VW Reveals Sporty GTE Plug-In Hybrid; Completes GTI, GTD Range

The plug-in hybrid Golf GTE completes Volkswagen’s sporty hatchback range that also consists of the petrol GTI and diesel GTD.

It sits in between the two other models, in terms of power, making a combined total of 201 hp and 258 lb-ft or 350 Nm which pushes it past 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 135 mph (or 216 km/h, which we assume must be somewhat electronically pegged back, since the less powerful diesel tops 142 mph/229 km/h).

Since it's the slowest of all three models, both in terms of sprinting and outright speed, you’d expect it to have a party piece since it will probably be pretty expensive and they do want to sell it, right?

Correct, as they’ve given it a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 1.5 l/100km (equal to 157 mpg US or 188 mpg UK), and as you may have imagined, it is achieved with the all-electric range of up to 31 miles (~50 km). The car has a combined autonomy of 584 miles (934 km), plus super low CO2 emissions of 35 g/km.

It achieves those feats (in the lab…) thanks to the marriage of a 1.4-liter 148 hp turbocharged engine used in many other models with a 101 hp electric motor. The car can run solely on the latter up to a speed of 81 mph or 129 km/h.

This means that if your daily commute is short and you have a place to charge, you could basically run this in the same way you’d run a Chevy Volt and only use the petrol engine for performance driving, if the need suddenly arises; a full charge on the battery from empty takes under three hours from a conventional wall socket.

The GT's looks draws heavily upon that of the GTI, but with e-Golf influences. It also replaces the GTI’s red detailing with blue and features side skirts and a discreet spoiler on the back that are taken from the other two models. GTE badges finish off the look, as do the unique LED daytime-running lights borrowed from the e-Golf. The inside is shared with the GTI/GTD, with sporty seats and details that continue the blue exterior theme.

The Golf GTE is set to debut in the metal at the Geneva motor show.

Hyundai Elantra Coupe Priced from $17,445*, $1,695 More Than the Lesser Equipped Base Civic Coupe

With its sight firmly set on the Honda Civic Coupe, Hyundai has announced pricing for the all-new Elantra Coupe following its world premiere at the Chicago Auto Show this past February.
The 2013 Elantra Coupe starts at $17,445 for the base GS rising to $19,745 for the sportier-tuned Elantra Coupe SE, with both MSRPs excluding a $775 (*) freight charge.

By comparison, the base 2012 Civic Coupe with 140hp starts at $15,755, but as Hyundai points out several times in its press release (…), the Honda models lacks several standard features that are found on the GS such as alloy wheels and air-conditioning.

"The Elantra Coupe also has a remarkable content advantage over Civic Coupe," says Hyundai. "For example, Elantra comes standard with a six-speed transmission and four-wheel disc brakes, features not found on any Civic Coupe."

Aside from the air condition and 16-inch wheels, other standard features on the base GS include heated front seats, AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system, steering wheel audio controls, illuminated vanity mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth, external temperature gauge, fog lights, power locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback

The SE grade adds 17-inch alloys with P215/45R17 tires, a sportier tuned suspension, power sunroof, leather seats, steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals and a rear spoiler.

Regardless of the trim level, all Elantra Coupe models are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 148-horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, linked to 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The automatic model returns an EPA estimated 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, while the manual delivers 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway

First Official Photos of 2012 Seat Toledo Compact Sedan Leaked?

We knew that it was only a matter of time before the Spanish-flavored twin of the Czech Skoda Rapid sedan would make its debut in production trim, but the crew over at the Seat Fans Club speeded the process by dropping what we believe to be the first official photos of the new Toledo.

Not much has changed from the near-production Seat Toledo Concept displayed at the Geneva Salon this past March, with the Spanish brand simply replacing the upscale trim pieces from the study's exterior and interior like the grille surround, large alloy wheels and flat bottom steering wheel with more conventional pieces.

The website that posted the photos says that the production car will launch in Europe with a choice of four petrol engines, including a gutless 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit with 74hp (75PS) and 84hp (85PS), a more peppy 1.2-liter TSI turbo with 104hp (105PS) and a 1.4-liter TSI turbo with 120hp (122PS).

The diesel range is said to include a 1.6-liter TDI CR with 104hp (105PS) and from 2013, a 1.6-liter TDI CR with 89hp (90PS).

The new Toledo compact sedan will be offered with both manual gearboxes and a DGS dual-clutch transmission.

Like its Skoda Rapid twin, the Seat Toledo is expected to make its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show this fall, with sales to follow shortly after.

Thanks to Bruno for the tip!

This Biker Should Better Hold his Horses…

Even though motorcycles are meant to be driven on two wheels, some riders like to pull a wheelie now and then.

But as we all remember from our younger years of bicycle escapades, one small slip up and you risk painting the road with your very own body parts.

Something tells us that this rider's first words after his fall from grace was not 'did you get this on camera'…

Opel and Vauxhall Reveal Facelifted Astra Family, gets New 192hp Twin-Turbo Diesel

If you were wondering why Opel did not show the front end of its new Astra sedan (sold as the Buick Verano in North America) during its web presentation earlier this month, this is because the entire family of the compact model has received a mid-life makeover.

The new model year Astra has been treated to a minor restyling while Opel and its sister company Vauxhall have also introduced a new array of assistance systems and a fresh 192hp (195PS) twin-turbocharged diesel engine to the range.

While not so evident, the Astra gains a new front grille with the wing-like chrome bar and Opel logo now positioned in the center, plus a redesigned front bumper with a more pronounced lower grille and the availability of LED daytime running lights.

New front indicator lamps and a new design of fog lamps (when available) round out the changes up front.

At the rear, the license plate pocket of the five-door has been re-sculpted while both the five-door and the Sports Tourer get a new chrome strip in the bumper. All models are offered with newly designed alloy wheel options.

Opel and Vauxhall refreshed the interior by using new fabrics, colors and décor moldings with new glossy paint.

The updated compact model receives a host of available assistance systems that were first introduced on the Zafira minivan and Insignia such as a second generation Opel Eye front camera with enhanced traffic sign assistant (TSA II), lane departure warning (LDW), following distance indication (FDI) and forward collision alert (FCA), plus rear view camera, advanced park assist and side blind spot alert.

Under the hood, the most interesting news has to do with the new 2.0-liter BiTurbo CDTI turbo diesel that will be offered from this fall on the three-door GTC, the five door hatchback and the Sports Tourer estate.

The four-cylinder unit delivers an output of 192hp (195PS) and a peak torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft) allowing for 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 139mph (224km/h) and a combined fuel economy of 53.5mpg UK (5.3 lt/100km or 44.4mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

In GTC guise, the BiTurbo receives bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Climate Control, 6mm lower ride-height, a new body-kit and ‘Track’ interior trim, with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

Opel also announce enhancements to the existing 1.4 liter turbocharged gasoline unit with 138hp (140PS), which now comes equipped with an overboost function that temporarily gives a 10 percent burst of torque from 200 to 220 Nm (162 lb-ft).

At the top of the range remains the newly launched Astra GTC OPC (VXR in the UK) sporting a 276hp (280PS) 2.0-liter turbo capable of 250km/h (155mph) and a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 6.0 seconds.