Skoda adds a new 4x4 version to the vRS Octavia range, making this the fastest produced model ever.

• New 4x4 option added to Octavia vRS range - fitted with six-speed DSG as standard
• Perfect combination of power, performance and practicality
• Octavia vRS 4x4 models start from £27,315 OTR. Available to order now.
• Amundsen sat-nav added to standard specification on all Octavia vRS models
• 30,000 examples of the Octavia vRS sold in the UK since 2001

ŠKODA is continuing the expansion of its sporting flagship Octavia vRS line-up with a specification boost and the introduction of a new 4x4 transmission option. Following hot in the tracks of the new vRS 230, the fastest production ŠKODA Octavia ever, the updated range hits showrooms later this year.  Prices for the Octavia vRS 4x4 start from £27,315 OTR (£28,515 OTR for the Estate).

Offered with the 2.0 TDI 184PS diesel engine, the vRS’ four-wheel drive system is coupled to a six-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) as standard, which delivers a smooth and strong acceleration in all road conditions. The Octavia’s 4x4 system constantly monitors traction at each wheel and can direct power to whichever axle requires it.

The Octavia vRS 4x4 models can sprint from zero to 62mph in just 7.6 seconds and have a broad and flexible mid-range – made possible by the engine’s high torque output of 380Nm, available between 1,750-3,250 rpm.

From 1 November, prices for the Octavia vRS range start from £24,230 OTR for the Hatch and £25,430 OTR for the Estate, an increase of £400, however, buyers will get the Amundsen satellite navigation system as standard (previously £755), offering a customer saving of £355.

With a capacitive touchscreen display and SD card slot, this feature-packed unit joins a specification list that already includes 18-inch Gemini anthracite alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension and dual-zone climate control with humidity sensor.

More than 30,000 Octavia vRS models have been sold in the UK since its introduction in 2001. Its unique combination of performance, value and unrivalled levels of space has made it a popular choice with UK buyers.

Engineering highlights in the vRS range include multi-link suspension and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, progressive steering and numerous assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort. The vRS also features a striking design package that includes unique vRS bumpers, spoiler and interior. 

Octavia vRS range

Octavia vRS		Recommended OTR
Hatch	2.0 TSI 220PS*	£24,230.00
	2.0 TSI 220PS DSG*	£25,620.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS*	£24,475.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS DSG*	£25,865.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS 4x4 DSG	£27,315.00
Estate	2.0 TSI 220PS*	£25,430.00
	2.0 TSI 220PS DSG*	£26,820.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS*	£25,675.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS DSG*	£27,065.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS 4x4 DSG	£28,515.00
Octavia vRS 230		Recommended OTR
Hatch	2.0 TSI 230PS	£26,350.00
	2.0 TSI 230PS DSG	£27,740.00
Estate	2.0 TSI 230PS	£27,550.00
	2.0 TSI 230PS DSG	£28,940.00

GENEVA - Volkswagen gives us the World Premiere of the new Passat Alltrack.

• World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show
• All-wheel drive all-rounder* combines exceptional off-road properties with excellent travel comfort

The latest generation of the Passat Alltrack* is celebrating its debut at this year's Geneva International Motor Show. Based on the new Passat Estate, the new Passat Alltrack impresses with an independent off-road look, 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive and highly advanced technologies. The updated version confidently handles rough terrain, on the one hand, while simultaneously providing excellent cruising comfort – thanks to the driving profile selector and DCC adaptive chassis control.

The Passat Alltrack is an independent model within the model series. This can be seen in exterior features such as the modified bumpers (with underbody guard in stainless-steel look), rugged wheel arch and side sill moulding covers in "Anthracite" and sill extensions. Its 27.5 mm higher ground clearance also makes it ready for any driving situation. Anodised silver roof rails, "Alltrack" badges on the radiator grille and tailgate, and custom 17-inch alloy wheels (18- and 19-inch wheel options available) upgrade this Estate even more.

At the same time, the Passat Alltrack scores with state-of-the-art technology. Thanks to its special Offroad driving programme with suitably modified assistance systems, modified chassis and the alliance of EDS (electronic differential lock), XDS+ and 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive, it is the perfect all-round vehicle for both the on-road and off-road worlds. In addition, the Passat Alltrack is an ideal towing vehicle. A towing load of 2,200 kg (braked) can be hitched to it on a twelve per cent gradient (exception: 110 kW /150 PS TSI has towing capacity of 1,800 kg).

In addition, the Passat Alltrack can be fitted with an exceptionally large range of driver assistance and infotainment systems. They include an Active Info Display (fully digital instruments), head-up display (for projecting information), Media Control rear seat entertainment system for tablet computers, Front Assist (lane-changing assistant), Emergency Assist (stops vehicle in emergency), Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert (detects vehicles in cross-traffic when backing out of parking spaces) and Trailer Assist (for assisted manoeuvring with a trailer).

The theme of infotainment also assumes a high priority in the Passat Alltrack. A total of five radio and radio-navigation units are available for the Passat Alltrack, which enable a maximum degree of connectivity. The various interfaces include connecting to smartphones via App Connect.

App Connect consists of applications like Mirror Link™, Car Play (Apple) and Android Auto (Google), which permit integration of nearly all smartphones and an enormous bandwidth of apps.

Volkswagen is offering a total of five new direct fuel injection engines for the new Passat Alltrack: The powerful petrol turbocharged engines (TSI) produce 110 kW / 150 PS and 162 kW / 220 PS. The range of the torque- strong turbo-diesels (TDI) begins at 110 kW / 150 PS. The next higher power levels are 140 kW / 190 PS and 176 kW / 240 PS. They all conform to the Euro-6 emissions standard. A stop-start system and recover of braking energy with battery regeneration are also included as standard.

New MINI John Cooper Works, The most powerful MINI Ever.

• 2.0-litre engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology.
• 6-speed manual transmission as standard, 6-speed Steptronic sports transmission optional.
• New high-performance Brembo brakes with four-piston front callipers.
• Exclusive 17-inch John Cooper Works Race Spoke light alloy wheels.
• Aerodynamically optimised body design: front apron with large cooling air inlets; distinctive side sill & rear apron design; JCW rear spoiler.
• Combined economy of 49.5mpg; CO₂ emissions: 133g/km (both auto).
• Priced from £22,865. On sale late April.

The hottest ticket in town at next month’s Detroit Auto Show will be the new MINI John Cooper Works.

Packing the most powerful engine ever for a production MINI – a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo unit delivering 231 hp and 320 Nm – the JCW also draws on the brand’s motorsport expertise with a package of suspension, brake, aerodynamic and interior modifications to deliver race-car sensations without losing sight of MINI’s premium position.

Compared with the previous MINI JCW, the new model delivers 10 per cent more power and 23 per cent more torque. This brings the 0-62 mph time down by 0.2 seconds to 6.3 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox, and by 0.6 seconds to 6.1 seconds with the optional six-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

Equally impressive is the greatly improved driving flexibility, courtesy of the increased torque – acceleration from 50-75 mph is now 10 per cent quicker at 5.6 seconds, accompanied by an emotive rasp from twin tailpipes of the sports exhaust.

In true MINI style, the driving fun does not involve any fuel consumption penalty. Combined consumption with the manual gearbox is 42.2 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km. With the optional Steptronic sports transmission fuel economy improves by 20 per cent to 49.5 mpg, with CO₂ emissions of 133 g/km.

The suspension and the Servotronic electromechanical power steering have been tuned to allow drivers to exploit the new JCW’s extra power and torque in complete safety, and there are newly developed four-piston Brembo brakes within 17-inch John Cooper Works Spoke light-alloy wheels. John Cooper Works 18-inch alloys are optional. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Performance Control allow drivers of all abilities to get maximum enjoyment from the car, and Dynamic Damper Control is an option.        

          

The aerodynamic changes have been designed with a purpose rather than for purely aesthetic reasons. A new front apron with large engine air intakes, distinctive side sills, a model-specific rear apron and a John Cooper Works spoiler differentiate the JCW from the standard 3-Door MINI Hatch. The JCW also has LED headlamps with white indicators, wheel-arch surrounds and a unique radiator grille, side scuttles and tailgate with JCW badging. A new colour option, Rebel Green, is exclusive to the JCW.

JCW highlights of the sporty interior include exclusive bucket seats with integrated headrests in Dinamica/fabric, the sills, a multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles (in conjunction with Steptronic transmission), gear selector, instrument displays, stainless steel pedals and footrest, Driving Excitement package and key.

Bespoke JCW personalisation options includes a model-specific MINI Head-Up display (with rev lights and gear indicator), Chili Red roof and door mirror covers, bonnet stripes and exterior and interior John Cooper Works Pro design accessories. These are in addition to the vast selection of high-end options available for the entire MINI range.

Tech spec:

• 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine with direct injection, fully variable valve control and variable camshaft control
• Capacity: 1,998 cc
• Output: 231 hp @ 5,200-6,000 rpm, max torque: 320 Nm @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
• Acceleration (0–62mph) 6.1 seconds (auto); 6.3 seconds (man)
• Top speed: 152mph
• Average fuel consumption: 49.5 mpg (auto); 42.2 mpg (man)
• CO₂ emissions: 133 g/km (auto); 155 g/km (man)

Exterior dimensions:

Length: 3,874 millimetres

Width: 1,727 millimetres

Height: 1,414 millimetres

Wheelbase: 2,495 millimetres