The Volkswagen Touran is a compact MPV based on a vertically stretched fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and sold in Europe and some other selected markets. It was launched in 2003 to fill a perceived gap in Volkswagen's model lineup below their large MPV, the Sharan. The vehicle is delivered in a 2, 5 or 7 seat version. It can be considered an extended version of the Golf Plus, since their front-end are similar in size, and the Touran is 20 cm longer (and therefore a seven-seater, while the Golf Plus is a five-seater). In some areas, like Japan, the car is called Golf Touran. The diesel models of the Touran offer significantly higher readings for miles per gallon. Given the proper conditions, it is possible to achieve 60 mpg in a diesel Touran. The car is delivered with a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission, Tiptronic automatic transmission (only in 1.6-version) or the Direct-Shift Gearbox automatic transmission.
At the Geneva Motor Show Volkswagen is presenting a generation of the Phaeton that is equipped with numerous technical innovations. Modifications and new equipment details will already f low into ongoing production starting at the end of May. Compared to the now retired V6 TDI, the new engine adds 8 PS, but at 9,6 liters per 100 kilometers it does not by any means consume any more fuel. CO2 emissions at 259 g/km are also very low for a luxury class car. Driving performance of the standard all-wheel drive and now 236 km/h fast Phaeton V6 TDI were also slightly improved. Alternatives to the TDI on the new version of the Phaeton are three gasoline engines (V6, V8 and W12) that offer a power range from 177 kW / 241 PS to 331 kW / 450 PS. In the exterior area, advanced development of the generation is recognizable by its additional chrome accent strips in the lower area of the front apron and newly designed bi-xenon headlamps.
Integrated here are the dynamic and static cornering headlamps as well as newly designed LED daytime running lamps. The LED daytime running lamp - arranged as a narrow, horizontal strip in the lower area of the headlamp housing - is automatically activated with ignition. Another 19-inch alloy wheel type was also newly designed. Front Assist: A technological highlight is the Front Assist stopping distance reduction system. It serves to prevent front end collisions. The system utilizes a radar sensor to monitor the distance to vehicles in traffic in front of the Phaeton. When they approach too closely the driver is informed in two stages. At the same time the vehicle is prepared for possible hard braking by the driver. In certain situations the system preventatively puts the brakes in a preconditioned status ahead of time; otherwise they would only become active when the driver actuates the brakes. This is how the new system achieves Stopping Distance Reduction (AWV). Side Assist: Another new assistance system is the Lane Change Assistant (Side Assist).
Volkswagen has redrawn the map of the small car world. It measures a short 3.54 metres and is a specialist for everyday urban living that was thought through to the last detail. This car - like the larger Polo and the even larger Golf - will appeal to people of all ages and mobility wishes. Affordable for everyone. In launching the up! Volkswagen is not only putting a new car in motion; it is also redefining the parameters of customisation and financing. This means that along with clearly delineated equipment lines on the Volkswagen up! And because a small car needs to be affordable, a new financing model known as AutoCredit2 that is exclusively tailored to VW up! And for many people, this will make the goal of driving a safe and economical new car more attainable than ever. Like the Beetle back in the 1950s, one could say that the Volkswagen up! European market. It all starts in December 2011. There are 3 versions for different budgets and needs: take up! Directly at the car's market launch, there will also be 2 independent models based on the high up!
