• Formentor coupé SUV the first vehicle designed solely for CUPRA brand
• CUPRA Formentor V1 150PS TSI manual now available to order, from £27,395
• High-performance Plug-in Hybrid and further petrol engines join line-up in 2021
• Available to purchase from the growing CUPRA retail network throughout the UK or at A Lifestyle and Sports Car Brand with a Passion for Racing | CUPRA

CUPRA has opened the order books to further engines and trims for the CUPRA Formentor coupé SUV. The most competitively-priced version, the V1 150PS TSI manual, costs from £27,395 on-the-road.

The first customer deliveries of the CUPRA Formentor VZ Edition 310PS DSG 4Drive begin in December. The entry point into the CUPRA brand (Formentor V1 150PS TSI) is now available to order, with deliveries for this vehicle due in early 2021. The order books for the plug-in hybrid model will open in quarter one 2021.


Formentor has been curated to include a long equipment list as standard across six highly-specified trims, named V1, V2, VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 and VZ Edition.

As standard on V1 trim, customers get 18-inch alloy wheels, 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with connected navigation, 10-inch digital driver binnacle, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Adaptive Cruise Control, wireless smartphone charger, a leather steering wheel and rear parking sensors

As well as a long equipment list, all customers benefit from a high standard of technology under the skin. Formentor has been designed and engineered to deliver a performance-orientated drive, delivered, in part, by the front MacPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension set-up, standard across the range, to enable the intuitive ...

• SEAT grows range of electrified vehicles with new Tarraco e-HYBRID
• Electrified large SUV joins the line-up alongside Leon e-HYBRID and Mii electric
• Tarraco e-HYBRID mates a petrol engine and an electric motor to offer 245PS of power and 400Nm of torque combined
• Deliveries to the UK will commence in second half of 2021

SEAT’s range of electrified vehicles continues to expand as the SEAT Tarraco e-HYBRID enters production this week.

The introduction of the SEAT Tarraco e-HYBRID brings the benefits of electrification, performance and efficiency to the SUV market, while adding a third pillar to the brand’s electrified range following the introduction of the Mii electric and Leon e-HYBRID in 2020.

The plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s flagship SUV will deliver a maximum power of 245PS.

Thanks to the13kWh lithium-ion battery back, the Tarraco e-HYBRID can travel for up to 30.5 miles (WLTP) in all-electric mode, and when using both electric and petrol engines, the SEAT Tarraco e-HYBRID can reach up to 454 miles.

“SEAT continues its electrified offensive as it transforms its offering to a more sustainable future, with the introduction of its third electrified model: the SEAT Tarraco e-HYBRID,” said Wayne Griffiths, President of SEAT. “The electrification of our large SUV takes plug-in hybrids to a new segment, shows our commitment to the technology while taking us a step closer to our aim of making electric mobility available to all.”

Balancing power and efficiency

The SEAT Tarraco e-HYBRID’s plug-in hybrid system mates ...

• Two performance flagships available in the UK from today
• Front and all-wheel drive models to suit all fast-Golf fans
• Quickest GTI and flagship R join new performance Golf family

The two most eagerly anticipated models in the Volkswagen Golf range have arrived, each representing a different facet of high-performance hatchback character. The front-wheel drive Golf GTI Clubsport arrives with increased downforce, an improved chassis and a driving profile labelled ‘Special’ that is adapted for the Nürburgring. The Golf R offers more all-round appeal than ever before, with renewed 4MOTION all-wheel drive incorporating the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system and the optional R-Performance Package adding a de-restricted top speed and Drift mode among other features.

With three performance Golfs already on sale in the form of the GTI, GTD and GTE, the arrival of these two flagship models gives fans of performance Golfs more choice than ever before. Both newcomers offer greater levels of focus and driver involvement. In addition, each model features a raft of equipment and driver assistance systems, including IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, keyless entry, Lane Assist and Travel Assist, which facilitates Level 2 assisted driving up to speeds of 130 mph (where legal). Car2X is also fitted, as per the rest of the Golf range, allowing communication between Car2X-equipped cars and infrastructure, to warn road users of hazards ahead.

The new Golf GTI Clubsport

The first of these new cars is the Golf GTI Clubsport. This model builds upon the already award-winning formula offered by the 245 PS/370 Nm Golf GTI, but dials the power output of ...

• All the essence of the Monster in the lightest, most compact and essential form possible
• The mission of the Monster: to have fun thanks to the 111 hp of the Testastretta 11° engine and 166 kg of dry weight
• The sports naked suitable for all those who want a technological and easy to ride bike

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 2 December 2020 - The Ducati World Première web series has come to an end with the fifth and final episode in which the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer unveiled the new Monster. A motorcycle that marked the history of Ducati like few others. It is the best-selling model ever: more than 350,000 have been produced since its presentation.

The new Monster represents all the essence of Ducati in the lightest, most compact and essential form possible. You can already guess it from the name: Monster, nothing else.
The recipe is the original 1993 one: a sporty engine, but perfect for road use, combined with a Superbike-derived frame. All that you need to have fun, every day.

The new Monster is based on the same concepts that bind it to the unforgettable Monster 900, the first, true sports naked, but reinterpreted and updated. The result is a bike with an advanced, easy and efficient chassis, capable of immediately establishing the perfect feeling with the rider. The riding position is less loaded on the wrists and the engine offers an excellent balance between power, torque and ease of handling.

To create the new Monster, the engineers and designers started from scratch, but with a clear idea of the key points around which the new bike was to be built. Lean and agile, the bike incorporates the guidelines ...

First ever plug-in hybrid Audi model in the compact SUV class combines 245PS system output with scope for emission-free travel for up to 31 miles

• New Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e models available to order from spring 2021
• UK OTR pricing to be confirmed closer to launch
• Q3 45 TFSI e available with Technik, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung specification options, Q3 Sportback range will start from S line level
• Lithium-ion battery with 13.0 kWh for an electric-only range of up to 31 miles (WLTP)*
• 1.4 TFSI with 150PS joins forces to deliver 245PS system output

Another convert to the zero local emissions movement is confirmed today as the new Q3 45 TFSI e stakes its claim as the first ever plug-in hybrid Audi model in the compact SUV class. The eighth member of the flourishing electrified TFSI e family will be available to order in the UK next spring in Q3 and coupé-inspired Q3 Sportback forms, the former featuring Technik, S line, Black Edition and particularly sumptuous Vorsprung specification options and the latter starting at S line level. In both a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and an 85 kW electric motor generate a system output of 245PS to enable travel without tailpipe emisions for up to 31 miles* between charges.

"TFSI e models are a perfect stepping stone on the path to electrification for Audi customers who are keen to play their part in the decarbonisation of our environment, but who are perhaps delaying making the leap of faith to a full EV due to lingering concerns about charging and range,“ says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. "Like our other PHEV models, the new Q3 TFSI e can help to allay those concerns by proving how easily an EV can be assimilated into life, while also offering the safety net ...

• Customers from around the world start to receive their limited edition Pikes Peak Continental GT by Mulliner
• Five vehicles delivered into the USA, home to the world-renowned course in Colorado where the record was set
• Cars travel to all sides of world – the UK, USA, Europe, Qatar, UAE, Japan and New Zealand
• Just 15 examples hand-built at Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England
• W12-powered Continental GT race car smashed International Hill Climb record by over 8 seconds in June 2019
• Third of owners choose striking Mountain Decal Event Livery

The 15 striking Pikes Peak Continental GT by Mulliner limited edition cars have made their way around the world to their new owners. Celebrating Bentley’s record-breaking run up the world-renowned Pikes Peak course in Colorado, USA, this unique and exclusive run has already sold out, with buyers across four different continents testament to its truly global appeal.

The Pikes Peak Continental GT Limited Edition is part of Bentley Mulliner’s new ‘Collections’ portfolio and is restricted to just 15 vehicles, hand-built at Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England.

Owners are spread around the world, in locations as far apart as Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, New Zealand, Latvia and the United Kingdom. Five of the new owners come from the USA, home to the world-renowned course in Colorado, with cars arriving across the country – from New York (Manhattan), to Florida (Fort Lauderdale), to Michigan (Troy), California (Rancho Mirage) and Nebraska (Omaha).

Eighteen months ago, a race-prepared version of a standard W12-powered ...

• In December 1905, the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A laid the foundation stone for 115 years of automotive engineering at the Mladá Boleslav site
• In 2020 ŠKODA AUTO celebrates the 125^th anniversary of its foundation in 1895

In December 1905 Václav Klement and Václav Laurin presented their first automobile to the public, the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A. With this car, the two founders continued on from their successful production of bicycles and motorbikes 115 years ago and at the same time laid the foundation for future automobile production at the Mladá Boleslav site. Since that time, the Czech car manufacturer’s portfolio has been characterised by innovative vehicles and technologies. ŠKODA currently produces ten model series and is pursuing its transition from a traditional car manufacturer to a ‘Simply Clever company for the best mobility solutions’.

When the first automobile rolled out of the Laurin & Klement factory halls in Mladá Boleslav, the company could already look back on ten years of business success: the production of its own bicycles under the SLAVIA brand had begun in 1895 under the leadership of Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. On 18 November 1899, the two entrepreneurs expanded their comprehensive model range to include innovatively designed motorbikes with single-cylinder petrol engines in the lower part of the frame. Shortly afterwards, L&K would become one of the first manufacturers in the world to build two-cylinder V-engines and in-line four-cylinder engines. Laurin & Klement motorbikes proved very popular with customers and soon achieved their first motorsport successes.

Laurin & Klement invested more than five years’ development time in their first automobile ...

Sharpened styling, equipment gains and technology upgrades ensure the latest version of the 300PS compact performance SUV remains very much up to speed in every area

• Updated 300PS compact performance SUV available to order in the UK from 19 November
• Offered in SQ2, SQ2 Black Edition and new SQ2 Vorsprung forms, priced from £38,900 OTR
• Sharper exterior styling, more equipment, upgraded infotainment
• 2.0 TFSI with 300PS and 400Nm, 0-62mph in 4.9 secs, 155mph top speed, up to 34.0 MPG and CO₂ from 188 g/km

It is already adept at quickening the pulse, and now the 300PS Audi SQ2 is even more capable of catching the eye as it adopts the sharper new look and upgraded lighting technology already favouring the other members of the compact SUV range. Enhancement of the S model that first brought sub-five-second acceleration potential to the Audi Q family’s singularly stylish lead-in SUV two years ago has also taken place beneath the skin. The cabin now benefits from additional equipment, improved infotainment and web-based Audi connect functionality and an expanded portfolio of driver assistance systems. When they become available in the UK from November 19, 2020 the latest generation SQ2 and even more striking SQ2 Black Edition models will also be joined by a newly inroduced SQ2 Vorsprung with a particularly exhaustive equipment list. Deliveries of all variants will begin here early in 2021.

"For the SQ2 we took the basic template set so successfully by high performance hatchbacks like our S3 Sportback and used it to create a version of our already capable compact SUV that has a great deal to offer fans of both formats,“ commented Director of Audi UK,
Andrew Doyle. "The carefully considered design and technology updates it receives here as part of the improvement programme ...

• V8 version of “world’s best luxury four door grand tourer” now in full production at Bentley’s home in Crewe
• Every car crafted at world’s first carbon neutral factory for luxury car manufacture
• Ordering open globally as first cars leave Crewe for their new owners
• Production rate at 100%, safeguarded by Bentley’s COVID protocols
• Hand assembly takes more than 100 hours
• Final performance and technical figures released
• 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque
• 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds); top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h)
• Cylinder deactivation in 20 milliseconds, one tenth of a blink of an eye
• Grand Touring range of 441 miles (709 km)
• CO₂ emissions reduced by 15%
• 100 kg lighter than the W12 model, with improved weight distribution and increased agility

The new Flying Spur V8 has entered full production at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters, the world’s first carbon neutral factory for luxury car manufacture, with the car now formally certified and the first cars on their way to retailers and customers. Manufacture of the new Flying Spur is at 100% of capacity, thanks to Bentley’s proven COVID protocols that have prevented any cases of on-site transmission to date.

A team of craftspeople assemble each new Flying Spur V8 by hand, taking over 100 hours to do so across 84 individual stages. The new V8-powered Flying Spur builds on a distinguished lineage, with Bentley recently producing the 40,000^th Flying Spur since 2005. The process of creating a new Flying Spur is meticulous in approach – for example, it takes 141 craftspeople using three kilometres of thread to combine 350 unique leather pieces to make the 60 components that form the interior.

The Flying Spur V8 offers a more driver-centric experience via increased agility and ...

• Ducati presents the new 2021 models of its sports bike range with the SuperSport 950, the new Panigale V4 SP and updates for the Panigale V4 which improves year by year
• The SuperSport 950, renewed in aesthetics and electronics, brings sporty riding to everyday life, ideal also for young people who want to approach the world of Ducati sports bikes
• The Panigale V4 SP: 214 hp, 12.6 kgm of torque and a dry weight of 173 kg, numbered, with a dedicated livery and equipped with all the technical features to enhance its qualities in track use
• Also unveiled is the range of Ducati electric mountain bikes powered by Thok with the new Ducati TK-01RR enduro e-MTB and the renewed All Mountain Ducati MIG-S

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 18 November 2020 - Ducati continues to unveil its new 2021 models to the world with the Ducati World Première web series. From the world of electric mountain bikes, passing through the SuperSport, up to the Panigale V4, Ducati illustrates the concepts of sportiness and performance that distinguish it in the third episode.

The world of racing competition has always been a source of inspiration for Ducati, performance is in fact in the company's DNA in all forms. The SuperSport 950 is the right bike to bring sporty riding into everyday life, without having to compromise, especially in terms of comfort. For 2021 the model has been revised in design, enriched with electronic equipment and gear, as well as becoming compliant with the Euro 5 anti-pollution legislation.

The aesthetic link between SuperSport 950 and Panigale V4 is now even stronger. The front view is defined by the new full-LED headlight supported by two fins and flanked by two air intakes that widen the view. The DRL clearly recalls the sharp ...

• New ŠKODA Octavia vRS modified for the police force
• Powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine delivers 245PS and can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds
• More models confirmed, including diesel, 4x4 and plug-in hybrid powertrains
• Performance expertly combined with practicality; featuring 10-inch touchscreen display, full LED Matrix lights and the latest safety technologies

The all-new Octavia vRS is now available for blue-light fleets. ŠKODA’s performance model has been an integral part of the brand’s line-up since 2001 and the fourth-generation vRS is the latest in a long-line of ŠKODA cars expertly converted for the emergency services.

Equipped with a powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine that delivers 245PS to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG gearbox, the new ŠKODA Octavia vRS is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds. This performance ensures that police officers, particularly those operating in rapid response teams, can respond quickly and effectively to any incident.

The bespoke conversion for the police service includes 360-degree visibility thanks to powerful LED signal lights built into the front screen, grille, tailgate and number plate – all complemented by a three tone siren.

The all-new Octavia vRS features a plethora of ŠKODA’s latest technology and connectivity systems. Ergonomics have been enhanced with selected one-touch keys for important vehicle functions and a 10-inch central display that features a touch control slider below the screen for ease of use. The Virtual Cockpit instrument panel ...

• Complex axle construction, compact five-link suspension at the rear
• Aerodynamically optimized wheels, combination tires and powerful brakes
• Electronic Stability Control as central unit for more agility and stability
• Top model ID.4 Max with progressive steering and DCC adaptive chassis control

Nimble in the city, agile on country roads, relaxed on the highway: the new ID.4 from Volkswagen is an all-rounder that is effortless and easy to drive. Volkswagen has invested a great deal of know-how in the chassis of the E-SUV – in the mechanical components and the electronic control system.

“The purely electrically driven SUV ID.4 is great fun to drive, similar to the compact ID.32,” explains Karsten Schebsdat, Head of Driving Dynamics, Steering and Control Systems at Volkswagen. “In its chassis, we have implemented numerous ideas and new control systems that further increase safety and driving pleasure.”

Sporty handling due to low center of gravity. The ID.4 already offers the best prerequisites for a great driving pleasure. The rear-wheel drive ensures strong traction – the driver experiences this already when they arrive at a set of traffic lights in the wet. The high-
voltage battery is located between the axles at the lowest point of the car. This benefits the center of gravity and weight distribution: with all drive variants, it deviates from the ideal value by no more than one percent, 50:50.

The front axle of the ID.4 follows the McPherson design, the steering is translated with a 15.9:1 ratio. For the first time at Volkswagen, the steering system is located in front of the center of the wheel, this position guarantees ...

• Prices for New CUPRA Leon hot hatch to start from £31,450 for 245PS model
• CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID – the brand’s first plug-in hybrid – available to order from £34,495 RRP OTR
• Powerful 300PS and 310PS 4Drive (Estate only) outputs complete the family
• CUPRA’s first plug-in hybrid signals start of electrification for the premium performance brand
• High-powered e-HYBRID accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds and returns up to 217.3mpg combined; 30g/km CO2 emissions both on WLTP test cycle
• Choice of three trim levels available as five-door or Estate: VZ2, VZ3 and an exclusive First Edition
• Available to configure and find your nearest retailer at www.cupraofficial.com/Leon

CUPRA continues to accelerate the transformation of its business and the electrification of its premium performance range, opening the order books for the new CUPRA Leon plug-in hybrid in the UK.

Hot hatches remain a favourite of the UK buyer, with the the country expected to be one of CUPRA Leon’s best-selling markets globally.

Customers can purchase the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID VZ2 245PS, with 1.4-litre TSI engine, 85PS electric motor and 13.1kWh battery pack, from £34,495, with order books for pure-petrol variants opening early 2021.

Opening New CUPRA Leon order books for the PHEV variant before the traditional ICE variants signals a landmark for the CUPRA brand’s electrification strategy, which will continue with plug-in variant of CUPRA Formentor launching in 2021 alongside the all-electric CUPRA el-Born.

Indicative prices for two petrol models reveal a starting price from £31,450 for the CUPRA Leon 2.0 TSI 245PS, and £35,000 for the 2.0 TSI 300PS.
...

• SEAT testing the use of recycled rice husks in place of plastic
• Up to 20 per cent of polyurethanes and polypropylenes used in boot floor is being replaced
• SEAT removing 12,000 tonnes of husk from the economy, 8% of global waste (by volume)

SEAT is testing the use of rice husks, an unrecyclable bi-product of harvesting the grain, as a substitute material to plastic in the new Leon.

The new material is being tested within the liner of the boot lid, the boot floor and the cabin headliner.

The current tests on the boot floor are substituting up to 20 per cent of the plastic usually used for recycled rice husks instead, a material which is lighter than the polyurethanes and polypropylenes it replaces.

Unwanted rice husks are usually incinerated by their processor. SEAT is forecasting to recycle 12,000 tonnes of rice husk per year, which reduces the amount of global husk waste by eight per cent while creating a more circular economy.

Joan Colet, Interior Trim Development Engineer, SEAT commented: “At SEAT we’re always working on finding new materials to improve our products, and in this sense, rice husks enable us to work on reducing plastics and petroleum-based materials.
“The parts are lighter, which means that we reduce the weight of the car, thus reducing our carbon footprint. We’re also using a renewable material, promoting the circular economy and making a greener product.”

The current testing is analysing how much husk can be used so that technical and quality requirements ...

Ever popular midsize performance SUV benefits from design and technology updates as well as enhancements to its acclaimed compressor-assisted V6 TDI

• New generation SQ5 TDI models available to order in the UK later this month
• Available as SQ5 TDI priced from £56,600 OTR or SQ5 TDI Vorsprung from £71,750 OTR
• 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine generating 341PS and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft)
• 0-62mph in 5.1 secs, governed 155mph top speed, up to 34.4 MPG, CO2 from 216g/km
• Updated exterior design including new digital OLED rear lights for Vorsprung versions
• Cabin upgraded with new MIB 3-based MMI Touch infotainment system
• Audi offers post Brext price protection peace of mind

Its mighty V6 TDI engine, and the advanced electrically powered compressor which so compellingly quickens its responses, have already earned the SQ5 TDI the distinction of being the first Audi SUV to wear the evocative S badge. Now both key elements have raised their game yet again in the new generation model, which combines improvements to that already highly acclaimed powerhouse with extensive modifications inside and out. These include the introduction to the cabin of the latest Audi touch-screen MMI Touch control and the availability of new next generation digital OLED rear lighting as part of an exterior rework that brings the top tier SUV back up to speed with contemporary Audi design principles. On arrival in the UK in early 2021 the new generation model will be offered in two formats – SQ5 TDI and SQ5 TDI Vorsprung – the latter featuring a particularly comprehensive selection of indulgences and practical driver aids.

“It’s the immediacy of the power delivery as much as the sheer force of the acceleration that makes such a lasting impression in the SQ5 TDI,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “Now that the formidable engine and independent electric compressor have been primed to perform even more readily ...

• The second episode of the Ducati World Première is online on Ducati.com and on the social channels, illustrating the worlds of XDiavel and Ducati Scrambler
• XDiavel Dark and XDiavel Black Star are the two new versions that renew the Ducati cruiser range
• The "Land of Joy" expands with the introduction of the new Ducati Scrambler Nightshift and the two new colours for the Icon and Desert Sled models

The journey to discover the new Ducati 2021 range continues with the second episode of the Ducati World Première web series revealing the latest news about the two XDiavel and Ducati Scrambler families. Two worlds very distant from each other, but which share an essential trait: a unique, distinctive, and nonconformist personality.

XDiavel is a cruiser with Ducati genes; the result of the contamination between two apparently distant universes. The relaxed pace at low speed typical of the Cruiser world and the adrenaline of Ducati's own sporty riding both find space in this elegant, technological and fun bike.

For 2021 Ducati renews the XDiavel range by introducing two new versions: XDiavel Dark and XDiavel Black Star. In addition, all XDiavel models become Euro 5, gaining 8 hp and 0.2 kgm in maximum power and torque values, with a smoother delivery curve.

XDiavel Dark enhances the beauty of the Ducati cruiser shapes thanks to the essentiality of the matt black colour. On the XDiavel Dark, the total black livery has also been extended to the mechanical components, plates, and finishes, enhancing one of Ducati's design principles: "Reduce to the Max". The XDiavel Dark represents purity, essentiality, ...

• Park Assist with remote control allows the Touareg to be manoeuvred into any parking space
• Using a smartphone, the driver can drive the Touareg both into and out of parking spaces
• Four cameras and twelve ultrasound sensors act as the digital eyes of the SUV

The Touareg now drives into and out of parking spaces fully automatically. Virtually by remote control – from outside the vehicle using a smartphone¹. With the new Park Assist with remote control assist system. The typical situation: a multi-storey car park at the airport, for example. Just before the flight is due to leave. Narrow parking spaces. And that means stopping the car in the driving lane, unloading the luggage from the luggage compartment, getting in again, manoeuvring the car into the tight space, and finally squeezing yourself out of the car. Stress. Park Assist with remote control now takes over this job in the Touareg. With no stress at all.

Already familiar: the basis of the new system is Park Assist, which Volkswagen still offers for the Touareg. Park Assist permits semi-automatic parking in parking spaces; the car also drives semi-automatically out of parallel parking spaces (spaces that are parallel to the road) again. Here, the SUV takes over steering, while the driver presses the accelerator and brake pedals. Completely new: Volkswagen is now going a decisive step further, because the new Park Assist with remote control now works fully automatically for the first time – in other words, it also controls the engine and the brake. The new system offers two operating ...

• Innovative LED system indicates status of belt buckle at all times
• Integrated into LED ambient light system to show location of buckle
• Red, green and white light system indicates disengaged, fastened and available
• Last year, ŠKODA AUTO applied for more patents than any other Czech company

ŠKODA is aiming to eliminate the hassle and faff of trying to belt up at night with the innovation of illuminated smart seat belt buckles. The Czech firm has been granted a worldwide patent for the ingenious new system that has been under development at the brand’s Simply Clever labs.

The new ŠKODA smart buckles feature a clear transparent button in place of the traditional red eject button. The new button features a pair of multicolour RGB LEDs that operate in two modes. In standard mode with nobody in the seat, the LEDs glow white to show the passenger where the buckle is located at night. A ŠKODA-style crystalline pattern on the clear plastic button spreads the light to make the whole button glow. The buckles can also be programmed to have an animated welcome sequence to make them even more noticeable in dark environments.

When a passenger sits in the seat, a weight sensor in the seat base recognises the presence of a person and the LED changes to red - indicating that the occupant should put their seat belt on. This is a particularly useful feature for parents who can see immediately if their children have either forgotten to fasten their belt or have not engaged the buckle correctly. Once the buckle is engaged, ...

• TSI engine generating 235 kW (320 PS): Golf R accelerates to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds
• R-Performance Torque Vectoring: Golf R with new all-wheel drive system as standard
• New status quo in terms of driving dynamics: all-wheel drive and running gear closely integrated for the first time

Volkswagen is celebrating the world premiere of the new Golf R today. In mainland Europe, pre-sales of the Golf flagship generating 235 kW (320 PS)¹ already start tomorrow, Thursday, 5 November. The Golf R is traditionally the most powerful model of Volkswagen’s most successful product line. Always with all-wheel drive, always highly dynamic, always with particularly exclusive design and equipment, always a technological benchmark of its class – the Golf class. And it’s no different this time round: the Golf R will be the first Volkswagen to launch with a new all-wheel drive system before the end of this year: 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. This intelligently networked system enables a new dimension of driving dynamics.

With the new sports car, Volkswagen is highlighting the great potential of the Golf, now already in its eighth generation. In future, this icon of the compact class, produced significantly more than 35 million times, will cover an output range of between 66 kW (90 PS)² and the 320 PS generated by the new Golf R. The Golf is available with a petrol engine (TSI), diesel engine (TDI) featuring cutting-edge twin dosing, natural gas engine (TGI)³, as a 48V mild hybrid (eTSI) and with plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid). This wide range of variations ...