Month: October 2011

Volkswagen Vans has released details of its new California Beach camper. The entry-level model is capable of seating seven people and accommodating four. The pop-up roof gives access to one double bed, while the bench-seat easily converts to a further two-berth bed.

The front seats can be swivelled around to face the rear and a portable table, which is stored within the side door, while two additional folding chairs are stored in the tailgate. The Sunny Yellow paintwork and ‘Takato’ upholstery are unique to Beach models. Other standard equipment includes those 16-inch ‘Miyato’ alloys, air conditioning and an eight speaker CD/radio system. Optional extras such as double glazing, a programmable parking heater, a 32-litre cool/warm box, satellite navigation and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights can also be specified.

A choice of 2.0 L TDI engines are available; a 114 PS BlueMotion Technology model with a five-speed manual gearbox, cruise control, brake regeneration and Stop/Start system, it returns an impressive combined fuel economy figure of 40.4 mpg and a CO2 output of 184 g/km.

Alternatively, the more powerful 140 PS engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and returns 36.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 203 g/km.

Prices start at £34,970 (€ 40,506) RRP on the road (including VAT).

[Source: Volkswagen Vans]

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JE Design has released its widebody kit to suit Volkswagen’s Touareg, now including the R-Line model.

The kit, constructed from a mixture of polyurethane (PU) and a fibre-reinforced composite, can be bought complete for € 4,641, or as separate components, which include a replacement badgeless grille, lower front spoiler and wheel arch extensions. At the rear there’s a panel that fills out the lower section of the tailgate, and a bumper apron with integrated diffuser. The new quad tailpipe exhaust can be added for € 595.

Filling out those new arches, JE Design adds its own 10×22 inch SUV-Select alloy wheels. Available in three finishes: shadow silver with a polished face, matte black with a matte silver face, and matte graphite silver with polished edges, they can be purchased as a wheel/tyre package for € 5,190 Euro or € 690 per wheel. A spacer kit widens the track a little further (30 mm front, 40 mm rear) for € 409. Finally, the Touareg is lowered by 35 mm – thanks to the € 1,428 lowering module for electronic suspension.

JE Design also offers engine upgrades for the Touareg: Reworking of the 4.2 L TDI engine’s management system sees a jump from 340 hp (250 kW) and 800 Nm of torque to 410 hp (302 kW) and 930 Nm. This results in a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.4 seconds, down from 5.8 s, and an increased top speed of 269 km/h (167 mph), up from 242 km/h (150 mph). Output from the 3.0 L TDI can be increased from 240 hp (177 kW) to 285 hp (210 kW).

Inside the cabin, JE Design can provide you with a bespoke interior re-trim, utilizing such materials as leather and Alcantara

[Source: JE Design]

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Volkswagen UK has just announced that anyone purchasing its Golf GT, GTI, GTD or R model will now get black ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery as standard – an option that previously would have set them back £ 1,890.

Both front seats are heated, and feature electrically operated lumbar support, with the Golf R receiving deeper bolsters. The R can still be specified with Recaro sports seats.

Another freebie from Volkswagen, for the GTD, GTI and R, is the addition Bluetooth connectivity which can be operated via the multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel. Formerly a £ 255 option, it can be added to the Golf GT for £ 140.

[Source: Volkswagen UK]

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