The first images of Volkswagen’s all-new Golf Cabriolet have been revealed ahead of the car making its public debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.

The two-door, four-seater, front-engined soft top is the first Golf Cabriolet available since the Mk IV Golf, and builds on the company’s heritage for producing popular convertibles which started with the original Beetle cabriolet and still continues today with the Eos. With sales of around 1.42 million units, Volkswagen is one of the world’s most successful producers of convertibles.

But the latest Golf Cabriolet marks a whole new era of open-top motoring, boasting an electrically-powered soft top which can be lowered in just 9.5 seconds including on the move at speeds up to around 18 mph, a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines as well as the highest levels of quality, refinement and safety.

Measuring 4,215 mm in length, 1,424 mm in height and 1,779 mm in width, the Golf Cabriolet is smaller than the Eos. Yet despite being 208 mm shorter than the Eos, the cars share a 2,578 mm wheelbase, resulting in maximum interior space for all four passengers. From the front the new model is unmistakeably a Golf, and adopts the now familiar ‘face’ incorporating the latest Volkswagen ‘design DNA’. The heavily raked windscreen gives it a sportier appearance than the hatchback model, while at the rear, new LED lights and a deep crease in the bootlid endow the new Golf Cabriolet with its own individual style. Inside the Golf Cabriolet’s appearance matches very closely that of the hatchback, adopting the same high-quality materials and design.

The new Golf Cabriolet will be offered in the UK with a choice of trim levels – S, SE and GT – and all will have a high level of standard specification which is likely to include 16-inch alloy wheels, a fully automatic electro-hydraulically operated soft top, DAB radio and Bluetooth.

As customers would expect from any car in the Golf family, the Cabriolet will be equipped with the highest levels of safety equipment. This will include an active roll-over protection system, ABS, ESP, airbags all round and a driver’s knee airbag.

In addition to active safety equipment, protection is built into the Golf Cabriolet’s design. A reinforced window frame and structural modifications to the underbody, side panels, cross-members and doors endow the new car with an extremely high level of torsional rigidity which benefits safety, comfort and refinement.

Also having a positive impact on noise reduction and refinement is the advanced design of the Golf Cabriolet’s fabric roof which has an additional exterior skin, as well as new window and door seals. The heated rear windscreen is integrated in the soft top with high frequency welding. When the top is down, the upper side of the leading edge (the segment the directly connects to the windscreen frame) covers the entire top surface of the roof storage box, eliminating the need for a separate cover. This contributes to the very rapid opening time, and means it does not need to descend as deep into the bootspace. Even with the roof down, there is 250 litres of available space.

A choice of six engines will be available: three from launch (a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 1.6-litre 105 PS TDI) and a further three later in the year (a 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS, 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS and a 2.0-litre TDI with 140 PS). BlueMotion Technology modifications will be applied to the diesel engines to ensure high efficiency and low emissions.

Volkswagen UK plans to begin taking orders for the new Golf Cabriolet in July, with the first customer orders arriving in September. More details and pricing information will be available closer to launch.

Following the first images of the new Tiguan which were revealed earlier this month, Volkswagen has released more details about the latest compact SUV model, ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March.

Thanks to a new look and new technologies, the model will be the sharpest and most efficient yet, featuring improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

The new Tiguan will be available with a comprehensive range of refined TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines and, as with the current Tiguan, four-wheel drive will be available with all engine derivatives. An optional two-wheel drive transmission will also be offered with select engines.

The new Tiguan will be available to order in the UK from early summer and specification and pricing will be announced nearer to launch.

The new Volkswagen Passat is setting off on a nationwide tour, showcasing the new model to small businesses and fleets at business parks across the country. Starting on Monday 24th January in Aylesbury, the epic 50-day road show will visit all four corners of the country giving customers a chance to see and experience the vehicle, and also understand how the seventh generation Passat would operate as a company car within their business.

Accompanying the tour will be a hospitality unit hosted by staff from local Volkswagen Retailers. Visitors to the road show will be welcomed with complimentary refreshments and have a chance to explore the new Passat, the first examples of which went on sale earlier this month with prices starting at £18,875 for the saloon and £20,175 for the versatile Estate. They will also be able to talk to trained Volkswagen representatives who will be on hand to talk through the competitive contract hire and finance packages available, as well as having information on company car tax and BiK implications.

The Passat has established itself as a firm favourite with UK buyers with over 600,000 examples having found homes here since its launch in 1973. The new seventh generation Passat is the most advanced iteration yet with every model fitted with special sound insulating windscreen glass and new sound deadening materials to make it one of the quietest cars in its class.

As well as an elegant new look on the inside and out the new Passat can, for the first time, be specified with air-conditioned seats and Automatic Distance Control (ADC) that can automatically slow the car to a halt should it encounter traffic. In addition, the new Passat can be fitted with an automatic fatigue detection system that monitors the driver’s inputs and automatically emits an audible and visual warning to recommend a break if required.

Every diesel engine is now badged as a BlueMotion Technology product and is equipped with battery regeneration and Stop/Start systems as standard. The result is that the entry-level 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS is capable of exceeding the economy of the outgoing BlueMotion model with a combined economy of 65.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. In turn, the new BlueMotion model, due to go on sale in mid-2011, will return a forecast 68.8 mpg and emit 109 g/km of CO2.

It’s well known that a new car purchase is, for most people, the second largest investment they’re likely to make after their home. So choosing a model that holds its value is crucial – and that’s where the new SEAT Alhambra comes in.

The Spanish car maker’s commodious full-size MPV – which can accommodate seven occupants, and their luggage, in genuine comfort – is not only the most advanced people carrier on the market, but also now the best bet for buyers keen to hang on to their hard-earned cash.

The latest figures from motor trade ‘bible’ CAP Monitor show the capacious SEAT retaining more of its original purchase price after three years/60,000 miles than a representative selection of its key competitors.

Retaining a very respectable 33% of its value after three years of doubtless arduous service with families up and down the land, the new SEAT comfortably beats rivals from the likes of Ford, Peugeot and Renault.

In the case of the Renault Espace, the CAP Monitor figures show the Alhambra retaining a massive 12% more of its value over three years/60,000 miles.

Launched here in November of last year the Alhambra is already making headlines in the motoring press, most notably scooping the title of MPV of the year in the respected What Car? Awards.

It’s available in SEAT showrooms with a choice of cutting edge turbocharged petrol or turbodiesel powerplants. Outputs range from 140 PS to 170 PS, and all engines can be mated either to a slick six-speed manual or swift-shifting six-speed DSG auto that offers the extra flexibility of sequential manual operation via the standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

Economy on the combined cycle ranges from 39.2 mpg up to more than 50 mpg while emissions extend from 178 g/km to just 146 g/km depending on engine and gearbox choice.

Bearing in mind the Alhambra’s generous dimensions performance is in keeping with SEAT’s sporty ethos. The most spirited Alhambra in the current line-up – the 170 PS 2.0 TDI – can sprint from rest to 62 mph in only 9.5 seconds while the maximum speed, where legal, is 130 mph.

Comfort is not compromised either, as all Alhambras boast a high level of standard equipment. Among the highlights available across the range are sliding rear doors (optionally available with electric operation); fuel-saving Stop/Start and Brake Energy Recovery systems; integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone connection; three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors.

Welcoming the CAP Monitor prediction of its value in three years, SEAT UK Alhambra Product Manager James Buckell said: ‘We have worked extremely hard to make our new MPV as attractive as possible to family buyers looking for maximum value for their proverbial ‘buck’.

‘I’m very happy that the Alhambra’s combination of great looks, brilliant functionality, generous standard equipment and a very competitive purchase price has clearly made a big impact on the experts at CAP.’

The new SEAT Alhambra is available to order now, with prices starting from £22,800 RRP.

Premium subcompact hatchback makes the leap from Most Exciting Car of the Year to What Car? Car of the Year in its first 12 months.

A1 is “the right car at the right time, combining desirability with ability” according to What Car? judges as it wins Car of the Year
The Audi premium hatch is dubbed “the ultimate downsizer’s transportation” by the panel of What Car? journalists and scoops Supermini of the Year
TT cruises to its fifth-consecutive Coupe of the Year crown
The new Audi A1 scooped the top honour at the prestigious What Car? Awards last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane.

The judges were full of admiration for the premium subcompact hatchback, which “comes across as every inch a bespoke premium product“ and “oozes quality everywhere you look and from everything you touch – you won’t find better at this price.“

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of What Car?, explained: “The Audi A1 is a brilliant car: brilliantly targeted and brilliantly executed. More and more buyers are looking for smaller, more efficient cars, but with all the luxury trappings of much larger cars. That’s exactly what Audi has given them – a super-stylish, high quality small car that’s affordable and great fun, too.“

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, accepted the award and said: “Our buyers can have great confidence in the A1 now that it has been voted the best by the respected What Car? experts who we know are exceptionally thorough in their testing. We know this is right up there among the very hardest awards to win from a car title anywhere in the world.“

SEAT is celebrating a winning start to 2011 with news that its all-new Alhambra has scooped the MPV title at this year’s What Car? Awards.

The flexible full-size seven seater took the coveted honour at last night’s ceremony with the judges highlighting its appealing mix of generous passenger and luggage space, ingenious features and refined driving experience.

The largest member of the growing SEAT range went on sale here in November last year and is already securing significant interest from eager buyers keen to get their hands on this elegant, flexible and luxurious MPV.

The annual What Car? Awards, established more than 30 years ago and acknowledged as being among the UK’s most influential motoring honours, were once again staged at London’s landmark Grosvenor House hotel.

Commenting on SEAT’s winner What Car? editor-in-chief, Steve Fowler, said: ‘The new SEAT Alhambra is a brilliantly-conceived people mover. Space is key, but so are the clever features like the folding seats and sliding doors.

‘However, it’s the way the Alhambra drives that impressed us most – particularly its comfort and refinement, and that it feels like a small family car on the road.’

Available in S, SE or top spec’ SE Lux trim and priced from just £22,800 RRP, the award-winning Alhambra is offered with a choice of modern turbocharged petrol or diesel powerplants. All engines can be paired with either a crisp six-speed manual or smooth six-speed DSG auto that offers the extra flexibility of sequential manual operation via the standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

As befits a class leader, all Alhambras boast a high level of standard equipment. Among the highlights available across the range are sliding rear doors (optionally available with electric operation); fuel-saving Stop/Start and Brake Energy Recovery systems; integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone connection; three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors.

Move up to SE and you can look forward to such luxuries as auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror; 17-inch alloys; High Beam Assist and cruise control among a raft of added equipment.

SE Lux buyers, meanwhile, enjoy a fittingly luxurious Alhambra experience. Black leather upholstery; power operated rear side doors and tailgate; panoramic glass sunroof; rear view camera and satellite navigation are among the extensive list of standard-fit equipment.

Retail and small fleet buyers energised to enquire about SEAT’s What Car? winner will also be happy to hear that they can benefit from the Spanish brand’s current ½ VAT offer, which effectively brings the newly-increased Value Added Tax down to its original 1973 level of ten per cent. The Alhambra offer runs throughout the first quarter of 2011, ending 31 March this year, and applies to eligible retail customer cars registered before this date.

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny collected the Alhambra’s award at the Grosvenor. He said: ‘On behalf of SEAT UK, and all our colleagues in both Martorell and Palmela where the Alhambra is built, I’m thrilled to accept this MPV title.

‘This important endorsement by the What Car? judges underlines my firm belief that the new Alhambra is clearly the most attractive full-size MPV on the market today.’

The new Volkswagen Amarok pick-up will make its hotly anticipated UK premiere this week at the 2011 Outdoors Show at the ExCel exhibition centre in London’s Docklands from 13-16 January.

Specialising in all aspects of outdoor pursuits and experiences, the Outdoors Show is now in its tenth year, and 2011 marks the event’s first visit to the capital. More than 125,000 visitors are expected to pass through the doors over the next four days.

Alongside the Amarok, and also making a UK debut ahead of launch later this year, will be the Berghaus limited edition of the California. Created in collaboration with the outdoor clothing specialists, the California Berghaus will be available with a 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine and standard equipment includes a bike rack, awning, Berghaus-branded carpet mats and waterproof seat covers, and exclusive 18-inch bi-colour ‘Dakar’ alloy wheels.

Following the show, the Amarok will then embark on a nationwide tour, giving customers a chance to see and experience the vehicle in a series of static displays at Volkswagen Van Centres across the UK, before the first right-hand drive vehicles arrive in the spring.

Combining a robust pick-up with innovative technology, high safety standards, excellent fuel economy and Volkswagen standards of comfort, quality and durability, the new four-door double-cab pick-up was recently honoured with the inaugural International Pick-up Award.

The Amarok boasts the largest load dimensions in its class with a load area of 2.52 m² (1,555 mm long, 1,620 mm wide, with width between wheelarches of 1,222 mm).

All models feature advanced technology and safety systems including EDL (Electronic Differential Lock), ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control and off-road ABS designed to shorten stopping distances significantly on loose surfaces.

UK prices and specifications for the Amarok and limited edition California Berghaus will be announced in the coming months.

The new Caddy range is now more versatile than ever as the order books for the passenger-carrying Caddy Life and Caddy Maxi kombi have opened at Volkswagen Van Centres across the UK.

Both new models are fitted with an efficient 1.6-litre TDI engine which produces 102 PS, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while a seven-speed DSG transmission is available as an option. The refined four-cylinder common rail diesel engine achieves a combined fuel economy figure of 49.6 mpg and 149 g/km of CO2 with both transmissions. Prices for the five-seat Caddy Life start at £19,415 RRP on the road while the Caddy Maxi kombi is available from £14,450 plus VAT.

The Caddy forms the basis for the Caddy Life and the new model boasts the same comprehensive list of standard equipment as its bigger Maxi brother including ‘Climatic’ air conditioning, RCD 310 radio / CD player, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and exterior mirrors and black roof rails. New 15-inch ‘Kemora’ alloy wheels are also fitted as standard.

The Caddy Maxi kombi adds additional versatility to the already capable Caddy Maxi range with a removable three-seat bench. The rear load area, fitted with durable rubber flooring, has a capacity of 1.6 m3 with the additional bench seat in place, increasing to 3.9 m3 with the rear seats folded, up to a maximum load capacity of 4.1 m3 with these removed.

These new additions to the Caddy line-up boast a comprehensive list of safety equipment. The latest generation Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) incorporating Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Traction Control System (TCS) and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) that prevents wheels from slipping when there is excessive engine braking on low-grip surfaces, are all fitted as standard.

Details of prices and specifications for the full Caddy range are available from all Volkswagen Van Centres, from www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk or by calling 0800 717131

Developmental version of forthcoming all-wheel-drive premium subcompact hatchback is tested on snow-laden roads around Montreal
Newcomer will ensure quattro has full representation across the Audi range
An Audi A1 quattro prototype that brings all-wheel-drive to the premium subcompact hatchback segment for the first time is currently undergoing a baptism of fire grappling with freezing conditions on Canada’s densely snow-packed roads.

The one-off development car is one of the stars of the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010. It reaffirms the Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s commitment, made at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, to underpin future high performance variants of the A1 with this proven driver aid.

The latest member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.

The UK A1 range currently offers a choice of ten front-wheel-driven models powered by 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS) and 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS) petrol engines and a 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) diesel, and is priced from £13,420 OTR to £18,665 OTR.

Even before it filters into the most diminutive of Audi models, the quattro system is already a feature of over 120 variants in the Audi line-up, from the A3 hatchback through to the R8 super car.

Not only are the highly efficient Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion and Golf BlueMotion models exempt from road tax but, as of this week, they are also exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

Under changes made to the rules governing the London Congestion Charge, vehicles emitting less than 100 g/km of CO2 are no longer required to pay the £10 daily charge to enter the Congestion Charge Zone. The Polo BlueMotion (91 g/km) and Golf BlueMotion (99 g/km) both fit this criterion, allowing owners to save potentially over £2,500 a year based on a daily commute into the capital.

Beyond the confines of London the Polo and Golf BlueMotion are capable of demonstrating incredible efficiency and low running costs while retaining all the virtues of comfort, quality and refinement you would expect from a Volkswagen. The Golf BlueMotion, for example, can travel over 899 miles on a single tank of diesel yet is driven, maintained and serviced like any conventional Golf.

All BlueMotion variants feature a series of subtle yet effective modifications aimed at maximising efficiency. These take the form of optimised aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres, Start/Stop, battery regeneration and longer gearing. The result is less strain is put on the common rail diesel engine, which in turn leads to lower emissions and greater economy.

The effectiveness of these changes was proved last year when a BlueMotion vehicle broke the Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel. A Passat BlueMotion travelled a total of 1,527 miles – the equivalent of London to Gibraltar – between fill-ups to set the record.

Despite the keen focus on economy, both the Polo and Golf BlueMotion models are equipped with alloy wheels, air conditioning, a CD/stereo system, electric windows, Hydraulic Brake Assist and ABS as well as driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags and, on the Golf, a knee airbag.