Mondial de l’Automobile, Paris 2014: Volkswagen presents four world premieres in Paris

The new Volkswagen XL Sport concept carVolkswagen is presenting four new models at the Paris Motor Show which begins today. Along with the XL Sport concept car – a highlight in terms of its drive system, efficiency and aerodynamics – the new Passat GTE makes its debut in Paris with a plug-in hybrid system. Rounding out the Volkswagen presence at the motor show are the world premieres of the Golf Alltrack with all-wheel drive and a distinctive off-road look and the new extremely sporty Polo GTI.

Volkswagen is presenting a superlative race car in the form of the XL Sport. The 200-PS driving machine with a top speed of 270 km/h was created based on the XL1* – the world’s most fuel-efficient automobile. The technical highlight of the powertrain is a modified V2 engine from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera – the world’s most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle engine. It operates at the rear of the XL Sport. This engine, together with a 7-speed DSG, launches the sports car from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and revs up to 11,000 rpm. Offering top values in efficiency and aerodynamics, the race car also follows the design of the XL1. Its modified proportions, longer wheelbase, significantly wider wings and larger wheels give the vehicle a wide, low and impressive stance on the road.

As a follow-up to the Golf GTE**, Volkswagen is now presenting the Passat GTE*** in Paris. The plug-in hybrid comes with a 1.4-litre TSI engine (115 kW / 156 PS) combined with an electric motor (85 kW / 115 PS) which is supplied with energy by a lithium-ion battery. Fusion of the two drive units generates a system power of 160 kW / 218 PS and enables a driving range of over 1,000 km. In all-electric driving, it can cover over 50 km. The plug-in hybrid drive has a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The car’s eco-friendly and efficient NEDC fuel consumption is 2.0 l/100 km and 13.0 kWh/100 km – CO2 emissions are less than 45 g/km. The front-wheel drive car with a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 220 km/h. In its all-electric driving mode, a top speed of 130 km/h is possible. The Passat GTE can be ordered in the Estate or Saloon version.

In the Golf Alltrack**** Volkswagen has created technical and visual links between passenger car and SUV designs with a distinctive off-road appearance. The independent design, 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard, off-road driving profile and up to 20 mm more ground clearance perfect the vehicle’s off-road properties. The Golf Alltrack can be ordered with one of these three engines: A new 1.8-litre TSI with 132 kW /180 PS, a 1.6-litre TDI with 81 kW / 110 PS, a 2.0-litre TDI with 110 kW / 150 PS and the most powerful Golf engine to date, a 2.0-litre TDI that boasts a power output of 135 kW / 184 PS. In the multifaceted Golf Alltrack, Volkswagen implements the versatile body of the Estate; it represents the twelfth new Golf version in 24 months.

The fourth generation Polo GTI***** continues the nearly 30-year production history of this sporty Polo model. The power output of the new 1.8-litre TSI engine at 141 kW /192 PS is much greater than that of the previous model (132 kW / 180 PS). In pursuit of typical GTI driving performance, this icon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 236 km/h. Its maximum torque is 320 Nm. For the first time, a manual 6-speed gearbox will be offered as an alternative to the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. On the exterior, the vehicle’s sporty character is underscored by independent bumpers, red GTI insignia, distinctive side sills and GTI-specific rear spoiler. The sport steering wheel, instrument cluster and sport seats follow the interior design of larger Golf GTI. Offering an even sportier driving experience is the optional “Sport Select” suspension (electronically adjustable dampers) with the “Sport Performance Kit” (more sporty tuning of various parameters at the push of a button).

* XL1: Fuel consumption in l/100 km: 0.9 (combined); electrical consumption in kWh/100nbsp;km: 7.2 (combined); CO2 emissions in g/km: 21 (combined); efficiency class: A+

** Golf GTE: Fuel consumption Golf GTE in l/100 km: combined 1.5; CO2 emission in g/km: combined 35; efficiency class: A+

*** Passat GTE – the vehicle is not yet offered for sale. Estimated values:

Passat Saloon GTE: combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 1.6; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 37

Passat Estate GTE: combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 1.7; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 39

**** Golf Alltrack 1.8 TSI (6-speed DSG): combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.8; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 158

Golf Alltrack 1.6 TDI: combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.7; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 124

Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI (110 kW/150 PS): combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.9; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 127

Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI (135 kW/184 PS): combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 134

***** Polo GTI (7-speed DSG): combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.6; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 129

Polo GTI (6-speed manual version): combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.0; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 139