybrid versions combines a high voltage electric motor with a direct injected gas burning supercharged TSI V6 cranking out 333 HP, like in the S4, and an 8 speed automatic transmission that gets nearly 29 MPG and is able to operate under battery power alone as a Zero Emissions Vehicle up to 31 MPH.

Press release after he jump.

Press release

Today, Volkswagen is unveiling the completely redeveloped Touareg as a world premiere. It is the most technically innovative “VW” since the brand has been in existence. This Touareg is reinterpreting the fascinating multipurpose SUV idea in a contemporary way – thanks to a range of engines that are nearly 20 percent more fuel efficient and a large variety of new assistance and safety systems. The Touareg will also be the first and only off-roader in Europe by a German car maker to be available in a hybrid version too. It sets standards among fully off-road capable SUVs with petrol engines that have a fuel consumption value of just 8.2 litres fuel per 100 kilo metres. The Touareg Hybrid can be driven up to 50 km/h in purely electric mode − emissions-free. Among the diesel engines, the Touareg V6 TDI with 7.4 litre combined fuel consumption now posts the best value in the segment of genuine SUVs. Both versions, the Touareg Hybrid and V6 TDI, are the most fuel efficient petrol and diesel SUVs ever built in Europe in this large vehicle class.

New era SUV – lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient

As has already been accomplished on the globally successful, smaller Tiguan, Volkswagen is systematically striving for sustainability on the new Touareg too. The first precondition was met: The SUV was lightened by 208 kilograms in the base version! A quantum leap. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. A second precondition was met as well: Designers attained a significantly improved Cd value. Along with aerodynamic refinement efforts, another factor at work here is that this Touareg is built lower to the ground than the previous model. Together with front end styling based on the new Volkswagen design DNA, this results in a smaller frontal area. The third precondition: All engines, now offered with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission – a first in this market segment – demonstrate significant fuel economy advantages over the previous model; in some cases the advantage is far greater than two litres per 100 kilometres.

SUV for all trails – All-wheel drive in two versions

Also modified in pursuit of reduced fuel consumption was the standard all-wheel drive. In the base version (“4Motion”), all new generation Touaregs have all-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differential (4MOTION; climbing ability: 31 degrees). Like the Tiguan Track & Field, the Touareg also has an “Off-road driving programme”, which − at the press of a button − tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the automatic gearshift points.

Instead of a Torsen differential, the V6 TDI can be ordered with an optional “Terrain Tech Packet” that has an even more rugged transfer case designed for off-road duty. It includes reduction gearing and centre and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking (4XMOTION; climbing ability: 45 degrees). Similar to the first Touareg generation, this version also has a rotary switch the driver now uses to adapt the car to specific duty conditions over five levels:

• “On-Road”;
• “Off-Road”(like “Off-road driving programme” plus automatic control of the mechanical locks);
• Low (like “Off-road” plus activation of reduced gearing, higher shift points, no automatic upshift in manual mode);
• Addition of centre differential lock;
• Addition of rear differential lock.

Equipped like this, the Touareg can conquer any terrain on Earth.

SUV for everyday driving – more space, more innovations

Volkswagen has not only made the new Touareg lighter, more fuel effi cient and an agile performer; it has also made it into an even more versatile, all-round vehicle. The new interior was made more functional, the seats more comfortable and leg room in the rear is larger. Now the rear bench seat has 160 millimetres in longitudinal adjustment, and the backrest angle can be adjusted. Electrically unlatched at the press of a button as an option, it folds down in seconds and frees up 1,642 litres of cargo space. Already standard equipment in the base version is a radio- CD and info system, which is intuitively controlled over a 6.5-inch touch-screen.

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The engine (V6 versions) automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). As an option, the tailgate can be opened and closed by a RF remote control unit inte gra ted in the car key. The largest panoramic sunroof of all SUVs provides for light even on overcast days. The innovative “Area View” utilises four cameras to detect the Touareg’s surroundings and this enhances safety. Also offering protection are up to nine airbags.

Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adap tive Cruise Control (ACC) with integra ted Front Assist can brake to a stop in an emergency and tension the seatbelts as a precautionary measure. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist perceive oncoming traffic and adjust the light beam to eli minate unwanted glare, and adaptive roll compensation ensures that the Touareg sits solidly on the street. For the first time, there will be special features on the new Touareg under the new “Exclusive” badge from Volkswagen Individual. Options that can be ordered include 19-inch alloy wheels (“Girona” type), fine wood inserts (“Olive Ash”) and a leather interior (“Nappa”) in the two-colour combinations “Dark Burgundy/Titan Black” or “Pepper Beige /Titan Black”.

Touareg – the best of two worlds

About 500,000 car drivers chose to buy the first generation of the SUV. It is a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avant-garde styling, excellent quality and unlimited expedition capabilities – essentially the best of the passenger car and off-road worlds unified in one concept. This is now being followed up by the new Touareg – a high-end and versatile all-round vehicle that brings these two worlds together even more perfectly. The Touareg will already be available at dealers in April.

Read more...

2010 Volkswagen Polo by JE Design

The German tuning firm that specializes in all things VW, JE Design, has just unveiled a new body kit for the compact Volkswagen Polo. The exterior upgrades consist of a bolder front spoiler complete with a carbon fiber front lip and LED driving lights, lower hanging side skirts with vents in the back and a carbon fiber rear diffuser that frames the stainless steel twin tip exhaust on the outside. While the interior features a host of leather wrapped items like the steering wheel, gear shifter and emergency brake boot while adding creature comforts like two stage seat warmers and quilted suede inserts as well as color matching accent stitching.

As far as performance is concerned, JE starts out by dropping the Polo by 35 mm with a set of sport springs, but tuning enthusaists looking for more versatility will be happy to know that they also offer a set of KW coilovers for the little Polo which allow the chassis to go up to 65 mm lower than standard. The JE Design Polo rolls around on a set of either 17 inch rims that measure seven inches across or a set of 18x7.5 inch wheels finished in shadow silver or matte black with a color matched lip to create one very unique Polo.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Once again, JE DESIGN confirms that they are one of the fastest tuners. The experts from Leingarten in Germany already developed an own programme for the new VW Polo.

Customers seeking to have a more individual, dynamic look will inevitably choose the suitable body kit by JE DESIGN. The company delivers its components in the usual OEM-quality. That means that the material is made of high-quality ABS. As all components are CNC-milled, perfect fit is guaranteed. The kit for 1528 Euro including VAT includes the front spoiler with central spoiler sword in carbon look which already renders real verve when it is still parked.

The “fierce look” comes from the headlight blends and the powerful profile is enhanced with the side skirts. The rear skirt lip in carbon look is perfectly adjusted to the other parts and completes the aerodynamics kit. The rear skirt lip embraces the stainless steel double pipe of the sports muffler at the centre while the latter renders the appropriate sound to the latest appearance (599 Euro).

A main attraction is the LED daytime running light which is fitted to the vehicle front via an air inlet blend (entire set for 399 Euro). This registration-free LED daytime running light has two functions: when the dipped head lights are on, the LEDs are dimmed into parking light mode (position light). This renders a special night-look. When the dipped head light mode is off, the LEDs sparkle brighter in the daytime light mode and therefore improve the traffic safety.

The lowering springs are made for combination with the original shock absorbers (149 Euro). They lower the new polo by 35 millimetres and therefore bring more drive dynamic agility. Also the overall look is enhanced by this measure, as the little VW now seems significantly lower and looks far more daring. Customers seeking an even sportier look can opt for the KW coilover suspension made of stainless steel which can lower the car up to 65 millimetres (929 Euro).

Upgrading the wheels is elementary in automobile tuning. For its Polo programme, JE DESIGN offers the sporty-elegant wheel design “Multispoke“ which consists of entire wheel sets. JE DESIGN offers them in either 7x17 inches ET 35 or 7.5x18 inches ET 35 with tyres measuring 215/40 R17 or 215/35 R18. Moreover, the customer can choose between the finishes “shadow silver“ (in 17 inches altogether for 1809 Euro, in 18 inches for 1929 Euro) or “black matt/silver rim bead” (in 17 inches for 2260 Euro, in 18 inches for 2380 Euro). Also, an individual finish is available, e.g. in black matt with a bead in the car colour (see pictures). JE DESIGN will disclose the individual prices on demand.

In contrast to the extremely dynamic outer look of the car, the interior is especially luxurious. The leather equipment Elegance (1599 Euro) turns the cockpit into a noble travel centre. Also the steering wheel (399 Euro), the gear shift skirt and the hand break cuff (together for 179 Euro) are lined with finest leather. The colour of the leather and the seam can be chosen freely and therefore individually selected – as seen on the photographs, also ultra-suede is available in various types. Special seam stitches, as e.g. “Diamond Cut” (see images) perfect the interior – even without any surcharge. JE DESIGN offers even more individuality with embroidering a logo according to customer preference into the backrests of the front seats (79 Euro).

For even more comfort, there is a two-stage seat heating (379 Euro), electrically adjustable lordosis support for back-friendly travels (319 Euro) or the massage system in the seats (429 Euro) where the driver can indulge into a silent massage offering twelve programmes and six massage hubs.

And if there is a demand for enhancing the performance, JE DESIGN can help soon. Performance enhancements for all Diesel- and TSI-engines are already in development.

All parts are suitable for the practical five-door Polo, but also for the sporty three-door model. Of course, JE DESIGN delivers all components with a general operating licence or a component part certificate by the Technical Control Board (TÜV).

Read more...