New Volkswagen Grand California
The new Volkswagen Grand California has arrived in Ireland, priced from €76,900.
The Grand California has an 8-speed automatic transmission and 177hp, while 4MOTION all wheel drive will be available. The 4 passenger seat/ 4 berth sleeping configuration will be available from €77,600, while the 2 passenger, 2 berth format will be available from €76,900.
With the Grand California, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is extending its range of campervans by adding a model in the six-metre class, complete with a bathroom. In addition to the large sleeping area in the rear, the Grand California will be available with a high bunk bed for children.
All camper windows are fitted with cassette blinds and flyscreens. For the driver's cab, there is a new blackout concept.
In addition to the kitchen and bathroom, further standard features include external lighting above the sliding door, connection at the back for an external shower (with adjustable water temperature), an electrically powered step and a two-part mosquito net. One innovative feature is the option to control the loudspeakers in the living area via Bluetooth making it possible to listen to music independently of the infotainment system using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
The Grand California is fitted with swivel seats at the front and a double bench seat in the living area. There are ISOFIX anchor points with top tether in the rear bench seat. The kitchen fittings include a pull-out 70-litre fridge with freezer compartment (accessible from outside as well as via the sliding door), a twin-hob gas cooker, a sink and diverse drawers, pull-out storage compartments and tip-up shelves.
A key feature of the Grand California that differentiates it from the California 'T6' is the bathroom. In addition to a toilet and shower, its fittings include a fold-out wash basin, shelves with holders for toiletries, a cupboard with integrated toilet paper holder (protects it from getting damp), towel holders and a skylight for ventilation. The Grand California can carry 110 litres of water. There are no light switches to be found in the bathroom – the lights come on automatically via motion detectors – as standard.
Optionally available is a high bunk bed for kids complete with integrated panoramic skylight above it. Also available are details such as an additional roof-mounted air-conditioning unit at the back, an awning, a rear bicycle rack and a camping table and chairs (which can be stowed in the wing doors). The standard gas heating can optionally be expanded as a heating system run on gas- or diesel-generated electric power. There will also be a solar panel system mounted on the roof, a satellite dish (for TV reception) and an LTE/WiFi hotspot (router).
The Grand California will be available with the Crafter's driver assistance and infotainment systems. The driver assistance systems include the Front Assist surroundings monitoring system with City Emergency Braking function, Lane Assist to help the driver stay in lane, Blind Spot Monitor for changing lane, Rear Traffic Alert for reversing out of parking spaces and Park Assist for steering, the sensor-controlled side protection system, Adaptive Cruise Control and the Rear View reversing camera.
The two-colour paintwork concept is adapted from the California 'T6'. The single colour paintwork options are Candy White, Reflex Silver or Indium Grey. Available as two-colour paintwork are combinations of Reflex Silver and Indium Gray, Candy White and Cherry Red, Candy White and Deep Ocean Blue or Candy White and Mojave Beige Metallic.
There will be 4 Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle centres authorised to sell the new Grand California; Frank Keane Volkswagen, Dublin, Blackwater Volkswagen, Cork and Connollys Volkswagen, Sligo. One further new Commercial and Life vehicle centre will be appointed in the North Dublin region shortly and they will complete the list of authorised Grand California centres in Ireland.
Volkswagen e-Golf Review
Interested in buying a Volkswagen e-Golf in 2022? The first electric Golf combines exceptional quality with an electric powertrain. Read Caroline's definitive review to see if it's any good.
The Volkswagen e-Golf has been at the forefront of Volkswagen’s electric vehicle offering since it was launched in 2014. While next year Volkswagen will launch the first model in their new fully electric I.D. range of cars, the e-Golf has been a most palatable bridge to a future of electric motoring.
And that’s because the Volkswagen Golf is one of the most iconic hatchbacks on the planet. Based on the award-winning Mark 7 Volkswagen Golf, the current generation of the Volkswagen e-Golf compromises virtually none of the comfort, refinement, class and quality of one of Ireland’s favourite hatchbacks. In my opinion, that’s probably the e-Golf’s massive USP as an electric vehicle.
While electric vehicles still account for low numbers on Irish roads, there’s more interest and registrations were up a massive 540 percent in the first two months of 2019 (1127 electric cars registered versus 176 in Jan/Feb 2018). New EV models have arrived in the last 12 months and there are more on the way. So how does the Volkswagen e-Golf stack up?
How far will the Volkswagen e-Golf get me on a full charge?
The Volkswagen e-Golf received the same cosmetic and equipment tweaks as the rest of the Golf range in 2017. But there was also an increase in the energy capacity of the e-Golf’s lithium-ion battery from 24.2 kWh to 35.8 kWh. The e-Golf now has more power at 136 hp. But crucially the range was boosted to 230 km when measured on the new WLTP. And in real world driving, range is not far off that with between 200 and 220 km, depending on driving style, weather conditions and the use of the fans and air conditioning.
On the outside the only clues to the electric powertrain underneath are some subtle e-Golf badges, unique front C-shaped LED daytime running lights, and a set of aerodynamic 16” ‘Astana’ alloy wheels. A blue signature trim line also runs across the grille and into the headlights. Other than that the e-Golf is the sharp dresser that looks good just about anywhere.
Inside, the e-Golf has a perfectly appointed cabin with dials, switches and screens in all the right places, just like the rest of the Golf range. It’s very easy to slot yourself from a Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI to the e-Golf for example, because the controls are mostly the same. The driver’s instrument panel displays a few different gauges for the EV system, but even these are displayed in a rather conventional way. For example where you might see the level of your fuel tank is now a display of how much ‘juice’ you have left in your battery.
In practical terms, the interior space of the e-Golf remains unchanged as a standard five door family hatchback. However boot volume is down from 380 to 341 litres.
Pricing and Equipment
Equipment levels are good. Volkswagen Ireland offers the e-Golf in Ireland in two trims: an entry e-Golf priced from €35,995 including government incentives and a more salubrious Executive Edition priced from €39,495.
The glossy 9.2” Discover Pro navigation system with clear glass touchscreen comes as standard. Other highlights include adaptive cruise control, front assist with pedestrian monitoring, rear parking sensors, and dual zone climate control.
The Executive edition adds 17-inch ‘Madrid’ alloy wheels, LED tail lights with running indicators, a full leather interior with sports comfort seats in front, Active Info Display, rear view camera, heated front seats, tinted rear windows and keyless access.
Driving the Volkswagen e-Golf
On the road, the e-Golf is a slick mover. The cabin ambience is quiet and serene around town but even on the motorway, the e-Golf is a very polished electric vehicle with excellent refinement. The steering and handling is also fluid and precise, so it feels as if the e-Golf owner sacrifices very little in terms of the natural dynamic character of the Golf.
Really your main concern when buying the e-Golf is the range of 200km to 220km and does that make it suitable for your lifestyle? The e-Golf is at its best on those round trips that fall comfortably within the car’s range, or where you can reliably charge at both ends of your journey. At motorway speeds, battery power will dwindle more quickly.
There are three driving modes to the Volkswagen Golf – Normal, Eco and Eco+ - which do effect how much you can get out of a single charge. There is also a ‘B’ mode that can be engaged from the gearbox , which quite aggressively brakes the car when you lift off the accelerator, to recuperate energy.
Through the touchscreen you can find the nearest charge points easily. When the e-Golf needs charging the battery can go from empty to 80 per cent full in just 45 minutes when a 40 kW DC rapid charger connection is used.
During a week with the e-Golf, local trips were not a problem but I did encounter some issues on longer journeys when I needed to use the public charge points to top up my range to get home comfortably. I encountered frustrations such as faulty chargers, queues at chargers and non-EVs blocking access.
There are numerous incentives and advantages to owning an electric vehicle in Ireland right now. The current generation of the Volkswagen e-Golf with its real world range of roughly 200-220 km is now being outrun by a number of competitors like the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Kona Electric. They are different vehicles but range has to be a number one concern for most drivers.
But if you can work with the e-Golf's range in your daily life, then the quality, refinement and class of the e-Golf offering just feels unrivalled right now in the EV space.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen e-Golf
Price: From €35,995 with government incentives
Battery: 35.8 kW
Power: 136 hp
Torque: 290 Nm
0-100km/h: 9.6 seconds
Top speed: 150 km/h
Range: 230km (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Motor tax: €120 per year
Volkswagen Golf Gets New Petrol Engine
The Volkswagen Golf 1.5-litre TSI with 150hp is now available in Ireland for 2019.
The new four cylinder, turbo petrol engine replaces the previous 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine. The engine is 22kg lighter than before and features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) that shuts down the second and third cylinders under low/medium load to improve fuel efficiency.
The new Golf 1.5-litre TSI is capable of returning from 6.2 l/100km (WLTP) on the combined cycle the car with a manual gearbox and 6.5 l/100km with the DSG automatic transmission.
CO2 emissions of from 141g/km with a manual transmission and 147g/km with DSG place it in Motor Tax Band A4 (€200).
In Ireland, the new Volkswagen Golf 1.5-litre TSI is available in Highline and R-Line trim, with either the six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG.
Prices start at €29,995 for the 1.5-litre TSI in Highline trim and €30,895 in R-Line trim.
Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Pricing For Ireland
The new Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR will arrive in Ireland in March priced from €47,495.
Just 20 examples of this new high performance model will be available to Irish customers. The new Golf GTI TCR was derived from the racing car of the same name – the two-time overall winner of the international TCR racing series.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR has 290 PS and is fitted with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). 0 to 100kmh is 5.6 seconds, while the maximum speed is 250 km/h.
It will be available as a 3-door or 5-door and features technology such as Front Assist, Active Info Display and LED headlights. The standard equipment includes a front-axle differential lock, perforated brake discs, driving profile selection, premium front sport seats with a new microfibre/fabric design, seat belts with red edging plus an exclusive sports steering wheel. As with the racing series, its leather is specially imprinted (perforated leather) at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions as well as with a red mark at 12 o'clock.
The new Golf GTI TCR is also distinguished by the standard 18-inch Belvedere forged wheels (or 18-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels, as an alternative), black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear.
The Golf GTI TCR can be further customised with optional equipment such as a new honeycomb decor foil for the side sections, exterior mirror caps in carbon look, a black painted roof and two wheel packages to choose from.
In addition to the Vmax increase from 250 to 260 km/h, the first wheel package (€2,895) includes 19-inch Reifnitz wheels, the adaptive chassis control DCC, including lowering by 20 mm compared to the standard running gear (five millimetres less as compared to the GTI running gear) and a special, sporty tuning of the front and rear axle shock absorbers.
The second wheel package costs (€3,895) is tailored especially for the racetrack with 19-inch Pretoria rims with semi-slicks.
Deliveries are expected to commence in March.
Volkswagen Touareg Review
The Volkswagen Touareg has built up quite a following in Ireland since it was first launched back in 2002. Now Volkswagen is back with a third generation of their flagship SUV, bringing the Touareg into a new era of technology and connectivity.
In engineering terms the new Volkswagen Touareg is more of a luxury liner than ever before, sharing underpinnings with high profile VW Group stablemates like the Bentley Bentayga, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and even the Lamborghini Urus!
The new Touareg belongs to the €60k+ club - Irish pricing starts from €66,245 - but it certainly looks it too. It’s moderately wider and longer than its predecessor with a new stately design that lifts it into a new realm among premium SUVs. The Touareg is big and imposing but wears its bulk well.
What's it like inside the new Volkswagen Touareg?
The new Touareg is a technology showcase for the German brand with all the latest assistance systems, some of them appearing for the first time in a Volkswagen. The fit and the finish of the car is pristine with a high level of equipment and technology features on board including all the glamour of LED ambient lighting with 30 colours!
There’s also the option of the new Innovision Cockpit, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster that merges with the 15-inch TFT touchscreen of the new Discover Premium infotainment system. Communication, information, ventilation and entertainment is controlled from the screen, but I bemoan the loss of physical dials and switches for the ventilation controls. Still at least the screen is large enough to make it easier to find and tap what you need.
Volkswagen Ireland is selling the new Touareg in an entry trim and R-line Design, like the model tested (from €77,395). Equipment on the model tested included 20" alloys, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, park assist, parking sensors and rear camera, lane keeping system, panoramic sunroof, R-line styling kit, Dynaudio sound system, electrically folding trailer hitch, and a head-up display.
The Touareg is a strict five seater and there is no seven seat option. It provides lounge like accommodation for occupants, though the middle seat passenger will have to fight more for legroom. The luggage capacity is now up from 697 to 810 litres with the rear bench seat up.
On the road in the new Volkswagen Touareg
Despite its increased length and width, the new Volkswagen Touareg is actually 106 kg lighter than its predecessor because of mixed material construction of aluminium and high-tech steels. On the road the Touareg certainly feels lithe and agile while the ride quality is superb and the refinement of premium quality. There is predictable body roll in corners but the grip and movement of the car is confidence-inspiring.
This SUV feels every inch the luxury liner from behind the wheel and it’s helped by a range of powerful V6 engines. The Touareg launched with two 3.0 V6 diesels (231 and 286hp) and a V6 petrol will join shortly (340hp) while a plug-in hybrid is in development also. All models come with an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
What's that engine like?
My test car had the 3.0 V6 TDI with 286hp. This is a powerful match for the Touareg with up to 600Nm of torque making 0-100 kmh in just 6.1 seconds! A V6 diesel is also a bit of a treat with its own unique soundtrack. Of course, it does influence running costs for the vehicle. Motor tax for this model is €750 per year and over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 7.7l/100km. Gosh we had fun though!
Volkswagen has taken their Touareg into a new era, integrating new technology and modern exterior design with the timeless premium values of comfort, refinement and copious power. SUVs, especially luxury ones, are a big deal these days not just in Europe but other markets also. The Touareg crowns a complete SUV range for Volkswagen of the T-ROC, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and upcoming T-CROSS. Volkswagen has put their best foot forward in their new generation flagship SUV. The Touareg delivers everything you could wish for from a five seat, luxury SUV.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen Touareg R-line Design 3.0TDI 4M 268hp DSG
Price: From €84,970 OTR (Range from €66,245)
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Power: 286 hp
Torque: 600 Nm
0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds
Top speed: 235 kmh
Economy: 42.8mpg
CO2 emissions: 182 g/km
Motor tax: €750 per year
Volkswagen Arteon 2.0TSI Review
When Volkswagen was ready to launch the successor to the Passat CC, they also had a new name to bestow upon their flagship – Arteon. A suitably grand name for the Volkswagen Arteon also signalled that the brand wanted to distance the car from the Passat and lose any connotations of 'posh Passat' that were lingering about the CC.
With pricing starting from €37,495 for the very entry model, and €45k a relatively easy spend on an Arteon, it’s only right that buyers should be getting a little more than just a posh Passat! But on image and looks alone, the Volkswagen Arteon is in a class of its own. This is one of Volkswagen's most avant garde designs to date, being both an adventurous and evocative deviation for the brand.
What's special about the Volkswagen Arteon?
The Volkswagen Arteon is essentially a large coupé that’s good at carrying people and luggage too. This blueprint is something that premium manufacturers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been proffering with success in recent years. The Arteon feels every inch the grand cruiser from the driver's seat and the two rear footwells are huge. Despite the coupé roofline, the rear headroom is not bad also. There is a large transmission tunnel in the middle, so the rear feels like more of a place for two VIPs than three. The boot opens hatchback style to reveal a large 563 litres.
Interior ambient lighting, full-width air vents and a fine mix of good quality materials enhance the plush feel of the cabin. However the design is not that much of a deviation from the Passat. Still with so much equipment and comfort features like predictive cruise control, parking sensors, tri zone climate control, dynamic road sign recognition, lane assist, rear traffic alert and excellent infotainment, there's hardly much to complain about. The Active Info Display digital instrument cluster and 8" touchscreen with clear glass surround are nice to look at and use, with seamless integration with smartphones through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Arteon Elegance models (from €42,350) add leather/Alcantara upholstery, ambient lighting, voice control, Active Info Display and rear view camera. R-Line models (from €44,695) add 19” alloys, R-Line styling kit, sporty ‘R-Line‘ steering wheel and seats, black headliner, keyless entry, locking and start, dynamic headlight range control with dynamic cornering function, and adaptive chassis control on the 240 hp model.
Engine options for the Volkswagen Arteon
So the Arteon looks great and it's big and comfortable inside. But is it powerful and fast? Well, there's quite a range of engines available including 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrols and a 2.0-litre diesel with 150 hp, 190 hp or 240 hp. The entry diesels certainly err on the side of economy. The Arteon is front wheel drive as standard but 4MOTION all wheel drive is available on the top of the range 240hp diesel, giving that model a more performance edge. 6 speed manual and 7 speed DSG gearboxes are available.
But there's one engine that does look promising for buyers looking for a more soulful heart to their Arteon. That's the 2.0TSI turbo petrol with 190hp. It's rare to test drive a large car like the Arteon with a petrol engine, but these are strange times we live in.
Is the Arteon nice to drive?
Immediately clear is the silence in the cabin - no diesel gurgle! Then there is that pleasant, smooth, linear power delivery through the 7 speed automatic gearbox. 0 to 100 kmh is a swift 7.7 seconds with a hint of a roarty soundtrack under a heavy right foot. Motor tax for this model is €280 per year while my fuel consumption over a week of driving was 7.7l/100km. The Arteon 2.0TSI R-Line DSG on test had a list price of €46,695.
The thing is, the Volkswagen Arteon is just not a sporty car, no matter how you dress it up. While there is plenty of power on tap, the Arteon never feels like it wants to play in your hands. It's a big front wheel drive car so while it can move well through corners, there's no rear wheel drive agility or engagement here - just stoic, reliable handling and pretty dry palms.
Is that a problem? Not really if you just want a classy, large car to cruise in, which the Arteon generally does very well. However, the ride comfort was disappointing on the 20" wheels added as an option to the test car, though the Arteon does give a more luxury ride on smaller wheels.
Should I buy the big Volkswagen?
The new Volkswagen Arteon certainly comes with prestige and an air of exclusivity that is mandatory for a flagship like this one: there's no doubt that the Arteon is a step up from the Passat in terms of size, design and prestige. There is good value to be had in the Arteon range with plenty of equipment and technology, along with engines that offer swift performance and decent economy. The Arteon is not a sports car and delivers quite a neutral driving experience despite the evocative looks. But it does a good job of behaving like a large, luxury car, and that's enough to keep it highly desirable.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 2.0TSI DSG
Price: €46,695 (Range starts at €37,495)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
0-100km/h: 7.7 seconds
Top speed: 239km/h
Economy: 6.0l/100km
CO2 emissions: 135g/km
Motor tax: €280 per year
Volkswagen Polo Review (2018)
Read Caroline's Volkswagen Polo review for everything you need to know about Volkswagen's popular small hatchback in Ireland.
What's so special about the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo is one of the perennials of the supermini class: it's been around for years and it's as popular with young drivers as it is with retirees. In late 2017, Volkswagen introduced the sixth generation of their evergreen supermini.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB AO platform, Volkswagen is taking the Polo into a new era with more space and improved technology. The new Volkswagen Polo range goes on sale from €16,795, and it's now five door only.
The Volkswagen Polo has always felt more mature compared to competitors, but the competition is closing in fast, even from within the Volkswagen Group’s own stable. The SEAT Ibiza uses the same platform while new generations of the Ford Fiesta and Citroen C3 launched in the last 18 months each form compelling cases for themselves.
The Volkswagen Polo has great interior space
The use of the MQB AO underpinnings has allowed Volkswagen to create significantly more dynamic proportions for the new Polo, with a long wheelbase and short body overhangs. The body panels all sit well on this new frame, with the sort of reserved confidence that Volkswagen is known for.
The new Polo is longer and wider with a lower overall height but improved headroom versus its predecessor. Up front the Polo is one of the most spacious cars of this ilk. In the back the footwells are generous, as is headroom. Of course, it's still going to be on the uncomfortable side for a middle passenger but the use of space is excellent on this new platform. The boot volume has grown 25% from 280 litres to 351 litres.
The interior is well-made and sturdy with familiar Volkswagen switchgear. It’s a little dull but coloured dashpads are available, which would go some way to brighten the cabin. Volkswagen is keen to stress that this Polo is the one for the digital era, so that means slick infotainment systems, seamless integration with smartphones and the option of a flashy new digital instrument cluster, available for the first time in this class.
How much does the Polo cost?
So far the Volkswagen Polo serves up a mature small car experience - but you will also pay a bit more for it. Several rivals undercut the Polo's starting price of €16,795 and that's for a very basic 1.0-litre, naturally aspirated three cylinder petrol engine with 65 hp. A 75 hp version of the same engine will set you back €17,350 while the tastier 95 hp 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit starts from a more prohibitive €21,995 - though it does come in a more well equipped Comfortline spec. There is a 1.6TDI diesel with 80 hp priced from €20,195.
The entry level Trendline models come with 15” steel wheels, four electric windows, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency breaking, pedestrian monitoring, auto headlights, 6.5” Composition Colour radio system with four speakers and Bluetooth. The Comfortline model is a much nicer equipped car with air con, cruise control, 15” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, 8” touchscreen with clear glass surround and 6 speakers, voice control and App connect.
My test car was a 1.0-litre 65hp Comfortline model with a list price of €18,695. The test car had a Technology upgrade for €499 with 16” alloys, parking sensors, lights and vision package, folding mirrors, driver alert system, and a space and weight saving spare wheel. With this engine, the Volkswagen Polo is very efficient and my fuel consumption over a week of driving was 5.2 litre/100km. Motor tax for this model is €190 per year.
Driving it
Power is not a strong point for this model. The 65 hp and 95 Nm of torque translate to lethargic performance on the road that will require some serious planning for overtaking manoeuvres! But for town driving, this 1.0-litre Polo is completely adequate.
Elsewhere, steering is light but precise, and the Polo is agile and fun within urban surroundings. The three cylinder engine transmits some vibration through the pedals at idle though generally refinement on the road is good with decent sound insulation for a small car. The Polo is also one of the most comfortable and compliant small cars. This makes it very likable.
The Volkswagen Polo is a safe choice of supermini and that is what has made it a household name over the past 40 years. It does require some investment and there are quite boring but efficient engine choices to kick the range off. The biggest threat to the Polo is the SEAT Ibiza with its more value pricing, exciting persona and similar hardware underneath that makes it equally spacious.
But realistically the Polo doesn't have much to break into a sweat about; there will always be a market for the quiet, comfortable and dependable Volkswagen Polo!
Model tested: Volkswagen Polo 1.0-litre Comfortline
Price: €18,695 (Range starts at €16,795)
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
Power: 65hp
Torque: 95Nm
0-100km/h: 15.5 seconds
Top speed: 165km/h
Economy: 4.7/100km
CO2 emissions: 108g/km
Motor tax: €190 per year
Caroline Kidd
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Review
Caroline drives the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
Volkswagen’s SUV range has never looked so good. While the Volkswagen Tiguan continues to sell well here in Ireland, it’s been joined in 2018 by a brand new Volkswagen T-ROC compact crossover, and the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Crowning Volkswagen’s SUV range is of course the new Volkswagen Touareg that arrived in Ireland over the summer.
More seats and space for the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Available with five seats (from €34,050) or seven (add €770), the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is larger than the Volkswagen Tiguan with the all-important option of seven seats. The Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace were developed at the same time so there are many similarities between these two vehicles. But visually the Tiguan Allspace has a bit more presence. The bonnet has been raised up at the front and the rear doors of the Tiguan Allspace are longer to adapt the proportions to the longer overall length of the vehicle.
Inside, there's a simple dashboard design and the quality of the materials used throughout is indisputable. Touchscreen infotainment systems are available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, while top of the range models get a very impressive digital driver information display.
There are three trim levels - Trendline, Comfortline and Highline - with standard equipment including 17" alloys, air conditioning, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane assist. Mid-range Comfortline models (from €38,895) add some more styling features, adaptive cruise control, front fog lights, tri zone climate control, 8" touchscreen with App Connect and voice control, and parking sensors. Highline models (from €42,050) feature 18" alloys, velour seat trim, LED headlights, heated front seats and a rear view parking camera, among other equipment.
How big is the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace inside?
The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has a large and flexible interior with optional '5+2' seating. There is plenty of headroom all round and the rear footwells are large. The second row seats split fold 60/40 and can be moved forward and back to give more wriggle room to those in row 3. In seven seat mode, Volkswagen has managed to eke out 230 litres of boot space, while in five seat mode there is about 700 litres of space! When not in use the two extra seats in seven seat models fold neatly into the boot floor.
Volkswagen is offering the Tiguan Allspace with a 1.4-litre TSI 150hp petrol engine (Trendline only) and with a 2.0-litre diesel with 150hp, 190hp or 240hp. The diesel range starts from €36,350. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available, as is '4MOTION' all wheel drive. My test car was a seven seat Highline model with a 2.0-litre TDI 150bhp diesel, DSG automatic gearbox and 4MOTION all wheel drive retailing from €46,895.
Does it drive well?
On the road, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is everything you could want from a large family car - agile and easy to manouvre despite the large dimensions, comfortable and refined. It's not sporty, but controlled and predictable in corners. The 2.0TDI with 150hp offers adequate performance and over a week of driving I averaged 6.5l/100km. Motor tax on this all wheel drive, automatic model is set at €390 per year.
With the Volkswagen Tiguan already proving to be a hit in Ireland, buyers looking for more space or seats to accommodate a growing family can be pointed in the direction of the Tiguan Allspace. Rather than feeling like an afterthought, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has been designed with care so it's stylish, premium and huge! There's competition within the Volkswagen Group's own stable with the equally likable Skoda Kodiaq large SUV, but the Tiguan Allspace's quality, style and finish will keep it highly desirable among aspirational families.
Model tested: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Highline 2.0 TDI 150hp 4Motion DSG (7 seats)
Price: €47,665 (Range starts at €34,050)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 150hp
Torque: 340Nm
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds
Top speed: 198km/h
Economy: 5.9l/100km
CO2 emissions: 153g/km
Motor tax: €390 per year
Caroline Kidd
Volkswagen T-Roc Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen T-ROC review for all you need to know about Volkswagen's new crossover.
The new Volkswagen T-ROC arrived in Ireland in 2018 as an exciting new model for Volkswagen. It shows more personality than what we're used to from the sensible German brand. Volkswagen has brought the new T-ROC the way of the crossover and with pricing starting from €24,750, the Volkswagen T-ROC slots in neatly below the popular Volkswagen Tiguan family SUV.
The new Volkswagen is positioned as a sportier, compact model and it’s immediately clear that the designers at VW had some fun with this one. The Volkswagen T-ROC is easily one of the most interesting and playful looking models in the range. In the metal it sits like a slightly elevated hatchback with gorgeous coupé-like styling, especially towards the rear.
But being marketed as a crossover means that the curves are balanced out with extra plastic cladding around the wheel arches, sills, and front and rear bumpers, adding more attitude to what is a very expressive design. The T-ROC is also the first Volkswagen SUV that will be available to order in two-tone paintwork with a contrasting roof, A-pillars and exterior mirror covers.
Inside the Volkswagen T-ROC
Inside much of the switchgear is shared with other Volkswagen models. Dark grey plastics feature a lot. To add some interest there is a plastic dashboard insert that stretches the width of the cabin. It continues its colour theme around the centre console. This was grey/black in the test car, but there are other colours available. The quality in the cabin is good. But the interior of a Golf for similar money feels a bit more plush.
In terms of technology and in-car entertainment, this car scores well with a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There's also a very impressive digital instrument panel.
The Volkswagen T-ROC is a five seater. Though realistically four will be most comfortable because the middle seat in the rear is quite narrow. There is good accommodation up front and the two rear footwells are a reasonable size. There's extra headroom too. The boot is good at 445 litres but opting for a model with a spare wheel will eat into that boot volume.
In Ireland this new crossover is available with a 1.0-litre TSI petrol (115hp), 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol (150hp), a 1.6-litre TDI diesel (115hp) or a 2.0-litre TDI diesel (150hp). The 2.0-litre diesel is available exclusively with 4MOTION all wheel drive. A 6-speed manual gearbox comes as standard but there are also 7-speed DSG automatic gearboxes available.
On the road in the Volkswagen T-ROC
My test car was powered by the 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit with 150hp. It’s a powerful and refined option for this car. My fuel consumption over a week of driving was about 6.6 litres per 100 kms.
The Volkswagen T-ROC is built on the same MQB platform as the Golf and other Volkswagen products. On the road, it is smooth and confident, with well-weighted steering and a fun, agile feel. It doesn’t quite feel as hunkered down on the road in corners as a hatchback owing to that raised ride height. But heck it adds to the fun.
The T-ROC is generally comfortable. But a firm edge to the suspension will transmit some bumps into the cabin over uneven surfaces at low speeds around town.
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Is it well-equipped?
There are three trim levels for Ireland – T-ROC, Design and Sport. Standard equipment includes leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, 6.5” touchscreen, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, auto lights and wipers, lane keeping aid, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.
Design models start from €26,995 and add 16” alloys, more chrome detailing on the outside, and front fog lamps. There's also roof rails, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and more advanced infotainment system with 8 speakers, voice control and app connect.
Sport models start from €29,750. They add 17” alloys, double rear tailpipe, front sports seats, ambient lighting, LED headlamps, tinted rear windows, auto high beam among other exterior styling updates.
Would you buy it?
It's hard not to come away from this new crossover feeling a little more enthusiastic about life.
With this car, Volkswagen set out to make a fun crossover to complement the larger and more traditional Tiguan. They have succeeded. The Volkswagen T-ROC is a fabulous addition to the Volkswagen range. It's easily one of the brand's most playful cars.
The Volkswagen T-ROC is not the value option in the compact crossover class, but it is a stylish and sporty family vehicle.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen T-ROC Sport 1.5 TSI EVO
Price: €30,525 (Available from €24,750)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds
Top speed: 205km/h
Claimed Economy: 5.4l/100km
CO2 emissions: 121g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Volkswagen Golf GTE Review (2018)
Caroline drives the Volkswagen Golf GTE.
There’s never been a better time to talk about alternative fuel vehicles and when the world’s most recognisable hatchback starts dabbling in electric and hybrid power, we know there’s something up. While the majority of the over 4000 Golfs sold in Ireland each year are still petrol and diesel models, the current Golf range also features an electric Golf (‘e-Golf’) and a petrol-electric, plug-in hybrid (Golf GTE). It’s the Volkswagen Golf GTE that’s the subject of this review.
The Volkswagen Golf GTE’s hybrid powertrain offers buyers more flexibility than a pure electric vehicle (EV) making it a good transition model for those still a bit anxious about the logistics of relying on battery power only and the availability of charge points for longer journeys. Plug-in hybrids are something of a half-way house though - at the moment they offer a limited range on electric power compared to a full EV. But running costs are potentially very low, without any of the range anxiety that can blight EV ownership.
It also helps that Volkswagen has ensured that their plug-in hybrid Golf is anything but a nerdy ecowagen with dull styling and lethargic performance. Interestingly the brand took the brave step to market the new Volkswagen Golf GTE as something akin to sporty variants of the Golf like the GTI and GTD. It certainly piques interest in the Golf GTE. However, it is expensive and with grants the list price is €40,050. So the Golf GTE is not just pitched like a plug-in hybrid performance hatchback – it’s also priced like one!
The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a stylish, sporty hybrid
Refreshed models of Volkswagen’s popular Mark 7 Golf arrived in Ireland in 2017 and the Golf GTE has received the same cosmetic and interior upgrades. The Volkswagen Golf GTE looks smart and distinguishing features include C-shaped LED daytime running lights, full LED headlights and rear lights with sweeping indicators, a blue strip that runs through the grille and lights, 18" alloy wheels with blue brake calipers, rear spoiler, and GTE badging.
Inside there is the same reassuring quality and layout to the interior as the other models in the Golf range, with GTE models adding some additional blue detailing (as opposed to red in the GTI). The upgrades as part of the Golf facelift have been very successful and the GTE gets a new 8" infotainment system with clear glass touchscreen and a full digital instrument panel. These features really lift the cabin and the Golf GTE is every bit the premium hatchback.
The GTE also has some fabulous sports seats with classic 'Clark' upholstery. Other standard features include dual zone air con, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, ambient lighting, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
The GTE also has an 'e-manager', allowing the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating. These functions can be operated remotely using the Car-Net app on a smartphone.
On a practical note, the Golf GTE offers competitive interior accommodation for a five door hatchback. Unfortunately the Golf GTE has a smaller boot to accommodate the battery, down from 380 litres in a regular Golf to 272 litres in the GTE.
Can the Volkswagen Golf GTE be powerful and efficient?
The Volkswagen Golf GTE combines a 1.4-litre TSI turbo petrol with an electric motor to produce 204hp. In terms of power and acceleration the Golf GTE is very lively indeed with 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 7.6 seconds. CO2 emissions are 40g/km so motor tax is just €170 per year.
As a plug-in hybrid the Golf GTE can be charged at home in about 3.5 hours or using the public charging system in about 2 hours. On a full battery in real life terms you will be able to drive on pure electric power for about 30 km. But this electric range is best suited to stop/start urban driving because high speeds on the open road will deplete the battery power more rapidly.
And you need to keep that battery topped up for the overall efficiency of the car, even in the hybrid driving modes. I spent most of the time driving in the basic hybrid mode where the car draws power from the engine and battery as appropriate with a bias towards efficiency. My fuel consumption over a few days of driving was 6.3 litres per 100kms. That's good for a petrol hatchback but I imagine you could do better than this with a less heavy right foot and driving the car more in pure EV mode.
There is also a GTE mode where you can tap into the sporty side of the car. The GTE mode adds weight to the steering and changes the shift timings of the 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox, making the throttle response more urgent, while pumping some augmented engine noise into the cabin! The last point will probably shock some purists but the 1.4-litre TSI doesn’t sound very menacing by itself so it needs a bit of help in that department.
So what’s the Volkswagen Golf GTE like to drive?
On the road the Golf GTE retains its intrinsic 'Golfness' in that it’s smooth and agile, refined and comfortable. As a hybrid vehicle, it’s impressive for its refinement and the ease of which it moves between engine and electric power. Digital displays keep the driver informed on things such as range, efficiency and what part of the system is active at any given time. The Golf GTE is on the heavy side weighing 1,615kg but it still remains flat and balanced through corners. The steering is fluid and precise but there is no real feedback. While the battery boosted acceleration in GTE mode is impressive by itself, the car is lacking a playful edge and the sort of sweaty palm inducing driving dynamics that marks out the best of the hot hatchbacks, including its own stable mate, the Golf GTI.
The Volkswagen Golf GTE performs well as just a regular, efficient plug-in hybrid, if you can make use of that electric range and drive it in a balanced way. The Golf GTE is expensive but it’s more exciting and refined to drive than many other plug-in hybrids on the market, retaining all the basic Golf qualities that make it a car loved by millions.
However, the problems arise when you start to view the Golf GTE through the lens of a performance hatchback because though it's fast, it's not particularly engaging. Still for the right buyer, the Volkswagen Golf GTE is a smart, refined and prestigious plug-in hybrid hatchback.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid
Price: €40,050
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo petrol + electric motor
Power: 204hp
Torque: 350Nm
0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 222km/h
Claimed Economy: 1.8l/100km
CO2 emissions: 40g/km
Motor tax: €170 per year