2010 Volkswagen Polo Three-Door TDI Gets 71mpg (US)
August 31, 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.
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).
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC
August 25, 2009
Elegant, sporty, dynamic - The accessories for the “Best of the Best” title-holder and “red dot design award” winner: The Passat CC. From aerodynamics to wheels onward to noble sill protectors: the product range offers a broad selection of design-oriented, perfectly fitting Volkswagen Genuine Accessories products.
The front spoiler sets the stage for the aerodynamic accessory product range. It provides the elegant lines of the Passat CC front with a sporty note. The front spoiler design optimises the aerodynamics and reduces aerodynamic drag. The seamlessly adapted side skirt set emphasises the striking side profile of the four-door coupé and creates a visual contrast to the distinct shoulder line - the tornado line. The rear spoiler creates a striking extension of the luggage compartment lid, optimises the overall sporty appearance and reduces the tail lift. The high-gloss rear strip in chrome effect provides an additional visual accent while simultaneously protecting the rim of the luggage compartment. Passionate drivers can enter their Passat CC in style with the stainless steel sill protector with 3D Passat lettering.
Volkswagen Accessories has developed the titanium-coloured 19 inch “Sagitta” light alloy wheel with slightly rotated spokes and clear lines. The visual finishing touch for the Passat CC.
2009 Porsche and Volkswagen to Form an Integrated Auto Group
August 18, 2009
The Supervisory board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE) has approved a Basic Agreement negotiated by the management boards of Porsche SE and Volkswagen AG, the workers’ representatives of both companies and the Porsche SE ordinary shareholders, describing the path to foundation of an integrated car group.
The Supervisory Board of Porsche SE has also appointed, with effect from 15 September 2009, Prof. Dr Martin Winterkorn as CEO and Hans Dieter Pötsch as CFO of the company. They will exercise these tasks in addition to their functions as members of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. The CEO of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Michael Macht, who is also a member of the Board of Management of Porsche SE, shall also be appointed into the top management of Volkswagen AG.
The Basic Agreement provides for the following steps:
-Shareholding of 42% of Volkswagen in Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, the 100% subsidiary of Porsche SE. The shareholding will be provided by way of a cash capital increase with an expected total return of approximately up to 3,3 bn. EUR based on an enterprise value of Porsche AG of 12,4 bn. EUR.
-A cash capital increase of Volkswagen AG taking place in the first half-year of 2010 against issuance of new preference shares. The capital increase will be approved by Porsche SE.
-Volkswagen grants an option to the shareholders of Porsche Gesellschaft m.b.H., Salzburg, to sell the operative sales and distribution business of the company to Volkswagen.
-Cash capital increase of Porsche SE most probably taking place in the first half-year of 2011 against issuance of new ordinary and preference shares, granting preemptive rights for ordinary shareholders on ordinary and preemptive rights for preference shareholders on preference shares. The ordinary shareholders of Porsche SE will approve the capital increase.
-The following changes of the articles of association of Volkswagen will be proposed to the next shareholders meeting of Volkswagen:
1.The state of Lower Saxony shall be entitled as a shareholder of Volkswagen to appoint two members of the supervisory board, as long as the state of Lower Saxony maintains a shareholding in the ordinary shares of Volkswagen of at least 15%. The implementation of such Appointment Right in the articles of association has the effect that Porsche SE will no longer include Volkswagen AG by way of full consolidation in its consolidated financial statements.
2.Confirmation of the section of the articles of association providing that shareholders’ resolutions, requiring a majority of 75% of the capital represented in the shareholders’ meeting pursuant to the German Stock Corporations Act, require a majority of more than 80% of the capital represented in the shareholders’ meeting.
-Agreement that, until 2020, Porsche SE will not enter into a domination and profit and loss transfer agreement with Volkswagen AG.
-Joint purpose of a merger of Porsche SE into Volkswagen AG during 2011, if at that time the legal requirements for a merger are met.
-If a merger will not take place: put option for Porsche SE and call option for Volkswagen AG to sell and to purchase, respectively, the remaining shareholding of Porsche SE in Porsche AG; the purchase price is calculated according to the same parameters as applied for the valuation of Porsche SE for purposes of the capital increase.
Condition precedents for closing of this agreement include particularly approval by the consortium banks of Porsche SE and final clarification of remaining structural issues.
Separately, on Friday August 14, in a festive ceremony, Porsche SE and Qatar Holding LLC (QH) signed an agreement signaling the entry of the Emirate of Qatar into the Porsche SE family. In the afternoon, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche SE, Dr Wolfgang Porsche, welcomed the high-ranking delegation from Qatar led by Prime Minister of the Emirate, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, to the historical Porsche Villa located on Killesberg Hill outside of Stuttgart. There, in the presence of the Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, Günther Oettinger, the two men signed two contractual agreements.
The Prime Minister of the Emirate of Qatar signed the purchase agreement with which Qatar will acquire 10 per cent of the ordinary shares of Porsche SE. As spokespersons for the family shareholders, Dr Wolfgang Porsche and HansMichel Piëch also signed the agreement. The second agreement, which provides for the takeover by the Emirate of a major share in the cash-settled options relating to Volkswagen shares, was signed by Ahmad Al Sayed, CEO of Qatar Holding, and Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, Michael Macht, as well as his Deputy Chairman, Thomas Edig, who are both members of the Executive Board of Porsche SE.
Dr Wolfgang Porsche gave the Emirate of Qatar a warm welcome as a new member of the Porsche shareholder family and declared: “Today is a historic day for us. For the first time in the history of Porsche, an external investor has acquired a holding of ordinary shares that so far have been solely owned by the family members of Porsche and Piëch.”
The Porsche and Piëch families have expressly welcomed the decision of the Emirate to become a shareholder in the company and, at the same time, to take on a major holding in the options to VW ordinary shares held by Porsche. “This will not only improve the liquidity situation of Porsche, but it is also an important step on the pre-destined road to an integrated automobile company, which we intend to forge together with Volkswagen,” explained Dr Porsche.
Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani emphasised that Qatar considers itself a strategic investor which has great interest in the long-term positive development of Porsche. “Porsche ranks among the most valuable automobile brands in the world. We are proud to be a part of this sports car manufacturer and its rich tradition and history. Through our trust-based collaboration with the family shareholders, we will help ensure that the success story of Porsche, and, in the future, of Volkswagen continues to be written,” explained the Prime Minister.
Volkswagen Announces UK Pricing for new Polo
August 7, 2009
Starting from today, UK buyers can place their orders for the all-new Volkswagen Polo with first deliveries set to arrive on the car’s official “on sale” date of 16 October. On-the-road prices for the five-door model range from at £10,035 for the entry-level S 1.2-litre 60 HP to £14,910 for the range-topping SEL with VW’s new 90 HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel. Those interested in the three-door model will have to wait until December.
At launch, the fifth-generation Polo is available with a choice of five engines, three petrol and two diesel. The line-up includes a pair of naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrols with 60 or 70 HP and a 1.4-litre 85 HP, plus two 1.6-litre common rail TDI diesels making 75 or 90 HP.
Volkswagen will enhance the range with a new 1.2-litre 105 PS turbocharged TSI petrol unit from early in 2010 while GTI and BlueMotion models will follow later in year.
All Polo models come equipped with four airbags, ABS and, for the first time, ESP aka Electronic Stabilisation Programme, as standard.
The German automaker said that it anticipates UK Polo sales of around 7,000 units in 2009, increasing to approximately 37,000 in 2010.
30 July 2009 30 years of the Volkswagen Jetta
August 5, 2009
In honour of the 30th birthday of the Volkswagen Jetta, here’s a historic Jetta gallery which shows the model that was originally designed back in 1979 by Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro. While the smaller car has never been particularly successful in Europe, it is the all-time most sold Volkswagen in the US.
The first generation Jetta A1 gave way to the Jetta A2 in 1984, with a wider range of engine options including the 1.3 litre at 54hp, the 1.6-litre at 73 hp and the 1.6 litre diesel at 54hp. There was also a turbo diesel with 69 hp and sports versions GT and GTI. These versions had 87 and 110 hp according to the engine, and even a 136hp 1.8-litre 16V.
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