- Newly conceptualised Touran, perfected Sharan and new Passat Alltrack make their debuts in Switzerland
- Sport Coupé Concept GTE – which features an exclusive sports car design and an innovative plug-in hybrid drive – shows the way to the future
The broad and diverse line-up of the Volkswagen brand, which ranges from the family-friendly MPV to the highly passionate concept car, is the central theme of today’s press conference at the Geneva International Motor Show. Along with the newly conceptualised Touran and the updated Sharan, the Wolfsburg-based company is presenting the new Passat Alltrack. In addition, the Sport Coupé Concept GTE offers an outlook on the future progressive design language at Volkswagen.
In the new edition of the Touran – the most successful MPV with 1.9 million units sold – is getting a successor. The third generation Touran impresses with a contemporary and sporty look, yet it offers considerably more space and has a very versatile interior. A luggage compartment volume of up to 1980 litres, six new economical engine choices and a line-up of assistance systems, which are pioneering in its class, make the Touran a perfect driving companion. The infotainment area also takes a high priority. A total of five radio and radio-navigation units are available for the upgraded Touran, and it is possible to integrate smartphones via “App Connect” according to the type of mobile device.
Another vehicle that was technically updated is the large family MPV, the Sharan. Many new convenience and assistance systems, as well as a broad range of infotainment systems, position the Sharan as one of the most progressive models in its segment. Also fully upgraded are its petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines. The engines all conform to the Euro-6 emissions standard, and they are up to 15 per cent more fuel efficient.
Along with the two family MPVs, the latest generation of the Passat Alltrack* is also celebrating its debut in Geneva. Like its predecessor, the new model is based on the Passat Variant. Rugged bumpers and side sill mouldings, permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a special off-road driving programme, a modified chassis and numerous driver assistance systems all ensure that the all-round vehicle with all-wheel drive offers both excellent off-road properties and excellent cruising comfort.
Another show highlight is the Sport Coupé Concept GTE. The four-door, four-seat concept car excites with its progressive design in the style of an exclusive sports car. The elegant model has an innovative plug-in hybrid drive – which is powered by a V6 TSI engine and two electric motors. The Sport Coupé has a system power of 279 kW / 380 PS, but a low combined fuel consumption of just 2.0 litres per 100 km. The overall impression that is avant-garde is expressed in the design of the front end in particular. Here, the radiator grille, headlights and VW badge merge into a single unit. The roofline extends like a flattened curve from the A-pillar – that is set far back and results in a very long bonnet – and into the rear body. Despite these fascinating proportions, the four-door Sport Coupé offers excellent headroom at all seats, and also has a 480-litre boot. The interior sets standards as well, and it enthuses with its clean design, ergonomic perfection and interactive interfaces between human and machine.
Dr Heinz-Jakob Neußer, Member of the Board of Management for Development at Volkswagen, is certain that the Sport Coupé Concept GTE will show the way to the future: “This concept is a breathtakingly dynamic coupé, which will set standards in this class and offer a persuasive alternative to the classic saloons of the B and C segments.”
*Fuel consumption Passat Alltrack in l/100 km: 7,4 – 4,8 (combined); CO2 emissions in g/km: 170 – 129 (combined), efficiency class: D – A (estimated, as of 23 February, 2015)
