Lifestyle-focused VW unveils electric models, SUVs

German automaker Volkswagen will bring a family of around 10 next-generation electric cars to the Chinese market by 2025 to further enrich its portfolio in the country's vast new energy vehicle market.

"The Volkswagen of today will develop into a totally new Volkswagen. Our cars will be electric, autonomous and fully connected, and will also provide a unique, intuitive user experience", said Stephan Woellenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Brand China, at a press conference on Friday.

The automaker said it will focus on its modular electric drive kit platform, with the I.D. concept car making its Asian debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2016 event, to showcase these plans. The new model provides a glimpse of the new, electric, connected, autonomous and user-friendly Volkswagen.

"The I.D. model shows what such a Volkswagen could look like in the future. The I.D. will be one of a family of cars. Planned models include a progressive, large SUV, a futuristic sedan and a crossover SUV," said Woellenstein.

The zero-emissions vehicle is powered by an electric motor that has an output of 125 kilowatts and a range of 400-600 kilometers on a single charge - ideal for China's megacities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Designed as an electriconly car, with the batteries in the floor, the designers have been able to create a completely new interior concept - Open Space.

From the outside, the I.D. is as compact as the iconic Volkswagen Golf, yet from the inside, as roomy as a current Passat or Magotan model. This innovative electric car features all the hardware needed for autonomous driving.

Two of Volkswagen's Chinese joint ventures, SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co Ltd and FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co Ltd, provided brand highlights at the auto show, including the world premiere of SAIC Volkswagen's Teramont model and FAW-Volkswagen's C-Trek.

"We are keeping our promise to bring more SUVs and lifestyle-oriented crossover models to the Chinese market. By 2020, our SUV portfolio will have grown to some 10 models," said Woellenstein.

"We are also speeding up in the area of new energy vehicles. Until 2020 we will have introduced seven locally produced new energy vehicles to the market - both plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. These will all be based on our current models, using current platforms."

C-Trek

FAW-Volkswagen is enriching its product line with the C-Trek, the first ever A-class crossover wagon from the Volkswagen brand.

Aimed at young families with a passion for travel and sport, the C-Trek has the comfort of a sedan, the loading space of a wagon - up to 1,507 liters - and the agile handling of an SUV. Ground clearance of 132 mm allows for better visibility in traffic, similar to that of an SUV, for safer driving.

The model is 4,559 mm long, 1,793 mm wide and 1,487 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,614 mm.

It comes equipped with a 1.6-Liter or 1.4 TSI engine, with 5-gear manual, 6-gear Tiptronic or 7-gear DSG transmission. Available technologies include keyless entry and the new generation modular infotainment system (MIB).

Teramont

The SAIC Volkswagen Teramont is the first full-sized SUV from the Volkswagen brand.

The model adds a new dimension to the company's SUV line-up with its tough, bold exterior design.

The 7-seat SUV is 5,039 mm, 1,989 mm wide and 1,773 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,980 mm, ensuring large, comfortable space.

Equipped with a new 2.5T V6 engine and 7-speed DSG transmission, the Teramont is both efficient and powerful. Its power output measures 300 horsepower with a maximum 500 newton meters of torque.

With all-wheel drive and an adaptive dynamic chassis, the Teramont has eight driving modes. This unique full-sized SUV is fitted with advanced technologies and safety features.

These include: LED ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch digital LCD dashboard, four-mode LED lights, blind spot detection, traffic jam assist and 360 degree panoramic driving assist, among other features.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn