The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Volkswagen will unveil their Sportsvan concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. It’s the successor to the Golf Plus.
At 4,338 mm long, the new Sportsvan is 134 mm longer than the Golf Plus, and 83 mm longer than the Golf. Its 2,685 mm wheelbase is 48 mm longer than that of the Golf, helping to generate more interior space, while the Sportsvan is also 80 mm wider, at 1,870 mm, and 126 mm higher, at 1,578 mm (excluding roof rails). Inside, the rear seats (60:40 split bench) can slide forwards and backwards by up to 180 mm, to increase either passenger or luggage space as required.
Boot capacity is increased by 74 litres to 498 litres (Golf 380). Moving the rear seats increases the luggage space to 585 litres, while folding them down releases 1,512 litres.
Powering the Sportsvan will be a range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which conform to Euro 6 emissions standards and incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems. There are four turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engines with 85, 110, 125 and 150 PS and three turbodiesels: a 2.0-litre 150 PS, a 1.6-litre 90 PS and a 1.6-litre 110 PS for the Sportsvan BlueMotion. This is expected to return fuel economy of 76.3 mpg and emit 95 g/km of CO2. All engines (but the 85 PS) can be ordered with a DSG gearbox.
It’s expected to go on sale in the middle of next year.
John Galvin
Motoring editor - The Clare Champion
Former Chairman and voting member of Irish Motoring Writers' Association
