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5 Quick Facts About the Volkswagen Arteon
Another car that will be gracing the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March is the Volkswagen Arteon. More than a week before the big event, Volkswagen released the teaser images of the car through a sketch as well as closeup look at its front grille and taillights.
1. About the Car’s Name
The Volkswagen Arteon’s name is derived from the words “art” and “eon”. “Art” points out to the stylish lines and curves of the car. On the other hand, “eon” refers to its status as a premium model.
2. Arteon in the Volkswagen Hierarchy
According to a report, the Volkswagen Arteon is referred to by its maker as a fastback. The auto is the successor of the CC sedan and a notch above the Passat midsize sedan. The car is based on the Sport Coupe GTE Concept shown in the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
3. Design of the Arteon
As seen in the spy photos, the Volkswagen Arteon sports a futuristic design. The headlamps appear to be integrated in both ends of the car’s radiator grille. VW claimed that the Arteon will possess their latest generation of driver assistance systems while the front and back lighting system come in LED.
Despite the compact styling of the fastback, VW said that the vehicle offers a spacious interior. That is thanks to the MQB platform of the auto, which was adapted from the Passat. Expect the same level of interior elements and tech from the Passat to be carried over to the Arteon too.
4. Engine
The US market-bound Arteon might be equipped with a 2.0-liter TSI engine with an output of more than 270 bhp. It should be noted though that the test mules of the car that we have seen so far in a series of spy shots were using a watered down version of the engine with 190 bhp. All that power is distributed via a 7-speed DSG dual clutch automatic gearbox.
5. Competition
The Arteon aims to rival the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe when it comes out of the market.
4 Things To Take Note Of In The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R-Line
By the end of 2016, we saw the Volkswagen Golf get its much-needed mid-life cycle facelift. All models under the Golf line got upgraded, both in the exterior and a bit of its interior. What we’re surprised is that Volkswagen did not seem interested to promote the R-line of its Golf model.
Apparently, you can now get the VW Golf with the R-line package, which is a bit like getting the GTI/R (because of the sportiness of the package) minus the upgrade on the powertrains. Here are three things you need to take note of with the VW Golf R-line based on a source:
1. Exterior
The R-line package can be applied both on the hatchback and the wagon segments. This caters to the needs of drivers who want all the sportiness and the design of the higher-end models, without necessarily the upgrades in the engine and power.
The R-line package brings to the table the following upgrades on the exterior: redesigned front and back bumpers, sill extensions in glossy black, and new rear spoiler with aero flaps. There is also the option to have a diffuser at the back with the trapezoidal exhaust tips with chrome finish.
2. Interior
Inside, you can find that the compact has a slew of changes such as stainless steel door sill panels, foot rest, pedal caps, sport seats, and black roofline. You also have the option to have leather seats instead of the sport seats. Then, there are also what they call the “decorative inlays,” which basically means these: floor mats, contrast stitching for the gear shifter, and a sportier steering wheel with the R-line badge,
3. Pricing
The R-line package is fully customizable, pricing wise. Owners can just choose to have the exterior treatment, which is priced at €1,295 or €1,105 in Germany for the Comfortline and Highline models, respectively.
If you want the full package, you can get it for €2,295 for the entry-level specs and €1,800 for the Highline.
4. Photos
Check out the imgages of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf with the R-Line package in the gallery below:
3 Must-Knows About the Volkswagen Atlas SUV In R-Line Attire
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit is where Volkswagen’s much-anticipated seven-seater SUV is going to be seen once more. Together with the regular Atlas is the R-Line package, which we can expect to be launched later in the year.
The regular Volkswagen Atlas will be available in five trim levels, and will arrive as a 2018 model in spring, according to reports. The R-Line package, expected to arrive by the year’s end, will only be available in the upper SE and SEL trim levels.
Exterior
The R-Line aims to add a touch of sportiness to the already well-equipped and functional Atlas. For the exterior, the package will boost the Atlas with 20-inch aluminum-alloy twin-spoke wheels, new front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, and air intakes and rear with a diffuser design. Of course, never to forget is the R-Line badging that would essentially separate this from the regular Atlas.
Interior
The changes inside the cabin are not that much. In a nutshell, it has a small R clip on the steering wheel, stainless steel pedal covers, and an R-line logo on the infotainment screen when the vehicle starts up. This pack is available for all powertrains, whether the four- or six-cylinder engines with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Powertrain
That being said, there’s nothing new with Atlas R-line’s powertrain. Under the hood, you’ll find the same engine as non-R-line models: there’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder engine gives off 235 horsepower while the V-6 produces 276 horsepower. Standard to both engines is the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is what’s packing in the four-cylinder engine while the 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available for the V-6 engine.
Pricing for the R-line Atlas has not been revealed for now, but let’s wait if we’ll get more details at the Detroit Auto Show.
5 Important Pointers About The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen has worked hard to bridge the gap between the current Tiguan and the Touareg. What came out of their effort is this crossover: a second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan that has an increased overall length, has more cargo space, and has a seven-seater option.
1. It Uses The MQB Platform
The modular components for VW Group’s MQB platform are being utilized extensively by the German company. Since 2012, the group sold 28 models and a total of 4.6 million vehicles that used this chassis. What all MQB-based vehicles have in common are the transverse engine and transmission orientation. From there, the cars are free to do anything: front- or all-wheel drive, three-, four-, or six-cylinder, and variations in wheelbases, tracks and exterior dimension.
2. It Has The “German Engineering” Driving Experience
This means that you’ll get to experience what it feels like to handle a German-made car—from the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the well-bolstered driver’s seat to the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system that perfects rounds on snowy roads, the dry-paved roads, and even off-road conditions. When driving on a highway, you can choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom operating modes.
3. It Can Only Produce 180 Horsepower
It may be outfitted with VW’s new EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, but it will only be able to produce 180 horsepower, 16 horsies less than the current Tiguan. VW said this was done for the greater good—increased torque and better fuel efficiency. The exact figures, however, have not been released.
4. It Has A Cabin That Rivals Most Luxury Sedans
Inside the new Tiguan, you’ll find some of the most luxurious elements of a crossover—an 8-inch centrally-located touchscreen with infotainment volume and tuning, and a second screen display between the speedometer and tachometer. The first screen shows a compass, steering angle, pitch and roll angles, and engine oil temperature. The second display has the navigation, trip, and mileage information.
5. It Can Accommodate Up To 7 People
To be clear, the crossover is unlike the Honda Pilot, Ford Flex, and Buick Enclave when it comes to cabin length and width. It just sits a little above the Mitsubishi Outlander, though seven people with normal stature can fit into the new Tiguan.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S vs Ford Focus RS
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S was a product of the Golf GTI and the Golf GTI Clubsport. There is a lot of history here, mainly the Golf GTI’s inability to function better than the four-wheel-drive R model. And then, when the Clubsport Edition was introduced, Volkswagen wanted more for its Golf segment.
The Golf GTI Clubsport S packs the third-generation EA888 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox that produces 306 horsepower. This exceptional lap time wasn’t purely from the engine or the lightweight material (it weighs only 1,285 kg) used on the Golf GTI Clubsport S. There were a lot of modifications in the materials, rear seats, boot floor, load cover, and bonnet damper.
According to Volkswagen, the Clubsport S can go 62mph in 5.8 seconds from complete rest. That’s not too bad considering it costs the same as the Honda Civic Type R and the Ford Focus RS at $37,800.
Ford Focus RS
Any modern hatchback would have specialized engines and structural reinforcements—all of which the Ford Focus RS comes packing in. The Ford Focus RS is the first Focus with an all-wheel drive, so what Ford did is to apply a thicker steel between the rear suspension turrets. That explains the extra torsional body stiffness.
Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that has been developed for the Mustang and redeveloped by Cosworth. The engine can produce 345 horsepower and 325 lb. ft. of torque, which is honestly quite powerful for a hatchback.
Inside the Ford Focus RS, the cabins are significantly inferior to the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A 45, but definitely a step up from the Renault Megane RS 275. The only thing we did not like about it is that leg room is a little bit smaller because of the more sophisticated rear axle.
Like the Golf GTI Clubsport S, the Ford Focus S is priced at $37,800. Other rivals are the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the Audi RS3, both around $12,500 more expensive.
4 Things To Know About The 2018 Volkswagen Arteon
Volkswagen confirmed on Monday that it now has a successor for the CC sedan. Called the Volkswagen Arteon, the automaker has been testing prototypes for the car for close to a year now, but assured that it will be more handsome (design-wise) than its predecessor.
1. Concept
The design of the Volkswagen Arteon will be slightly similar to the Sport Coupe GTE concept that was revealed during the 2015 Geneva Auto Show. Based on the concept, the German automaker is planning a more dynamic look for the Arteon so it can stand on its own despite almost coming very close to looking like the more mainstream Passat.
The flexible MQB platform will be stretched to an overall length of 190 inches and a wheelbase of 119 inches to accommodate the Arteon. This means we can expect a more spacious cabin compared to the CC, which only measures 189 inches in length and has a wheelbase of 107 inches.
2. Powertrains
If you are familiar with the Passat being sold overseas, then you’ll find the same powertrain options for the Volkswagen Arteon. It’s a series of turbocharged inline-4s with the range topper being an Arteon GTE plug-in hybrid model.
It can be recalled that the Sport Coupe GTE concept also featured a plug-in hybrid that combined a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine with a pair of electric motors. Like many other automakers, VW hopes this would create a “through-the-road” hybrid all-wheel-drive setup. The Arteon GTE, however, will most probably come with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 and single electric motor.
3. Release date
The 2017 Geneva Auto Show in March would most likely be the place where we’ll finally get to see the 2018 Arteon. Currently, VW isn’t sure yet if this will be brought to the US or if it will stay in European shores since the CC was never really a big hit in the US. Still, the German automaker needs to fill the sedan segment in the country.
4. Spy Shots
Here are some spy shots from Autoblog of the upcoming car:
Hyundai i30 Wagon vs Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Hyundai i30 Wagon
The third generation of Hyundai’s resident hatchback is here, and boy, do we love its elegant and sporty interior coupled with the classic space wagon design on the outside. The Hyundai i30, as it is called in the rest of the world (it’s referred to as the Elantra GT in the US), is a four-door hatchback with an angular look on the outside and a cleaner and modern layout on the inside.
Wagons used to be a big thing in the US, but their appeal has already faded. That’s not to say the i30 Wagon won’t have any competition. This aggressive and funky exterior will be challenged by the likes of Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen and the BMW 3 Series Wagon.
Inside, you’ll find a slew of tech features such as a rearview camera, phone connectivity via Bluetooth, USB, Android Auto or Apple Car Play. Under the hood, the i3 will be equipped with the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that can produce 138 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
It is expected that the i30 will have a starting price of $23,000, which is cheaper than the 3 Series Wagon and the Volvo V60, but a little more expensive than the Sportwagen.
Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Unlike the i30 Wagon, the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen will only receive its update for the 2018 model year. It was last upgraded in 2014, which means there is at least a three-year gap in terms of these two cars’ designs. In terms of styling, the Sportwagen definitely has a quieter appeal than the i30.
But if you are more concerned with the interior and the power, then you have to give this Sportwagen a second glance. The interior is equipped with a three-spoke steering wheel, Alcatara-wrapped center section, a center console with a large touchscreen, and HVAC controls,. Other features include the 12-way power driver’s seat, a panoramic moonroof, and Climatronic auto climate control.
Under the hood, the Sportwagen will receive power from the 1.8-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that coughs up 170 horsepower. There are two transmissions available: a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The base price for the Golf Sportwagen is $21,395.
4 Facts About The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Finally, Volkswagen unveiled its 2018 Atlas, a three-row, seven-seater SUV that the German automaker hopes would play a major role in the SUV segment in the United States. This was first previewed in 2013 by the CrossBlue concept.
According to a report, the SUV made its world debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, and will be expected in showrooms in the spring of 2017. Built at the Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas will arrive as a 2018 model.
1. Based on MQB Platform
Similar to the Golf and other Volkswagen models, the Atlas is going to be made from the MQB platform, the largest version available to make a case to be the segment’s most value- and family-oriented SUV. It is expected to go against the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, the Chevrolet Traverse and the Honda Pilot.
2. Largest Vehicle of VW
With measurements of 198.3 inches in length, 77.9 in width and 69.6 in height, the Volkswagen Atlas is the biggest vehicle in the VW fleet. It has an airy cabin that was almost based on the CrossBlue concept. It features massive knobs, large touchscreen infotainment system, as well as wood trims on the console.
3. Two Powertrain Options
Once launched, the Atlas will have two powertrains. The base is the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that can produce 238 horsepower. The second option is the 3.6-liter V-6 that can cough up 280 horsepower. Initially, Volkswagen wanted to release a diesel option, but the recent scandal hounding it proved too much for the company. Fuel-conscious buyers need not fret because there might be a hybrid option in the future.
A front-wheel drive will be paired with the inline-4 while the V-6 has an option of an all-wheel drive. The 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard. VW said that EPA ratings will be announced when its nearing market release.
4. A/V Tech is Topnotch
Tech items include Fender audio system with 12 speakers, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features include forward collision warning, blind spot and lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Volkswagen Golf Gets a New Facelift
The Volkswagen Golf has been around since the middle of 1970s, so there’s a certain standard expected from it. The current model was introduced at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, and some exciting changes were seen for the 2017 model year.
Volkswagen introduced a new front fascia, headlights, infotainment system, engine options and safety features in the Golf. These make the Volkswagen Golf the sportiest vehicle in its segment, according to a source.
Exterior
The most popular change on the Golf’s exterior is the sportier front fascia and bigger air dam. The chrome grille now extends into the headlights through the sporty LED stripe that surrounds the bottom and outer edges of each headlight bulb.
Models with the adaptive cruise control or front assist will include a hidden radar sensor behind the VW emblem. Overall, the new model has a sportier appeal than the old one. Though not much changed at the rear, the new models come standard with LED taillights. Higher-end models have Individual LED for taillight and brake lights to differentiate them from the lower models.
Interior
There are no drastic changes in the interior of the new Golf, though there are new decorative trim panels for the dash, doors and center console. The seats also have new covers and trimmings.
The infotainment system is where Volkswagen focused its attention. Thanks to the next generation of MID infotainment systems, Discover and Composition Media systems of the Golf now enjoys 8-inch touchscreen while the Discover Pro system has 9.2-inch touchscreen. It boasts of the touch and voice command operation too.
These new systems bring the Golf to the modern age, and put it atop competitions based on features, design and functionality.
Drivetrain
Volkswagen will not disappoint with the changes it made under the Golf’s hood. It has a new 1.5-liter TSI EVO gasoline engine that can produce 147 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque. In addition, it now offers the 1.5-liter TSI, a BlueMotion 1.5-liter Diesel with an output of 128 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque.
Lastly, there’s the GTI, which would be at part with last year’s GTI model. All these models come standard with six-speed dual clutch transmission.
3 Things to Expect in the Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf will have a mid-cycle update this year. The new Golf will come out next month.
Based from the information we gathered from sources, here are the three things we expect from the new VW Golf:
1. Exterior Updates
The updates in the exterior of the upcoming Golf will only be minor. Look forward to its new headlights, taillights, LED running lights, and bumpers.
2. Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
The interior of the new Golf will have plenty of upgrades though. The most notable change within the VW Golf will come from its new system called the “Volkswagen Digital Cockpit,” based on an insider source.
The system is VW’s version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The system will have either a 9.5-inch or 12.5-inch display plus a new infotainment system. Expect the Digital Cockpit to carry many new elements featured in the touchscreen display of the Volkswagen Golf R Touch Concept that was showcased at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show.
3. Powertrain
The new Golf will likely get new fuel-efficient powertrains. The most frugal unit will be fitted with a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. It should be reminded that the power unit used to be in the Up! and Polo models.
The performance variant Golf GTI will possibly retain its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder unit. However, it might get a bump in the output from its standard 217 bhp and 227 bhp.
The report said VW might not proceed with the 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel-powered trims of the car anymore. This decision was influenced by the aftermath of the company’s diesel emissions scandal.
The bad news is that the improved powertrains will most probably be offered in Europe only. Customers in the United States will have to settle for the existing powertrains of Golf. One could only hope that VW will consider tuning the powertrains of the new Golf when it comes out in the US in order to enhance its fuel economy and reduce its carbon dioxide emission.