In alphabetical order, the five-star winners are: the Audi A6, the BMW X3, the Chevrolet Aveo, the Chevrolet Orlando, the Citroen DS5, the Hyundai i40, the Opel Ampera, the VW Golf Cabriolet and the VW Jetta.
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While we do not have a definite answer to what it may be, possible scenarios include a test car for a new Skoda Octavia and a prototype for a Volkswagen-badged model for select markets outside Europe.
It could also be a test mule for the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform, or Modularer Querbaukasten, which roughly translates as modular transverse-engine kit. The MQB will form the base for an array of future models ranging in size from the VW Up! mini and the next Seat Ibiza supermini to the upcoming Audi A3 Sedan and the TT replacement.
Take a look at the photos below and tell us what you think in the comments section.
'Vielen Dank' to Roman J. for the scoop pics!
As you can see in the pictures, the V6 prototype's body has not been altered yet. Only the bigger wheels and four-tail pipes at the back signal that there's something going on here.
After the USA , Europe is also getting the new Volkswagen Jetta sedan, with prices starting from €20,900, equal (but not comparable due to different taxation policies etc) to US$28,984 with the current exchange rates.
Even though the Jetta is the best-selling European car in the U.S. with up to 110,000 examples sold annually, the compact sedan's predecessors haven't really enjoyed the same success across the pond. However, the German automaker hopes that the new generation of the model will prove more appealing to European buyers.
"Never before has a Jetta had this much sports appeal, this much fuel efficiency or this large a size," Volkswagen says in the press release.
We don't know about the visual appeal, but measuring 4.64 m (182.6 inches) in length, the new Jetta is indeed longer than its predecessor 4.55 meters or 179.1 inches). The added length results in a 6.7 cm (2.64 inches) gain in legroom.
Furthermore, the Germans tried to make all that new found space as pleasant as they could. That means that even the entry-level model, the Trendline, has plenty of equipment meant both to serve and protect. You get, among other things, climate control, dust and pollen filters, height-adjustable driver's seat, multifunctional display, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, six airbags, Hill Climb Assist, ABS and ESP.
Comfortline ups the ante with mild exterior chrome accents, 16-inch alloy wheels, 8-way adjustment of driver and front passenger seats, a more capable radio-CD system and Park Pilot. While you might think that behind this fancy name resides an automated parking system, it's not exactly true. All that Park Pilot does is to lower the passenger side mirror, so you see the curb better.
Highline is the trim level that really tries to convince you that your hard-earned cash was well spent. Beside incorporating all the features offered by Trendline and Comfortline, the flagship version really brings on the bling-gun. The alloys are bigger (17 inches), there's chrome everywhere – around the air intake, on the side of the windows – and you also get cornering lights and a cleaning system for them. There's even a Winter Pack, boasting heated front seats and windscreen, alongside the more efficient Climatronic climate control.
Under the hood, with the exception of the 200HP 2.0-liter TSI unit, it's more about fuel-efficiency than gung-ho performances. The 1.6 TDI four-pot, capable of 105 hp (77 kW), will certainly get most of the attention in Europe, given that it only needs 4.2 liters of fuel per every 100 kilometers (56 mpg US). The second diesel option is the 2-liter 140 hp (103 kW) variant.
On the petrol front, the 2.0 TSI is joined by a 1.2 TSI engine (105 hp) and a 1.4 TSI, the latter delivering 122 (90 kW) or 160 hp (118 kW).
By Csaba Daradics
___________________GALLERY [European-Spec Model]___________________
Now we've officially seen it all; a body-kitted German station-wagon running on a [relatively] small displacement four-cylinder diesel engine as a Sheriff's Department patrol car. And all thanks to VW's decision to donate two custom-made Jetta SportWagen TDI vehicles to the law enforcement departments of the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
The donation was made as part of Volkswagen's ongoing efforts to reach out to the community of Chattanooga, where the German automaker is building a $1 billion plant that will produce among other cars, the New Midsize Sedan (NMS) starting from next year.
V
olkswagen said its engineers and designers overhauled the white Jetta SportWagen to incorporate special features including custom-built enclosures and mounts that hold all the communications and emergency lighting gear in place.
The car gets a body kit with front and rear aprons, and side skirts as well as 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 18" Goodyear Eagle GT All Season tires.
Under the hood, the Jetta SportWagen features VW's 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel four-cylinder engine with 236 ft.-lbs. of torque, that returns up to 42 miles per gallon on the highway.
Official Statements:
"Volkswagen is thrilled to be able to provide technologically advanced Jetta SportWagen vehicles to both the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County police departments to help keep the area safe while driving in a reliable, versatile and stylish vehicle," said Frank Fischer, Chairman and CEO of Volkwagen's Chattanooga
"This generous gift is much appreciated and will be a welcomed addition to our expanding Chattanooga Police Department," said Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield. "We applaud Volkswagen for their continued investment in our community."
"Since Volkswagen announced their billion dollar investment in Hamilton County they have demonstrated numerous times their willingness to be a good corporate neighbor," said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. "Today's gift of two law enforcement vehicles is further proof of Volkswagen's commitment to Hamilton County and we thank them for their generosity."
_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________
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