All-new Volkswagen Tiguan is packed with the latest cutting edge and all new technology.

• All-new Volkswagen Tiguan is packed with the latest cutting edge technology
• Tiguan seamlessly integrates smartphone functionality on the road
• Volkswagen Tiguan on sale now from £22,510 (RRP OTR)

The need to integrate today’s consumer technologies such as smartphones seamlessly into our homes, offices and cars is becoming essential for many.  Recognising this trend, when designing the new Tiguan, Volkswagen engineers have ensured the car is packed with state-of-the-art features that support connectivity and functionality more easily than ever.

The new Tiguan’s cool, calm, connected nature enables its driver and passengers to stay in touch while on the move.  Whether it’s getting the latest traffic information, streaming some music or dictating a text hands-free the latest Volkswagen SUV is equipped for the task.

All new Tiguans offer, as a minimum, Volkswagen’s impressive Composition Media system.  This includes an eight-inch colour touch-screen, DAB digital radio receiver, CD player, USB connection and the simultaneous pairing, via Bluetooth, of two compatible mobile phone devices.¹

Once a smartphone is paired with the Tiguan the driver or passenger can make and receive phone calls via the car’s built-in microphone and infotainment speakers.  When the car is stationary the driver or passenger can even read and reply to SMS text messages using the touch-screen display, if they have an Android smartphone.

Internet on the move

Of course mobile phones now do so much more than merely text or call contacts.  This is where Volkswagen’s Car-Net comes in.  Car-Net refers to in-car internet connectivity and it brings the best functions of a smartphone – entertainment and convenience – into the Tiguan, simply and securely.   

A range of services are available, and for access to the full functionality all the driver needs to do is set up an account at volkswagen-car-net.com and download the Car-Net app to their smartphone.

Car-Net kicks off with the App-Connect system.  Available on entry-level S trim, and standard on all other trims, App-Connect allows the display screen of a smartphone to be ‘mirrored’ on the Tiguan’s Composition Media touch-screen by connecting the phone via a USB cable.²  

This is compatible with smartphones that run Apple, Google and Android operating systems, meaning the function is available to almost every smartphone user.

Crucially, the Tiguan also allows the use of certified apps on its infotainment touch-screen.  And if the app supports voice control then that will work in the Tiguan too!  With safety in mind, only certain apps can be used while the Tiguan’s wheels are in motion. 

One such app is MirrorLink’s Cam Connect.  This allows the infotainment display to be connected to a GoPro camera, which can be mounted in the vehicle or in a trailer that’s being towed by the Tiguan.  This is useful if you have a dog in the rear of the vehicle, or if you’re towing a horse box and you want to check on your animal without having to pull over.

In the fast-moving world of digital development, the list of apps that are accessible while on the move is growing all the time.  Apple’s CarPlay supports Spotify; the music streaming service, Stitcher; which offers a variety of radio shows and podcasts; and the video calling app Skype.  

Android Auto works with a variety of apps, including instant messengers WhatsApp and KiK, and GoogleHangouts too.  These apps are navigated using the car’s steering wheel controls.

Volkswagen’s ‘Guide and Inform’ system is the next step in truly bringing the online world into the new Tiguan.  

It operates via Volkswagen’s familiar Discover Navigation system and opens up access to a wide range of useful information, including traffic conditions, fuel location and pricing, parking space availability, the weather at the destination and customisable news feeds.  

A press of the Point of Interest button in the navigation menu provides a wide variety of options to find the precise information required.  For example, a list of petrol stations can be sorted by the distance from the Tiguan or even by the price of the fuel.

Alternatively, the driver can search for points of interest on the volkswagen-car-net.com website while at home or at work.  The ‘Destination Import’ function then allows them to send the information to the Tiguan’s navigation system.  Complete routes can be sent to the car so the driver simply gets in, downloads the journey and starts driving. 

Once under way, the Tiguan will know if traffic is building up along the route and will re-calculate the journey to find the fastest option.  

The Tiguan’s live traffic information is based on the Traffic Message Channel, which supplies continuously updated traffic data throughout Europe.  Alternative routes are automatically chosen and the corresponding estimated time of arrival is updated accordingly.

All Car-Net ‘Guide and Inform’ services are standard equipment on trims from SE Navigation and above, and are optional on the Tiguan S. A three-year subscription to the ‘Guide and Inform’ service is included, so the maps are constantly updated, too.³

Tiguan’s active information

The most comprehensive mobile connectivity available in new Tiguan is Car-Net ‘Guide and Inform Plus’.  Optional on S, SE Navigation, SEL and R-Line trims, ‘Guide and Inform Plus’ adds voice activation technology to the already thorough ‘Guide and Inform’ offering.  It brings Google Earth™ into the car, while Google Street View™ can also be displayed on the colour touch-screen.

A crucial feature of Car-Net is the way in which the Car-Net app acts as an e-Remote for the new Tiguan.  Before the driver gets into the car, he or she can use the Car-Net e-Remote to pre-set the air conditioning so the cabin is at their preferred temperature.  The e-Remote also displays the vehicle’s mileage, last parking position and will even inform the driver if the headlights are on or not. 

The connectivity of the new Tiguan makes it one of the most advanced cars in its class, but it’s far from a ‘one trick’ SUV.  Another technological highlight is the Active Info Display: a 12.3-inch high resolution TFT display screen located in the instrument binnacle.  

It offers a digital speedo and tachometer, and the display can be customised to show almost any of the car’s other parameters.  Particularly useful is the wide-screen navigation display, which replicates the information on the TFT display in the centre console.  Active Info Display is available on trims from SE and up, and is standard on the SEL and R-Line models.

Another key feature is the Head-up Display that projects driving information, including current speed and the speed limit, onto a retractable screen within the driver’s field of vision. This fighter jet-inspired technology is an option on Tiguans from SE and above.

Volkswagen joins in the fun with their take on the Euro 2016 Football - this is their line-up.

• Variable and versatile – the Golf Variant is the perfect team player
• Technology, speed and stylish colours make a major impression
• An all-rounder with good looks too

For some time now, football fans have been debating which line-up their national team should use for the Euro 2016 tournament.

Volkswagen, for its part, has a great line-up for its Golf Variant model series: from the rapid striker Golf R Variant¹ with 300 PS to the untiring playmaker Golf GTD Variant² and the reliable and experienced Golf Variant Highline³ – our finely tuned team is sure to get you to the stadium or a public screening safely.

The Golf Variant all-rounder also looks good – and not just in the colours of the tricolour. All of our team members stand out through their exceptional sporty nature. They also offer plenty of room for a trip to an away match as well – not to mention sufficient space for a barbecue grill, beverages and much more.

Volkswagen wishes all football fans an exciting and thrilling Euro 2016 tournament.

TMW - The All-New Volkswagen Tiguan, a massive leap forward for the new generation model, and a car to beat the best.

We think that everyone is fully aware of all the issues that have plagued Volkswagen over the last few months, and if you dont, well, we have to ask, "what planet have you been on", however, it is, for the German automotive giant, business as usual, with the launch of all new models, refreshed cars, decent deals and more, and it is why we are here today, the All-New Tiguan.

The Tiguan is one of a large number of brand new SUV cars that the brand is going to be launching over the coming few years, to cash in on the current trend of SUV's that are dominating the sales charts around the globe.

This new car will carry on where the previous generation left off, however, the old model was no slouch with sales growing every year since it's launch and it quickly became the third best selling model for VW, after the Golf and Polo, so how do you make a good car better.

Well, they looked at what they had, and made each aspect of that car better, it is superior in looks, and to be honest is now one of the best looking cars in it's class, the exterior looks chunky and solid, unlike the previous model which I felt, looked a little odd in it's proportions, the interior is a big jump forward, with nice to touch soft plastics, splashes of leather where necessary,the steering wheel has a nice solid feel to it, doors that thunk, and seats that offer enough support without the need to force yourself into some bucket seats, that slightly overweight people struggle to get in and out of.

This new car comes in five trim levels starting with the S, then onto the SE, SE Navigation, SEL and topping off at R-Line, with the pricing of this car starting at £22,500 and wandering off to the heady heights of nearly £40,000, rather a lot for a car in this class, but you do get a lot of car for the money.

Yes the base models are that, basic, but you still get plenty of toys, 

• Tyre pressure monitor, 
• Wiper and light sensors, 
• Front assist radar sensor, 
• Controlled distance monitoring system, 
• Predictive Pedestrian Protection, 
• Lane Assist, 
• Active Bonnet, 
• A full suite of airbags, 
• Auto hazard lights under heavy braking and more, lots more.

You get the option of two wheel drive as well as 4Motion, and with that you get four different driving styles to chose from all to keep you on the straight and narrow, added together with an approach angle of 18° and a departure angle of 24.7° gives this All-New car more capability than ever before.

Interior, again the car benefits from a good makeover, everything is near to hand, and easy to operate, depending on the model, you get either a standard display in front of the driver, or on the higher end models you get the all singing and all dancing digital display, which is a sight to behold, especially when you start the car. Just watch the video above.

Driving the car and you immediately get a feel that this is a quality car, it runs smoothly, quietly and with the DSG gearbox, which they utilise both the 6speed on the 2WD and 7speed on the 4WD, the gear changes are supremely effortless, quiet and the only time you know that the gear has changed is by the rev counter moving in jumps as the gears change.

Whether you drive on rough terrain or open roads, you never feel that the car will behave unruly, it shifts along the roads like a car half its size, grips very very well on corners, with just the smallest hint of Under steer if you push the car a little too hard, which is an easy thing to do with to with this SUV, as it seems to love getting up and shifting.

The brakes on this car are extremely good, and on heavy braking you get the feeling of being pushed forward as they bite and bring the car to a standstill with ease and no effort, added to which the stability of the car is equally as good in part thanks to the MQB platform which does, or will, underpin a large number VW group products over the coming years, some of the VW group cars that will utilise this MQB platform include the Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Touran, Sharan, Passat and CC models, and by using the same platform over a number of models this helps to standardise components.

It also means that when and if needed, all these cars can be built at the same time on the same track, which would also assist in cost efficiencies, which, for the brand is a very important achievement at the moment.

The car is extremely well dampered which makes you feel like you are in a car of more quality and price, and the lack of body roll, also keeps you from feeling like you're being thrown about, the steering is really well weighted, which again gives an air of quality.

VW are predicting that 95% of sales will be diesels, but there will be some petrol's thrown in for good measure, there will be

• 2.0 litre TDI 115ps
• 2.0 litre TDI 150ps
• 2.0 litre TDI 190ps
• 2.0 litre TDI 240ps
• 1.4 litre TSI 125ps
• 1.4 litre TSI 150ps
• 2.0 litre TSI 180ps

VW's claimed fuel consumption figures will be spot on, as they cant afford to be caught with their trousers down again, so expect to get

• Urban               49.6mpg
• Extra Urban      67.2mpg
• Combined.        60.1mpg

These are maximum diesel figures, move up the range and add 4Motion and you will see these drop to

• Urban               43.5mpg
• Extra Urban      54.3mpg
• Combined.        49.6mpg

Petrol fuel figures are

• Urban               40.3mpg
• Extra Urban      55.4mpg
• Combined.        48.7mpg

These are maximum figures (at the time of going to release) and are mated to the 1.4 litre TSI ACT 150ps 2WD, at the lowest end of the figures which is the 2WD TSI 125ps

• Urban               37.7mpg
• Extra Urban      53.3mpg
• Combined.        46.3mpg

The petrol 4Motion and 2.0 litre BiTDI 240ps diesel figures have not been released, but expect them to be lower than the best quoted here, and again the diesel numbers are the best, and to be honest you will have to weigh up your annual mileage against the price difference to see if the petrol would be a better bet, especially as there can be as much a few grand difference in price between equivalent models.

Space for people within the car is at a premium and better than the last model, yes it is lower, but there is actually more head room, the MQB makes this possible, there is more than sufficient room in the front for both driver and passenger, and you can adjust the seating and steering wheel in numerous directions so that you can get comfortable drive with out a crick in the neck, or squashed legs under the wheel.

The space in the rear is also good, very good infact, with the seat set at where i would be comfortable, there is loads of room for rear seat passengers, and no nasty sloping roof line to squash your head, boot space is generous, and even more commodious with the seats down, rear seats are lacking in support, with the seats very very flat, which is a shame as everything else about this car is spot on, if they had a little more side bolstering then there would be nothing to complain about, not that i am complaining, far from it, this car is great.

Boot space in the new models has grown by around 10% over the first generation car, with 520 litres, slide the seats and this increases to over 610 and fold the rear seats down and that nearly tripled to over 1,650 litres, which is a great amount of space and will take most of your usual "stuff".

A plug in hybrid will appear at some point this year, giving even more mpg to keep all those that harp on about the environment happy, added to which the car is very handsome, from all angles, looks muscular, and gives an air of "dont mess with me".

So, what else is there to tempt you to the car, well, the options list is vast, as is the norm these days, so what can you buy, well, Heads Up Display is a nice addition, for those that tow regularily, trailer assist will be a great optional extra, Side scan, assists in helping the driver at speeds upto 37mph to move lane, by monitoring the traffic, and more, lots more, you can add on a vast amount of monies worth of extra's, and it is fun playing with the configurator to see how expensive you can actually make a car, i managed to get my Tiguan up to just shy of £50,000, and thats a lot of money for a car this size.

So, back to the price, as thats really the only concern, it is not cheap, not that it should be, but on some models you are really hitting the prices where you would consider more premium cars, like an Audi or dare i say BMW, you would need to really look at the specs, prices, fuel consumption and then decide which is the better choice, for me however, this wins, it has so much going for it, that it will carry the flag for the next few years, where the last one left off, and will sell like hot cakes, and it deserves too, this is one great car.

Jon Mower

The Motoring World.

© MMXVI - Pictures and Text - Only to be used with express permission of the author.

Skoda announces UK pricing for all new Superb.

• All-new Superb to start from £18,640 when sales start later this year
• Striking new design, advanced technology and even higher comfort levels  
• Larger passenger compartment than previous model plus 1,760-litre boot
• Weight savings of up to 75kg improves efficiency

ŠKODA today announces that the new Superb will start from £18,640 when UK sales start later this year. The flagship of the ŠKODA range, the new Superb features a striking new design, greater efficiency and more safety systems than ever before. And, thanks to ŠKODA’s legendary value for money, the new version has an even lower entry price point than the outgoing model.

At 4,861mm long and 1864mm wide, the new Superb is 28mm longer and 47mm wider than its predecessor, while the 2841mm wheelbase is 80mm longer, allowing for greater space within the passenger compartment. The boot is 30 litres larger than before, at 625 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1,760 litres with the rear seat backs folded. Despite the increased size, the new ŠKODA Superb is up to 75kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks in part to weight-saving measures made available by the car’s advanced MQB construction.

Reflecting its position as ŠKODA’s flagship model, the Superb introduces a host of technology features – many of which appear on a ŠKODA for the first time. These include a clever Virtual pedal system that opens the boot with just the wave of a foot under the rear bumper, full integration of Apple and Android smartphones via CarPlay, MirrorLink and Google Android Auto. Safety and convenience features include Blind spot detection, Rear traffic alert, third-generation Park assist and Traffic jam assist.

More information, including UK specifications and engine range will follow shortly.

Škoda to launch a raft of new, special and limited editions at the Geneva motor Show.

The new ŠKODA Superb is a milestone for the brand. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show (5 to 15 March 2015), the third generation of the model will be celebrating its trade fair premiere – just two weeks after its world premiere in Prague. The brand’s new flagship is the best ŠKODA of all time and features an emotive design, the most room of any vehicle in its segment, and innovative MQB technology from the Volkswagen Group. 

The car’s market launch is set for mid-2015. ŠKODA will also be celebrating the world premiere of the sporty ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo and the racy ŠKODA Octavia RS 230 powerhouse at Lac Léman. In addition, the manufacturer will be presenting the new ‘Edition’ special model to commemorate 120 years of corporate history this year. 

ŠKODA is highlighting the brand’s high dynamics through the strength of their appearance at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. In 2014 ŠKODA achieved a new sales record; selling 1.04 million vehicles, the carmaker delivered more than 1 million ŠKODA vehicles to customers for the first time in a single calendar year.

​“The new superb heralds the dawn of a new era for ŠKODA,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “Over recent years, ŠKODA has established itself as an international volume manufacturer. Our new flagship is now the highlight of ŠKODA’s most comprehensive model campaign ever, and shows where ŠKODA stands today.” He continues, “The car’s outstanding design and engineering qualities, and the unbeatable space make our flagship the new benchmark in the automotive mid-class. The new ŠKODA Superb is a clear demonstration of our growth and points to the future of the brand.” 

With its new, expressive design the new ŠKODA demonstrates the emotional power of the brand. The new Superb brings the exciting design of the 'ŠKODA VisionC' show car into series production. This elegant yet dynamic appearance is supported by the use of the modular transverse matrix (MQB) from the Volkswagen Group. The new ŠKODA Superb sets standards in terms of room and comfort. The latest generation of the model offers the best head and legroom in the rear and the largest luggage space in its segment. At the same time, the saloon is smarter than ever before with 29 ‘Simply Clever’ details. 

The new Superb has reached a new dimension in terms of technology.  For the first time in a ŠKODA, the vehicle features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), including drive profile selection. Alongside this there is a brand new air-conditioning system, including the new three-zone climate control. An electronic sliding and raising panoramic roof is also available, along with auxiliary heating, heated seats, wirelessly heated windscreen and the electronic boot that can also be opened with a virtual pedal.  Thanks to the new parking assistant, the park distance control and the new rear camera, getting in and out of parking spaces has never been easier. And one other feature just in case: the two umbrellas tucked away in the front door panels.  

The range of safety systems is more comprehensive than ever. These include the series-standard multi-collision brake and the systems Front Assist, including City Emergency Braking, Automatic Distance Control, Proactive Occupant Protection, Lane Assist, Congestion Assistant, Blind Spot Warning, Reverse Parking Assistant, Emergency Assistant, Fatigue Detection, Speed Limiter, Traffic Sign Recognition, Hill Start Assist and Electronic Tyre Pressure Monitoring system. The new Superb also features Smart Light Assist for the first time.

Connectivity has never been better: The new infotainment system automatically connects to many smartphones. Details about the vehicle can be retrieved via SmartGate on your smartphone, too. Thanks to high-speed Internet connection, the Superb is the first ŠKODA hotspot on wheels. With the ŠKODA Media Command app, you can operate the infotainment system from the rear from a tablet device. 

The new ŠKODA Superb boasts record values in consumption and emissions. Thanks to the new engines (five petrol and three TDI common rail diesel), weight reduced by up to 75 kg, and better aerodynamics, the new model consumes up to 30% less fuel, emitting less  CO2 than previously. Despite the reduced consumption, the new engines actually provide up to 20% more power on the road.  4x4 is also available. 

Automotive powerhouse – the new ŠKODA Octavia RS 230

Pure sports emotion – the new ŠKODA Octavia RS 230. ŠKODA’s new special edition will be celebrating its world premiere in Geneva.  The automotive powerhouse features a racy design, sporty interior, modern technology and impressive power. The ŠKODA Octavia RS 230 is the first ŠKODA to feature – as series-standard – an electronically controlled differential front axle lock for dynamic cornering. The additional ‘230’ designation relates to the new RS special edition’s horsepower,  accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds with its 169 kW or 230hp two-litre petrol engine. The car’s top speed stands at 250 km/h, making the ŠKODA Octavia RS 230 the fastest series-produced Octavia of all time. The Octavia RS special edition’s market launch is set for June 2015. 

Sporty design - the new ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo

Also celebrating its world premiere in Geneva, the new ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo – in both the saloon and estate versions. ŠKODA’s new small car, launched just a few months ago, shows off its sporty side in a Monte Carlo edition. An attractive style package, sporty interior and wide range of features make the new ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo one of the most exciting vehicles in its class. 

The most important hallmarks of ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo are the black 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels, optional sports suspension, black design elements on the exterior, SunSet (tinted rear window and rear side windows) and tinted panoramic glass roof. The interior offers, among other things, a three-spoke sports leather steering wheel, black interior and sports seats with individual design. This means the new model meets the increasing customer demand for custom cars with a certain je ne sais quoi. 

ŠKODA celebrates two anniversaries with fantastic special ‘Edition’ model 

In addition, ŠKODA will be presenting the special ‘Edition’ models of the ŠKODA Fabia, Rapid, Octavia and Yeti series for the first time in Geneva. The occasion is the 2015 double-anniversary – at the end of December, the company will be celebrating its 120th birthday, and 110 years ago the first L&K automobiles were vleaving the production halls in Mladá Boleslav.

The ‘Edition’ models’ exterior feature the series-standard attractive design elements, such as door mirrors in the body colour, bicolour alloy wheels, front fog lights and SunSet (tinted rear window and rear side windows). The ‘Edition’ interior offers fantastic features like the leather-finished three-spoke steering wheel, gear stick and hand brake, décor in brushed aluminium and textile floor mats bordered with grey stitching.  

ŠKODA at the 85th International Motor Show 2015 in Geneva:

› ŠKODA Stand: PALEXPO Geneva, Hall 2, Stand 2160

› ŠKODA floor space: 1267 m2 on two levels

› ŠKODA press conference: 03.03.2015, 10:10 am

› Number of ŠKODA vehicles exhibited on the first press day: 7 (excl. Superb)

› Number of ŠKODA vehicles exhibited on second press day and on the public days am: 14 (5x Superb, 1x Octavia Scout, 1x Octavia Combi RS, 1x Octavia Combi G-TEC, 1x Yeti Outdoor Edition, 1x Yeti Monte Carlo, 1x Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo, 1x Rapid Spaceback Edition, 1x Fabia Monte Carlo, 1x Fabia Combi Edition)