The trials and repercussions of the Volkswagen Group brands over emissions have been well documented but didn’t stop them becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of vehicles with 10.74-million vehicles produced last year and 4.1-million sold so far this year, writes David Miles. However for annual top-dog global sales it’s a close run thing with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance for … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen T-Roc Design 1.0TSI
The people’s car company is moving with the times in the shape of the Volkswagen T-Roc. This new to market SUV is their latest offering in a booming sector which is pushing out traditional saloons and hatchbacks in favour of more practical “tall” hatchbacks. VW has long experience in the MPV market and put that to good use developing the T-Roc and emphasises a model with a lot of … [Read more...]
Bigger, bolder, better Polo arrives
The sixth generation VW Polo has arrived in the UK bigger and better than before, says David Miles. Over 14 million Polos have been sold to date throughout five generations and in 2017 it was the UK’s seventh best-selling car with 47,855 registrations. Despite triggering the diesel emissions scandal which contributed to a fall of 17.1% in UK diesel powered car sales, Volkswagen ironically … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Tiguan Allspace
Defying the downward UK car sales trend through 2017 and rising to become the second best selling brand in the country, Volkswagen is out to make a bigger impression this year as it plugs gaps in its range. One of the spaces falls between the Tiguan SUV and the Touareg 4x4 and its about to be filled by the Tiguan Allspace. Derived from the Tiguan SUV but using the VW modular platform it has … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW up! beats 90ps
The peoples’ car is certainly all things to all men and women looking for a city car and considering the Volkswagen up! Launched in the UK in 2012, it underwent a comprehensive revamp in 2016 and there is the promise of still more to come in 2018. Essentially, the up range comprises 18 models from about £9,200 to £13,000 for the 60, 75 or 90ps petrol powered line up with an 82ps … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: VW Beetle at 80
The iconic Volkswagen Beetle is about to turn 80, but still looks and feels young, says David Miles. With more and more volume produced cars these days looking more and more alike, there are very few iconic core designs left to tempt those owners who do not want run-of-the mill designs, they are independent minded, aloof to what is the latest must-have - me-too fashionable car, hatchback, SUV … [Read more...]
New VW Golf tees off for 2017
The seventh generation VW Golf has received a mid-life refresh with more equipment, mildly refreshed styling, updated engines and on average they cost £650 less than the corresponding outgoing models, writes David Miles. Prices now start after the 1 April rise in First Year rate VED road tax costs from £17,765 for the entry level Golf S 1.0 TSI 85hp three door hatch up to £34,250 for … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Amarok Aventura 3.0V6
Big, bold and you can bet it’ll turn heads, the VW Amarok is the alternative luxury SUV, says Robin Roberts. Built with America squarely in its sight over one of the biggest bonnets you’ll ever see looming in your rear view mirror, the Amarok is for the family or business which needs capacity and doesn’t want to compromise on quality. There are 12 models in the range offered in five trim … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Passat GTE Hybrid Estate
Despite all its recent faults there is no denying that Volkswagen do make some very good cars, like the Passat Estate with the latest hybrid powertrain, says Robin Roberts. A well-designed small petrol engine seamlessly works in conjunction with an electric motor to give the medium sized Passat estate a surprisingly lively and economical performance with a low tax bill. The latest Passat … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen Move up! 1.0
Small cars can sometimes give a tester the biggest surprises, such as the Volkswagen Move up!, says Robin Roberts There are 17 models in the up! range from £9,370 to £11,750 for the 60, 75 and 90PS 1.0 petrol models and the five-door 82ps e-up! jumps to £25,280. The petrol versions come in three or five-door bodystyles with a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed sequential automatic … [Read more...]
