The first advert for the new Volkswagen Beetle has just been aired in the U.S. and VW are punting a happy vibe!

It’s been a long time coming and after all the teaser videos and Oprah giveaways, the new generationVolkswagen Beetle has finally been revealed. VW chose the Shanghai Motor Show as the first stop in the reveal, with the New York Motor Show to follow. With all the hype that has been building up around the new Beetle, VW have a tough time on their hands to live up to it.

VW have gone back to their roots for the new generation Beetle, taking design cues from the original Beetle, released over 73 years ago, as apposed to the previous Beetle released in 1998. In that regard, the new generation Beetle is longer, wider and lower which creates a more “masculine” appearance. The new generation Beetle is also a lot more practical, with 309 litres of boot space and 4 seats, with a split-fold rear seat for further utility.

Under the hood the UK version of the new Beetle comes with 4 engines to choose from; a 1.2 litre TSI, a 1.4 litre TSI, a 2.0 litre PS and a 1.6 litre BlueMotion diesel engine. VW have included Stop/Start technology and battery regeneration in the 1.6 litre which gives it an estimated fuel consumption of 4.3 litres / 100km and a CO2 emission rating of 112g/km.

You can buy VW Beetle in the States in their autumn of this year, with a release in mainland Europe in early 2012. No word is out on a local release yet, but it will likely be soon after it arrives in Europe.

Source: Volkswagen

Even though it is only set to make its world debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on the 3rd of March, here is a sneak peak at VW’s 2012 Tiguan . This latest Tiguan comes with a number of small changes and upgrades and will no doubt maintain the current Tiguans popularity on South African roads.

The grille has been revamped and brought in line with Volkswagens other new models and includes 2 horizontal chrome strips that run between the headlights. Those headlights are now available in daytime running LED’s in combination with Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS (advanced headlight system) in the SEL model.

VW also note that the fuel economy has been improved, and while the official EPA figures have not yet been released, VW claim that the 2012 Tiguan clocks in at 8.1 litres/100km highway driving. This is quite an improvement over the previous 9.4 litres/100km, which is not bad for its class.

Rounding off the list of changes, the new Tiguan also comes with a number of premium features as standard, including: Bluetooth connectivity, aux-in, heated side view mirrors, 6 airbags and an 8-speaker radio system. There are some new paint colour options to choose from but otherwise that just about raps up the new 2012 VW Tiguan. Check back here for information on a local release date and pricing once that information is available.

Source: VW

VW roll out the 2012 Jetta GLI with the hope of making the most differentiated Jetta they have ever produced, combining comfort, sophistication and performance in a sleek package. The Jetta has always been a solid family car, with impressive fuel economy, space and comfort. The updated model does definitely have a sleeker and sportier look which could increase its appeal to a younger audience.

Under the hood the 2012 Jetta GLI packs a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, capable of generating 200 hp at 1700rpm. This impressive power train results in improved performance, power and responsiveness. Additional performance options include: a 4-way Independent Performance Suspension, DSG automatic gearbox with wheel mounted paddles and XDS cross differential system to prevent inside wheel spin while cornering.

While the official EPA fuel economy figures are not yet in, the Jetta GLI is expected to come in at 7.8 litres per 100km for highway driving on the manual transmission, while the automatic transmission clocks in at slightly less economical. The fuel economy is helped by the weight of the car which has been significantly reduced compared to the previous model although being 2.9 inches longer.

The other obvious selling point of a car like the Jetta is the safety features. The 2012 Jetta GLI pulls out all the stops, with electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, airbags for the driver, front passenger and Side Curtain protection for the front and rear passengers. Most impressive of the safety features though is VW’s own advanced Intelligent Crash Response System which kicks in during certain collisions. The system automatically cuts off the electrical supply to the fuel pump, the doors unlock and the hazard lights are turned on.

The Volkswagen Jetta is already a solid car and the 2012 GLI simply improves things even further. The exterior styling of the car has also been improved to result in a much more aggressive and sporty look. Overall the new Jetta combines comfort, affordability, styling, safety and a fair amount of performance into a very complete and impressive new or used car.

No date or price has been made for South African buyers yet, stay tuned for further information as it becomes available.

Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen South Africa have announced a strategic partnership with local rock band; The Parlotones. As noted in a previous post, this trend is becoming more popular, with Opel teaming up with singer Katie Melua.

VW note that the synergy will work as both brands have become benchmarks in their respective fields. Lead singer of the Parlotones; Kahn Morbee notes: “We are extremely excited to enter into a partnership with a like-minded brand that has the courage to pursue innovative ideas in an uncharted creative space.”

The band members of the Parlotones will drive around in a number of VW vehicles, including the new Toureg, Scirocca, CC and Golf GTI. The Parlotones seem to be endorsing far too many products these days, from KFC meals, to Laptops to “A giant mistake” branded red wine. For each product they endorse, the effect of the partnership is diminished, so it remains to be seen just how much positive association Volkswagen will get from this deal, with the Parlotones branded associated on so many other products.

Source: Volkswagen

Being in the audience during Oprah’s favorite things show is a guarantee you are going to go home with a lot of new goodies and gifts. This particular show was topped off by a sneak peak silhouette of the new Volkswagen 2012 Beetle, followed by Oprah giving all 275 audience members the yet to be released vehicle.

Volkswagen has once again updated the iconic Beetle, as it has been 12 years since the “New Beetle” was released. The 2012 Beetle is once again completely reinvented and redesigned by the same engineers and designers that made the GTI and CC. The 2012 Beetle is a lot more aggressive and sportier, especially compared to its predecessor; the “cartoon-like” 2008 Beetle.

The 2012 VW Beetle will only be fully revealed around April next year and then available in dealerships in America around September. As usual we will have to wait for details on a South African release date, as well as pricing. As more information comes in, you will find it at Cars.co.za

Source: Volkswagen

The amount of kilometers that you can squeeze out of a tank of fuel is becoming a huge draw for new and used car buyers, not that fuel economy of a vehicle is a new thing, it’s just a lot more of a concern these days. To this end we have fuel economy runs, to see just what these vehicles are capable of, assuming the vehicles mpg rating is not a good enough indication.

On one such run that recently took place, a Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion set a new Guinness world record for the longest distance traveled on a single tank of fuel for a standard passenger car. The Passat BlueMotion traveled from Kent to the South of France and back, a total of 1562 miles, or roughly 2457km, an incredible feat. The Passat BlueMotion was the standard model 1.6 liter TDI and traveled at an average speed of 72km/h.

Volkswagen attribute the Passat BlueMotion’s impressive fuel economy with the following factors: Aerodynamic modifications to the bodywork, lower ride height, Stop/Start technology, programmed battery charging, longer gearing and low rolling resistance tyres. These features are also available in the VW Golf BlueMotion and Polo BlueMotion.

To ensure that everything was legit, the vehicle was trailed by 2 AA patrolmen to accredit the record. The fuel tank was completely drained and then filled with 77 liters of standard forecourt diesel. For this economy run, the vehicle ran at a ridiculous 89.83 miles per gallon, which is significantly higher than its official combined figure of 64.2mpg.

Well done to the guys at VW for creating such an economical vehicle and credit must also go out to the driver for having the patience to drive at such a slow speed for the 3 days it took to complete this economy run.

Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen are a massive brand world wide and their appeal is not lost on South African drivers who seem to love anything with the VW logo on it, so it’s a sure bet that the release of the new Passat will have a lot of people smiling. While the Passat model is nowhere near as popular as the Polo or Golf, it does fit into a somewhat different niche, catering to a slightly older more discerning driver. As with many other Volkswagen vehicles, the Passat has a long history, with the model spanning 37 years of production and endless kilometers up and down South Africa’s roads.

The 7th generation Passat has undergone a completely revamped look and styling, with a new front grille element and horizontal chrome fins finished at the front, with the back featuring distinctive rear tail lights and subtle chrome highlights. Inside the car, the Passat is decked out with new seats, which can be set to heating or cooling and just to top it off, have a massager function for the driver and front passenger seat. Another clear indication that the Passat definitely caters to a different customer compared to that of the Golf, Polo and Scirocco.

Under the hood, the new Passat comes with a range of petrol and diesel engine options as one would expect. With the most efficient of the lot being the 1.6 liter TDI, which when combined with VW’s BlueMotion package that includes; aerodynamic modifications and start/stop and battery regeneration, all come together to enable the Passat to hit a combined fuel efficiency of just 68.8mpg and a CO2 emission rating of just 109g/km.

You expect the Passat to be fitted to the max with safety features, and this rings true for the 7th generation model. First on the list is an optional “City emergency breaking system” which applies the brakes (only if the vehicle is traveling below 18mph) if an unavoidable collision is detected in front of the vehicle. In the same way, if the system detects a collision from the rear, it will automatically accelerate in an attempt to avoid the collision. Another rather cheeky safety feature comes in the form of an optional fatigue sensor, which monitors the driver’s inputs and lets the driver know if the system believes the driver should take a break. Time will tell just how accurately this feature performs.

And lastly, if there was any doubt as to who VW was targeting the new Passat at (read: Shopping moms), here is the final clue: as long as the Passat is equipped with keyless entry, the driver, who is carrying the key fob, can open the boot by a simple foot movement aimed at the rear end of the vehicle. VW note how this is a “useful function when your hands are full”, subtle Volkswagen, very subtle!

Look out for the new Passat early next year.

Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen have finally released the 2011 Touran and it has become available in the UK, with the first deliveries arriving on the 22nd of September. Which would hopefully mean it will be arriving in South Africa some time soon as well, as no one likes to wait too long for the next generation VW models to hit our shores. The 2011 Volkswagen Touran shows styling inspired by VW’s other mainstays, the Polo, Golf and Touareg, with this being most obvious in the front end. Which has retained the unmistakable Volkswagen grille, front bumper and lights found in most new VW models.

As one can expect, the biggest selling point of the Touran is it’s space and amount of passengers that can climb aboard. The new Touran has 7 seats as standard, with the third row of seats able to fold down to increase the load-space even further.

The most impressive of the engine choices in the 2011 VW Touran is the 1.6 liter 105 PS diesel which can be specified with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion technology and start/stop which combine to make the new Touran the most efficient MPV they have ever produced. Also on the list of impressive new additions is a Park-assist, which helps the driver park in parallel parking bays as well as end-on spaces.

Further engine options will be available as time goes on and as always look out for further information on the 2011 Volkswagen Touran arriving in South Africa.

Source: Volkswagen

VW have released their new 2011 Jetta and have made a strong focus on keeping the price affordable. The starting price is around $16 000, which is very cheap but obviously the price will change quite a bit once the vehicle is for sale in South Africa. The 2011 Jetta will be available in America this October, there is no date set for a South African release though.

Under the hood the US version of the Jetta will be released with 4 different engines, each available in automatic and manual, including a 2.0 turbo diesel. This engine will reach 0-100km/h in just 8.7s which is not too bad considering the price of the car. There will also be a 6 speed DSG transmission available on the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TSI.

The exterior has been completely redesigned, including the wheelbase and car length which are now both bigger. The look has been sharpened to make the Jetta look more stylish and elegant. Regarding the interior, with the extended vehicle length, the new Jetta has a massive amount of legroom, and best-in-class rear legroom. The center drivers console is aligned towards the driver and controls car climate, radio and navigation.

Lastly safety has not been ignored with the new 2011 VW Jetta and features various crash safety improvements.

Source: Volkswagen