• Specification upgrades increase both value and appeal
  • Additions range from sports exhausts to new wheel designs
  • Enhanced models available now; much of the range is updated


Several models in the Volkswagen range have been updated for the Model Year 2020, with additional equipment, new design features and better value at the top of the agenda.

The majority of the Volkswagen range has been updated, representing added value, style and ease of use.

At the smallest end of the Volkswagen range, the perennially-appealing up! is now offered with the ultra-frugal 1.0 60 PS MPI engine in combination with the generously-equipped High up! specification. Its larger sibling, the Polo – the multi award-winning supermini and second-best-selling Volkswagen in the UK – receives lumbar adjustment as standard on popular SE and sporty R-Line trims. Music-loving Polo beats customers can now opt out of exterior decals if they prefer.

The recently introduced T-Cross is unchanged, given its fresh introduction, while the larger T-Roc gets a VW Connect Dongle as standard on S, SE and Design trims. Meanwhile, on the R-Line the standard fit Caribou Grey dash pad is replaced by a Shadow Steel item.

Volkswagen’s best-seller, the Golf, also enjoys updates for the new model year, with a VW Connect Dongle now standard on S and Match Edition trims, and the 290 PS Golf GTI TCR now getting an Akrapovic sports exhaust system as standard equipment.

The Tiguan features a new engine – a 1.6-litre, 115 PS TDI unit, replacing the 2.0-litre TDI with the same power in the entry-level S trim. This 1,598 cc, 280 Nm engine achieves a WLTP-certified 48.1 mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 128 g/km CO2 (NEDC), and represents the most affordable diesel offering in the Tiguan range, at Ł26,515 RRP OTR.

A set of optional LED headlights is also now available for the Tiguan S and Match, enhancing the front end of the car compared with the halogen-equipped standard S and Match. As with other S and Match trims, the Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace are now provided with a standard-fit VW Connect Dongle.

The Sharan is updated with a host of extra equipment, including Discover Navigation as standard across the range, plus a blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert including lane assist, and dynamic road sign display. Due to the standard fitment of Discover Navigation, SE trim has been removed, meaning the Sharan range begins with S and moves up to SE Nav then SEL.

The Touran gets two new alloy wheel designs – 16” Karlstad replaces Trondheim wheels on SE and SE Family trims, while the 17” Stockholm alloy wheel design is replaced with Alexandria wheels for SEL specification. Both of these new wheel designs are available optionally on the lower specifications. SE and SE Family Tourans now gain a VW Connect Dongle as standard, while a DSG-equipped 2.0-litre, 115 PS TDI engine is now available.

With a dynamic and elegant appearance, the Arteon fastback is a highly distinctive choice for executives. There are some interesting interior technology tweaks too. For a start, the Arteon’s infotainment moves to the latest MIB Generation 3, as well as the second-generation Active Info Display and wireless App Connect. These features are also seen on the just-launched Passat. The Arteon has also been given a third, entry-level SE trim, offering an alternative to the existing luxurious Elegance and sportier R-Line setups. The latter two trim
levels receive Discover Navigation Pro as standard equipment.

The Touareg, meanwhile, gains Volkswagen’s new Park Assist Professional system, which combines Area View with Park Assist for the easiest assisted parking experience anywhere in the Volkswagen range. A new optional Air suspension with automatic self-levelling suspension, height adjustment and electronic shock absorption control will also be offered on all trim levels of the Touareg.

Geraldine Ingham, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Model-year updates are commonplace across the industry, but it’s uncommon for such a comprehensive raft of changes to all come at once.”

“From adding a value-focused new trim level to the Arteon, to a sporting specialist exhaust system on the Golf GTI TCR, Model Year 2020 for Volkswagen represents great design, a focus on quality and, above all else, notable value.”