Volkswagen Golf GTD

As the new GTI hits the road for the first time its sister car has been unveiled at the Leipzig Motor Show: the new diesel-powered Golf GTD.

The ability to accelerate to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph are combined with average fuel consumption of 53.3 mpg and a range in excess of 650 miles on a single tank of fuel to create a hot hatch of the moment.

Lessons learned through the creation of the sixth generation GTI are applied to the new GTD. Sharp responses and an agile chassis complement the car’s substantial torque which is available from as low as 1,750 rpm.

Powering the new GTD is a refined 2.0-litre (1,968 cc) common rail TDI engine, producing 170 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque. Driving through a six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox, this translates to effortless performance with CO₂ emissions of just 139 g/km.

Maintaining the sharp responses expected of the GTD is suspension lowered by 15 mm when compared to the standard Golf. In addition, Volkswagen’s innovative Adaptive Chassis Control system (ACC), featuring pneumatically controlled damper units, can be specified on the GTD. This allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey.

The Golf GTD’s appearance will differ significantly from that of the standard Golf’s. It gains the GTI’s honeycomb grille, badge-style and front-end design, though with the addition of chrome rather than red highlights. At the back, full body-coloured bumpers make the GTD appear lower and wider than it really is, while the Golf’s standard wheels are replaced with unique 17-inch ‘Seattle Black’ alloys. Inside, the main contact points are unique to the Golf GTD – a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a GTD gearshift and a standard tartan interior. The tartan finish is subtly different from that in the GTI, being grey, white and black, rather than red, white and black.

As with the entire Golf range, the new GTD will feature class-leading levels of safety with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags, including for the first time a knee airbag, all standard. The Golf was recently awarded a maximum five-star rating by the EuroNCAP crash testing agency.

UK buyers will be able to order a Golf GTD from the end of April. Prices are yet to be confirmed but will start at under £22,000.

FIFTH GENERATION POLO UNVEILED

The fifth generation of Volkswagen’s evergreen supermini, the Polo, has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, 34 years after the original went on sale in the UK. It’s sharper, lighter, safer and more cutting edge than ever before and is set to establish new standards in the small car class. Not only does the new Polo weigh 7.5 per cent less than the vehicle it replaces – despite being marginally wider and longer – but it’s also stronger, promises greater refinement and efficiency and features new packaging to make it the most versatile iteration yet.

The stylish Polo debuts a new look as well as highly efficient TSI and common rail TDI engines to set new benchmarks in efficiency – bettering even the high standards set by the outgoing car. In addition, advanced safety systems and an all-new construction allow it to meet the criteria for the recently introduced five-star EuroNCAP standard.

Continuing the programme of efficiency improvements established by Volkswagen, the new Polo is powered by a mix of advanced naturally aspirated 1.2- and 1.4-litre engines as well as a new turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI petrol unit joining another all-new 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine. All are equipped with either five- or six-speed manual gearboxes as standard and, for the first time on the Polo, selected variants can be specified with Volkswagen’s advanced and lightweight seven-speed DSG gearbox.

A Polo BlueMotion model will also join the range shortly after launch. Powered by a highly efficient 1.6-litre 90 PS TDI common rail diesel engine and linked to a five-speed gearbox with lengthened ratios in third, fourth and fifth, the new BlueMotion achieves 74 mpg while emitting just 96 g/km of CO₂ – bettering the outgoing Polo BlueMotion model which is itself one of the most fuel efficient vehicles currently on sale.

The gains in efficiency don’t stop there: in 2010 the second generation BlueMotion will follow. Shown as a concept car at Geneva, and equipped with an all-new 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 75 PS, the BlueMotion II will be capable of returning 85 mpg on the combined cycle while generating just 87 g/km of CO₂. Making this possible is a package of modifications including the new engine, automatic Stop-Start and regenerative braking, a gearbox with revised ratios, optimised aerodynamics beneath the vehicle, suspension lowered by 15 mm and the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres.

Production of the new Polo for the UK market starts this summer before first deliveries take place in October. Prices will be announced nearer this time.

VOLKSWAGEN REVEALS MID-ENGINED ROADSTER

Volkswagen is taking the North American International Auto Show in Detroit by storm this year with the world debut of an all-new mid-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster concept.

Named Concept BlueSport to define its environmental and sporting aspirations, the two-seat roadster, combines a highly efficient, mid-mounted common rail diesel engine with a lightweight chassis structure to put the emphasis on simplicity and sharp dynamics.

The Concept BlueSport is fitted with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre TDI engine which produces 180 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox and sees the Concept BlueSport accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and go on to a top speed of 140 mph.

Despite its sporting focus the adoption of lightweight materials, coupled with a 45:55 weight distribution and multi-link rear suspension allows Concept BlueSport to strike a balance between agility and economy – the Concept emits just 113 g/km of CO₂, while returning 65 mpg on the combined cycle. To improve fuel economy and emissions further the ‘Eco’ mode function can be engaged to activate an automatic Stop-Start system and braking energy regeneration.

Styled by a team led by Director of Design for Volkswagen, Klaus Bischoff and Director of the Design Centre in Potsdam, Thomas Ingenlath, Concept BlueSport combines an elegant profile with a purposeful stance, clean surfaces and innovative design details.

Finished in metallic ‘Flex Silver’ with a contrasting orange retractable fabric roof, Concept BlueSport marks an evolution of Volkswagen design with short front and rear overhangs complemented by a set of unique multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. The rear features distinctive high-intensity LED light clusters above an aerodynamic diffuser which incorporates twin tailpipes.

Measuring 3,990 mm in length, 1,260 mm high and 1,745 mm wide the Concept BlueSport is shorter than a Golf yet almost as wide. Despite the modest proportions the Concept BlueSport retains practical features such as a 112-litre loadspace under the bonnet and an additional 70-litres in the rear boot.

The colour of the Concept BlueSport’s orange roof continues inside, with subtle styling and cabin lighting accents. The stylish lightweight sports seats are upholstered in black leather, while the dash-mounted touchscreen gives access to all information and entertainment functions.

The Concept BlueSport is a design study with no immediate plans for production. While it draws inspiration from the past it serves to reinterpret the concept of a mid-engined Volkswagen sports car.