Latest news with #VW
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand to lock new model's full power behind monthly subscription as fans blast ‘this will be the future'
VW says this offers customers the flexibility to choose a sportier drive when desired PLUG IN Major car brand to lock new model's full power behind monthly subscription as fans blast 'this will be the future' VOLKSWAGEN has come under fire after it was revealed they look set to introduce a subscription model to unlock the full power in two of its electric cars. Buyers will have to pay a monthly or annual fee to access the maximum performance of two EV models - with fans worried it could see the beginnings of a future where manufacturers charge ongoing fees for features already built into vehicles. 4 VW have been criticised for introducing a subscription model to unlock the full power in two iterations of the ID.3 model Credit: Volkswagen 4 For a monthly fee, the car's performance could be increased from 201bhp to 228bhp Credit: Volkswagen Advertisement 4 Various payment options are available, including a £16.50 per month option Credit: Volkswagen 4 Many feel that paying extra to unlock existing capabilities feels exploitative and view it as a shift towards monetising basic functions Credit: Volkswagen According to Auto Express, UK customers will soon be forced by the German brand to fork out extra to unlock additional power in the ID.3 Pro and ID.3 Pro S. The subscription will allow owners to pay for an upgrade that increases the car's performance from 201bhp to 228bhp and increase the torque from 265Nm to 310Nm Advertisement Various payment options are available; £16.50 per month, £165 annually or £649 for a lifetime subscription. Auto Express added that the lifetime option is tied to the car, not the individual, meaning the enhanced performance remains even if the car is sold. VW says this approach offers customers flexibility, allowing them to opt for a sportier driving experience without committing to a higher upfront purchase price. In a statement, the firm added: 'Offering more power to customers is nothing new - historically many petrol and diesel vehicles have been offered with engines of the same size, but with the possibility of choosing one with more potency. Advertisement 'These traditionally are higher up in the product range, with more specification and a higher list price. 'If customers wish to have an even sportier driving experience, they now have an option to do so, within the life of the vehicle, rather than committing from the outset with a higher initial purchase price. 'The car is presented on the configurator with [201bhp], with the option made very clear to customers.' SUBSCIPTION ECONOMY The concept of charging for subscription-based add-ons for features like heated seats or improved already been present in vehicles built by the likes of BMW and Mercedes in the past. The world's most famous hatchback turned 50 in 2024 – key reasons why it's still going strong and loved by millions However, many drivers feel that paying extra to unlock existing capabilities feels exploitative and view it as a shift towards monetising basic functions, further adding to the growing "subscription economy." Advertisement Taking to social media, many made their feelings very clear. 'Every single manufacturer pushing stuff like this deserves to fail,' said one user on X. Another added: 'I like 20 years you'll need to pay a monthly subscription to even drive the car you own. 'It's the long con so companies can make money off you even after your card is paid off.' A third commented: 'Stop supporting companies that wanna just squeeze you for every dime.' Advertisement And fourth wrote: 'That'll be the lowest selling car in their lineup and it won't be close.' The issue has already brought about an intriguing debate around 'jailbreaking', which refers to modifying or hacking a vehicle's software to unlock features or capabilities that are restricted. In the case of VW's ID.3 subscription model, jailbreaking could involve bypassing the software locks that prevent access to the car's full power without paying the subscription fee. Jailbreaking, though, typically violates the terms of the manufacturer's warranty, meaning the owner would have to pay for repairs out of pocket, while hacking a car's software could result in legal action from the manufacturer. What's more, modifying software can lead to unintended consequences, such as disabling essential safety systems like ABS or airbags. Advertisement It could also cause glitches, malfunctions or reduced performance.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand to lock new model's full power behind monthly subscription as fans blast ‘this will be the future'
VW says this offers customers the flexibility to choose a sportier drive when desired PLUG IN Major car brand to lock new model's full power behind monthly subscription as fans blast 'this will be the future' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VOLKSWAGEN has come under fire after it was revealed they look set to introduce a subscription model to unlock the full power in two of its electric cars. Buyers will have to pay a monthly or annual fee to access the maximum performance of two EV models - with fans worried it could see the beginnings of a future where manufacturers charge ongoing fees for features already built into vehicles. 4 VW have been criticised for introducing a subscription model to unlock the full power in two iterations of the ID.3 model Credit: Volkswagen 4 For a monthly fee, the car's performance could be increased from 201bhp to 228bhp Credit: Volkswagen 4 Various payment options are available, including a £16.50 per month option Credit: Volkswagen 4 Many feel that paying extra to unlock existing capabilities feels exploitative and view it as a shift towards monetising basic functions Credit: Volkswagen According to Auto Express, UK customers will soon be forced by the German brand to fork out extra to unlock additional power in the ID.3 Pro and ID.3 Pro S. The subscription will allow owners to pay for an upgrade that increases the car's performance from 201bhp to 228bhp and increase the torque from 265Nm to 310Nm Various payment options are available; £16.50 per month, £165 annually or £649 for a lifetime subscription. Auto Express added that the lifetime option is tied to the car, not the individual, meaning the enhanced performance remains even if the car is sold. VW says this approach offers customers flexibility, allowing them to opt for a sportier driving experience without committing to a higher upfront purchase price. In a statement, the firm added: 'Offering more power to customers is nothing new - historically many petrol and diesel vehicles have been offered with engines of the same size, but with the possibility of choosing one with more potency. 'These traditionally are higher up in the product range, with more specification and a higher list price. 'If customers wish to have an even sportier driving experience, they now have an option to do so, within the life of the vehicle, rather than committing from the outset with a higher initial purchase price. 'The car is presented on the configurator with [201bhp], with the option made very clear to customers.' SUBSCIPTION ECONOMY The concept of charging for subscription-based add-ons for features like heated seats or improved already been present in vehicles built by the likes of BMW and Mercedes in the past. The world's most famous hatchback turned 50 in 2024 – key reasons why it's still going strong and loved by millions However, many drivers feel that paying extra to unlock existing capabilities feels exploitative and view it as a shift towards monetising basic functions, further adding to the growing "subscription economy." Taking to social media, many made their feelings very clear. 'Every single manufacturer pushing stuff like this deserves to fail,' said one user on X. Another added: 'I like 20 years you'll need to pay a monthly subscription to even drive the car you own. 'It's the long con so companies can make money off you even after your card is paid off.' A third commented: 'Stop supporting companies that wanna just squeeze you for every dime.' And fourth wrote: 'That'll be the lowest selling car in their lineup and it won't be close.' The issue has already brought about an intriguing debate around 'jailbreaking', which refers to modifying or hacking a vehicle's software to unlock features or capabilities that are restricted. In the case of VW's ID.3 subscription model, jailbreaking could involve bypassing the software locks that prevent access to the car's full power without paying the subscription fee. Jailbreaking, though, typically violates the terms of the manufacturer's warranty, meaning the owner would have to pay for repairs out of pocket, while hacking a car's software could result in legal action from the manufacturer. What's more, modifying software can lead to unintended consequences, such as disabling essential safety systems like ABS or airbags. It could also cause glitches, malfunctions or reduced performance.
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Why the VW Golf TSI proves legends never die: a timeless hatchback review
After 50 years the Volkswagen Golf still manages to impress. Just like the VW Beetle had a place in every family story generations ago, so too does the Golf since its local introduction in 1978 with the Mk1 (first generation), then assembled at the Volkswagen production plant in Kariega. After testing a string of SUVs, when the 8.5-generation Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI arrived, I could not have been happier to get behind the wheel of the car that is such an integral part of the company's DNA and has been putting smiles on people's faces for the past 50 years. Top of the pile Our test unit was the Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line Plus, which stands on top of the four-car lineup, the others being the entry-level Life, followed by the Life Plus and then the R-Line. While hatchbacks continue to take a backseat to SUVs, Golf sales are ticking over in relatively healthy numbers, justifying VW's decision to bring them to our shores. I understand people's preference for an SUV, but having spent a week with the Golf, I couldn't help thinking that this is just so much more enjoyable as an overall experience, especially in the handling department. Anyway, consumers have spoken, but it's good to see that VW still sees the Golf very much as part of their offering. Exterior There's no confusion about its design. Unlike many SUVs, if you had to remove the badging, it would be difficult to tell one from another. At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking it's a GTI with its R-Line Plus front end fitted with IQ Matrix LED Headlights with a snazzy illuminated VW front logo and 18-inch 'Leeds' alloy rims. Interior Sliding in behind the steering wheel, the first impression is one of quality. Soft-touch surfaces, stitching, door card fitment, and everything else pass close scrutiny with flying colours. The multi-function steering wheel is heated and with enthusiastic driving you may accidentally push the button with your thumb, there are brushed stainless steel shifting paddles, heated and cooling front Vienna leather seats with power adjustable driver seat, three zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, Park Assist with Park Distance Control, brushed stainless steel pedals and a 30-colour ambient lighting system. The 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system works like a charm. It's easy to reach, intuitive, with quick reaction and crisp graphics. Behind the wheel is VW's 10-inch digital cockpit that can be set to your preferences with equally good graphics and display. There's also a hallelujah moment on entry with the previous generation's haptic buttons on the steering wheel having been replaced with physical buttons at the behest of former VW South Africa MD and now CEO of Volkswagen passenger cars, Thomas Schäfer. The interior is one of the most ergonomically perfect cars that I have experienced in a while.
Top Gear
a day ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Buy Volvo XC90 Price, PPC or HP
Buying What should I be paying? All premium SUVs are expensive these days. Heck, you can't get a VW Touareg for less than £71k, and this is a notably better car than that. But you don't need much more than a base B5 to get the best from your XC90 ownership experience. Even the entry Core model – available from £65,450 – is stocked generously: it gets 20in wheels, LED lights, a power tailgate, 11.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3in driver's display, rear camera, front and rear parking sensors, sat nav, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, a 10-speaker 220W sound system, leather-free upholstery, four USB sockets, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, plus heated front and middle-outer seats. Oh, and much safety tech. Of course. Advertisement - Page continues below Next up is Plus trim. At £70,450 it's a bit of a step up, but it adds a panoramic roof, Harman Kardon audio system, a 360-degree parking camera and parking assistance features, blind spot monitoring, the active air suspension, gloss black roof rails and a crystal drive selector. Swish. Plus Pro is £73,200: it adds 21in wheels, tinted rear windows and ventilated Nappa leather upholstery. Finally you've got Ultra for £76,950. Here you get the brilliant Bowers & Wilkins sound system, massage seats up front, active air suspension, 22in wheels, a head-up display, and rear-door sun blinds for the kids. And if I want the plug-in hybrid? If you really must, you're looking at another £7k ish on top of the B5. Same four trim levels mind, starting with Core at £72,760 and ending with Ultra for £84,260. Advertisement - Page continues below That's a lot, but a plug-in BMW X5 starts at more than £10k on top of that, and the Audi Q7 PHEV is also dearer. So it's a bargain really. The Volvo is the car you'll want to tell your friends and neighbours about, not the one you hide from view when they call by. Get a B5 Plus for the pano roof and richer hi-fi. With a deposit of seven grand you're looking at monthlies of £825 ish over four years, with Volvo offering 3.9 per cent APR at the time of writing.
Auto Car
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
VW is priming TEN new cars – here's everything we know
Close Volkswagen is preparing for one of the most comprehensive product offensives in its 87-year history, with 10 new electric and combustion-engined models due to be launched over the next three years as it reshapes its core line-up. Against a backdrop of stalled sales, deep cost cuts and workforce layoffs at home, the aim of VW's reinvention is to propel the German company back to its former strength, profitability and global competitiveness. At the heart of this renewed push are the ID 1, ID 2 and ID 2X, the new front-wheel-drive, entry-level electric cars that have been conceived as electric successors to the Up, Polo and T-Cross. Alongside this new trio, the German company will look to bring to market a wider range of electric cars – such as a Golf EV – while upgrading its current crop of combustionengined best-sellers as part of a renewed push for its ICE models. A new electric entry point Seen by VW as probably the most vital of all its upcoming models, especially in terms of mass EV adoption, is the ID 1. Previewed by the ID Every1 concept earlier this year, the new entry-level model has been billed by VW CEO Thomas Schäfer as 'the last piece of the puzzle' in the firm's electric transformation. 'This is the car the world has been waiting for,' he said at its unveiling in March. The production ID 1 is scheduled to hit the road in 2027 and will be priced from £17,000, which will position it as a premium rival to the cheapest EVs currently on sale, such as the £16,000 Leapmotor T03 and £15,000 Dacia Spring. The arrival of a 3880mm-long, five-door hatchback will also give VW a foot in an increasingly popular market segment that is expected to experience robust growth in future years with the imminent arrival of models from 'legacy' brands, such as the Renault Twingo. Key to the ID 1's low price is MEB Entry, a new cost-optimised platform developed specifically for compact electric models. This will be used first by the ID 2, which is set to be fully revealed at the Munich motor show in September. Unlike the MEB platform used by VW's existing EVs, MEB Entry features a frontmounted electric motor in a layout designed exclusively to provide compact dimensions, claimed class-leading interior space and a luggage compartment with a lower fl oor and greater capacity than competitors. The ID 1 will be powered by a newly developed front-mounted electric motor developing 94bhp. It has been conceived to deliver a top speed of 81mph and offer at least 155 miles of range from a lithium-ironphosphate (LFP) battery of around 38kWh in capacity. It will also feature a relatively simple torsion-beam rear axle (based on that of the current Polo) and be VW's first model to feature a fundamentally new software architecture, developed through a partnership between VW's software division, Cariad, and American EV maker Rivian. The software's zonal structure, adapted from Rivian's R1 off-roader, is claimed to allow for faster updates, improved functionality and more flexible hardware integration than the system in use by today's VW models. VW design boss Andreas Mindt said the design of the ID 1 was conceived to project warmth and accessibility, drawing inspiration from both the Up and the Golf. 'We wanted to give it a friendly face – something that makes you smile even before you get in,' he told Autocar. 'That slightly cheeky expression at the front is intentional. It's a car with character, not just a functional object.' Push for affordability Before the ID 1 will come the slightly larger ID 2. The first car to be based on VW's new MEB Entry platform and the car that kick-starts the German firm's affordable EV push will be shown in production spec at the Munich show before going on sale early next year. It will be the base for what VW boss Schäfer has described as the wider Volkswagen Group's new Electric Urban Car Family, which will be made up of the larger ID 2X, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq. The VW Group is planning a mass assault on the electric B-segment (which has gained life since the release of the Renault 5 earlier this year), with its cars set to start at less than £25,000 to undercut rivals such as the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Power outputs for the ID 2 are set to range from 158bhp to 187bhp, while a flagship GTI hot hatch is set to deliver in the region of 223bhp. It will offer a top-end range of 280 miles from a 56kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack. Inside, the ID 2 will feature a functional but spacious interior with both physical controls and a 12.9in central infotainment touchscreen. A year after the arrival of the hatchback, the raised ID 2X will go on sale. The model will be shown in concept guise for the first time at the Munich show. It will be near-identical to the ID 2 underneath but feature a higher ride height, more rugged design elements and increased ground clearance. The definitive naming of VW's three new entry-level electric models remains a closely guarded secret. However, insiders suggest they could forgo the ID 1, ID 2 and ID 2X names for a combination of the ID sub-brand label and VW's traditional models, such as ID Up, ID Polo and ID Cross. All change for larger ID EVs Away from new models, VW will update heavily its range of current cars. This will start next year with the brand's two best-selling EVs: the ID 3 hatchback and ID 4 SUV. Key to the upgrades will be a comprehensive makeover both inside and out, one that technical development boss Kai Grünitz said will be refl ective of the new range of smaller EVs to bring the whole lineup together while improving the user experience inside. This is part of a move to keep the pair fresh until deep into this decade, when replacements are due. The facelifted ID 3 is scheduled to be revealed during the second quarter of next year, while the ID 4 should arrive later in 2026. VW boss Schäfer said the new ID 4 in particular is 'really beautiful' and 'will be a completely different car – a huge step up.' He added: 'We felt it needed to fit in with the new design language going forward, since it is still our most important electric vehicle in numbers.' The new ID 4 is understood to be known internally as the 'electric Tiguan', hinting at a move to present the two similarly sized SUVs as siblings. The company has not confirmed that it will change the electric model's name, but Schäfer previously suggested that the Tiguan badge would always have a place in VW's portfolio - even as it goes all-electric. He said: 'We're not going to throw away the traditional, successful names that have carried us for so long, like Golf and Tiguan. Why would you let them go?' Above the ID 4, Autocar has been told Volkswagen has decided it will retire the ID 5 from its line-up. Launched in 2021 as a more sporting, coupéstyled sister model to the more upright ID 4, it was primarily aimed at the Chinese market but failed to gain traction there. In Europe, too, it has been overshadowed by the more practical ID 4. It was never offered for sale in the US market. Its planned cancellation, set to take effect in 2027, forms part of broader efforts to streamline the line-up and concentrate on highvolume models. 2028 to be a pivotal year Potentially one of the biggest years for VW's growth in sales of EVs will be 2028, when its most famous badge finally gets fully electrified. The electric Golf, currently under development at the company's Braunschweig R&D centre in Germany, will be the first VW model sold in the UK based on the company's new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). It will use an 800V electrical architecture and feature more advanced battery technology, faster charging and more advanced software functions, marking a signifi cant technological step forward from today's MEB-based models. Grünitz previously told Autocar that the real benefit of the new architecture was that it was 'highly flexible and highly updateable'. He added: 'With over-the-air updates, I can introduce new functionality to our customers even after they bought the car, without them needing to bring it in for a service. That means it's really the next step.' The electric Golf's design will be inspired by the incoming entry-level EVs, suggested design chief Mindt, while still building on the traditional and familiar Golf design traits. VW could also merge the Golf model name with the ID sub-brand, resulting in the car being called the ID Golf, although this has yet to be confirmed. Following the standard car, both GTI and R hot hatch variants will follow. The electric Golf is being developed in a joint programme with an electric version of the T-Roc, with both models set to be produced at VW's Wolfsburg plant. 'Our goal is to build the electric Golf on the new SSP platform there, along with the electric T-Roc,' confirmed VW CEO Schäfer. 'This will establish Wolfsburg as the capital of our new all-electric compact class.' The new SSP-based electric T-Roc will feature new styling, improved interior space and added digital functionality. Positioned above the upcoming ID 2X but below the ID 4 successor, it's expected to become one of VW's best-selling electric models in future years. Daniela Cavallo, chair of Volkswagen's General Works Council, said the electric Golf and T-Roc together 'represent a volume in excess of 500,000 units per year'. She added: 'The SSP models will be just as important to VW's future as the MQB has been.' ICE upgrades also inbound Alongside the electric Golf and electric T-Roc, VW will continue to sell ICE versions of some models as part of a new strategy that represents a shift in customer sentiment and a growing industry consensus that a mixed drivetrain portfolio will be needed well into the 2030s. This has been driven by sales of EVs not accelerating as fast as anticipated and infrastructure concerns remaining in many markets. As such, Volkswagen is realigning its model cadence and development priorities to offer buyers more flexibility. In the case of the Golf, this will be an upgraded version of the current hatchback, and a second-generation ICE T-Roc will be launched at the end of this year. Set to be revealed at September's Munich show, it is tipped to be the final new ICE model that Volkswagen will bring to market. Despite them sharing a name, the ICE T-Roc will be an entirely separate model from its new electric sibling. With the new ICE T-Roc, VW will introduce a fullhybrid powertrain to its line-up for the fi rst time. The new set-up, similar to that used by the Toyota Prius, combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, enabling limited electric-only driving without the need for external charging. The petrol engine is expected to be a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. As well as providing direct drive, it will also function as a generator to recharge the battery. Various outputs are planned, ranging from 201bhp to 268bhp and 258lb ft to 295lb ft. The technology differs from VW's current mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, offering a cheaper alternative in some of its most popular models. Autocar has been told that the powertrain will be available not only on the new ICE T-Roc but also across other MQB Evo-based models, including the Golf and Tiguan, as well as others across the VW Group stable. This pushes the lifespan of those cars until at least 2033, Autocar understands. A significant facelift for the Golf next year will bring improved infotainment, mild styling tweaks and a streamlined engine range that will include the new full-hybrid powertrain. VW has committed €60 billion (£50.8bn) in further investment into ICE development through to the end of 2028, including this new hybrid push. Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. 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