• Official design sketches reveal sporty range-topper for the fourth Octavia generation
• First plug-in hybrid ŠKODA vRS model combines performance and sustainability
• Sporty details underline the ŠKODA best-seller’s dynamic design language

ŠKODA is stoking anticipation of the all-new ŠKODA Octavia vRS iV. The Czech manufacturer has released three official exterior design sketches showing the sporty range-topper for the fourth Octavia generation, which will have its world premiere on 3 March at the Geneva Motor Show. Signature black vRS details emphasise the dynamic design language of the elegantly proportioned ŠKODA best-seller, whose dimensions have grown slightly over those of its predecessor. As the first ŠKODA vRS model to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Octavia vRS iV is unique in the way it combines family-friendly versatility and sports car-like performance with sustainability and efficiency.

Twenty years after the debut of the first Octavia vRS, the ŠKODA Octavia vRS iV is all set to open the next chapter of what has become a remarkable success story. The Octavia vRS is extremely popular within the model series: in the core European ŠKODA markets of Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, every fifth Octavia delivered to customers is a vRS model. Customers appreciate the combination of a generously-sized interior, versatility and sporting performance. Featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain generating a system
output of 180 kW (245 PS), the all-new Octavia vRS ...

• Volkswagen’s icon returns to the UK in its eighth generation
• Expected top-selling version of the benchmark hatchback priced at £23,875 RRP OTR
• Golf 8 sets a new standard for connectivity and convenience

The Volkswagen Golf has returned, now in its eighth generation, with UK customers able to order the revered and hugely successful model from tomorrow, 6 February. The predicted best-seller – the Golf Life 1.5 TSI 130 PS 6-speed manual – will start at £23,875 RRP OTR.

The wait is over. From tomorrow UK customers will be able to order a new Golf 8 – the most connected car Volkswagen has produced to date. Initially, it can be specified in two trim levels with four engine and gearbox configurations. Life and Style are the two trim levels available at first, with popular R-Line joining them at a later date. From launch two petrol and two diesel engines are offered. The petrol line-up consists of two 1.5-litre TSI engines with 130 and 150 PS, both mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while diesel options include 115 or 150 PS 2.0-litre units, the former with a 6-speed manual. The more powerful diesel engine benefits from a 7-speed DSG transmission as standard, and is available only in the Style trim.

In addition to the sporty R-line trim level, more engine options will arrive over the coming months as production in Wolfsburg ramps up. These include 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol engines, as well as eTSI 48V mild-hybrid 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines. These class-leading eTSI power plants are fitted exclusively with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Prices for these will be announced nearer the ...

• CUPRA turns up the volume on visual styling and audio with CUPRA Ateca Limited Edition
• Titanium Akrapovic exhaust reduces weight and brings a unique, dynamic sound
• Copper Carbon Fibre elements add even more finesse and improve aerodynamic performance
• 4Drive system delivers a sub-five second 0-62mph time
• Striking design, progressive technology and superior performance
• Just 100 CUPRA Ateca Limited Edition models available in the UK, 20 with Akrapovic exhaust
• CUPRA Ateca Limited Edition starts from £42,120 OTR

CUPRA, the ultimate expression of unique sophistication and performance, has taken the striking design, progressive technology and performance of its CUPRA Ateca to the next level with the launch of a Limited Edition model.

The Limited Edition model, limited to 100 units in the UK, brings increased levels of performance and design to the high-performance SUV. The CUPRA Ateca Limited Edition is available in Rhodium Grey – £42,120 (OTR) and exclusive Graphene Grey with Akrapovic Exhaust System – £45,160 (OTR).

The halo model blends the two-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine with a seven-speed DSG transmission, 4Drive (four-wheel drive) system to achieve 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds, a top speed of 153mph and a distinctive, pulse-racing exhaust note.

Available on 20 of the UK models, the titanium Akrapovic exhaust system saves 7kg in overall weight to offer the ultimate in sophisticated performance, as well as a more visceral aural experience.

Further expanding the performance envelope, an ABT Sportsline ...

Camouflaged versions of new Audi compact hatchback tackle a course also used for the Azores rally to demonstrate latest quattro technology

• quattro-equipped versions of all-new compact hatchback showcase the latest evolution of the world renowned technology
• Quick-witted: progressive steering with a variable ratio
• No need to compromise on agility or comfort: adaptive damper control

Roads considered challenging enough to be a test of mettle for thoroughbred competition cars on the Azores rally have been chosen to provide a baptism of fire for the quattro system underpinning the all-new Audi A3. Journalists have been able to assess the dynamic capabilities of all-wheel-drive versions of the advanced new compact hatchback on these roads, which snake around the island of São Miguel in Portugal’s Azores archipelago, ahead of the car’s world public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Pure emotion: the original thought

In a place where volcanoes once created a whole chain of islands and where there is a high level of volcanic activity, Audi is demonstrating the core of its DNA: quattro drive. The all-wheel drive system fittingly makes its first appearance in one of the most emotive versions of the fourth generation A3, and represents the latest stage in the evolution of this successful technology, which in Audi models with transverse engine installations is based around an electro-hydraulic multi‑plate clutch.

Managed by precisely tuned software, the system not only maximises stability, grip, and driving pleasure, but is also extremely efficient. Supported by the adaptive suspension and the progressive steering, it delivers composed, surefooted and incisive ...

• New SUV-convertible picks up baton for Volkswagen Cabriolets
• £26,750 RRP OTR starting price for the brand’s latest drop-top
• Two stylish trim levels offered, and three drivetrain configurations

The first glimmer of summer has arrived early at Volkswagen UK, with the T-Roc Cabriolet opening for order today. Fashion-focused Design trim cars start at £26,750 RRP OTR, while sportier-styled R-Line examples begin at £31,920 RRP OTR.

The latest in a dynasty of Volkswagen Cabriolets spanning 71 years and numerous successful models, the T-Roc Cabriolet reaches the UK in two specification levels: Design and R-Line. Two petrol engines – a 1.0-litre TSI 115 PS and a 1.5-litre TSI 150 PS – are offered, the latter available with a 7-speed DSG transmission, in addition to 6-speed manual versions of both.

Aside from the fabric folding roof – which can be lowered in nine seconds and raised in 11 seconds – the T-Roc Cabriolet is distinct from the standard T-Roc in its two-door body style and its wheelbase, which has been extended by 40 mm compared with its five-door, solid-roof sibling. This allows maximum room for passengers in the cabin, as well as a useful 284-litre boot capacity.

Design trim features 17-inch ‘Mayfield’ alloy wheels as standard, with 18-inch ‘Montego Bay’ and ‘Sebring’ wheels available as options. Inside, an 8.0-inch Discover Navigation infotainment system is fitted, with wireless App-Connect smartphone connectivity, along with 2Zone climate control and a six-speaker sound system. Among the arsenal of driver assistance systems included on the Design trim Cabriolet are Front ...

• STRONG DESIGN EVOLUTION: A new exterior and interior design language gives it greater presence, which enhances its overall proportions
• LIGHTING THE WAY: Full LED headlamps, coast-to-coast rear lamps and wraparound ambient lights emphasise the evolution and technology within
• FUTURE-PROOF: Based on the MQB (Modular Quer Baukasten) Evo platform, the next-generation Leon is the most forward-thinking product ever made by SEAT: it’s fully connected to the cloud, with state-of-the-art driving assistance systems and hybrid technology from launch
• THE SAFEST SEAT: New active and passive technologies include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control and Emergency Assist 3.0, while the inherently-strong safety cell provides optimum protection in the event of a collision
• ADVANCED POWERTRAINS: A range of efficient powertrains available from launch: gasoline (TSI); diesel (TDI); mild-hybrid (eTSI); and plug-in hybrid (eHybrid)
• ALWAYS CONNECTED: In-car connectivity with Full Link including wireless Apple CarPlay and cloud-based functions and services enables drivers to access their digital lives on the move
• SEAT CONNECT: New smartphone app keeps you in touch with your vehicle when you’re on the move
• MORE PRACTICAL: Increased wheelbase (+50mm) and overall length of the five-door (+86mm) and Estate (+93mm) add extra occupant and luggage capacity
• PACKAGING MASTERCLASS: More headroom for passengers despite lower roofline
• SUCCESS STORY: SEAT Leon has sold more than 2.2 million units globally (252,416 in the UK) since 1999 across three generations, each proving more popular than the last
• SEAT easymove: Six trim levels – SE, SE Dynamic, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence, Xcellence Lux – each with its own unique equipment,

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