Potential Passat purchasers now have an even wider model choice, thanks to the introduction of a new R-line trim level and a new, more-efficient 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine.

The R-Line trim brings even more style to the Passat range, with a bespoke bodykit that gives a sleek and sporty image.  At the front, the unique bumper includes fog lights with cornering function, while lowered sports suspension (by 15 mm) and side skirts give a ground-hugging look that’s enhanced by the distinctive rear bumper and 18-inch ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels, wrapped in low-profile 235/40 tyres.  At the rear a bootlid spoiler (tailgate spoiler on the Estate) completes the look.  Chrome trim on the bumpers and window surrounds is offset by dark-tinted rear windows, while standard bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights help the R-Line to stand out, day and night.

The Passat R-Line’s equipment is based on that of the Passat S, and includes Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, DAB digital radio and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel (with gearshift paddles on DSG models). 

The R-Line is available with a 1.6-litre 105 PS TDI diesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox, a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI diesel engine with six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes and a new turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre 160 PS TSI engine with either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes.  All R-Line models feature BlueMotion Technology modifications with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

The 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine is also available in Passat Highline models and the Volkswagen CC, and replaces the 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS unit, while offering lower CO₂ emissions and better fuel economy.

The Passat R-Line is now open for ordering, with the first deliveries expected in June.  The R-Line bodykit (bumpers, side skirts and spoiler) is also available for the Passat Highline and Sport, at £900 RRP including fitting.  For more information see www.volkswagen.co.uk.

The sun is shining, the sky is blue*, it’s Bank Holiday weekend and Volkswagen Retailers across the country are celebrating the brand’s range of drop-top cars with a series of ‘Open Now’ events.  From today until 12 May, Retailers will be showcasing the Golf Cabriolet, Beetle Cabriolet and Eos models in their showrooms, and these events are supported by some great value offers on these cars.

The latest version of the Golf Cabriolet went on sale in 2011.  Safer, more refined, more economical and better value than ever, this car is available in a variety of guises, including the recently introduced range-topping Golf GTI Cabriolet and Golf R Cabriolet.  As part of the Open Now event, Volkswagen Financial Services is offering customers who take out a Solutions PCP package before 30 June a range of finance deals.  For example, those in the market for an S 1.2-litre TSI can benefit from a £1,000 Retailer deposit contribution, zero per cent finance and monthly payments of £199**.  

Also available is the Eos model, Volkswagen’s only cabriolet to combine all the benefits of a full convertible and a hard-top coupé with tilt and slide sunroof.  On this model too, Retailers are offering a £1,000 deposit contribution and zero per cent finance, with, for example, an Eos Sport 1.4-litre TSI available for £299** per month.

The newest soft-top in Volkswagen’s range, the Beetle Cabriolet, will also be turning heads at the event.  Launched just last month, the Beetle Cabrio retains the individuality and style for which the original is renowned, and combines it with all the state-of-the-art safety, technical and comfort features you would expect of Volkswagen.  As well as some attractive low rate finance offers, this model is available with free servicing for up to three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes sooner) when purchased on Solutions**.

With total sales of around 1.42 million units, Volkswagen is one of the world’s most successful producers of convertibles.  And with a wide range of engines, specifications and prices, there’s a Volkswagen cabriolet to suit every taste and pocket.  To locate your nearest Volkswagen Retailer visit http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/find-a-retailer.

* Apologies to those in Scotland and Northern Ireland for whom this statement is sadly not true… Fortunately all Volkswagen cabriolets are engineered to be as warm, comfortable and refined with the roof up as their hard-top counterparts.  Drop tops for all seasons.

** Ts&Cs apply, see www.volkswagen.co.uk for full details and worked finance examples

From today, UK customers can order one of the world’s most fuel-efficient family cars: the new Golf BlueMotion.  This car offers fuel economy of 88.3 mpg on the combined cycle, and CO₂ emissions of just 85 g/km, yet like its predecessors it still offers customer all the Golf’s traditional attributes of practicality, comfort and safety. 

The new Golf BlueMotion’s fuel economy is 15 per cent better than that of the previous-generation model, which emitted 99 g/km (now the emissions of a standard Golf 1.6-litre TDI). The original Golf BlueMotion, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, returned, at that time, a class-leading 62.8 mpg with emissions of 119 g/km – figures now surpassed by even the range-topping diesel, the 184 PS Golf GTD.

With its 50-litre fuel tank and 88.3 mpg fuel consumption, the new Golf BlueMotion has a theoretical range of 970 miles.  Assuming an average annual driving distance of under 10,000 miles, most drivers will only have to refuel 10 times a year.  Road tax won’t be an issue, either – the Golf BlueMotion is in Band A, meaning it’s zero pounds a year.

The reduction in the car’s combined fuel consumption has been achieved through lightweight design (including 26 kg less weight in the running gear and 37 kg less in the body), engine-related modifications and a collection of other measures.  These include super low rolling resistance tyres with higher air pressure, longer gear ratios (six-speed manual gearbox), the Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems that are standard in all new Golfs, plus specific aerodynamic modifications.

The frontal area of the new Golf was reduced by 0.03 m² and aerodynamic drag (Cd x A) by nearly 10 percent, giving it a Cd value of 0.27.  Compared to other standard Golf models, the aerodynamics of the BlueMotion were also refined by a lowered ride height (by 15 mm), a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a masked front grille, partially closed air inlet screens, optimised cooling system airflow, special underfloor panels, optimised brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler. 

At the heart of the new Golf BlueMotion is a 1.6-litre 110 PS common rail TDI from the new EA288 engine series (producing 5 PS more power than in non-BlueMotion models).  The four-cylinder 16-valve unit develops its maximum torque of250 Nm from just 1,500 rpm up to 3,000 rpm. 

Various measures such as reduced internal friction, an innovative thermal management system with shortened warm-up phase, exhaust gas recirculation, cylinder pressure sensor, two-stage oil pump, switchable electric water pump and water-cooled intercooler right in the intake manifold result in successfully reducing fuel consumption and emissions.  To reduce emissions values further, Volkswagen has also implemented an oxidation catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter and a NOx storage catalytic converter.

Prices for the new Golf BlueMotion start at £20,335 (RRP OTR) for the three-door and rise to £20,990 for the five-door, with specification based on that of the standard Golf S – see price list for full details.  UK Volkswagen Retailers are taking orders for the new Golf BlueMotion now, with the first deliveries expected in August.