It takes two to tango! And our spies have snapped VW and Skoda’s first versions of the New Small Family (NSF) cars hot weather testing together in Death Valley in the US.

Measuring 3.45-metres long, 1.63-metres wide and 1.5-metres high, the car is a little bigger than the current Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 family. And while these mules are heavily disguised, the high-level brake lights, short bonnet and wheel-at-each-corner stance are all recognisable from the original VW Up! concept shown at Frankfurt in 2007.

Both VW and Skoda models feature the same design traits, indicating that styling tweaks to distinguish the cars between brands will be fairly minimal.

The three-door supermini will have space for four adults and feature a range of downsized petrol and diesel engines. The base model will start from around £8,500 and get a 65bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol, while a 75bhp four-cylinder 1.2-litre diesel will also be offered.

A range-topping 85bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine comes later in 2012, while a fully electric version is expected to arrive in 2013.

VW, Skoda and SEAT will each launch versions of the three-door car. The VW version is due first, in late 2011, with the other brands following in early 2012. A larger five-door model will be added in summer 2012. VW will take responsibility for building the car at its plant in Bratislava, Slovakia from next year.

VW has a history of giving its concept cars a name derived from an existing production model. For example, the Iroc concept became the current Scirocco, and the Up! concept is likely to follow suit by becoming the Lupo.

Skoda may choose to adopt the Joyster name, taken from its previous small-car concept, while SEAT may elect to resurrect the Arosa name of its previous small car which was based on the last generation Lupo.

The smallest Skoda is up and running! The company’s first proper city car will be based on VW’s Up! – and will be its most frugal model to date.

Due to launch after the Up! debuts in 2012, the four-seater is expected to be badged Joyster – taking the name of the original Skoda small car concept from 2006. The urban runabout will rival the likes of the Toyota iQ and Peugeot 107, and will be conventional front-wheel drive after VW ditched the original rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive format.

The switch was partly to allow other VW Group brands such as Skoda and SEAT – as well as new partner Suzuki – to build variants for markets around the world, including the UK. Engine details are still to be confirmed, but the Skoda is likely to get a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 1.2 three-cylinder diesel. Performance will be brisk, yet the focus will be on low emissions – with a sub-80g/km output for the diesel and less than 100g/km for the petrol.

The cheapest Skoda is set to start at just under £7,500. And as with the VW, an all-electric version will follow.

Volkswagen will be debuting the youngest offspring of the Polo lineup at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – the Volkswagen Polo three-door. The Polo three-door is a smaller version of the five-door bestselling Polo model with some new styling on the side windows and a sportier C-pillar that gives it a coupe-like appearance.

The Volkswagen Polo three-door will be available with six engine choices and three equipment levels including Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Horsepower output will range from 59-hp to 104-hp. An automatic 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is available for the first time in the Polo lineup.

The new Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion will also be available as a three-door. Power will come from a 73-hp diesel engine allowing an estimated fuel-economy of 71 mpg (U.S.). No it will not be coming to the U.S… at least for now.

Press Release

World Premiere of Bestseller at the IAA: Volkswagen adds dynamic three-door to the Polo model range

New Polo base version can be bought in Germany starting at 12,150 Euros1
Three-door will also be available as BlueMotion model with 3.3 litre fuel economy

Wolfsburg, 26 August 2009 – Bestseller with new entry-level version: As a world premiere, Volkswagen is presenting the youngest offspring of the Polo family at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA, September 17 to 27): an agile three-door. Its longer doors compared to the five-door version, new styling of the row of side windows and the dynamic lines of the sporty C-pillars give the car a nearly coupe-like appearance in its side profile.

At its market launch this Fall, the extremely elegant and safe three-door will be available in six engine versions (from 44 kW / 60 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS) and three equipment variants (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline). The model’s entry-level version will now be the three-door Polo 1.2 Trendline with ESP at a price of 12,150 Euros1. The new Polo BlueMotion will also be available as a three-door and five-door model; the production version is also debuting in Frankfurt. The world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class (55 kW / 75 PS) has a fuel consumption of 3.3 litres diesel per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 87 g/km CO2). The Polo range is gaining tremendous momentum here. Our declared goal: successes in the Polo class on the same magnitude as those of the Golf.

Unmistakable proportions in styling

The three-door Polo marks the entry of another model into the Volkswagen range that follows a new “design DNA” 1:1. This “DNA” was developed by Group Design Chief Walter de Silva. The brand’s characteristic new face is a key aspect of this styling that exhibits a strong horizontal orientation of basic surfaces and a clarity of forms that de Silva refers to as “La Semplicità”. The overall design is characterized by sharp, precise lines.

In this process, high priority is given to the car’s proportions. Walter de Silva: “A ‘bella automobile’ has perfect proportions. The Polo confirms this to be true.” Striking in this context are the short body overhangs, the car’s broad width in proportion to its height, its prominent wheel housings and powerful shoulder sections. Style defining is the side profile of the three-door Polo. As on every Volkswagen designed under the leadership of de Silva, there are just two key lines here: the upper character line and an additional, supportive lower line. Resting atop the dominant character line between the upper borders of the headlights and taillights is the roof. The strong shoulder section is also developed from the character line. Even more: The upper and lower lines generate an exciting interplay of light and shadow, and despite the design’s simplicity they also create a very muscular modulation of surfaces.

Overall, the three-door Polo has an appearance that is lower to the ground and stretched. The reason: The practically invisible B-pillar and more slender C-pillar gives the row of windows a longer visual appearance. This effect is reinforced by the similarly longer upward curve of the row of side windows from the B-pillar back. This results in an even more dynamic overall feeling.

The body dimensions of the three and five-door versions are identical with a length of 3,970 millimetres, width of 1,682 millimetres and height of 1,485 millimetres. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacities (280 to 952 litres).

Generous standard features

Even the base version – the Polo Trendline – is being launched with an extensive package of safety and convenience features. A standard feature in all large EU countries is the electronic stabilization program ESP. Other standard features include daytime running lights, power-assist steering, electric windows in front, central locking, cargo area lighting, warning buzzer for light left on, height adjustment on driver’s seat, vanity mirrors and tinted windows.

Identifying features of the mid-line equipment version, the Comfortline (starting at 14,150 Euros1 and 51 kW / 70 PS), are car-coloured door mirrors and door handles, H7 dual headlights, chrome trim inserts in the radiator grille and 15-inch wheels. On the convenience side, it is supplemented by standard features such as an air conditioning system, electrically heated and adjustable door mirror, Easy-Entry System (three-door), height-adjustable front passenger’s seat, storage drawers under the front seats, various accents in aluminium look, split folding rear bench seat/backrest, dual cargo floor, storage pockets on the backs of the front backrests and RF remote central locking.

The exclusive Polo Highline (starting at 15,900 Euros1 and 63 kW / 85 PS) is characterized by wide-ranging individualization. On the exterior, it is distinguished by additional chrome trim on the lower air intake, 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps from the Comfortline equipment version. Inside, the Polo Highline is upgraded by details such as a three-spoke leather steering wheel, front centre armrest, multi-function display and tyre pressure indicator, height-adjustable sport seats and leather-trimmed handbrake grip and gear knob.

Advanced engines are sustainable engines

At this time, six engines will be offered on the three-door and five-door Polo: three petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines are available at the power levels 44 kW / 60 PS, 51 KW / 70 PS and 63 kW / 85 PS. As an option, Volkswagen is also offering the Polo with an automatic 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) for the first time. The 85-PS petrol engine may be paired with DSG as an option. Already in the starting blocks for the Polo is a fourth petrol engine, a new TSI, which is a fuel-efficient yet sporty turbo direct-injection engine with 77 kW / 105 PS. It too will be offered in a DSG version.

On the diesel side, Volkswagen is exclusively offering new common rail TDI engines with particulate filters on the Polo three-door and five-door cars. They output 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The 90-PS version may be ordered with DSG. The fourth TDI to be offered is the new 1.2-liter TDI of the Polo BlueMotion that will be introduced at the beginning of 2010 (advance sales already begin in 2009).

Source Egmcartech

Last year, Audi announced the most insane version of its Q7 SUV yet in the form of the V12 TDI. The V12 is an all-new diesel engine that, for now at least, only has a home in the Q7, but at some future date, it may appear in some other VW group products (think: Bentley). The V12 produces 500 hp and a ridiculous 758 lb-ft of torque, enough to get the 2.5-ton SUV to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.

While Audi has said it has no plans to bring the V12 Q7 TDI to America, Top Gear mouthpiece Jeremy Clarkson got to try one out and came away with mixed feelings. Like many people, Clarkson is no fan of the Q7’s looks and thinks the whole premise of the vehicle is ridiculous. On the other hand, brute force does have a way of twisting people’s opinions and this big Audi proves to be no exception.

Generally, any sporting motorcycle can leave a four-wheeled conveyance in the dust. Apparently, this Q7 is the exception, as Clarkson was supposedly able to keep pace with Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond on a Suzuki Hayabusa. Even with all this power, the V12 TDI is still rated at 21 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle. In Clarkson’s own words, “Mad. Bonkers. Stupid. [...] It’s crap. But it’s brilliant too.” Too bad they canceled the R8 with this engine.

Source Autoblog

Audi is developing a version of the Volkswagen Concept Bluesport, not surprisingly, and according to Automotive News, the design has already been completed.

In the lead-up to the Bluesport’s unveiling, rumors (and simple logic) said that in order for Volkswagen to make the mid-engine roadster financial viable, the platform and all its associated underpinnings would have to be distributed across several models. A senior VW group exec told AN, “To make a strong business case for the new roadster, we need to share the investment with at least three brands.” In addition to VW, one of those brands is Audi and the other is almost assuredly Porsche.

While Skoda and Seat’s budget-oriented image couldn’t include a variant of the roadster – estimated to cost around €30,000 – Porsche might be interested in an entry-level model to slot in below the Boxster and help to reduce the automaker’s overall CO2 emissions.

Volkswagen is expected to announce a production decision on the Concept Bluesport in the next two months, and we’re hoping that the completed version will bow in Geneva.

Source Autoblog

The Bologna Motor Show saw the presence of the Volkswagen Scirocco Study R, a possible preview of the production model called the R20T.

Volkswagen’s new Scirocco is rapidly becoming a popular canvas for customizing, and Wolfsburg itself is getting into the act. The Bologna Motor Show has been graced with the Scirocco Study R, which could be a preview of a production version called the Scirocco R20T.

The Study R is a derivation of the ideas laid down by the GT24 race concept, with a sneery front end and a wing out back. The Study R is more understated in white with subdued striping, red mirrors and a nostriled hood. Power is provided by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine that twirls the cogs in a six-speed DSG gearbox. Suspension and braking systems have also been tweaked to deliver on the image’s sporty promise, and a less restrictive exhaust offers some bark to underscore the bite. With the death of the R32, Volkswagen might bring the R20T to the North American market, and if it’s anything like the Study R, we’ll be saying R-thirty-who?

Source Autoblog

A top-secret mid-engined sports car is being secretly readied by in the mould of the Lotus Elise – a true people’s sports car in keeping with the brand’s populist roots and wearing a tempting price tag hovering around $35,000.

Car has compiled a dossier on the new VW coupe and we’ll see more concrete clues at the November 2008 Los Angeles motor show when Volkswagen whisks the cover off its third small sports car concept in five years.

Source : carmagazine

The first media drives of the new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI were launched in Santa Monica, CA today, so we did some asking around about additional diesel models for the lineup. VW of American Communications Director Steve Keyes filled in some details. First up, as expected, the next addition to the TDI lineup is the Touareg, which iscurrently scheduled to start production in mid-February 2009 at VW’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. By the time the first Touaregs with the 3.0L V6 diesel roll off the boat onto U.S. shores it will be at least late March, more likely the first week or two of April. Later in the summer, the new VW product onslaught continues with the next-generation GTI based on the new MK VI Golf that is debuting at the Paris show next month. That will be followed by more pedestrian Rabbits with both the 2.5L five cylinder gas engine and the 2.0L TDI in the fall. VW has decided to continue with the Rabbit name for the U.S. since it seems to be selling well and Americans apparently like it.

One model that won’t be getting the TDI treatment for a while is the new Tiguan crossover. According to Keyes, the Tiguan’s extra size and weight mean extra load on the 2.0L TDI. As a result of working harder, the exhaust flow is greater and a urea injection system would be needed rather than the lean NOx trap used on the Jetta and Rabbit. Since the current Tiguan is not designed for a urea tank, it won’t be getting a U.S. diesel anytime soon.

We know a few things about the Volkswagen Up!. Firstly, it is in position to be a direct competitor for the upcoming Toyota iQ and also the SmartCar. We also know it will come in at least 3 separate versions. Price range is expected to be around $13,000 when it arrives in the U.S. in late 2010 or early 2011. And we know that the production Volkswagen Up! will revive the Lupo badge for V-dub.

Now the guys over at AutoExpress bring us some new exclusive info on the production Up! that gives is a closer look at what’s going to be under the hood and what type of fuel-economy we can expect from the car that will follow in the footsteps of the Beetle.

According to AutoExpress, the production Up! and successor to the Lupo will measure around 3.5 meters long and 1.6 meters wide. However, Volkswagen claims that it will have be more spacious form the inside since it will be a rear-engined vehicle.

Powerplant choices include a 1.2 liter 3-cylinder engine that will come in a petrol and diesel variant. Both are likely to be turbocharged delivering CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km and a combined fuel-economy of 78mpg.

We expect the production Up! to make its debut at the Geneva Show early next year.

Source: AutoExpress

Volkswagen has long since emerged from its standing as a no-frills straightforward automaker with a handful of products to offer a full range of vehicles, including hatchbacks, sedans of all sizes, wagons, vans, convertibles, sport coupes, SUVs, a four-door coupe and even an upcoming pickup truck. The German automaker is banking on that diversity to reach an ambitious sales goal of 6.6 million units per annum within ten years from now.

The svelte new Passat CC unveiled in Detroit will form a big part of the company’s push, targeted to sell some 300,000 units around the world over the next six years…pretty ambitious for a niche vehicle, to be sure. Although reports suggest that Volkswagen could be dropping the Passat name from this vehicle (at least in the U.S.) in favor of the “CC” moniker alone, the latest information from the automaker itself (it’s a European press release) continues to employ the well-established name, which is the third most popular nameplate in Volkswagen’s history behind the Golf and Beetle. (Not to mention that the term CC could be confused with the coupe-convertible lexicon used overseas, like Volkswagen’s own Eos.) Whatever it will be called, the new four-door coupe will launch in the Fall in markets across Europe, the Far East and North America, and to soften the ground for its landing, VW has laid on us a whole mess of information and new pictures. We’re particularly intrigued by the range-topping Passat CC V6 4Motion, packed with all-wheel-drive, DSG and adaptive chassis control. Phaeton who now?

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

[Source: Volkswagen and Edmunds Auto Observer]