The New Passat GTE is now available to order in the UK, with 166mpg, 39g/km & a top speed of 140mph, what's not to like.

• State-of-the-art plug-in hybrid model joins award-winning Passat range
• Sports performance and exceptional economy come together in family-friendly model
• Available to order tomorrow, with prices starting from £36,525 (RRP OTR) excluding grant

Space, pace, and environmental credentials that even before its official UK showroom debut have already secured it a prestigious ‘green’ award: the new Volkswagen Passat GTE is calculated to offer drivers the very best of all worlds.

A winner in the Large Family Car class in the recent Next Green Car Awards even before its showroom debut here, the new Passat GTE is available to order tomorrow through the Volkswagen UK retailer network with prices starting at £36,525 (RRP OTR), excluding Government Plug-In Car Grant of £2,500.

The first Passat with a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid drive system, the innovative new car offers spirited performance alongside the possibility of zero emissions when driving in all-electric mode. 

Available in saloon or estate body styles, the most environmentally responsible Passat to date emits just 39g of CO₂ on the EU Combined Cycle, equating to fuel economy of 166 mpg.  Yet with 400 Nm of torque and combined system power of 218 PS, the new car can sprint from rest to 62 mph in a lively 7.6 seconds before heading to a top speed of 140 mph, where legal. The potential range between refuelling stops is more than 660 miles.

The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid that can be driven up to 31 miles on electric power alone in E-Mode.  A 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivers 156 PS, while the electric motor adds a further 115 PS. Underlining its engaging performance capabilities, the electric motor alone can provide up to 330 Nm of torque from near-standstill.

A specially developed six-speed DSG gearbox is standard on the Passat GTE and features a third, disengagement clutch.  This decouples the TSI motor whenever possible, to allow the vehicle to make best use of kinetic energy and hence increases efficiency still further.

Building on the already elegant lines of the new Passat – voted European Car of the Year 2015 - the Passat GTE is distinguished outside by distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights and an additional blue line across the radiator grille: design cues which are shared with the award-winning Golf GTE.  A redesigned front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels also mark out the new car.

Inside, in addition to the optional innovative Active Info Display with specific customised read-outs, standard features include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in Alcantara with Vienna leather side bolsters.  Unique GTE badging also marks out the new Passat.

Bristling with innovative and engaging new technology, the new Passat GTE boasts Volkswagen’s new Car-Net e-Remote app which allows a wide variety of tasks – including charging – to be controlled via smartphone.  All climate control functions can be also activated remotely, while information on the vehicle’s state of charge, recent driving data or last parking position can be displayed.  It is also possible to check whether the doors are closed and the lights turned off.

The Passat GTE’s electric motor develops maximum torque of 330 Nm and offers continuous torque of 170 Nm. The 1.4-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine is as sophisticated as the electric motor and drivetrain. This four-valve per cylinder unit from the EA211 engine family uses an ultra-rigid die-cast aluminium crankcase.  Maximum power of 156 PS comes at 5,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 250 Nm is on offer between 1,500 rpm and 3,500 rpm.

Under normal circumstances, the Passat GTE starts in pure electric E-Mode. When it reaches minimum battery charge hybrid mode is activated. Here the Passat GTE operates as a full hybrid, charging the battery under deceleration and automatically using the TSI motor and/or electric motor as required.  However, should the driver wish to conserve electric power (for example to use E-Mode in a city at the end of a journey), Battery Charge mode can be selected.  For maximum power, GTE mode can be chosen: this uses both petrol and electric motors.

The car’s lithium-ion battery is fitted in the floor area of the rear seat bench. Comprising eight modules of 12 cells each, it creates a nominal voltage of 360 V and power of 9.9 kWh, with a peak output of 85 kW.  The high-voltage battery is overseen electronically by the Battery Management Controller, which manages various functions including the battery’s liquid cooling system.

Charging is achieved either via a standard UK domestic mains outlet in around four hours and 15 minutes; or in two hours 30 minutes from a dedicated wallbox with a 3.6 kW supply.

The Passat GTE comes in two highly specified trim levels in the UK.  On top of the standard features of the Passat GT (such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, Discover Navigation, Bluetooth and parking sensors), standard items include LED headlights and tail lights, Mode 2&3 charging cables and Car-Net e-Remote.  Standard items on the GTE Advance trim also include the new Active Info Display, Discover Pro navigation (eight-inch screen), Nappa leather, Area View and LED premium headlights.

Despite its extra technology and revised styling, dimensions of the Passat GTE match those of the standard Passat, including boot volume (402-968 litres for the saloon and 483-1613 litres for the estate).

Judges in the Next Green Car Awards said of the Volkswagen: “Volkswagen’s Passat is an excellent large family car that performs well in every area. Add to it the plug-in hybrid powertrain that effortlessly provides drive for all situations and the Passat GTE becomes a dominant model in the large family class.”  

Volkswagen Passat GTE
Model	Engine	Gearbox	Power	CO2(g/km)	OTR RRP	OTR RRP with OLEV grant
Passat GTE	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£36,525	£34,025
Passat GTE Advance	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£40,180	£37,680
Passat Estate GTE	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£38,075	£35,575
Passat Estate GTE Advance	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£41,730	£39,230

AUDI's Q7 awarded the FULL 5 Stars in Euro NCAP's lastest round of testing.

Luxury seven-seat SUV receives full five-star rating awarded by independent crash safety body 

• Top marks for active and passive safety
• Audi pre sense city with emergency braking function fitted as standard
• Very good child safety; up to six child seats can be installed as standard using ISOFIX mountings and Top Tether
• Driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbag system also standard on all models
• Pricing starts from £47,755 OTR rising to £53,835 OTR
• New 3.0 V6 TDI engine with 218 PS and 500Nm now available to order in SE or S line specification

The European Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi Q7 with the maximum five stars for safety. The results for adult protection in frontal and side impact collisions, pedestrian protection and child safety put the current Audi Q7 among the safest cars in its category.

The results for the rear passengers in a frontal impact collision show that not only are the driver and front passenger in the Audi Q7 very well protected, the rear passengers are, too. The car also offers plenty of room and a high level of safety for children. Up to six child seats can be installed in the luxury SUV. 

The generous interior space makes their installation simple and comfortable. The individual seats in the third row, fitted as standard, are fully usable and are also certified for ECE Group III child seats for children weighing up to 36 kilograms.

The model received the “Euro NCAP Advanced” award for the multicollision brake assist system, one aspect of the standard Audi pre sense city,  and the optionally available Audi pre sense basic, which in emergency situations tensions the seatbelt before a collision and closes the windows and sunroof. The multi collision brake assist system initiates braking automatically in case of an accident to reduce the risk of skidding and the danger of further collisions.

Audi places maximum value on integral safety, going above and beyond the measures assessed by the institution. Central to Audi pre sense city in the Audi Q7 is a predictive warning and emergency braking system for accident avoidance and the protection of pedestrians. 

At speeds of up to 52 mph, the system observes the road with respect to other road users. If it anticipates a collision, it warns the driver according to a graduated concept: warning, warning jolt and automatic emergency braking.

If necessary, it initiates full deceleration. Accidents at speeds of up to 24 mph can be avoided completely within the system limits. At higher speeds (up to 52 mph) the driver is warned. In addition, Audi pre sense city uses brake intervention to reduce the impact velocity and thus mitigate the consequences of the accident.

Other new assistance systems that make the Audi Q7 even safer in traffic are the collision avoidance assist, turn assist and exit warning. 

Whereas the collision avoidance assist helps the driver to drive around an obstacle with supportive steering to avoid an accident, the turn assist monitors oncoming traffic when turning left at low speed. In a dangerous situation, it brakes the Q7 to a complete stop, if necessary, to prevent a turn if there is oncoming traffic. With the exit warning, LEDs light up red when the doors are opened if other vehicles or bicycles are approaching from the rear. 

A rear traffic crossing system is also available, capable of alerting the driver when reversing out of parking spaces to any vehicles suddenly crossing from behind through visual and acoustic signals. The system can apply the brakes if a potential collision is imminent.

Established in 1997, the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) investigates the crash performance of new car models. In 2015 the consortium made the requirements for the front and side impact collision tests even tougher in order to reflect actual accident scenarios even more accurately.

All New frugal engine compliments the bigger powerplant in the new Q7 Sports utility vehicle,

New 218PS version of advanced 3.0-litre TDI engine maintains polished V6 refinement while further reducing consumption in reworked Q7

• New 218PS version of all-new Q7 joins 272PS model – available with SE and S line specification priced at £47,755 OTR and £51,250 OTR respectively
• Available to order now – UK first deliveries from October
• 3.0 TDI 218PS: 0-62mph in 7.3 secs, top speed 134mph, combined MPG 49.6 (18-inch wheel), CO₂148g/km (18-inch wheel)
• Standard specification includes MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Audi connect, Audi drive select, keyless go, parking system plus, powered tailgate
• S line versions fitted with all-weather LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and S line styling enhancements
• Options include Audi Virtual Cockpit, adaptive air suspension and all-wheel-steering

By jettisoning up to 325kg in weight compared with its predecessor the all-new Audi Q7 is perfectly placed to capitalise on the fuel-saving capabilities of advanced new engines like the 218PS V6 TDI, which has just joined the range. 

Complementing the 272PS version of this remarkably efficient and refined 3.0-litre unit, which spearheaded the launch of the re-engineered seven-seat luxury SUV. 

The new lower output option is capable of returning in excess of 49mpg with CO₂ emissions of as little as 148g/km. The new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro 218PS is available in SE and S line specification priced from £47,755 OTR, and is due with its first UK customers in October.

Despite its even more intensive focus on efficiency the new entry point to the Q7 range isn’t short-changed on performance. 

The EU6-compliant unit’s 218PS peak output, available from 3,250rpm through to 4,750rpm, and the 500Nm torque maximum it delivers between 1,250rpm and 3,000rpm, are slickly converted by the eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission into a 0-62mph time of just 7.3 seconds and a potential top speed of 134mph.

Yet thanks in part to modifications to the water pump, oil cooler and combustion process, among other things, the SE version with its 19-inch alloy wheels and the S line with its 20-inch upgrade can deliver up to 48.7mpg according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO₂ output of 150g/km. 

Customers who choose the SE, and who place particular emphasis on economy and efficiency, can specify a smaller 18-inch wheel as an alternative to further reduce consumption and emissions – with their help up to 49.6mpg is possible with emissions of 148g/km.

Another significant contributing factor to these impressive returns is the intensive weight optimisation programme that has shaved precious kilograms from the Q7 in every area from the suspension and drivetrain components to the body panels. 

The most notable savings were made in the multimaterial body-in-white, which is 71kg lighter than its predecessor, in the all-aluminium doors which strip away 24kg and in the chassis with its sophisticated new five-link suspension, which subtracts 67kg.

Adaptive air suspension now available individually

With the seven-seat configuration which is standard for UK models the Q7 weighs in a total of 240kg lighter than the same set-up in the outgoing model, and the weight discrepancy between old and new five-seat versions (a no-cost option in the UK) is an even more impressive 325kg. 

This not only gives a freer rein to the V6 TDI units but also reduces unsprung masses to enable the newly developed suspension to deliver the best possible ride comfort.

For the ultimate in unruffled travel an adaptive air suspension system, which itself weighs 10kg less than before, can be added at extra cost to keep the body consistently level and suppress the worst effects of the roughest of surfaces, no matter what the Q7 carries and where it ventures. 

The system was previously available only as part of the Dynamic Pack but can now also be ordered as a standalone option.

For consummate control in all weathers and on all surfaces quattro all-wheel-drive is fitted as standard. Managed by a self-locking centre differential which apportions 40 per cent of power to the front and 60 per cent to the rear under normal driving conditions, it can shift up to 70 per cent forwards and up to 85 per cent rearwards if either axle becomes overburdened.

All-wheel-steering as a segment first

All-wheel-drive can also be supplemented as an option in the new Q7 by all-wheel-steering – a unique feature in the SUV segment. At low speeds, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, reducing the turning circle by up to one metre for noticeably easier manoeuvrability when parking and turning at low speeds. 

At higher speeds the rear wheels turn with the front by up to 3.5 degrees to enhance steering response and improve stability.  

This ground-breaking technological sophistication is carried over into the interior. 

As a starting point, the latest MMI navigation plus incorporating an ultra-clear 8.3-inch electrically retractable monitor and large fingertip-reactive MMI Touch pad serves as a portal for a wealth of entertainment and infotainment content in the Q7, and trial access to the internet-based services and in-car web browsing opportunities offered by Audi connect is also included.

SE and S line models also feature the MMI radio plus incorporating a DAB module and linked to the 10-speaker Audi sound system, electrically operated and heated front seats with four-way electric lumbar support, cruise control, light and rain sensors, the Audi parking system plus with front and rear visual and acoustic guidance, hill descent control and keyless go. S line models add front sports seats upholstered in pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara and privacy glass.

The Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system is standard for all versions, and enables the driver to alter the operating characteristics of the engine, transmission and new fuel-saving electromechanical steering across five driving modes – auto, comfort, efficiency, dynamic or individual.

When efficiency mode is selected, the S tronic transmission is disengaged from the driveline whenever the driver eases off the throttle to enable the Q7 to ‘coast’ in the interest of further fuel savings. 

When the adaptive air suspension system is specified, Audi drive select also enables the driver to select an allroad and lift/offroad function to increase ground clearance by 25mm and 60mm respectively.   

The Audi virtual cockpit, which has already set a new benchmark in the TT and R8 sports cars, is available to replace the analogue dials in the binnacle with a 12.3-inch fully digital TFT display capable of presenting a classic view with high-quality rendered dial instruments or an infotainment view with an extended display area for lists and navigation mapping.

The Audi virtual cockpit can be specified individually or as part of a Technology pack which also includes a head-up display for projection of key information onto the windscreen in the driver’s eye line, high beam assist for sensor-controlled alternation between dipped and main beam (standard for S line models), the Audi phone box for wireless connection of mobile phones to the Q7’s aerial, plus inductive charging of Qi-enabled handsets, and a three-year subscription to Audi connect services.

Detachable touch-screen tablets

Two high quality audio systems from Bose and Bang & Olufsen can also be specified to deliver remarkable 3D sound through the use of additional speakers in the A-pillars which provide the spatial dimension of height. 

Rear seat passengers can also be treated to the Audi Entertainment Mobile, which includes two detachable 10.1-inch high definition touch screens which can be attached to the front seat backs.

These can stream content from iPhone or Android smartphones via different sources, including an Audi app, the integrated SD card reader, USB, Miracast WiFi or Bluetooth.

Later this year the Audi smartphone interface will also become available on the options list, integrating many of the functions of iOS and Android mobile phones into the Audi MMI system and replicating the distinctive look of each operating system on the MMI screen using “Apple Car Play” and “Google Android Auto”.

If a compatible iOS or Android cellular phone is connected to the USB port, the respective environment opens in the Audi smartphone interface. 

Both platforms offer navigation functions, missed call/appointment reminders and messaging functions, as well as a wealth of music playback options. Over time, these will be augmented by numerous third-party applications such as Pandora, Spotify and WhatsApp.

LED daytime running lights are common to both versions, and in the S line, LED headlights also replace the SE version’s standard Xenon plus units. These are also complemented as part of S line specification by a high beam assist function and dynamic rear indicators, which sweep sequentially from the inside out for better visibility when turning.

Optional Matrix LEDs

Both light sources can also be replaced as an option by Matrix LED units comprising banks of LEDs capable of reacting individually to the presence of oncoming and leading cars. 

When high beam is activated and sensors detect cars in the vicinity they can dip or fully extinguish individual LEDs, directing corridors of light around the traffic to maintain maximum visibility of the road and surrounding environment without causing disruption to other drivers. The Matrix LED option also includes dynamic rear indicators for SE models.

An array of innovative optional driver assistance systems can also act as a second pair of eyes for the driver of the new Q7 during a wide range of everyday manoeuvres such as reversing out of a perpendicular parking space into moving traffic, pulling out of a junction into crossing traffic and exiting the car on a traffic-clogged road. 

Thanks to an evolution of adaptive cruise control incorporating a traffic jam assistant the Q7 can even take over steering duties on marked roads if traffic is moving at below 37mph.

Cabin space and the archetypal Audi quality of finish have always been Q7 virtues, and both are improved upon in the new model. 

Across the three rows of seats, upholstered in supple Twin leather in the SE or leather and Alcantara in the S line, headroom has increased for both front and second row passengers, and when the third row is surplus to requirements it can now be more easily stowed to make room for luggage thanks to a new powered folding mechanism which is standard. 

A total of 770 litres of luggage space is available when seven passengers are on board, or up to 1,955 litres if only the front seats are occupied.