After more than 80 years, Volkswagen has come a long way, but has consistently been the manufacturer of the people thanks to its well-designed models and interesting technology features.
With new model frequently revealed by the German brand, it is no surprise that 2018 will see the debut of no less than four new generations and iterations of its line-up, and potentially a fifth towards the end of the year.
But what does VW have to offer in 2018? We take a look…
Polo
Now in its sixth generation, the Polo has gone under a serious modernisation since the previous version, and the new model comes with a more angular look and plenty of high-tech features. Available with a good amount of safety equipment, such as front assist, city emergency braking and blind spot detection, this is the safest Polo yet, and VW has also released a GTI version with it to give the supermini a sporty edge. You’ll also find plenty of great optional tech too, like the colour touchscreen infotainment systems and wireless smartphone charging. As the largest Polo ever – as its now the same size as the original Golf – there is plenty of great storage space and is a great all-round option in the small hatchback segment. Available to buy now, deliveries of the model are due to begin imminently.
Up! GTI
What makes the Up! GTI so exciting is that it draws inspiration from the legendary model that started the GTI family off. With almost identical performance statistics and attributes to the Mk1 Golf GTI, the latest Up!’s pound-for-pound one of the most exciting cars on sale. With a lower ride height and sportier look compared to the standard city car, the Up! GTO also comes crammed with plenty of useful tech. Although it doesn’t have a touchscreen infotainment system, you can place your smartphone on the dashboard and use that as your multimedia setup to work in tandem with the five-inch information screen. It also comes with iconic GTI features, such as the red tartan upholstery and red detailing on the exterior. There’s a lot to get excitied about with this pocket rocket! Customers will begin to receive their Up! GTIs in March.
Tiguan Allspace
Based on the mid-size SUV that usually sits between the T-Roc and Touareg, the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace comes with a longer wheelbase than the standard Tiguan and is probably the most family-orientated model that the German brand currently sells. This all-new model can come with all the latest Volkswagen tech, such as the innovative Active Info Display that sits behind the steering wheel and a head-up display so you can keep your eyes on the road. Assistance systems are the highlight here though, as the optional Traffic Jam Assist can keep you in your lane in heavy traffic and manage your throttle and brake control to reduce driver fatigue. Prices for the Allspace start from £29,370 and deliveries are set to begin in Spring.
Touareg
After eight years of the current generation, Volkswagen has announced the large Touareg SUV will get an all-new generation this year. The Mk3 Touareg will get a full reveal in Beijing in late March, and is likely to incorporate many new design features found on recent VW models, such as the slim-line grille found on the Arteon premium saloon. In an ever-growing segment that demands a high-quality finish and good tech to match, Volkswagen is likely to pull out all the stops for its flagship SUV, including a brand-new version of the Active Info Display called the Innovision Cockpit. A hybrid version is also likely to revealed with the large SUV. Orders are likely to be taken from April, with deliveries likely for the end of the second quarter.
First look at a new Golf?
Although there hasn’t been official word from Volkswagen, rumours are circling that the Golf will be getting a brand-new generation come 2019. Yes, the ever-popular and world-renowned hatchback got a mid-generation facelift at the start of 2017, but the Mk8 Golf could be first-shown before 2018 is over. It is likely to come with an electrified powertrain when it officially makes its debut – like in the GTE and e-Golf – and will carry across lots of the brand’s latest tech features into the model as it moves further upmarket. Expect new versions of the GTI and R, too.
