Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR tested

The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR has successfully completed the official TCR comparison tests in Valencia.

Prior to this, the first five of 20 cars were delivered to two customers. The cars were then put through their paces during two days of testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Engstler Motorsport from Germany and the W-Racing Team from Belgium, who line up in the TCR International Series in 2016, took to the racetrack for the first time with the new 330-hp touring car.

As well as familiarising themselves with the new car, the test programme also included the obligatory Balance-of-Performance test (BOP). This meant performance tests on the test stand, car measurements to determine the car’s centre of gravity, acceleration and deceleration tests with varying amounts of ballast and an official TCR driver at the wheel. The data gathered in the BOP is analysed and used to achieve a similar level of performance between the cars of different manufacturers, thus ensuring everyone has the same chance of winning. However, this task proved far from easy as heavy rain repeatedly disrupted the two test days.

In total, eight customer sports teams will field the Golf GTI TCR in 2016: Engstler Motorsport, Kai Jordan, D&T Drive & Training (all Germany), W-Racing Team, Gtps Delahaye Racing Team (both Belgium), Milo Racing (Luxembourg), Gusto Technik Performance (Hong Kong) and Novaplus Gestao Desportiva (Portugal). The racing Golf will start in five TCR championships: in the international series, the Benelux and Asia series as well as in the German and Portuguese championships.

Eduard Weidl, Head of Customer Sports said: “The comparison tests with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR went well. We are happy, but we also know that we still have some work ahead of us – particularly when it comes to the cars’ traction. As such, the tests were very helpful and revealing. The Engstler team completed more than 50 laps with its three cars on both days, allowing it to make some valuable findings. The feedback received from the customer sports teams and drivers on the Golf GTI TCR was certainly very positive.”

Jordi Gene, test and development driver added: “The Golf GTI TCR is a real racer. Compared to last year’s concept car, we have made good progress in many areas. Thanks to the new six-speed sequential racing gearbox, an improved braking system, and modifications to the aerodynamics, the Golf is now even better to drive. We will obviously continue to work on the car throughout the season, where the regulations allow it, in order to ensure that we improve continuously. As far as performance is concerned, I am sure that the customer sports teams will be able to challenge for the championship in the various TCR series.”

Volkswagen reveals Golf GTI TCR

Volkswagen has unveiled its Golf GTI TCR (Touring Car Championship) competition car.

Riding on 18-inch racing rims and with a chassis that is roughly 40 centimetres wider than the production Golf, the huge rear wing also guarantees ‘optimal handling’. An aerodynamic front splitter and carbon rear wing are among the modifications for the racetrack, while features that ensure maximum safety for the driver are a racing seat with head protectors, racing safety cage, and an FIA-approved safety tank.

The new Golf GTI TCR includes a powerful straight four-cylinder engine, a sequential gearbox with shift paddles located on the steering wheel, and a ‘consistently developed racing chassis’. Volkswagen Motorsport developed the car in cooperation with the sport department at SEAT, using experience gained with the SEAT Leon Cup Racer. The 2-litre turbo engine with direct fuel injection is the same one used in the top sporting model, the Golf R. The racing version generates 243 kW (330 PS) and produces 410 Nm of torque.

The racetrack is not the only place the Golf GTI is celebrating its 40th birthday. To mark the anniversary, Volkswagen is launching the most powerful production GTI ever: the Golf GTI Clubsport. VW presented sketches of the new car at the GTI meeting at the Worthersee in May 2015, before unveiling a production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The 2-litre TFSI engine generates 265 PS – that is 35 PS more than the previous most powerful Golf GTI. Another feature of the turbocharged direct- injection engine is a boost function, which allows the driver to briefly increase the engine power by ten per cent to 290 PS.

Quotes on the customer sports project with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director said: “The Golf GTI TCR allows customer sports teams to partake in reasonably-priced motorsport with a Volkswagen. Furthermore, the teams can expand their motorsport commitments innumerous TCR championships, both at national and international level. "

Eduard Weidl, Head of Customer Sports added: “The use of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR in customer sports is a great opportunity, the likes of which we have not seen before on the motorsport scene at Volkswagen. When developing the technology, our main focus was on keeping the running costs at races as low as possible.”

20 Golf GTI TCRs will be built, although all have already been snapped up by private racing teams. The 2016 TCR International Series gets underway 1 April in Bahrain.

Volkswagen reveals T-Cross Breeze

Volkswagen has unveiled an all-new SUV concept in Geneva.

Called the T-Cross Breeze, it’s described as ‘a progressive SUV with the added appeal of a modern soft-top convertible’.

Aiming to be an affordable convertible, the T-Cross Breeze showcases ‘dynamic body proportions and crisp, short overhangs’ says VW. The four-seat T-Cross Breeze is equipped with an interactive cockpit and a next-generation operation concept, touch-sensitive surfaces and newly developed “by-wire” solutions replace conventional switches and buttons. The T-Cross Breeze is powered by a ‘highly efficient’ 1.0 litre TSI turbo petrol engine with an output of 81 kW/110 PS.

Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand said: “Our T-Cross Breeze is the first open-top SUV in its class and, at the same time, an affordable, cheeky cabriolet with a raised seating position that gives you a perfect view.” With this concept, Volkswagen underlines the fact that the brand is blazing a trail and making mobility more of an experience than ever before. 

Diess also confirmed: “At the moment the T-Cross Breeze is purely a concept, but we can well imagine putting such a convertible on the market as a production model. An affordable fun car that is also entirely suitable for everyday use. A genuine People’s Car.”

Volkswagen set to unveil concept SUV at Geneva

Volkswagen has confirmed it will reveal a ‘fascinating concept car’ at the Geneva Motor Show.

VW says the new concept ‘brings mobility to a whole new level’ which will ‘enliven the compact car class as a trendy, affordable SUV’.

The concept can be seen as the beginning of a broad SUV offensive according to the German brand. VW describes it as depicting a new automotive attitude to life whilst remaining perfectly suited for everyday use. 

The concept is said to give a realistic perspective on a completely new model series and, at the same time, on the future production model.

Not much has been given away to date, but Volkswagen has confirmed the new concept include hardly any switches, creating a conceptual bridge to the BUDD-e, which was revealed at the CES in Las Vegas last month.

New Volkswagen up! to debut in Geneva

Volkswagen has revealed its revamped ‘up!’ city car.

Set to be presented in Geneva, the latest edition of Volkswagen smallest car features newly designed body panels, colours and wheels, as well as new individualisation options, a completely redesigned interior, a new infotainment system and a 300 W BeatsAudio sound system as standard.

Every version of the up! will come with new headlights (with LED daytime running lights as standard), new bumpers, a prominent rear diffuser, newly designed tail lights, restyled exterior mirror housings with integrated indicator lights, fresh colours and decors for the dashpad (dashboard styling panel) as well as new seat designs.

A 1.0 TSI engine joins the range and delivers a 66 kW/90 PS, with maximum torque of 160 Nm available from 1,500 rpm. The three-cylinder engine is the first turbo for the up! and the most powerful motor available in the model to date, offering a top speed of 115mph, and a 0-62mph time of 10 seconds. CO2 emissions come in at 102 g/km CO2 (forecast value) meaning that the up! 1.0 TSI has the potential to cover nearly 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The engine line-up also includes two three-cylinder units with multi-point injection (MPI) that deliver 44 kW/60 PS or 55 kW/75 PS as well as a zero-emission e-up! and a natural gas model - the eco up! (50 kW/68 PS).

Volkswagen says it is putting the focus on the individuality of each model - with the new up! coming in a choice of 13 body colours, 9 exterior decals, ten new dashpad designs, three roof colours, three design packs, two colour packs and two basic colours for the interior trim (“Titanium Black” and “Ceramique”). Coloured alloy wheels and individualised-colour ambient light are also available for the top-of-the-range models.

A total of seven trim levels are available: take up!, move up!, high up! and eco up! (all of which are available as two- and four-door versions) as well as the load up!, cross up! (all-terrain version) and e-up! (each available as a four-door version) and move up!

Range-topping models features ambient lighting system, a customised dashpad (with a choice of three versions of the “Pixels” design), heated front seats, a multifunction steering wheel, six loudspeakers, fog lamps with integrated static cornering lights and the new 15-inch “Radial” alloy wheels.

The 2016 Volkswagen up! will be launched in Europe this summer, prices have yet to be announced.

Volkswagen reveals Tiguan GTE Active Concept

Volkswagen has pulled the covers off its new Tiguan GTE Active Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Based on the redeveloped second generation of the Tiguan, the concept is described as a ‘progressive plug-in hybrid’ with maximum off-road power, the concept car combines ‘maximum efficiency’ with a powerful all-wheel drive system for a high level of off-road performance.

Powered by a petrol engine (TSI, 110 kW) and two electric motors (40 and 85 kW), all four wheels of the permanent all-wheel drive can be powered all- electrically with the TSI used to add more power. With up to 20 miles of zero emissions travel all-electrically, a fuel economy figure of 75mpg and a range of 580 miles in total is possible.

VW says the independent off-road design elements of the body are ‘technically feasible’ as options for production cars, with the concept debuting in Detroit featuring significantly more ground clearance and larger approach and departure angles. 

The interior includes a new infotainment system with 9.2- inch display and gesture control, while many different driving programs can be accessed via the new 4MOTION Active Control off-road switch.

The Detroit Auto Show runs from January 11 - 24.

Volkswagen unveils BUDD-e concept minivan at CES

Making its world debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the BUDD-e minivan concept represents Volkswagen’s view of the future of the family transport.

The zero-emission van is the first Volkswagen concept car based on the new Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), which has been specifically tailored for the use of compact electric motors and high-performance batteries. 

The flat and space-saving battery with an energy content of 92.4 kWh is integrated into almost the entire vehicle floor of the BUDD-e, powering two electric motors driving both axles. 

The front motor produces 110 kW, while the rear produces 125 kW, resulting in a top speed of 112 mph with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds.

VW estimates that the battery will deliver a real-world driving range of up to 233 miles (EPA), enabling the BUDD-e to be used as the primary car in a household. The battery can be charged either by plugging it into a power socket or using inductive charging. An 80 percent charge can be achieved in about 30 minutes at a charging power of 150 kW (DC).

While paying tribute to the classic T-series minivans, Volkswagen says the concept’s design sets its sights firmly on the immediate future.

In terms of length, the BUDD-e sits between the Touran and the Multivan T6, although it is wider than both, and the MEB platform has enabled the designers to optimise its interior dimensions.

The heating and air conditioning unit system has been completely integrated in the front end of the car, creating more space for front seat passengers while at the same time improving acoustics thanks to a reduction in fan noise.

The BUDD-e becomes part of the Internet of Things, offering networked access to your home or your workplace. Equipped with next generation Infotainment for a completely new method of intuitive operation and information processing, buttons and switches are replaced by touch and gesture controls while individual displays blend into large infotainment panels and rear-view mirrors make way for digital screens.

VW says the matrix of these new, interactive infotainment and operating systems gently launches passengers aboard the Volkswagen concept car forward - to the end of the decade.

The Consumer Electronics Show runs from 6-9 January.

2016 upgrades for VW Polo, Golf and Passat

Volkswagen has announced trim upgrades across its Polo, Golf and Passat ranges for 2016.

The Polo Match replaces the SE trim. It’s available in three- and five-door bodystyles and with a range of engine and transmission options, adding more than £900-worth of extra equipment.

Among the new standard-fit features are cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights with static cornering function, tinted rear windows and new 15-inch Stratford alloy wheels.  

A price rise of £100, means the Polo Match is available to order now from £12,735 on the road (OTR).

The Volkswagen Golf, now in its seventh generation, will get two new versions – the GT Edition and R-Line Edition. 

Priced at £23,915 OTR, the GT Edition costs £300 more than the GT it replaces, but gains an extra £1,795 worth of equipment including 18-inch Durban alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Meanwhile, the new Golf R-Line Edition replaces the R-Line trim and, for an increase of £250 OTR, adds £1,730-worth of equipment including larger 18-inch Serron alloys wheels and a panoramic sunroof.  

The Golf R-Line Edition will be available to order from £24,860 OTR and, as with the new GT Edition, is set to arrive in Volkswagen UK showrooms early in 2016.

An enhanced version of the Passat SE Business trim level is designed to add more style and value to both the saloon and estate variants, with standard features such as Discover Navigation, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors and tinted rear windows– together amounting to £555 of value – for £100 OTR more than the SE model, which is being removed from the range.

New versions of the Polo, Golf, and Passat Saloon and Estate are available to order from Volkswagen UK Retailers now, with deliveries set to begin early in the New Year.

New VW concept car set for CES 2016

Volkswagen will present a completely new concept car at next month's Consumer Electronics Show, CES, in Las Vegas.

The concept is said to illustrate the major changes that the car is set to go through in the next few years, marking the beginning of a new era of affordable long-distance electromobility. 

VW claims that innovative features will demonstrate the benefits to the customer that it will soon be able to deliver, thanks to the increasing interconnectedness of the motor car. 

Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will be the keynote speaker on the evening before the show opens its doors. The main focus of his speech will be on the latest developments in electromobility, as well as the next generation of connectivity.

Volkswagen's display will also preview the latest developments in in-car infotainment that are close to market launch, including innovations from the Golf R Touch concept car.

The CES has long been considered a barometer of the key trends in digitalisation and consumer electronics, presenting the latest products and services to more than 150,000 trade visitors every year.

CES 2016 takes place from 6-9 January in Las Vegas, USA.

Volkswagen Scirocco gets special Black Edition models

Volkswagen Scirocco gets special Black Edition models

Volkswagen has added a GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition to its Scirocco range.

The special editions get black painted alloy wheels, a black painted contrast roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler, and 90 per cent tinted rear windows as standard.

The Scirocco GT Black Edition includes 18-inch Black Lisbon alloy wheels, while the R-Line Black Edition receives arch-filling 19-inch Black Lugano alloy wheels. Priced from £23,135 OTR for the GT Scirocco Black Edition 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology - a premium of £550 over the equivalent GT and R-Line trims - the new models 'offer great value for money' says VW. As an example, the 18-inch Lisbon alloy wheels alone would otherwise be a £610 option on the GT trim, while the cars' 90 per cent tinted windows are a £70 option.

In new GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition guise the petrol range comprises a 1.4-litre 125 PS or a 2.0-litre 180 PS unit while two diesel engines, both 2.0-litre, offer either 150 PS or 184 PS. The 1.4-litre TSI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Performance over the 0-62 mph sprint ranges from 9.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds, depending on engine and transmission choice, while top speeds range from 126 mph to 155 mph (limited).

The Scirocco GT includes, in addition to the standard features, a Composition Media system, dynamic navigation based on TMC+, preloaded European navigation data and Fast, Short and Eco route options as well as 2Zone climate control; front and rear parking sensors; the 'chequered flag' dash inserts and aluminium-look pedals and cloth and part Alcantara-trimmed upholstery.

The R-Line model comes with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts; R-Line scuff plates; an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever; 'carbon-look' dash inserts; and heated, electrically adjustable 'Vienna' leather sports seats.

Top-of-the-range Scirocco R models adds Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC); lowered 'R' sports suspension; Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting, static cornering function; black brake calipers with 'R' logo; LED daytime running lights set into the front bumper; a bespoke 'R' styling pack; leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel Vienna leather upholstery and front sports seats with embossed 'R' logo.

The Volkswagen Scirocco GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition models are available to order now, with first deliveries due in January 2016.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen Beetle Dune set for world debut in LA

Volkswagen is set to give its new Beetle Dune a World premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The crossover model, which is reminiscent of the Baja California dune buggies, features many off-road accents (although it isn't designed for off-roading), including large 18-inch wheels and a higher ride height, raised 10 millimetres.

The completely redesigned model is making its debut as both a coupe and convertible and features a large central air inlet - with a silver frame - and a black honeycomb screen. In side profile, the black wheel-well and body add-on extensions contrast with the lighter body colours. In addition, black side trim strips - or Beetle running boards - are joined by "DUNE" badging.

A large rear spoiler finished in glossy black/body colour and newly designed bumper with diffuser in "Reflex Silver" are joined by new LED rear lights. A total of nine body colours are available, including a new "Sandstorm Yellow Metallic" and "Dark Bronze Metallic." In addition, the Coupe can be ordered with the roof painted black.

All Cabriolet versions come with a black soft top while on the inside, the 'Dash Pad' (styling panel on the dashboard) is painted in body colour as is the contrasting stitching on the sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and parking brake grip. In contrast, areas of the seat system, door trim panels, roof pillars and headlining are finished in black.

The Beetle Dune features the latest generation of Volkswagen infotainment systems. Voice control can be used to operate the radio, phone and access to connected media and - in the "Discover Media" system - the navigation functionality as well. Volkswagen is also offering an optional high-end sound system by guitar manufacturer Fender. The key component of this sound system is a 10 channel amplifier with Class A/B output amplifiers and 400watts of output power (as well as woofers, tweeters, subwoofer).

In Europe, the new Beetle Dune is available with three turbocharged petrol engines and two turbodiesels. The petrol engines produce 77 kW / 105 PS1, 110 kW /150 PS2 and 162 kW / 220 PS3; the diesel engines develop 81 kW / 110 PS4 and 110 kW / 150 PS5.

The VW Dune coupe will go on sale in the first quarter of 2016, while the Dune Convertible will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of the year. Prices start at 23,625 euros (Approx. £16,500) for the Coupe and 27,800 euros (Approx. £19,500) for the Cabriolet with UK pricing yet to be confirmed.

The LA Auto Show opens to the public November 20-29, 2015.

Volkswagen reveals upgraded Match Edition

Volkswagen reveals upgraded Match Edition

Volkswagen has unveiled a new Golf Match and Match BlueMotion Editions.

The new Match Edition models add high-end equipment as standard including Discover Navigation with Car-Net Guide and Inform, and Winter Pack. The new cars arrive with an 'even higher' level of specification than the Golf Match they replace - with the additions offering more than £1,100 in value if specified separately, but at a cost of £100.

A 1.0 115PS TSI six-speed manual three-door Golf Match BlueMotion Edition therefore costs from £19,840 OTR. The Golf Match Edition, meanwhile, is available from £20,400 OTR in 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS BlueMotion Technology five-speed manual three-door model form.

Standard features include front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a mirror pack - which consists of automatically-folding door mirrors with puddle lights and reverse-activated dipping on the nearside, while the new models add 16-inch 'Dover' alloys and the Discover Navigation system. This includes a 6.5-inch colour touch-screen control system for navigation, CD and radio functions. Preloaded with European navigation data, two map view options, three calculated routes (Fast, Short, Eco), dynamic navigation based on TMC live traffic updates, branded points of interest and Traffic Sign display it also features Car-Net Guide and Inform online services.

The Golf Match BlueMotion Edition is offered with a 1.0-litre TSI 115 PS engine in six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG form, both returning 65.7 mpg combined. The Golf Match Edition with a 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS engine mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes returns 54.3 to 56.5 mpg combined.

Available to order now, first deliveries are expected in January 2016.

Volkswagen to recall 8.5 million vehicles in Europe

Volkswagen to recall 8.5 million vehicles in Europe

Volkswagen has confirmed it will recall a total of approximately 8.5 million vehicles in Europe (EU28 markets).

The German brand says it welcomes the 'swift decision' by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) to implement the timetable and plan of measures submitted last week by issuing a recall. This decision gives customers clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles, with the vehicle owners set to be notified.

The 8.5 million european vehicles include some 2.4 million vehicles in Germany, according to KBA. Outside the EU28, each individual country will clarify in detail which emissions classes of the EA 189 engine are in fact affected.

In addition, every VW customer can visit the recently set up www.volkswagen.de/info website and enter the chassis number of their vehicle to find outstraight away whether they are affected. Similar customer websites are active in the other EU countries and for the Audi, SEAT and Skoda brands.

Work on the technical solutions detailed in the plan of measures is currently 'proceeding at full speed' according to the German car giant. Remedial action on the vehicles will begin in January 2016 - at no cost to the customer. The technical solutions can involve software as well as hardware measures. These are currently being developed for each affected series and each affected model year. All measures will first be presented to the responsible authorities. Volkswagen will subsequently inform the owners of these vehicles over the next weeks and months.

Customers now have clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles. All of the vehicles affected remain technically safe and roadworthy. The current successor generation of EA 288 diesel engines (in use since 2012) is not affected.

Volkswagen Caddy pricing confirmed

Volkswagen Caddy pricing confirmed

Volkswagen Caddy pricing confirmed

Volkswagen Caddy pricing confirmed

Volkswagen Caddy pricing confirmed

Volkswagen has confirmed that pricing for the fourth-generation Caddy van will start at £15,600.

The Caddy Life and the longer wheelbase Maxi versions - including Maxi Life, Maxi Kombi and Maxi Window van - are now available to order ahead of first UK deliveries in September.

The short wheelbase Caddy Life 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine costs from £15,600 while the Caddy Maxi Life, with the same engine, starts at £17,985.

As with the new Caddy Panel van which opened for ordering at the start of July, these models feature the same technology, comfort, convenience and safety systems. These include a composition colour infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, heated windscreen, post-collision braking, daytime running lights and BlueMotion Technology modifications, for added efficiency and lower emissions, as standard.

The Caddy Life and Maxi Life include, with what Volkswagen describes as, 'a significant amount of standard equipment'. These new models all come with the 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 engines and are available with a 102 PS or 150 PS power output. They also have BlueMotion Technology modifications as standard, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres as well as regenerative braking and stop/start systems. The most economical 102 PS engine has a combined fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg and a CO2 output of 114g/km.

Volkswagen's Caddy Life offers flexible seating for up to seven passengers, including the driver. The two rear rows of seats can be folded, double folded or removed to leave a loading space of up to 3,030 litres. The Caddy Maxi Life, with its extra 420mm length, offers an additional 340 litres, bringing the total loading area up to 3,370 litres.

The new Caddy Maxi Kombi will be N1 type approved and starts from £17,510 for the 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine. The new Caddy Maxi Window Van will start from £17,185 for the same engine and will be M1 type approved.

Volkswagen California pricing confirmed

Volkswagen California pricing confirmed

Volkswagen California pricing confirmed

Volkswagen has announced that pricing for the latest generation California campervan will start at £37,657 OTR.

Available to order from 3 August with first deliveries before the end of the year, the new California is available in two trim levels - Beach and Ocean - and with a choice of three 2.0-litre engines ranging in power from 102 to 204 PS. All are EU6 compliant and feature BlueMotion Technology modifications to give fuel consumption and emissions figures which have been lowered by up to 15 per cent. A 4MOTION four-wheel drive version is also offered in conjunction with the 150 PS or range-topping 204 PS powerplant.

The entry-level Beach model offers up to seven seats and sleeping space for four. The bench-seat folds to convert to a two-berth bed across the width of the vehicle, while a manual pop-up roof gives access to a further double bed. A fold-out table and chairs are stored in the sliding door and tailgate, while an integrated awning makes for a 'comfortable and practical camping experience' says VW. The Beach is available with a 2.0-litre 102 PS TDI engine with a five-speed manual gearbox, and a 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission.

The California Ocean replaces the SE model from the previous generation, with prices starting at £47,840 OTR. Customers can choose from two engines with either 150 or 204 PS and six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. 4MOTION four-wheel drive variants mean the ultimate 'home from home' can go further and wider afield, says to the German brand. The Ocean also adds an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof with lighting, plus a kitchenette with two rings, a fridge and sink.

Safety, comfort and convenience features include a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, as well as the option to add Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking for safer and more relaxed cruising. In the cabin the California gains a new 'premium' dashboard (optional on Beach) with wide centre console and car-like feel, plus the latest infotainment system, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and new multi-function display. A new cupholder as well as new fabrics, leathers and plastics enhance the ambience inside.