VW Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40

The third generation EA888 engine now uses features like a water-cooled exhaust channel to the turbocharger and variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment. 0-62mph now comes in 6.3 seconds for both manual and DSG versions, with the top speed limited to 155mph. It's the 40th anniversary of the iconic Golf GTI and VW marks the occasion with the launch of the Clubsport Edition 40.

DSG-equipped models come with launch control as standard while VW says that the unladen weight figure is a fairly lightweight 1375kg. Other features include the electronic differential and the retuned suspension. But the most important new feature of the new Golf GTI Clubsport is the new aero suit it's wearing, offering for the first time real downforce on both axles. A completely new front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser and a roof spoiler are specially designed to push the new Clubsport firmer on the tarmac.

The cabin hosts a pair of optional bucket seats, finished in Alcantara and cloth while the dashboard and door cards are decorated with special "Honeycomb 40" trim strips. Customers will also get the option of a black-painted roof. The UK market will receive just 1,000 units of the new Golf GTI Clubsport which is available for order now, starting at £30,875 for the three-door manual model.

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2016 Volkswagen Touran

The first unit is a 1.8-liter TSI petrol, which is good for 180 PS (177 HP) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, available between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm, enough for a top speed of 218 km/h (135 mph). Power is sent to the wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and for this specification, buyers will have to pay €34,250 ($39,000) in Highline trim.

Joining the engine lineup is a new 2-liter four-cylinder TDI diesel, which comes with 190 PS (187 HP), connected to a 6-speed DSG. Top speed in this version is 220 km/h (137 mph), while fuel consumption stands at 4.6 lt/100 km (51.1 mpg US), all for a starting price of €37,150 ($42,300), in the same Highline trim level.

Described as adding "a trace of Italian elegance", the Milano design package brings ambient lighting, roofliner in titanium black, piano black inlays for the center console, instrument panel and door panels, volcano-brown ArtVelours microfleece for the center seat panels, Nappa leather seat bolsters, leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel and heated front seats. The package costs €1,675 ($1,900), for the Comfortline and Highline specifications.

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VW Golf R Wagon Wolfsburg Edition

Nothing changes under the hood compared to the standard Golf R models, which means power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 276hp (280PS) - that’s 20hp less than the European-spec model for hot climate reasons. The engine is mated as standard to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels via the 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Other Golf R-specific equipment includes adaptive shock absorbers, oversized brakes and quad exhausts.

Fitted as standard to the wagon and priced at AU$1,750 for the hatch, the Wolfsburg Edition treatment adds leather trim, black-painted 19-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors and a historic crest badge on the tailgate. Other features include driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitors.

Compared to the Golf R hatch, the Golf R Wagon offers an additional 262 liters (9.2 cu-ft) of storage space for a total cargo volume of 605 liters (21.3 cu-ft). It is however 74 kg (163.1 lbs) heavier, which translates into a slower 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds (5.0 for the hatch).

The VW Golf R Wagon Wolfsburg Edition is priced from AU$58,990 (plus on-road costs), AU$2000 more than an equivalent Golf R hatch fitted with the limited Wolfsburg Edition package.

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VW Touareg TDI ABT Sportline

The fastest Touareg TDI you can buy is the 3.0 V6 version, good for 262 PS and 580 Nm (427 lb-ft). It's good enough to get you from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds but it's nowhere near as quick as a BMW X5 xDrive40d or Audi Q7 V6 TDI. Even the Mercedes GLE 350 d and the X5 xDrive30d are faster, and they have less horsepower!

This is where ABT comes into play, injecting 290 PS and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) into your diesel-powered Touareg, giving it a fighting chance against its rivals in a straight line. Yes, you don't usually buy an SUV to go to the drag strip, but you do appreciate its pulling power and overall effortlessness when you want to have a bit more fun behind the wheel.

ABT also came up with the 20" CR & ER-C as well as the 22" DR wheels, available in various shades and including high-performance tires. You also get ABT suspension sprints and Level Control for models with air suspension. In terms of overall looks, you're not going to win any contests against the X5 for one, but the Touareg is a subtly good looking SUV and various modifications to the exterior will only serve to enhance its masculine lines.

2015 VW Touareg TDI Facelift:

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VW Sharan Facelift

The Sharan's engine lineup includes Euro 6-compliant units that are up to 14.3 percent more fuel efficient. There are five available engines, two petrol and three diesels, with outputs ranging from 115PS (113hp) from 220PS (217hp). The TSI engines are a 150PS 1.4-liter and a 220PS 2.0-liter, with the less powerful engine averaging 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg UK or 36.7 mpg US) with the standard manual transmission. The TDI engines are a 115PS (113hp) 1.6-liter, a 150PS (148hp) 2.0-liter and a 184PS (181hp) 2.0-liter. In combination with the six-speed manual transmission, the 115PS and 150PS engines average 5.0 l/100 km (56.5 mpg UK or 47 mpg US).

With the exception of the smallest diesel, all engines can be combined with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which now offers a "coasting" function (decoupling of the engine when lifting off the accelerator) for additional fuel-saving. The DSG transmission is offered as standard with the top 220PS engine. The Sharan can also be had with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system in combination with the 150PS TDI unit.

The updated VW Sharan also comes with the second generation modular infotainment systems which provide MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

At launch, VW will offer two exclusive special models, the Sharan Ocean and Sharan Beach, painted in two new colors: "Hudson Bay Blue Metallic" (Ocean) or "Crimson Red" (Beach). Exterior upgrades include "Jakarta" 16-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails, while added equipment consists of ACC assistance system, Lane Assist, the Blind Spot Monitor plus Rear Traffic Alert and Park Assist (including ParkPilot).

Interior modifications include specially designed seat covers with contrast stitching coordinated with the exterior color, a multifunction steering wheel, a gear lever gaiter with corresponding decorative stitching, electric sliding doors for the rear seating area and automatic air conditioning.

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