41 years after the debut of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has revealed a compact, sporty car in the spirit of the original hot hatch. The special ‘up! GTI’ concept was previewed ahead of its public unveiling at the annual Lake Wörthersee GTI Meet for VW fans, boasting similar performance figures to the 1976 Golf with 0-62mph taking 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 122mph. Finished with GTI badging and trim, the turbocharged up! runs on 17-inch alloys and sits 15mm lower than the standard car. The Lake Wörthersee meet takes place from the 24 to 27 May.
Volkswagen
VIDEO: Volkswagen reveals new Arteon in Geneva
The new Volkswagen Arteon has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Replacing the CC, the five-door GT becomes the top model in the VW range - and combines sports car elements with the space of a fastback. The Arteon will be available in three trim levels: standard, elegance and R-line - seen here - and comes with a choice of six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Top of the range models get the dual clutch DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. Prices for the new Arteon are expected to start from around £30k.
Hot Hatch, Hatchback, Family car, Estate, News
VIDEO: Volkswagen reveals revamped ‘digitalised’ Golf
The Volkswagen Golf has been updated with a focus on digital technology, becoming the first compact car to feature gesture control. Exterior changes are subtle with redesigned bumpers and restyled headlights with LED daytime running lights, while on the inside there’s a completely new generation of infotainment systems. Powertrain revisions include a new 150 PS, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine plus a power boost for the GTI model up to 245 PS, while a new 7-speed DSG transmission which will gradually replace the old 6-speed box. UK pricing and specification for the new VW Golf has yet to be announced.
VIDEO: Order books open for Volkswagen electric e-Golf
Order books have opened for Volkswagen's all-electric e-Golf. VW says the battery-powered hatch drives and handles as well as the petrol version -- yet costs less than 4 and a half pence per mile to run. The electric motor delivers 115 PS for a 0-62 time of 10.4 seconds and a range of 80-120 miles. The e-Golf features aerodynamic alloy wheels and full LED headlights for the first time on a Volkswagen. UK prices start at £25,845 OTR - including the £5,000 Government grant.