Volvo Drive E Engines Now In SA

Volvo Drive E engines are in South Africa. The Swedish car maker has launched a bevy of new engines into the South African market at a launch in Nelspruit. The aim of this launch was to refine the current Volvo line-up and introduce powerful, yet frugal new powerplants.

Volvo also took the opportunity to show off its all-new eight-speed gearbox, which on paper sounds like it has the engineering to be able to match the twin-clutch setups from its German rivals. Mechanically the gearbox is able to improve fuel consumption by as much as 35%, and the actual gearbox units are between 30 and 50kg lighter than their predecessors.

I can remember when the Volvo S60 and V60 were launched, and you had many engine options at your disposal. In fact, there were no fewer than eight (both petrol and diesel) motors in varying capacities to choose from. Now, there are two four cylinder motors with different power outputs. These engines are developed solely by Volvo and manufactured in the town of Skovde.

Emissions and economy priority

The main aim of these new engines is to meet the current and future emission/economy legislation. Sadly, emission laws are becoming stricter and car companies are being forced to downsize. These new engines are efficient and economical, yet still have enough power to keep things interesting.

Volvo South Africa bought in Malin Labecker, the manager for cylinder systems at Volvo HQ in Gothenberg. She’s very passionate about engines and their components, and has worked on many of the current products. She talked about the current products and chatted about future technology such as superturbocharging (similar to the TFSI tech from Volkswagen). It’s always fascinating talking technology with, arguably, a leader in her field. Labecker is immensely proud her engines are greener and more efficient than any of Volvo’s competitors.

Available to test drive in rather rainy conditions were petrol and diesel variants of the S60 sedan, V60 and XC60. I have always enjoyed the powerful refinement of a Volvo diesel engine and a white S60 D4 was my first choice. I then climbed into a petrol-powered S60 T5, before ending off with a bigger XC60 T5. I wanted to see if the 2.0-litre turbocharged motor could handle the added mass of the bigger SUV, and I came away satisfied. I can happily report that on the swooping and curvy roads around Nelspruit, Hazyview and White River, both the new engines performed well.

All-new eight-speed gearbox

The new-speed gearbox is simply superb. In sport mode the ‘box shifts with a satisfying mechanical clunk between gears, which I quite enjoyed. When left in full auto mode, it works well and can change down very quickly like when you need to perform an overtake. The car went from eighth, to fifth, to third in less than a second, which then put it right in the sweet torque spot of the motor.

Volvo Drive E Petrol impressions

The turbo petrol is refined and powerful, giving the S60 a nice dynamic edge. The S60 isn’t a performance car though, but this engine complements it nicely. Power is rated at 180 kW, while torque is a commanding 350 Nm. Emissions and economy is what these new motors are all about, and the S60 T5 is claimed to consume just 5.9l/100km with just 137g/km of CO2 making its way out the exhausts.

Volvo Drive E Diesel impressions

As mentioned earlier, I’ve always admired Volvo’s diesel engines and the new D4 is a terrific piece of engineering. It’s remarkably refined, offers tremendous overtaking ability yet is really quiet. You’d be excused for forgetting the engine is still running… The diesel has 133 kW and 400 Nm, impressive figures for a 2.0-litre diesel. Fuel consumption is reportedly 4.1l/100km with CO2 emissions coming in at 107g/km.

2014 will be a busy year for the Swedes and there’s talk of a lot more in terms of product launches and cool technology. Watch this space.

Volvo Drive-E Gallery

Rembrandt Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Unveiled

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Rembrandt Legend Edition has been unveiled today in Geneva and is the fourth Legend Edition model which honours Rembrandt Bugatti and is based on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse.

The new Bugatti Legend

Rembrandt was the brother of company founder Ettore Bugatti and also one of the most notable and artistically independent sculptors of the early 20th century. To launch the “Les Legendes de Bugatti” edition in 2013, Bugatti presented “Jean-Pierre Wimille” at California’s Pebble Beach, “Jean Bugatti” at the IAA in Frankfurt and “Meo Costantini” at the Dubai Motor Show. And already all nine vehicles of these three Legends have been sold.

Exterior and interior features

This special edition Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse features a bronze clear-coated carbon exterior that pays homage to Rembrandt’s preferred material. The lower half of the supercar is painted a light brown hue called Noix, while a platinum look has been applied to the Bugattis horseshoe as well as on the EB logo at the back. The vehicle’s alloy wheels are painted in dark “Firefinch” and light “Noix” brown shades and Rembrandt Bugattis signature can be found embedded on the fuel and oil cap.

The interior continues with same colour theme as the exterior with a light brown “Cognac” leather upholstery with an elephant structure on the rear centre box between the seats where Bugatti has also applied the Type 41 Royale’s hood ornament.

Other highlights include a platinum EB logo on the steering wheel, bronze-coloured, clear-coated carbon on the centre console with the lettering LesLegendes de Bugatti, and braided leather for the door trims.

Driving dynamics

The Vitesse is apparently the fastest production roadster ever built and has a maximum speed of 408.84 km/h with the roof down. Its equipped with an 8 litre W16 engine which achieves an unparalleled torque of 1500 Nm at 3000-5000 rpm, and can accelerate from 0-100 km in 2.6 seconds.

The special edition Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse will also be showcased in Berlin, Germany during an exhibition in the Old National Gallery.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse gallery

2015 Audi TT Coupe Officially Revealed

Audi has officially unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor how the all-new third generation TT Coupe along with a powerful TTS variant.

Both cars are characterized by the use of innovative technologies in their engines and in their control and display concept, including the Audi virtual cockpit.

Updated and re-engineered for the third generation

Styling ideas of the 2015 Audi TT Coupe are reminiscent with those of the sports car that debuted back in 1998 but have been developed in a new context that is as dynamic as it is diverse for its third generation.

It comes with a more aggressive front fascia with a hexagonal grille flanked by the trapezoidal optional LED headlights. There’s also a contoured clamshell hood while the Audi logo has been moved onto the lower section of the hood.

Xenon Plus units are standard, with LED headlights or units using the Audi Matrix LED technology first seen in the A8 available as optional extras. On both the TT and TTS, there is an unmistakable contour created by the separating strip in the headlights, which is illuminated by light guides.

Other features include the prominent wheel arches, a defined “Tornado” horizontal shoulder line running through to the tail as a strong body shoulder and a spoiler that automatically deploys at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, as well as wheels ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches.

At 4.18 metres long, the Coupe is almost exactly the same length as its predecessor, though its wheelbase has grown by 37mm to 2505mm. It is 1832mm wide, and has the same height as the previous model at 1353mm.

All standard models have two large round exhaust tailpipes which are again reminiscent of the original TT. Like all Audi S models, the TTS exhales through four oval tailpipes.

The optional S line exterior package makes the design of the bumpers, air intakes, Single-frame grille, sills and the rear diffuser even sharper and sportier. The package also comes with 18-inch wheels and a body that rests 10 mm lower.

Lightweight construction

The third-generation TT is the German automakers first sports car built on the Volkswagen MQB platform and is up to 50 kg lighter, resulting in a curb weight of 1230 for the 2.0 TFSI model. Trunk capacity has increased by 13 litres so customers will be able to fill up 305 litres with luggage.

Engine line-up

At launch the 2015 Audi TT Coupe and TTS will be available with three four-cylinder engines featuring turbocharging and direct injection.

There are two 2.0 TFSI units with 169 kW and 370 Nm and one with 228 kW and 380 Nm in the TTS derivative, along with a 2.0 TDI outputting 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque and can accelerate to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, yet is also good for a claimed 4.2 litres/100km.

There is also the 2.0 TFSI mated to a six-speed manual gearbox which enables the new TT to reach 100 km/h in 6 seconds (5.3s with S tronic) before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The Audi TTS covers the standard sprint in 4.7 seconds and its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h, and is optionally available with an S tronic gearbox. The diesel TT does the run in 7.2 seconds and will tops out at 235 km/h.

Interior features

The cabin is equipped with an all-new 12.3-inch TFT screen powered by an Nvidia Tegra 30 graphic processor, repositioned air conditioning controls in the air vents, while the optional S sport seats (standard on TTS) have integrated head restraints and pneumatically adjustable side sections that are highly contoured to offer optimal support and comfort.

There’s also a new multifunction flat-bottomed steering wheel featuring a new airbag that occupies 40 percent less space than before without compromising on safety, a newly designed split gear lever, and an MMI rotary pushbutton. Audi has also installed a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with a 14-channel amplifier and door-mounted woofers which are illuminated by an adjustable light conductor.

The 2015 Audi TT Coupe is the epitome of an authentic design icon and a top-performance driving machine, explained Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development. With the new generation, we are making this technology even easier for the driver to experience just as they would expect from a real sports car.

2015 Audi TT Coupe gallery

Lexus RC 350 F Sport Debuts in Geneva

Following an announcement made earlier this month, Lexus has unveiled at the 2014 Geneva motor Show the RC 350 F SPORT which is a derivative of the RC Coupe which was first revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

Design

The Lexus RC 350 F SPORT is based on the GS platform but differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS models. It joins the already introduced RC 350 and RC F models and offers visual and dynamic upgrades over the standard model.

It rides on a bespoke set of 19-inch F Sport alloy wheel design featuring a machine-finished outer 10-spoke layer offset over an inner 10-spoke layer finished in a dark metallic paint and comes with a double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension.

The RC F model is further identified by a model-specific F mesh grille design and a Lexus spindle grille and will be available with three exclusive exterior colours White Nova, Orange and Flame Blue.

The interior features an LFA-style instrument cluster with moveable centre ring, and a perforated F Sport leather steering wheel and premium shift knob as well as Rioja Red upholstery only found on the F SPORT model.

Driving dynamics

Power is provided by a V6 engine delivering 236 kW at 6400 rpm and 375 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard on the F Sport is adaptive variable suspension and the Lexus dynamic handling (LDH) system which consists of rear-wheel steering in the back and variable gear ratio steering for the front.

The Lexus RC 350 F SPORT is currently on display at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show.

Lexus RC 350 F Sport gallery

Lexus RC F GT3 Unveiled

The Lexus RC F GT3 concept car has been revealed and is set to officially at the 84thebut Geneva Motor Show this week.

Apart from showcasing the RC 350 F Sport, Lexus will also introduce the RC F GT3 concept car which gets the same V8 engine from the RC F but boasts over 397 kW whereas the road-going RC F offers 335 kW. The brand also announced that it plans to provide GT3 vehicles to racing teams next, so its highly likely that several RC F GT3 race cars might be seen early next year.

The vehicle tips the scales at 1 249 kg and measures 4 705 mm long, 2 000 mm wide and 1 270 mm tall, with a 2 730 mm wheelbase.

In addition, the RC F GT3 will be joined in Geneva by the European debut of the new sporty coupe from Lexus including the RC 350 F Sport, RC 350 and RC F.

Lexus further announced vehicle testing will commence in the following months ahead of next year’s plans to participate in races all over the world, including the 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race in Germany and the Super Taikyu Endurance and Super GT series in Japan.

The Lexus RC F GT3 concept will be on display in Geneva starting tomorrow.

Lexus RC F GT3 gallery

Nissan Smart Rearview Mirror Set To Debut in Geneva

Nissan has announced the development of the Smart rearview mirror the world’s first LCD monitor which will be on display at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Unique high-performance cameras and image processing technologies

According to the Japanese automaker, the Smart rearview mirror not only provides clear rearward visibility under various conditions but also allows the driver the ability to switch between the LCD monitor and the traditional rearview mirror, depending on the driver’s preference.

The system uses a high-resolution rearview camera and a built-in LCD monitor that can be activated in place of the conventional mirror. A high-resolution camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle provides the driver with a clear unobstructed view of the rear flanks, allowing the ability to check blind spots and other traffic conditions.

In addition, theres a versatile switch function in order to go back to a traditional rearview mirror. However, compared to the standard mirror, Nissan says the LCD monitor gives a wider and clearer view and can provide a crisp image in a variety of environmental conditions including rain, snow, dawn and dusk, and obstacles such as tall rear seat passengers and luggage.

Smart rearview mirror will give our customers the best possible view no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat, or the road conditions. said Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer and executive Vice President of Nissan.

It also offers the possibility of new and exciting designs for our upcoming models because Smart rearview mirror is an alternative to a very wide rear window for good visibility. We’ll have the flexibility to create new shapes, and to further improve aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency.”

The Smart rearview mirror will become a dealer option in Japan this spring and Nissan will introduce it globally in 2015. There are also plans on incorporating the Smart rearview mirror in the ZEOD RC race car that will be competing at this years 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will then head to global markets next year.

Watch the Smart rearview mirror system in action

Volkswagen T ROC Concept Announced For Geneva

Volkswagen has announced plans to introduce its latest SUV concept, dubbed the T-ROC at the Geneva Motor Show starting tomorrow.

A new approach to compact SUVs by Volkswagen

The Volkswagen T ROC Concept SUV offers a glimpse at future Volkswagen SUVs. The two-door crossover coupe is smaller than the Tiguan, but larger than the Taigun SUV concept, which is in the development phase.

The T ROC’s name is derived from “T” is a reference to the nomenclature of current and future Volkswagen SUVs such as the Taigun, Tiguan and Touareg., and “ROC” meaning that the all-wheel-drive car does not shy away from rocky off-road trails.

Drive system of the T ROC

Power is provided by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engine that develops 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It is connected to a newly developed seven-speed DSG gearbox and a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system which enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 210 km/h.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the model averages 4.9 L/100km and has CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

Exterior features

The German automaker says that the four-seater T ROC combines the talents of an all-wheel-drive SUV with the light summery air of a convertible, thanks to its roof design. The middle section of the roof is made from a carbon composite and consists of two halves which can be removed with just a few hand movements and can then be stored in the boot.

The Volkswagen T ROC concept is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, and thanks to its lightweight design, the SUV weighs just 1420 kg. It measures 4179 mm long, 1831 mm wide and 1501 mm tall. The vehicle’s proportions are distinguished by relatively short overhangs and large track relative to its body width.

It also features a Blue-Splash Metallic exterior with a three dimensional grille flanked by LED headlights, gloss black and aluminium accents, LED daytime running lights (that double as turn signals) and 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres. There is also a camera beneath the three LEDs, which is used to display visual images of the space behind the T ROC.

Interior features

The interior features four leather-wrapped seats, Blue-Splash Metallic trim and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The concept also has a removable tablet that acts as an infotainment display.

Volkswagen hasnt said anything yet about a possible production schedule of the concept which will officially debut tomorrow at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Volkswagen T ROC Concept gallery

Weekly News Wrap 28/02/2014

Weve had quite an exciting week with a number new cars launching locally and internationally, were also looking forward to the biggest auto show next week and in case you missed it, we have a couple of teases and early reveals for you here.

2015 Ford Focus Facelift Revealed Ahead Of Geneva Debut

The new Focus will be the first vehicle in South Africa to offer the new fuel efficient 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and will feature more advanced technologies that improve driver comfort and safety.

Maserati Levante SUV Wont Be Based On Jeep

Rumours about the Maserati Levante being based on the Jeep architecture were set straight this week and the company announced that the model will instead be based on the recent Quattroporte and Ghibli models including the Q4s modified Skyhook suspension.

Hyundai Intrado Concept Unveiled

Hyundai unveiled its Intrado concept which demonstrates that advanced technologies and intelligent design can combine to engage more effectively with driver and passengers. The concept will globally debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Mazda Hazumi Teased Ahead Of Geneva Debut

Mazda revealed their Hazumi model which is said to become the fourth model under the SkyActiv philosophy.

Aston Martin Rapide S Video Review

This we feature our video review of the Aston Martin Rapide S which is not the fastest supercar, or the cheapest or the most practical or reliable or economical, but is extraordinary and affords you the opportunity to share the emotions of a supercar experience with twice the number of people.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Launched Locally

Japanese car maker Suzuki launched the Swift 1.2 at a launch in the Western Cape this week.

Suzuki Swift Dzire Launched In SA

Suzuki also launched the Dzire model which is essentially the sedan version of the Swift and looks to be a budget-friendly offering from the Japanese manufacturer.

Hennessey Venom GT Sets Top Speed Record

Hennessey managed to hit a top speed of 435 km/h with the Venom GT making it the fastest production car.

Production-Ready MINI Clubman Concept Revealed

MINI revealed their production ready Clubman concept which will be showcased in public next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

2014 Citroen C1 Revealed

Citroen released preliminary details of their new C1 model which will be sold in three- and five-door body styles as well as an open-top with the Airscape nameplate and a roll-back fabric roof.

Jaguar XFR S Sportbrake Announced For Geneva

Jaguar fully revealed the XFR-S Sportbrake prior to its Geneva public debut programmed for next week. The car is also the first high-performance R-S branded sports estate car to be produced by Jaguar with 405 kW on tap and 1675 litres of rear load space.

Opel Astra OPC Extreme Ready For Geneva

Following a couple of teaser shots, Opel has fully revealed the Astra OPC EXTREME which is described as being the fastest road-going Astra ever and is heading to the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Volvo Concept Estate Leaks Ahead Of Geneva Debut

Volvo revealed the Concept Estate which will be shown in Geneva next week and represents the final concept part of a series which started with the Concept Coupe and continued with the Concept XC Coupe.

Jeep Wrangler Polar Edition Now In SA

Another local launch included the new specially customised Jeep Wrangler Polar Edition model which is based on the architecture of the Jeep Wrangler Sahara models.

Bentley Continental GT Speed For 2015

Bentley has updated the Continental GT Speed for the 2014 model year by giving it even more power, making it the company’s quickest production model ever.

Volkswagen Polo Range Updated For 2014

Volkswagen will be introducing in Geneva next week a number of their updated members of the recently facelifted Polo lineup.

Mini Paceman JCW Reviewed

David recently had the pleasure of driving the Mini Paceman JCW and according to him you can view the car as the latest version of the Apple iPad. Its good to look at, feels nice and its a cool toy to have. But do you need it? You can read more about that in his review.

Mini Paceman JCW Review

Mini is a very interesting brand. As a marketing case study, it’s fascinating to see how a car company can sell a lifestyle along with a vehicle and the entire range is aimed at the young and young-at-heart. I spend a week with the Mini Paceman JCW.

Mini – Not So Mini Anymore

Personally I quite like how Mini as a brand has broadened its appeal with newer and bigger models. The Cooper S hatch is a terrific piece of kit, but a tiny boot and near useless back seats render it impractical for many fans of the brand. Enter the Countryman, essentially a bigger and more practical vehicle aimed at the family market. I drove this vehicle on launch back in 2010 and was rather impressed with its All4 all-wheel drive system and extra interior space. Roll on 2014 and I find myself behind the wheel of the latest in Mini’s arsenal – the two-door Paceman, here in John Cooper Works guise.

It’s quite a looker if I’m honest. I spent about half an hour admiring it from different angles and its funky shape makes most other road vehicles citizens of Blandville. Perhaps it was a combination of the Chili red paint and John Cooper Works fast bits like wheels and black bonnet stripes which made the Paceman stand out.

Mini Paceman JCW – Power

You’ll have noticed I’ve said John Cooper Works a few times already. Simply put, you see a Mini with a JCW badge and you know it has been tuned to be a bit of a rocket. In JCW guise, the Mini Cooper S becomes a road rocket with ridiculous performance. Does the JCW added goodness make the Paceman fast? Sadly, no.

It may have 160 kW and 280 Nm from its 1.6-litre turbocharged motor, but the dimensions and mass combine to penalise the out-and-out performance of the Mini Paceman JCW. That mass and the gearbox then work together to destroy the claimed fuel consumption. The best I could get was 11.5l/100km.

Gearbox and Sport Mode

Don’t be disheartened. The Mini Paceman JCW is still an entertaining drive, provided you drive it with Sport mode engaged and the auto gearbox is set to Sport too. The result is a sharper throttle response, heavier steering plus delicious exhaust backfires and pops when you come off the throttle. Nothing turns heads quite like a backfiring, bright red Mini driving through Sea Point.

Speaking of gearbox, the steering wheel gearbox paddle design really has to change. The modern world has grown accustomed to the ethos of pull right paddle to shift up, pull left paddle to shift down. Not this pull left or right to change up, push left or right button (linked to the paddle) to change down.

All-wheel Drive Ability

What makes this particular Mini Paceman JCW quite entertaining is its all-wheel drive system. It’s called All4 and is quite useful. While I didn’t push the car hard enough around corners to feel it work, I did however do a bit of beach driving. The looks you get from serious offroad vehicle owners is priceless. While it may lack ground clearance, the system works fine and firmer beaches are navigable. Gravel roads are a dream, but don’t expect to get out of the softer sand though…

Interior

The interior is unmistakably Mini. Which doesn’t bode well if you’re not familiar with the arrangements. For a first timer, the Mini centre console is dominated by a massive speedometer which incorporates the excellent iDrive system from parent company BMW. The iDrive system is controlled using a tiny stalk located near the oddly shaped handbrake. Old school aircraft-style switches are a cute touch. Leather seats are nice, but I would expect sports seats given the nature of the JCW. The thing here is the interior, while funky and cool, feels a tad cheap. Cheap isn’t something you want to hear when you’re paying a large amount of money for a car.

Optional Extras Galore

That said, you large amount of money does get you loads of kit as standard, with plenty of options to tick. As standard, you’re getting run-flat tyres, multifunction steering wheel, a basic sound system and automatic air conditioning which isn’t bad. However this is a media vehicle which has been specced to the hilt.

There’s a pano roof for the driver and rear passengers, sun protection glazing, anti dazzle mirrors (handy at night), park distance control, integrated compass in the rearview mirror, rain sensitive wipers, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, heated seats for driver and passenger, Harmon Kardon audio, satellite navigation, and some very cool Mini connected smartphone integration.

Mini Paceman JCW Price in South Africa

This particular Mini Paceman JCW is understandly pricier than the standard model. The Mini Paceman JCW Steptronic retails for R482 900, whereas this particular test unit with its myriad of extras comes in at a hefty R532 650.

Summary and conclusion

Think of the Mini Paceman JCW as the latest version of the Apple iPad. It’s good to look at, feels nice and it’s a cool toy to have. Do you need it? Probably not. For almost R500 000 there are many cars out there which offer better everything, including some from the parent company itself. A base model BMW X3, or a fully-kitted BMW X1 offer just as much car with arguably a more luxurious interior. Can these two offerings touch the Mini Paceman JCW for cool factor? Not a chance…

MINI Paceman JCW Specifications

Engine	1.6 litre turbocharged inline-4 petrol
Power	160 kW @ 6 100 rpm
Torque	280 Nm @ 2 100 rpm
Transmission	Six-speed automatic steptronic
Wheels	18-inch
0-100km/h (Claimed)	6.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy	7.9l/100km (claimed on the combined cycle)

We like:
– Quirkiness / Cool factor
– Rip-roaring snorting engine
– All-wheel drive
– Smartphone integration. The MINI App for iPhone is simply brilliant.

We dislike:
– Indecisive gearbox means you can’t exploit the car’s engine and chassis fully
– Terrifying price tag once options are loaded
– Very few men drive Minis. No idea why.

MINI Paceman JCW Also consider
BMW X3
BMW X1
Citroen DS5

MINI Paceman JCW Gallery

Volkswagen Polo Range Updated For 2014

Volkswagen will be introducing a number of their updated sub-compact Polo models at next weeks Geneva Motor Show.

The updated Volkswagen Polo line-up features new EU-6 engines that help lower fuel consumption by up to 21 percent. The cars also treat drivers with new infotainment and assistance technologies, features that are normally found on larger and pricier vehicles.

Volkswagen Polo TSI BlueMotion

The Polo TSI BlueMotion is equipped with a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 66 kW of power. With a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 L/100 km the company claims its the thriftiest petrol-powered five-seater in the world.

Volkswagen Polo TDI BlueMotion

The Polo TDI BlueMotion on the other hand makes use of a three-cylinder 1.4-litre with 55 kW and consumes 3.1 litres-/100 km on the European driving cycle. The model also delivers 1400 kilometres of driving range.

Volkswagen CrossPolo

The 2014 sub-compact crossover vehicle gets refreshed with a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels, body cladding on the lower areas of the bumpers, sills and around the wheelhouses, new colours in its paint palate and fresh seat materials.

Theres also a new steering wheel, updated gear and parking brake and silver inserts on the roof rails mirror housings and both bumpers new wheels and smoked rear lights.

Volkswagen Polo GTI BlueGT

The range-topping BlueGT derivative benefits from a lowered ride height, 17-inch rims, more muscular bumpers, wider side sills and a rear spoiler positioned above the tailgate.

Power comes from an updated 4-cylinder 1.4-litre direct-injection engine that now delivers 110 kW instead of the previous 103 kW. It benefits from the cylinder shut-off mechanism/active cylinder management which allows the model to return 4.8-litres/100 km with the standard six-speed manual transmission.

Technology

All of these new Polo models including the Polo TSI BlueMotion, Polo TDI BlueMotion, Polo BlueGT and CrossPolo models offer a range of driving, convenience and safety technologies which are unique in this class. These comprise of a new electro-mechanical steering system which improves the drive; City Emergency Braking, Automatic Post-Collision Braking and a Driver Alert System. Drivers can even get electronically-controlled dampers on the Polo GT.

The infotainment line-up was also reconfigured and it consists of three radio/CD systems (Touch, Colour, Media), and a radio/CD navigation system (“Discover Media”).