Volkswagen launches the All-New Crafter large van, a huge jump in quality, looks and desirability.

• Available with front, rear or 4MOTION all-wheel drive
• Manual and automatic gearbox options
• 4 base models, 3 lengths, 3 heights
• Completely new vehicle with a Cd value of 0.33
• Equipped with commercial vehicle diesel engines
• Extensive range of driver assistance systems available
• State of the art production at new plant in Wrzesnia in Poland

The clear objective when designing and engineering the all-new Crafter was to produce a customer-focused transport solution, offering high economy and low total cost of ownership: to that end it was developed precisely in line with the specific demands and requirements of various user groups and will achieve class-leading performances in a number of areas.

 

Design: developed around the customer

In order to understand precisely different customers’ requirements, engineers from Volkswagen accompanied vehicle users from key customer groups, including couriers, construction workers and long distance drivers on their rounds during the development stage. 

This meant they could identify the genuine needs of these drivers and fleets and produce a vehicle which met their requirements. For example, what systems help in inner-city traffic? How can accidents caused by tiredness be reduced? What makes manoeuvring easy on a muddy building site? As a result the Crafter offers innovative, practical and electronic solutions for various individual challenges.

Engine: top in economy and environmental compatibility

The Crafter's all-new EU 6 engines and new exterior design give the model the lowest consumption and emission figures. The engines are designed for both short and long-distance driving to ensure downtime is never a problem. The new Crafter also scores with its robustness and low maintenance and repair costs, all of which have a positive effect on total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s life cycle.

Practical: outstanding functionality and everyday utility

The optimal dimensions of the new Crafter ensure maximum practicality and ease in everyday situations. For example, the new vehicle combines extensive cargo capacity with minimal external dimensions, making it extremely manoeuvrable yet solid in its handling, regardless of payload.

Flexible: multiple engine and drivetrain variants

The new Crafter now offers an extremely wide range of derivatives. The new "EA 288Nutz" 2.0-litre TDI engine, developed especially for this model, is available with four power outputs: 102 PS, 122 PS and 140 PS, plus a bi-turbo TDI with 177 PS.

The choice of engines depends on which drive system is selected. Here customers have a choice between front, rear and all-wheel drive (4MOTION), as well as the option of a manual or automatic gearbox. Such variety has never been seen before in this segment.

There are also up to three different vehicle lengths available depending on the model chosen, while the closed body variants come with up to three different roof heights. This means customers can configure their new Crafter exactly in line with their specific requirements and find the right combination of engine, gearbox, drive system, vehicle length and roof height to meet their needs.

New standards: wide variety of driver assistance systems

The new Crafter sets new standards for assistance systems in the large van sector; not for the sake of it, but to optimise occupant protection through the use of active and passive safety concepts regardless of payload.

This is made possible in large part due to an electro-mechanical steering system used for the first time in this vehicle class which means active driver assistance systems, such as ESP with trailer stabilisation, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control, post-collision braking system, side wind compensation system and a trailer manoeuvring assistant system among others are all available.

In terms of passive safety, front, side and head airbags for the driver and passengers and an extensive range of warning systems that includes a reversing camera, parking distance monitor and the Rear Traffic Alert system are also on offer. LED headlights, cornering lights and Light Assist ensure a clear view of the road ahead at night, while the Crafter also comes with online services that are tailored to the specific needs of customers.

New factory: bespoke Crafter plant

A new production facility was built in Wrzesnia, Poland, especially for the new Crafter. The facility is the brand's second production location in Poland; the other is the Volkswagen plant in Poznan-Antoninek, which has been operating for more than 20 years now.

The Crafter plant occupies an area of approximately 540 acres – or around 300 football fields. More than 3,000 people will work at the Wrzesnia plant when the facility is operating at full capacity. Several supply companies will also open up factories in the area, creating additional jobs for the surrounding region.

Honoured guests of the Rolls-Royce Summer Studio in Sardinia witnessed the unveiling of two remarkable Bespoke motor cars.

Honoured guests of the Rolls-Royce Summer Studio in Sardinia witnessed the unveiling of two remarkable Bespoke motor cars, commissioned to reflect the atmosphere and vibrancy of one of the world’s most exclusive and glamorous enclaves; Porto Cervo.

The essence of the marina, which resides on the Costa Smerelda, is embodied in two Bespoke Rolls-Royces; a Wraith, the marque’s most powerful motor car ever created, and Dawn, the recently launched and most social of Drophead Coupés.

Patrons of the marque relish in creative freedom by commissioning highly Bespoke personal legacies. To mark the opening of the Summer Studio and demonstrate this art form, the Bespoke Rolls-Royces will be themed from ‘Dusk until Dawn’.

Isobel Dando, General Manager, Future Retail, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Patrons of our marque delight in inhabiting some of the world’s most beautiful enclaves. Sardinia, and its stunning Costa Smerelda, serves as the perfect backdrop for Rolls-Royce to host these patrons of true luxury in an intimate setting; The Rolls-Royce Summer Studio. The stunning Bespoke Wraith and emerald embellished Dawn, inspired by the sights and colours of Porto Cervo, have been commissioned in the spirit that so many of our customers delight in.”

The ambient hues of dusk are imbued on the Bespoke Wraith. A two-tone silver exterior reflects the dimming of the day’s light, whilst a purple feature line hints at the interior mood of this unique motor car. The Spirit of Ecstasy, the figurine that has graced the bonnet of each Rolls-Royce since 1911, casts a soft illumination from her position upon the motor car’s signature grille. On opening the coach doors, the mysterious aura of twilight, so appreciated by the Costa Smerelda’s glamourous denizens, is depicted using shades of blue, purple, slate and black, bestowing the feeling of calm as night falls. The use of ostrich leather adds depth and texture to the exquisitely furnished cabin.

In stark contrast, Dawn has been specified to capture the vibrancy and vivid colour of the Porto Cervo seascape. A unique emerald green exterior is offset against a distinct seashell and green leather interior. Open-pore teak encapsulates the occupants, alluding to the elegant sensation of a marine sojourn. A Bespoke teak boot floor mat has been created for the luggage compartment, continuing the nautical theme.

At the heart of this unique motor car lies art within art; precious emeralds and mother of pearl are set into white gold and presented on the fascia as a timeless memory of the beguiling island. As a brooch adorns a gown, so the jewels complete the visual harmony of this exquisite motor car. Set in the shape of the emblem of Porto Cervo, the occupants are reminded of the magical island from which the spirit of this motor car originated.

The Costa Smerelda is an abundant source of inspiration for artisans the world over. London-based tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta was party to such inspiration during the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design team’s creative meetings for the curation of these two motor cars. Himself an artisan held in the highest regard, Coppoletta mused over exquisite blank canvases – two leather Rolls-Royce headrests – resulting in tattooed works of art which will be presented alongside the Dusk until Dawn configuration in The Summer Studio. 

Coppoletta commented, “The colours and atmosphere of Porto Cervo are truly inspiring. The designs I have created for Rolls-Royce evoke the emotion experienced by observing this magical place from the harbour of Promenade du Port.”

The Rolls-Royce Summer Studio in Porto Cervo will be open until September 2016.

USA - The Beetle gets a tweak and fiddle and gets a new R-Line trim level and now costs upto £28,600 HOW MUCH !!!

• Volkswagen’s sporty R-Line trim joins the big value Beetle line-up
• Additional enhancements and options throughout the Beetle range
• Entry-level Volkswagen Beetle costs £16,820 (RRP OTR)

The Volkswagen Beetle is a genuine motoring icon.  It’s one of a handful of cars that, in the 20^th Century, brought motoring to the masses as more than 20 million examples of the original Beetle were sold around the world.  And when it was reborn in 1998 as the New Beetle, a further million sales brought the Beetle’s distinctive character to a new generation. 

In 2011 the ‘New’ moniker was dropped and the Beetle comprehensively redesigned.  Its new shape was lower and wider, with a longer bonnet, and the Beetle’s more sporting and masculine stance captured the world’s imagination all over again.

Now, this latest iteration of perhaps the best loved Volkswagen is being refreshed, with changes that include a more sculptured body and a fresh interior design.  The styling enhancements and new options further enrich the appeal and value that is inherent in Volkswagen’s Beetle range, which is available in coupe and cabriolet forms and, with the new Beetle Dune, as a crossover.

The styling changes comprise sharpened lines for the front bumpers, while larger openings around the indicator and fog light surrounds give extra depth to the car’s appearance.  Meanwhile, the new Beetle R-Line trim has a more sporty bumper design unique to that model.  It features extra air intake openings along the upper edge of the bumper.

On the inside, the Volkswagen Beetle’s distinctive cabin has brighter instrument panel lighting and new dials and dash styling for the Design and R-Line models.  New upholstery materials bring further styling options.

In the new range the Beetle R-Line replaces the previous Sport trim level.  The R-Line will be available with Volkswagen’s powerful 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS diesel engine and a choice of either six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission.

The new Beetle R-Line also boasts sports suspension, 18-inch ‘Twister’ alloy wheels, and the unique new R-Line bumper.  It is also available with a new alloy wheel design, the 18-inch ‘Ashmie Adamantium’, at no extra cost. 

Whichever wheels are chosen, the sporty finish of the Beetle R-Line is enhanced further with a body-coloured rear diffuser and chromed twin exhausts.  And the R-Line’s exterior styling is developed with gloss black door mirrors and door protectors.  Of course an R-Line specification Beetle wouldn’t be complete without a rear tailgate spoiler.

Clearly Volkswagen’s designers have worked diligently to enhance the external look of the modern Beetle but, inside the car, the traditional Volkswagen driver-focused design remains.  In the R-Line this starts with ‘Sports’ instrument dials, while the pedals are trimmed in aluminium and the scuff plates feature the distinctive R-Line logo. 

The quality of the interior is evidenced by the leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, which has an R-Line badge insert and coloured stitching too.  The seats are finished in ‘Kyalami’ cloth and the R-Line badge is resplendent in the headrests.  Height and lumbar adjustment add to the comfort of the seats.

Finally, 2Zone climate control with automatic air recirculation, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control increase the technology that is standard on the Beetle R-Line.

In addition to the debut of the R-Line trim, a new option pack is available for the Beetle Design.  The Black Style Pack includes 17-inch ‘Rotor’ black alloy wheels and a black painted roof.  The air intake grille is also coloured black, as are the outside decorative trim stripes.  The protective side moulding is painted black and has a chromed strip, while the wing mirror housing is painted black.  All of this extra equipment costs just £625¹. 

The Beetle of course has a wide array of personalisation options to match the individual customer’s choice.  Outside, two new pearlescent-effect colours are available: ‘Bottle Green’ and ‘White Silver’. The interior colours can also be changed, with the dash centre console and steering wheel inserts of the Design trim now being offered in a choice of Sandstorm Yellow, Tornado Red, Habanero Orange or Pure White for £125. 

Interior lighting colour, too, can be changed depending on customer preference, when the ‘Fender’ premium sound pack is purchased (£545).  It also includes eight-speakers and a subwoofer.  The body style of the Volkswagen Beetle is particularly receptive to changes in the wheel design.  For the daring, there is now even the option of fitting 17-inch ‘Orbit’ wheels in red: a £100 option on the Beetle Design.

Recently the Beetle range was extended to include the rugged Beetle Dune, too.  This charismatic new Volkswagen harks back to the famous Beetle dune buggies that roamed the West Coast of America in the 1960s and 1970s, and Dune models also benefit from the upgrades.

Volkswagen Beetle Coupe
Model	Engine	Transmission	Doors	Power (PS)	CO₂ (g/km)	OTR Price
Beetle	1.2 TSI	Manual	2	105	126*	£16,820.00
Design	1.2 TSI	Manual	2	105	126*	£19,215.00
Design	1.2 TSI	DSG	2	105	121*	£20,675.00
Design	1.4 TSI	Manual	2	150	132*	£21,250.00
Design	2.0 TDI	Manual	2	110	113*	£21,020.00
Design	2.0 TDI	DSG	2	110	117*	£22,480.00
R-Line	2.0 TDI	Manual	2	150	119*	£23,540.00
R-Line	2.0 TDI	DSG	2	150	126*	£25,145.00
Dune	1.2 TSI	Manual	2	105	126*	£21,280.00
Dune	1.2 TSI	DSG	2	105	122*	£22,740.00
Dune	2.0 TDI	Manual	2	150	119*	£23,785.00
Dune	2.0 TDI	DSG	2	150	127*	£25,390.00

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
Model	Engine	Transmission	Doors	Power (PS)	CO₂ (g/km)	OTR Price
Beetle	1.2 TSI	Manual	2	105	127*	£19,775.00
Design	1.2 TSI	Manual	2	105	127*	£22,170.00
Design	1.2 TSI	DSG	2	105	125*	£23,615.00
Design	1.4 TSI	Manual	2	150	136*	£24,060.00
Design	2.0 TDI	Manual	2	110	116*	£23,960.00
Design	2.0 TDI	DSG	2	110	117*	£25,420.00
R-Line	2.0 TDI	Manual	2	150	120*	£26,390.00
R-Line	2.0 TDI	DSG	2	150	129*	£27,750.00
Dune	1.2 TSI	Manual	2	105	129*	£24,565.00
Dune	1.2 TSI	DSG	2	105	126*	£26,010.00
Dune	2.0 TDI	Manual	2	150	122*	£27,185.00
Dune	2.0 TDI	DSG	2	150	130*	£28,545.00