In the event of an accident, the driver's feet and lower legs can be at risk of injury, depending on the type and severity of the collision. In order to reduce that risk we make carefully calculated use of deformation elements for the pedals and foot rest. The deformation of the front bulkhead in the Euro NCAP offset crash test, for example, leads to deliberate free movement of the pedals above a defined force level. This disconnects the pedals from the intrusion, so they remain mobile and exercise very little force, reducing the risk of foot and lower leg injuries.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The Volkswagen Golf R, the most powerful Golf on sale, has won a prestigious TopGear Magazine award, Hot Hatch of the Year 2014.

At the heart of the Golf R is 2.0-litre 300 PS TSI, which is 30 PS more powerful and up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than the previous model.  This power is transferred to the road via the latest version of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

Commenting on the award, Ollie Marriage, Motoring Editor of TopGear Magazine stated: ‘Volkswagen has taken the already excellent GTI and left no stone unturned in its pursuit of improvement.’

The Golf R can reach 62 mph from a standing start in 5.1 seconds when mated to a manual gearbox.  A DSG dual clutch gearbox is available as an option and enables the R to complete the sprint in just 4.9 seconds.  The Golf R has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Prices start from £30,150 RRP OTR for the three-door manual model, and the Golf R is also remarkably efficient for a car with these performance credentials.  The R emits 165 g/km thanks to the Stop-Start and battery regeneration systems, and together with the optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) it has a combined average of 40.9 mpg. 

Marriage added: ‘It is the car that can do everything – 40 mpg cruiser, upmarket business chariot, winter weapon…genuine thrill provider. … Congratulations Volkswagen – the result of your efforts is the best hot hatch on sale today.’

This award is the icing on the cake for the Golf R as it has also been named top in Autocar’s Britain’s Top 50 Cars of 2014 and picked up the hot hatch award in last week’s 2014 Scottish Car of the Year Awards.

The Awards issue of BBC TopGear magazine is on sale now. 

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The convertible or cabriolet was launched in 1957. Originally only available in left-hand drive, the right-hand drive version of both models was introduced in 1959 together with a re-designed front end. New engines were introduced in 1961, 1966 and 1971 together with other styling and interior changes during its lifetime. The model ceased production on the 21st June 1974.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The latest generation of Volkswagen’s Polo GTI made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and is now available to order from Retailers across the UK, with first customer deliveries due in March 2015.  It will cost £18,850 RRP OTR for the three door manual with a £630 premium for five doors and £1,245 for the DSG gearbox.

The new Polo GTI is powered by a 1.8-litre (1,798 cc) turbocharged petrol engine delivering 192 PS between 4,200 and 6,200 rpm (5,400-6,200 DSG), marking an increase of 12 PS over the outgoing model.  And unlike the previous Polo GTI, this latest generation is available with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

With a manual gearbox, the Polo has a maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 lbs ft) available between 1,450 and 4,200 rpm.  For the DSG these figures are 250 Nm (184 lbs ft) between 1,250 and 5,300 rpm due to technical differences in the design parameters of the gearboxes. 

The Polo GTI lives up to its performance badge, reaching 62 mph from standstill in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 146 mph.  But the Polo GTI’s power does not come at the expense of efficiency, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 50.4 mpg and corresponding carbon dioxide emissions of 129 g/km for the DSG (47.1 mpg and 139 g/km for the manual).

The Polo GTI follows the design cues of its ‘big brother’, the Golf GTI.  Compared with the standard Polo, new bumpers, GTI insignia, distinctive 17-inch ‘Parabolica’ alloy wheels and red radiator grille strips and honeycomb grille distinguish it from the rest of the range, along with standard sports suspension (lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the back). 

At the front, LED lights are standard for the first time, while at the rear a GTI roof spoiler, taillight clusters in Dark Red, the black grained diffuser and chrome dual exhaust pipes continue the sporty theme.

On the inside, the Polo GTI features a leather sports steering wheel with logo and red stitching harking back to the Golf GTI, as do the gear and handbrake levers and floor mats with red beading.  The check design ‘Clark’ cloth seats with black bolsters have been a GTI emblem since the first GTI in 1976.

The Polo GTI has ESC Sport (electronic stability control).  Like on the Golf GTI this enables the ESC to be adapted for use on a track.  It works in two stages: first the traction control is switched off, then ESC Sport is activated which raises the ESC threshold and delays intervention (without ESC being completely deactivated).  XDS+ is also standard: another Golf GTI ‘import’, XDS compensates for the understeer which is typical of front-wheel drive cars, meaning driving characteristics are more precise and neutral. 

Available as an option on the new Polo GTI is a Sport Performance Pack with Dynamic Chassis Control which offers sportier steering, accelerator response and engine noise inside the car. 

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk