Volkswagen has announced several updates for its 2020 models, including the widespread adoption of the VW Connect app.
The app turns a Volkswagen into a connected car and is available for Android- and iOS-enabled smartphones. It offers many of the benefits of Volkswagen’s high end Car-Net system.
VW Connect shows the most important information about a car on a smartphone. Data includes mileage, battery voltage, fuel level, pending service intervals and current warning signs.
The app also saves a vehicle’s parking position and allows users to compare themselves to other Volkswagen drivers in a series of tasks and challenges. These include efficient driving, discovering new places and avoiding short trips.
VW Connect will be fitted as standard to the follow model year 2020 Volkswagens:
- Volkswagen T-Roc – S, SE and Design
- Volkswagen Golf – S and Match
- Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace – S and Match
- Volkswagen Touran – SE and SE Family
The VW Connect is also available for any Volkswagen built from 2008 and delivers modern connectivity to older vehicles. The app has been standard equipment on Up and Polo models since April 2018.
Other changes for 2020
Volkswagen’s model year 2020 refresh also includes the following updates and changes:
- The Volkswagen Up in high-spec High Up trim can now be ordered with the 60hp 1.0-litre engine.
- Lumbar adjustment is now standard on Volkswagen Polo SE and R-Line trims.
- The Volkswagen Polo Beats can be ordered without exterior decals.
- A Shadow Steel dash pad replaces the Caribou Grey item on the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line
- An Akrapovic sports exhaust system is now standard on the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.
- The Volkswagen Tiguan gets a new 115hp 1.6-litre TDI engine, which replaces the old 2.0-litre TDI in the S trim.
- LED headlights are now available for the Volkswagen Tiguan S and Match.
- The Volkswagen Sharan gets a host of standard equipment, including Discover Navigation, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert with lane assist and dynamic road sign display. SE trim is removed, meaning the range starts with S and moves up to SE Nav and SEL.
- The Volkswagen Touran gets two new alloy wheel designs.
- The Volkswagen Arteon gets the latest MIB Generation 3 infotainment system, along with the second-generation Active Info Display and wireless App Connect.
- The Volkswagen Arteon also gains a new entry-level SE trim.
- Finally, the Volkswagen Touareg gets a new Park Assist Professional system and optional air suspension.
Geraldine Ingham, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Model-year updates are commonplace across the industry, but it’s uncommon for such a comprehensive raft of changes to all come at once.”
“From adding a value-focused new trim level to the Arteon, to a sporting specialist exhaust system on the Golf GTI TCR, model year 2020 for Volkswagen represents great design, a focus on quality and, above all else, notable value.”
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