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The Passat BlueMotion Concept that is being presented by Volkswagen of America at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit shows just how fuel-efficient a non-hybrid, gasoline-engined mid-size sedan can be. Based on the current Passat that was developed specifically for North America, the BlueMotion label defines the version that has the best efficiency in the model lineup. In this case, the Passat BlueMotion Concept has a manufacturer estimated highway fuel economy of 42 mpg, best in class among non-hybrid, gasoline-engined mid-size sedans. The Passat BlueMotion Concept features an all-new version of the Volkswagen 1.4-liter EA211 TSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging. On top, this Passat also offers Active Cylinder Management (ACT) technology, previously seen on the European Volkswagen Polo and Golf models. ACT deactivates the valvetrain on cylinders two and three for situations when the driver only applies light throttle pressure to maintain specific city speeds.
In Europe, where ecology has a strong effect on politics, over 50% of the cars are diesel. The coalition government of the German Green Party and the SPD Social Democratic Party of Germany introduced highly restrictive environmental policies, that increased the use of diesel and biodiesel vehicles. Diesel engines are, on average, 40% more efficient than gasoline engines (spark-ignition engines). The increased fuel economy of the diesel over the petrol engine means that the diesel produces less carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit distance. The Touareg has become controversial in Australia. Former Australian Rugby Union captain, Phil Kearns was provided with a V8-powered Touareg as an ambassador for the vehicle. On October 22, 2005 an incident occurred in the driveway of the Kearns' family home whereby the 19-month old daughter of Kearns was struck by the vehicle in forward motion not reverse, leaving her with very serious injuries. Road safety advocates in Australia have pointed to the poor visibility from the drivers' seat of the Touareg, and of SUVs generally, as the cause of the accident. An Australian National Roads and Motorists Association study has revealed that a child needs to be 7.8 metres from the rear bumper of the vehicle in order to be observed by the driver. This fact has led to calls for reversing cameras to be made compulsory on all SUVs sold in Australia.
Is it enjoyable to drive? Curiously, Volkswagen has flicked the aggressive Bridgestone Potenza tyres for touring-spec Bridgestone Turanza rubber on optional 18s, although they鈥檙e still grippier than the standard Michelin Primacy HP 17s - another comfort-oriented tyre. The Turanzas gel best with this Polo GTI鈥檚 new chassis, which feels more firmly planted than before. Rather than playfully bouncing from front to rear axle in corners like the old car, it tracks true and offers superb control in either the suspension鈥檚 Normal or Sport mode. There鈥檚 simply greater dynamic maturity compared with fast Polos in the past, although it's still stacks of fun and the Sport electronic stability control (ESC) mode is superbly tuned. Teamed with beautifully light and crisp - while hardly feelsome - steering, plus excellent ride quality in Normal mode over whatever surface, and this GTI shrugs off any slightly back-handed 鈥榓ll-rounder鈥?tag by just doing dynamics delightfully. The only caveat is it lacks the light and playful feel of a Swift Sport, while there鈥檚 a lot more road noise than in a Golf GTI.
When a car maker starts introducing special edition models, it鈥檚 often a clue that the cool winds of change are a-comin鈥? And it鈥檚 true, an all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI will blowing in next year, which is why the regular GTI has been discontinued in favour of faster Performance and TCR versions. Don鈥檛 let the fact it鈥檚 so close to the end put you off, though, because over the years, run-out versions of Volkswagen鈥檚 iconic hot hatch have earned a reputation for being truly special, rather than just cynical marketing exercises. In the case of the Performance, power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo engine which produces 242bhp (up from the standard car鈥檚 227bhp), while a limited-slip differential is fitted to maximise traction out of corners. Go for the first of these, and you get 19in black alloys (the standard wheels are 18in), a derestricted top speed of 162mph and adaptive suspension with revised springs and dampers. Meanwhile, the second includes all of this, plus stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. So, is the TCR worth the premium it carries over the Performance? And, should you choose either version of the Golf GTI over rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30N and Renault Megane RS? To find out, we鈥檒l be using this review to look at everything from what the Golf GTI is like to drive and how practical it is, to how much it will cost you to buy and run. In short, everything you need to know before you visit our New Car Buying pages to see how much we can save you on a new GTI.
