Volkswagen pushes the Polo Event from now until Valentines day - the ideal lovers car ?

• Volkswagen’s award-winning Polo is available with deposit contribution of £1,400¹ at 6.2% APR representative and a year’s insurance included²
• Customers now benefit from a free service plan³ on orders placed on or before Valentine’s Day
• 25 per cent discount on the popular Style Pack

Volkswagen has extended its tempting Polo offer with two new incentives.  As well as a generous deposit contribution with insurance included, Polo customers can now take advantage of a free service plan and receive a discount on the Style Pack.

The deposit contribution of £1,400 is available for customers who opt for a Volkswagen Financial Services’ Solutions Personal Contract Plan at 6.2 per cent APR representative.¹ 

This is a significant saving for potential Polo customers and the terrific value for money that this represents is enhanced by the offer of a year’s insurance included.²

Running from 27 January to Valentine’s Day on 14 February the Polo Event offers customers a valuable saving on Volkswagen’s popular supermini. 

With this strong package Volkswagen has ensured it’s even easier to fall in love with a Polo: whether it’s the practical S, the sporty GTI, or anything in between.

And throughout the Polo Event all customers will now benefit from a free service plan, too. This includes both of their Polo’s first two services.³

The Polo’s clean, sculpted lines draw admirers and during the Polo Event customers can further enhance the look of their new car with the Style Pack. This includes stainless steel door sill trims to keep scratches away. 

Tyre valves are protected with stainless steel caps and a chrome strip on the boot lip combines protection with style. In addition, a chrome exhaust trim adds an extra element of sportiness to the rear.

Together, this additional flair makes up the Style Pack that usually retails at £318 RRP but is reduced to just £236 RRP for the duration of the Polo Event.

Every model in Volkswagen’s extensive Polo range is packed with big-car technology. This includes Electronic Stability Control which, together with Traction Control, enhances safety. Driver comfort is ensured with speed sensitive power assisted steering, which is combined with a ‘hill hold’ function that prevents the car from rolling back when paused on an incline.

A five-inch colour touchscreen is the centrepiece of the Composition Colour infotainment system. This includes a CD player, DAB radio and an SD card reader. A smartphone can be connected via Bluetooth and the Polo boasts six speakers as standard. All of this is included on the Polo S, which costs from £11,830 RRP OTR before the offer is applied.

New for 2017 is the Polo Match Edition, which starts from £13,315 RRP OTR and includes cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and even more equipment besides. In addition the Polo Match Edition’s Composition Media system has a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen that allows the simultaneous pairing of two mobile devices and includes a car information option plus album title and cover art display.

A notable highlight of the Match Edition is the App-Connect element of Volkswagen’s Car-Net connectivity system. This allows the mirroring of the customer’s smartphone display on the infotainment screen via Apple’s CarPlay, Google’s Android Auto or MirrorLink, depending on the make of the customer’s smartphone.

App-Connect brings the smartphone’s functionality to the infotainment system’s touchscreen and allows access to maps, contacts, news, music and more. All of this comes at the touch of a button, and can also be operated via voice control. Other apps, such as Spotify and Skype, are supported too.

The Polo range includes the Polo beats, which starts at £14,215 RRP OTR, with its 300-watt sound system with a eight channel amplifier. The SEL features sharp LED headlights and stylish 16-inch ‘Rivazza’ alloy wheels, while the Polo R-Line adds a comprehensive ‘R-Line’ styling pack for head-turning looks both inside and out.

A further highlight of the range is the Polo BlueMotion. This model is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI engine that produces CO₂ emissions of just 98 g/km* and returns 67.3 mpg on the combined cycle. The BlueGT is a high-specification Polo with precise handling and clever engine technology to keep fuel consumption low. With Active Cylinder Technology, two of the engine’s cylinders shut down to save fuel. Its 150 PS 1.4-litre TSI powerplant keeps CO₂ emissions at 110 g/km* while returning 58.9 mpg.

The Polo range is crowned by the 192 PS Polo GTI. With a 1.8-litre TSI engine that reaches 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds the GTI provides vast entertainment in a potent package. A body-coloured rear spoiler emphasises the GTI’s inherent sportiness, as do the LED headlights and honeycomb air intake. The look is completed with red brake callipers. The GTI starts from £19,430 RRP OTR.

*Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are standard EU test figures for comparative purposes, and may not reflect ‘real world’ driving results. CO₂ emissions shown refer to standard specification only.

¹ At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) own the vehicle: pay the optional final payment; ii) return the vehicle: subject to fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle.Available on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s and over. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Excess mileage charges up to 4.8p per mile. Offer available when ordered by February 14th, 2017. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services.

² One year’s insurance included at no extra cost from Volkswagen Insurance is available on new Polo models ordered from 21 December 2016 to 3 April 2017 and registered by 30 June 2017 for drivers aged 18-80 (BlueGT and GTI is 25 and over). Drivers under 18 are not eligible. Residents of Northern Ireland must be aged 19-80 and must have held a full driving licence for a minimum of 2 years. Drivers aged 18-24 are required to share their driving style data with a telematics product. Other eligibility criteria apply. Go to www.insurewithvolkswagen.co.uk/polo for full terms and conditions. This offer may be extended, changed or removed at any point. Volkswagen Motor Insurance from Volkswagen Financial Services is arranged and administered by Carrot Risk Technologies Limited.

³ Covers first two consecutive services (limited to 1x oil service and 1x oil and inspection service).

A look at the SEAT 600 and the SEAT Ibiza to compare how car safety has changed in 60 years

60 years of evolution

• A look at the SEAT 600 and the SEAT Ibiza to compare how car safety has changed in 60 years
• New brake systems, more elements of passive safety and chassis development are the most significant breakthroughs of recent decades 
• The next step is to get cars to anticipate future events and try to prevent them

A lot can happen in 60 years, and when it comes to safety that’s a long time for cars to evolve. In terms of safety, and several other topics, cars today bear little resemblance to those of yesteryear. To illustrate this we can compare a 1963 SEAT 600 D to the SEAT Ibiza FR with the following results:

- Airbags and headrests. “The SEAT 600 wasn’t equipped with headrests,” recalls Javier Luzón, head of Passive Safety at SEAT. This feature makes a significant contribution to preventing whiplash when the car is involved in a low speed collision from the rear. In addition, whereas some SEAT Ibizas have up to six airbags, the SEAT 600 had none, because that technology did not become widespread until the 90s.

- Seat belt. It was developed in the 60s. But in the beginning it was “an inextensible strap that users had to adjust to their body,” explains Luzón. The difference today is that this element of passive safety adapts itself to the user’s body and not the other way round. This provides more safety in the event of a collision, as the current seat belt system fits snugly on the body and retains the passenger instantly.

- Brakes. The brake system on both models is also completely different. The SEAT 600 was equipped with drum brakes “with much lower braking power than what can be achieved today,” says Luzón. By contrast, current cars “have large diameter disc brakes,” tyres are also much wider, “giving them more contact surface with the road for safer traction,” and the cars feature ABS, a system that prevents cars from skidding out of control when braking.

- Chassis. A car’s chassis is another fundamental component when it comes to safety, and its evolution over the past several decades can clearly be seen. One major difference is the greater width of the structures, such as the doors, which nowadays “have added safety features that give better protection than before in the event of a collision.”

All in all, today’s cars offer the highest level of passenger safety. “The next step we will soon see involves cars with the ability to anticipate future events and react accordingly,” concludes Javier Luzón. This will be the beginning of a new era with technology that was unheard of at the time of the legendary 600.

Nearly 50 years ago Fiat launched a stunning Spider, the 124, now today, it is back the All-New Fiat 124 Spider

• All-new roadster unveiled almost 50 years since its famous predecessor was launched
• New FIAT 124 Spider pays homage to the style and attitude of the original car in an advanced styling package
• Compact, lightweight and rear-wheel drive, the new FIAT 124 Spider is powered by a MultiAir Turbo engine
• Sophisticated suspension and steering tuned for driving pleasure, roof up or down

Almost 50 years since the original was introduced, the FIAT 124 Spider is back! True to its celebrated nameplate, the all-new FIAT 124 Spider brings classic Italian styling and pure driving pleasure to a new generation, with its powerful turbo-charged petrol engine, sophisticated suspension and traditional rear-wheel drive layout.

Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, the new FIAT 124 Spider takes its inspiration from the 1966 original, not only in terms of its proportions and stance but also in terms of its detailing. 

A horizontal line emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original car, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster.

The bonnet of the new sports car also emulates the twin power domes of the second- generation FIAT 124 Spider (a functional design feature necessitated by the fitment of larger engines) while the rear view is defined by two main features: the “seagull” wings, the upper surface of which fall inward toward the decklid, and the sharp horizontal tail lamps, which incorporate a new FIAT stylistic sign of body-coloured inserts launched with the  new FIAT 500. 

An integrated rear spoiler enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new FIAT 124 Spider, while twin exhaust outlets underline the performance capability of the engine.

The interior of the new FIAT 124 Spider, in keeping with the exterior, mixes Italian style with the classic ingredients of a driver-focussed roadster. 

The low-slung seats are comprised of a lightweight net structure with a unique foam shape and are trimmed in premium upholstery, aligning the driver perfectly with the sporty steering wheel and ideally-located pedals and gear-shifter. 

The three-gauge instrument cluster with its central rev-counter hints at the excitement awaiting the driver, while soft-touch materials and unique detailing set it apart as a high-quality and elegant roadster in the tradition of its best Italian predecessors.

This attention to detail extends even as far as the operation of the soft top, with spring-assisted opening and closing – eliminating the need for a power assist system – and automatic window lowering and raising when the header-rail lock levers are operated. 

Even the seat structure is designed with the roof operation in mind – the narrow shoulder bolster allows the upper body to move freely, facilitating rapid and unrestricted roof operation from the driver’s seat.

With the roof retracted and the side windows rolled down, the aerodynamics around the rearward-mounted windscreen frame of the FIAT 124 Spider have been optimised to guide the wind above the heads of occupants and towards the rear of the car, minimising both the amount of wind striking occupants directly and drafts buffeting from behind.

Particular care has also been given to the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness, with specially-tuned engine mounts, carefully-engineered isolation of the transmission and differential as well as suspension components of differing resonances. 

Wind noise is combated with the adoption of an aerodynamically-efficient design for the rear edge of the hood, A-pillars and header – even the seatbelt mounting position is located to minimise wind noise while driving with the top down.

The 124 Spider also uses sound insulation to reduce noise while driving with the top up. The soft top is fitted with a headliner inside the vehicle for improved sound absorption and there’s a rear package mat to provide further sound absorption and insulation.

Of course, the FIAT 124 Spider is more than an exercise in nostalgic roof-down style – under the bonnet lies FIAT’s venerable 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine producing 140hp and 240Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels for the first time via a lightweight, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, specially optimised for this high torque output. 

The MultiAir induction system ensures responsive characteristics across the rev range while lowering fuel consumption under low or medium load, while the position of the engine nearer the centre of the car reduces yaw inertia and improves handling agility.

Key to the dynamic abilities of the FIAT 124 Spider is its lightweight body structure, achieved using aluminium, high-tensile steel and precision engineering. 

A strong backbone frame, comprised of robust, straight beams, underpins the overall structure, while a front sub-frame and rear cross members connect the backbone to the front and rear sections to provide a structure that is light, safe and extremely rigid. 

Aluminium components include the bonnet and boot lid, front and rear bumper reinforcements, seatback bars, underbody cross-member and bulkhead panel.

The suspension of the FIAT 124 Spider is comprised of a double-wishbone front and multilink rear arrangement, with a rear set-up engineered to increase toe-in under high cornering forces for improved stability. 

The straight steering shaft position ensures linear and positive steering responsiveness, with the electric power-assist (dual-pinion) system providing light, consistent and responsive steering characteristics.

The new FIAT 124 Spider offers a range of technologies to enhance the driving experience while also keeping occupants safe and connected. The most important information is fed to the driver in the traditional way, via a three-gauge cluster with a large analogue tachometer in the centre, flanked by a speedometer and an information display. 

The standard infotainment unit offers a high level of equipment including a USB/auxiliary input, six speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, while the enhanced version features a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, two USB ports, multimedia control, a reversing camera and a 3D navigation system, with phone calls, music and navigation all voice-controlled. 

A Bose® premium sound system with nine speakers, including twin headrest speakers per seat and a subwoofer, is also available as an option. The system also provides drivers with access to Aha* and Stitcher* Internet radio apps via Bluetooth connectivity.

The pursuit of driving pleasure hasn’t been at the expense of occupant wellbeing and the new FIAT 124 Spider has been engineered to meet the highest safety standards, with a high strength body engineered to provide excellent impact-absorption characteristics. 

In the event of a frontal impact, for example, multi-load path structures within the body distribute impact energy along two main channels, dispersing and absorbing energy within special crash structures and across the side sills, B-pillars and central tunnel. 

Side impact energy is managed by a ring-like structure incorporating the rear portion of the sills, rear cross member and seatback bars, allowing the entire body to absorb the energy, while rear collision protection is provided by combining high-tensile steel and robust structures with strategic deformation control and load distribution channels.

Pedestrian-friendly “active” bonnet, stability control, traction control and rollover mitigation are all offered as standard. Features such as adaptive headlamps, reversing camera, rain-sensitive wipers, keyless entry ‘n’ go and voice-operated infotainment and navigations systems will be standard or optional dependant on grade.

New Ducati Monster 821 arrives in UK dealerships this week.

• New Monster 821 arrives in dealerships this week
• Available from £109 per month on Ducati TriOptions Finance
• Major service intervals of 18,000 miles
• Class leading electronics and componentry
• Restricted A2 licence version will be available

Following the successful unveiling of the new generation Monster 1200, Ducati now introduces the Monster 821, a mid-size version of the exciting new model and the latest entry to the world of Monster.

More than two decades on from the Monster’s first unveiling, Ducati presents the iconic model’s latest generation middleweight, the 2015 Monster 821. Maintaining the stylish character made famous by the original concept, the model sports the same new chassis and muscular styling as the Monster 1200 and is designed with premium components and fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies.

Powered by the latest edition of Ducati’s immensely successful 821 Testastretta 11° engine, the accessible new Monster combines 112hp and 65.9ft-lb of torque with an impressively lightweight 179.5kg (395.7lb) (Dry weight) overall package. Super comfortable and with an innovative adjustable seat height, the model also combines class-leading electronics that include 8-level traction control, 3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

The Monster 821 features premium componentry that include high-spec brakes with twin radially-mounted Brembo monobloc M4-32 calipers, gripping 320mm discs, excellent suspension from Kabaya (43mm forks) and Sachs (rear) and stylish 10-spoke Panigale-style light alloy wheels. Merged with Ducati’s best-yet ergonomics, the Italian manufacturer offers the most attractive mid-range Monster ever. The 2015 Monster 821 uses next generation technologies to create an enhanced rider/motorcycle relationship, delivering a high-adrenaline experience while constantly reassuring with the feeling of complete control and ergonomic integration.

Available at Ducati Dealerships now, the Monster 821 Dark is presented in a dark stealth colour with black frame and black wheels. The Dark is priced at £8,795 and is also available on Ducati TriOptions Finance from £109* per month. The Monster 821 comes in Ducati red with red frame and black wheels or star white silk with red frame and matte red wheels. Both red and white liveries are equipped with colour-matched single-seat covers. The Monster 821 is priced at £8,995 and is also available on Ducati TriOptions Finance from £109* per month.

The new Monster’s Testastretta 11° engine underlines another milestone in Ducati’s constant investment in quality by enabling the distance between major service intervals (valve clearance check) to be set at an owner-friendly 30,000 kilometres (18,000 miles).

The brand new model is also made available to restricted license holders with a specially regulated power version of 35kw and eligible under the A2 licence category.

*Based on a deposit of 25% and a period of 37 months – full finance details on this model can be found atwww.ducatiuk.com/news/monster821_trioptions/index.do

The new Ducati Diavel makes a huge first impression.

Ducati's latest Diavel introduces many new features to the highly awarded sport cruiser, including a new engine and exhaust system and styling refinements that combine the model's muscular and assertive look with an elegance and sophistication now synonymous with the premium Italian brand. The new Diavel now makes a bold statement and strengthens Ducati's Performance Redefined mantra by using latest technologies to produce super-smooth performance with enhanced comfort and usability.

Custom shop beauty, state-of-the-art technology, innovative design and extraordinary riding pleasure remain masterfully blended into the Diavel, a motorcycle that has firmly set a benchmark in the sport cruiser segment, just reward for the innovative designers and engineers that created it.

Built to have a commanding presence, though lightweight and agile like all Ducatis, the Diavel takes the man-motorcycle relationship to another level in absolute comfort. For connoisseurs of technology, the latest generation Testastretta 11° Dual Spark engine combines with full LED illumination, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes to deliver a confidence-inspiring superiority, while new styling, 162hp and 205kg* (452lb) of pure Ducati drives a comfortable sport lifestyle previously only dreamt of.

Merging the worlds of power and style is now achieved with convincing precision. A specially engineered 240 section rear tyre combined with Ducati chassis technology serves up mind-blowing handling and lean angles which defy the laws of physics, whether carving through curves on your favourite road or simply cruising the boulevards.

With its laid-back street ergonomics, blistering performance and commanding style, the new Diavel now rolls out dressed in stylish Dark Stealth livery, a black trellis frame and black wheels. The Diavel Carbon offers the choice of traditional Ducati Red over Matte Carbon with red frame or the stunning new Star White over Matte Carbon with white frame, both with black, forged wheels by Marchesini, turned and milled to expose the natural aluminium.

*Diavel Carbon version

2015 Diavel new features overview

All Diavel models

• New Testastretta 11° DS engine
• New exhausts system
• Full LED illumination
• New headlamp cover and mounting
• New bar-risers
• New radiator covers
• New seat
• New fuel gauge and side-stand TFT instrumentation icons

Diavel

• Body: Dark Stealth
• Frame: Black
• Wheels: Black
• Silencers: Black

Diavel Carbon

• Colour 1:
  • Body: "red carbon" (gloss red over matte carbon weave)
  • Frame: Ducati red
• Colour 2:
  • Body: Star White (white over matte carbon weave)
  • Frame: Ducati white
• Wheels: Black. Marchesini, forged, turned and milled to expose the natural aluminium
• Silencers: Stainless-steel silver

UK SRP Prices: 

Diavel - £13,995

Diavel Carbon - £16,995

Available early April

Ducati launches 2014 Monster in the UK

The eagerly awaited Monster 1200 arrives at Ducati dealerships throughout the UK.

• Monster 1200 demonstrators now available in dealers throughout the country
• New Superbike derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS  engine
• Innovative adjustable seat
• Available from £129 per month on Ducati TriOptions finance

Ducati dealers throughout the UK have now taken delivery of their Monster 1200 demonstrators as this eagerly awaited icon arrives on UK shores.

Customers now have the opportunity to see for themselves a bike that that has been praised for the performance and fluidity of its engine, its neutral, yet agile handling and for the comfort that entices riders to come back for more.

It is twenty-one years on from the Monster’s first unveiling and Ducati now introduce the iconic  model’s  latest generation with the 2014 Monster 1200 and 1200 S powered by the formidable, Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS  engine. The brand new flagship of the family presents an entirely new chassis and muscular styling designed with premium components fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies.

High-spec  brakes,  suspension,  single-sided  swingarm  and  lightweight  wheels  combine  with  Ducati’s  best-yet  ergonomics  to  offer  the  Italian  manufacturer’s  most  attractive  Monster  ever.  Super comfortable  and introducing  an  innovative  adjustable  seat  height,  the  model  also  combines  8-level  traction  control,  3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

The standard 135hp Monster 1200 is available in red, priced at £10,695 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £129 per month. The higher spec ‘S’ version is available in red and white liveries, priced at £12,995 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £149 per month.

To discover the Monster 1200 and how Ducati TriOptions can make every Ducati more affordable, visit your local dealer now.