Britain's most popular car brand to bring back ‘favourite' model with a retro twist
Popular car brand Volkswagen are looking to offer a new practical alternative to SUVs with qualities similar to the iconic microbus.
The
MPVs are renowned for their space, practicality and people carrying, making them the
According to
It is these features that have led to the car being likened to a modern-day microbus.
The microbus was first introduced in 1950 and went on to have an iconic history, becoming synonymous with hippie culture.
Motors
The design direction of the new model is still under wraps although it is expected to be influenced by the likes of the 2011 Bulli and 2016 Budd-e.
This new take on the classic Microbus type 2 is reportedly aimed at families looking for a 'no-nonsense, high-utility electric vehicle with sliding rear doors and strong day-to-day usability.'
It is rumoured that this new model is under internal review, with a production decision yet to be officially made.
Reportedly, Volkswagen recently retrieved various MPV concepts from storage to support these internal discussions and explore how their design could be adapted for a new model.
Most read in Motors
Autocar added: 'This move reflects a broader shift in thinking in Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters in
, where there is renewed recognition that a dedicated family-focused MPV may still have commercial relevance.'
This model would rival popular electric SUV models like the
2026 Genesis GV70, No old ideas
The design direction of the car is also yet to be revealed, although buyers can expect an upright silhouette, short overhangs, a flat floor and a high roof line.
All of these considerations have been made with the aim of making the car as spacious as possible.
Launched in 2003, the Touran model is one of the most successful European models of its type with 2.6 million units sold globally.
However, it could soon be replaced with this new model.
It is reported that if given the green light, the new model could be released as soon as 2027 or 2028.
This has the potential to revive the Touran badge in line with Volkswagen's plan to provide future
1
The 2016 Budd-e that the model is set to take inspiration from
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
We're fed up of living on ‘Britain's most dangerous road' that's like a scene out of Mad Max with car crashes every WEEK
FURIOUS Lewisham residents are fed up with living on a road dubbed 'Britain's most dangerous,' after years of accidents, traffic and pollution. Locals in Verdant Lane, Catford, say their road is like a scene from 'Mad Max' with 6 Locals say it can take up to six minutes to cross the road safely Credit: SWNS A frustrated group of William Bloomfield, 37, is a filmmaker who has lived on Verdant Lane for over five years with his wife and toddler, and likened the road to the popular He said: 'We are having at least one crash a week - if not more. 'It is terrifying. You get cars blasting down at 60mph. Motors news 'It often makes Verdant Lane feel more like a scene from Mad Max than a residential road filled with families and young children.' 6 William worries about the damage the pollution may have on his son's health Credit: SWNS According to residents, the southeast London residential street is surrounded by busy A roads meaning drivers regularly use it as a shortcut. This has left locals fed up after years of accidents, traffic William added: 'We are just getting nowhere with the council. There isn't the support that we need. Most read in Motors 'We have been talking to them for a year now and nothing has happened.' As well as the regular crashes and residents' safety concerns, William also worries about the large amount of pollution caused. He said: 'The risk to health and life is quite severe. The pollution is so bad. I have a toddler who is coughing constantly.' In a bid to help this problem, the Together for Verdant Lane group raised thousands of pounds to However, William claims they were denied permission to plant them as cars 'might crash into them.' He said: 'It's a dangerous situation. 'It is quite scary to live here sometimes.' 6 Locals say that the constant traffic causes road rage among drivers Credit: SWNS 6 Gary and his family are considering leaving the area if action isn't taken Credit: SWNS Another fed up resident, Gary Nolan, 37, said: 'There are serious accidents on a regular basis. 'It is a weekly occurrence to see some sort of incident. 'It is frustrating that we are not seeing any action.' Gary has lived on the road for over three years and said the problems are especially frustrating at this time of year as he can't open his windows without letting in the pollution. A freedom of information request submitted by residents revealed that there were as shocking 74 reported crashes on Verdant Lane in the span of just five years, between 2019-2024. This is over three times that of surrounding roads. Lewisham council have reportedly told locals that responsibility for the junction lies with TfL, who residents claim have also done nothing. Gary, who works in a bank, said: 'To me it seems like TfL have lost control of the junction and we aren't seeing any proposals from them on how to overcome the problem. 'I am an able-bodied middle-aged man and even I feel vulnerable here. 'If I was slightly older or had children, I would have to avoid the junction at all costs.' He fearfully added: 'It is only a matter of time before there is a major incident where someone is significantly injured.' Gary is at his wits-end as he went on to explain that the pollution is so bad that layers of black dust form on his windows. He said: 'If we don't see an improvement then we will have to consider leaving the area.' Gary's partner, Aine Walsh, 36, appears equally as disheartened. The pharmacist said: 'You notice the pollution in the house. 'After a couple of days there is a layer of pollution on our door from the traffic. 'Luckily neither of us have With regards to the safety of the road, she added: 'The main problem is crossing in order to get to the station. 'It can take five or six minutes to cross as there is no pedestrian crossing. 'It is really not safe.' With the council and TfL failing to take action, Aine 'can only see it getting worse.' In 2013, nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, was the first person in the UK to have air pollution recognised as a factor in her death, and lived nearby. She died following an asthma attack with an inquest later revealing that pollution from the A205 South Circular Road 'made a material contribution' to her tragic death. Anna Resier, 34, moved to the area with her husband and toddler three years ago. She expressed her concerns as a mother, saying that she is constantly afraid for her own child. Anna works as a climate change policy worker, and said: 'In the winter my son was quite ill and had a cough and we were worried that we were giving him asthma just by living here.' 6 The popular shortcut used by drivers has led to countless crashes Credit: SWNS 6 With incidents happening weekly, residents are desperate for action to be taken Credit: SWNS Anna reflected on Ella's passing, adding: 'It wasn't long ago that the first registered death happened from air pollution at the end of the road. 'It is a constant worry. We have had quite serious conversations about moving. "At peak times you can taste the pollution in the air. It is not a pleasant experience.' Residents say that despite their road's coverage in the press which led to it being dubbed 'the most dangerous in the UK', very little action has been taken. A TfL spokesperson said: "Enabling all Londoners to travel on the 'We take people's concerns about road safety seriously and always welcome feedback from local residents. "There are a combination of factors which can cause congestion issues at the A205 junction with Verdant Lane, including a narrowing of the A205 under the railway bridge and the current works at the junction with Baring Road. "We have recently reviewed the signal timings at this location and will continue to monitor roads in the area to ensure the road network works for all." A Lewisham Council spokesperson also said: "We have been working with this group of residents over the past few months, holding regular meetings to discuss the issues they have raised. 'During these meetings, we have also invited representatives from Transport for London (TfL) to hear the concerns first-hand and ensure they are reported for further investigation. "The junction that has raised the most concern is part of the main road network and therefore falls under TfL's jurisdiction. 'As such, we will continue to work closely with them moving forward. "We are currently conducting surveys and traffic counts to assess the number of vehicles using Verdant Lane and their 'In addition, we are exploring suitable tree-planting options that will not interfere with existing parking arrangements, dropped kerbs, or underground infrastructure. 'Residents will be kept informed of the outcomes of this work. "The Council remains committed to working with the community to improve safety, reduce pollution, and enhance the local environment."
Irish Post
13 hours ago
- Irish Post
Stena Line invests £17m to futureproof sea routes linking England and Ireland
STENA LINE has announced a £17m investment at a Liverpool port which operates busy sea routes between England and Ireland. The Swedish ferry company's investment will support developments at the 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead to futureproof the operations by increasing freight parking capacity and improving traffic flow. In February 2024, Stena Line launched a new Liverpool – Dublin freight only service, which has brought a significant increase in freight traffic through the terminal. Pictured at 12 Quays Birkenhead are (l-r) Andrew Darnell, head of RoRo, Peel Ports; Ita Baird, port manager, Stena Line; Andrew Kane, regional port operations manager Irish Sea North, Stena Line; Christian Grossie, regional port development manager, Stena Line and Phil Hall, port director Mersey, Peel Ports. To support the increase the firm has already created an additional 200 freight parking spaces, which has boosted capacity for unaccompanied freight in the port by almost 30 per cent. 'Last year was a record year for Stena Line in Birkenhead with over 315,000 freight units moving through the port, an increase of 20 per cent year on year,' the firm said. 'The expansion will significantly improve operational efficiency and customer experience with more space for freight customers to drop unaccompanied trailers,' they added. The next phase of the project will be a reconfiguration of the front of house operations to improve health and safety and traffic flow to ease congestion. Stena Line currently operates two routes from the 12 Quays Terminal, the Liverpool – Dublin and the Liverpool – Belfast route, which is a popular service for travel and freight alike. In 2021 and 2022, the company invested in two state-of-the-art E-Flexer vessels, Stena Edda and Stena Embla. Since the introduction of the two ships, travel volumes have doubled. Stena Forwarder also operates a freight only service with one round trip per day to Belfast and Bore Song operates one round trip to Dublin each day. 'The significant growth of our services through 12 Quays in Birkenhead has created operational challenges with an increase in unaccompanied freight and traffic build up,' Andrew Kane, Regional Port Operations Manager, Stena Line said. 'With the potential for further growth, we are futureproofing the port with 200 additional freight parking spaces to ensure that we can facilitate our customers' needs and we are sure this expansion will be welcomed by the market,' he added. 'The reconfiguration of the lanes and car parking at the entrance to the port will also improve traffic flow, operational efficiency and health and safety for our customers and staff. 'We're delighted to open our new freight parking facilities and we expect the remainder of the project to be completed by early next year.' Phil Hall, Port Director Mersey at Peel Ports Group, said: the ongoing enhancements at the 12 Quays Terminal are 'improving facilities to support continued growth, ensuring that both passenger and freight customers enjoy the highest level of service'. 'The strong partnership between Peel Ports Group and Stena Line reflects a shared commitment to sustainably developing the Liverpool to Dublin and Belfast routes for the future,' he added. See More: Birkenhead, England, Ireland, Liverpool, Stena Line
The Journal
a day ago
- The Journal
Irish car bonnets are getting taller every year, risking children's and pedestrians' lives
IRISH CAR BONNETS are growing taller by half a centimetre each year, with some SUVs so high that a four-year-old child standing directly in front is invisible to the driver. Once associated with farming, but now a mainstream choice for commuting and school runs, urban SUVs are putting pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk in the event of a collision, a new report warns. Transport & Environment (T&E), a Brussels-based NGO, has conducted the first analysis of European bonnet heights, revealing the upward trend. It called today for legislation to cap bonnet heights. Over a quarter of Irish cars now have car bonnets of 90cm or taller, T&E told The Journal. When bonnet heights rise from 80cm to 90cm, the risk of death in a collision increases by 27% for vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and scooter riders. That's according to a major study by Belgian researchers in 2023 which also found drivers of regular cars are at greater risk of serious injury in collisions with vehicles with high bonnets. Irish bonnet heights are rising by half a centimetre a year, in line with the EU trend. T&E, EEA, Dataforce, GlobalData, Euro NCAP T&E, EEA, Dataforce, GlobalData, Euro NCAP T&E also commissioned research from Loughborough University in the UK on the visibility of children standing in a central position to the front of vehicles with different bonnet heights. An average-height driver behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender – a model that has been heavily marketed in Ireland – cannot see an average-height 4.5-year-old child directly in front of them, making pulling out from a driveway or parking space particularly risky. Advertisement By contrast, the driver of a small family car such as a Volkswagen Golf would be able to see a child of this height, 1.1m, at the same proximity. Vehicle blind spot analysis for drivers of average height for European adults, conducted by Summerskill / Loughborough University SDCA for T&E. At 115cm high, the Land Rover Defender is one of seven Jaguar Land Rover models with bonnets taller than 1m, with three models from Jeep also in this category. Almost 900 of these extra tall SUVs were registered in Ireland last year, an increase of more than 30% on new sales in 2023, data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry shows. Three of the four bestselling new car models in Ireland last year were so-called crossover or compact SUVs. The top-selling Hyundai Tucson has a bonnet 89cm high, as does the Kia Sportage, while the Toyota RAV4′s bonnet is higher again at 93cm. Arms race James Nix, vehicles policy manger at T&E and author of the report, said higher fronted vehicles push the burden of risk and of reduced safety from those drivers to all other road users. This stops parents from letting children walk or cycle and leads to a vicious cycle of families making more journeys by car. Over half of primary school and over 40% of secondary school children in Ireland travel to school by car, census data shows. Nix likened ever higher bonnets to an 'arms race' by car manufacturers that is harming public space and the public good. Marketing of SUVs creates a vicious cycle whereby other drivers may feel they need a bigger vehicle too to feel safe on the road. Ian Lumley of environmental NGO An Taisce said bulkier vehicles were also bad for the climate, requiring more fuel. Related Reads Dublin TD calls for SUV-free zones as study shows these cars are more likely to kill More dangerous collisions T&E noted research indicating that whereas low bonnets tend to hit pedestrians' legs, giving them a greater chance of falling towards the vehicle or being deflected to the side, higher bonnets strike adult pedestrians above the centre of gravity, increasing the likelihood that they will be knocked forward and down and be driven over. Higher bonnets are also more likely to strike adults' vital organs. Graphic showing how pedestrians can fall when hit at speeds of up to 50km/hr common in urban areas. Ptak (2019) / T&E Ptak (2019) / T&E / T&E T&E argues that without policy change, the current trend of increasing bonnet height will mean a significant proportion of all cars will have bonnets higher than 90cm in the coming years. Neither national nor EU laws regulate bonnet height. T&E is now calling on the European Commission to impose a cap of 85cm. T&E says this height would give some protection to 95% of adult female pedestrians involved in crashes, as they would be struck below their centre of gravity, increasing their risk of survival. Higher taxes on bigger cars The NGO is also calling on the EU to introduce child visibility tests for vehicles to reduce blind spots, and for the dimensions of cars to be included on vehicle registration certificates to inform consumer choice. T&E also urged national governments to put higher vehicle and road taxes, as well as parking charges, on bigger cars. Between 2012 and 2024, average bonnet height in Ireland rose from 77.52cm to 83.67cm. (They're getting fatter too. ) Jaguar Land Rover and Stellantis, manufacturer of RAM and Jeep cars, have been approached for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
