Summer is almost here and, for thousands of Volkswagen fans across America, that means the chance to show off their cars at major events.

Volkswagen of America makes a substantial commitment to attending the biggest shows, and will be bringing a fleet of seven production-based concept cars on tour this year.

From hot hatchbacks to SUVs, we have taken a look at the collection of vehicles VeeDub fans should keep a look out for this show season.

VW Jetta GLI Super Touring Concept

The new Jetta GLI caused a storm when it launched at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. It is the most powerful production GLI ever, producing 228 horsepower and 258lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-litre TSI engine.

With 1990s culture bang on trend at the moment, it seems fitting that VW has opted to mimic the heyday of touring car racing with the GLI Super Touring Concept. K&W coilover suspension helps slam it to the ground, with a new spoiler, bigger brakes, and performance exhaust also added.

A major talking point is the set of brand-new 19-inch Fifteen52 alloy wheels, which are making their American debut attached to this Jetta GLI Autobahn.

VW GTI Rabbit Confetti Concept

Volkswagen released the Rabbit Edition of the GTI hot hatch for the 2019 model year, and that car serves as the base for this concept.

A special vinyl wrap sees Rabbit logos in multiple hues sprinkled, like confetti, across the bodywork of the GTI. VW also notes that the wrap contains a ‘hidden surprise’ for fans to try and find.

H&R lowering springs help give the Rabbit Confetti Concept an aggressive stance on the 19-inch Rotiform RSE wheels. The latter wear retro-influenced Aerodisk covers, whilst roof bars and a Thule basket tick off more scene points.

VW Golf Alltrack Combi Concept

Using the Alltrack wagon will undoubtedly endear the Combi Concept with VW enthusiasts. But the Volkswagen Technical Service Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan has gone even further with a mixture of different parts.

A front bumper from a Golf GTE meets a rear spoiler from a GTI Rabbit Edition. The short-throw shifter comes from a diesel Golf GTD, whilst H&R supply the lowering springs.

Most noticeable are the continuing theme of the 1990s-inspired retro graphics which stand out against the dark paintwork. The Volkswagen roof bars also incorporate an LED light bar, and support a Thule cargo box.

VW Tiguan Adventure Concept

Unlike most of the other vehicles in the 2019 Concept collection, the Tiguan Adventure features raised, rather than lowered, suspension.

Built in collaboration with suspension manufacturer H&R, this SUV wears Adventure Raising Springs and a set of 18-inch Rotiform wheels mounted with all-terrain rubber.

Volkswagen has also gone to town with official accessories, including Monster Mats, rear protection plates, side steps, and roof bars carrying a Kayak.

VW Golf R Spektrum Concept

For the 2019 model year, Volkswagen now offers the potent Golf R hot hatch in a range of custom paint choices as part of the Spektrum package.

A total of 40 different paint options form part of the Spektrum offering, with many of them heritage hues from Volkswagen’s back catalogue of greatest hits.

VW has painted this Golf R in classic Ginster Yellow, and it also features the inevitable H&R lowering springs. A set of 20-inch Vossen Hybrid Forged HF-1 wheels add some contrast, along with special decals running along the side sills.

VW Atlas Basecamp Concept

The substantial three-row Atlas SUV has proven to be a popular product for Volkswagen, with the plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee churning out big numbers of them.

However, this concept is the work of Alex Earle, Exterior Design Manager at the Volkswagen Design Center California, who wanted to build the best Atlas for extreme mountain biking.

Previously seen at the New York International Auto Show, the Basecamp Concept wears 17-inch Fifteen52 alloy wheels, a custom body kit from Air Designs, and an H&R lift kit with coilover suspension.

VW Arteon R-Line SEMA Concept

Finally, Volkswagen is also taking the modified Arteon four-door coupe from the 2018 SEMA Show on the road. Developed with Vossen wheels, a set of 21-inch Vossen Forged M-X4T wheels are the most significant part of the upgrades.

The Pure White paint wears a satin protection film, and the Arteon also features H&R Ultra Low coilover suspension to drop it closer to the ground by 3 inches. A big brake kit and custom body kit was added after the SEMA event.

Volkswagen fans wanting to check out the seven cars in more detail should head to one of these eight events throughout the summer of 2019:

• SOWO: The European Experience | Savannah, GA | May 18-19
• Americas Rallycross | Madison, IL | July 13-14
• Waterfest | Atco, NJ | July 21-22
• Wolfsgart | Essex Junction, VT | Aug. 4-5
• VAG Fair | York, PA | Aug. 4-5
• SoCal Big Euro | San Diego, CA | Sept. 1
• Pacific Waterland | Woodburn, OR | Sept. 9
• Americas Rallycross | Austin, TX | Sep. 28

The London Motor Show is back for another year in 2019 at Excel in London’s Docklands. The organisers are calling it a new breed of motor show, where live action is as much of a draw as the new cars displayed on brand’s stands.

• Check out the best events for car enthusiasts in 2019

Tyre-smoking action is guaranteed throughout the four-day show: if you’re visiting this weekend (18-19 May), here are some of the other supercars, award-winning cars and British car reveals you must check out.

Jaguar I-Pace: World Car Awards champ

The Jaguar I-Pace is the star car on the World Car Awards stand. This year, it scooped an unprecedented THREE prizes at the awards ceremony in New York – World Green Car, World Car Design and overall World Car of the Year 2019. It’s shown alongside the actual gongs borrowed from Jaguar’s trophy cabinet…

McLaren 720S: world’s best performance car 2019

The McLaren 720S is another World Car Awards winner, taking the 2019 World Performance Car prize. And it seemed to be one of the most-photographed exhibits at this year’s London Motor Show.

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is at last landing in the UK! One of the must-have, most hotly-anticipated new EVs of 2019 is sure to draw plenty of interest this weekend.

New Range Rover Evoque

Another new model arriving in dealer showrooms right now is the latest Range Rover Evoque. The firm is hoping it can repeat the incredible success of its sector-defining predecessor.

MG ZS EV: an electrifying show debut

British brand MG actually gave its all-electric ZS EV a British market debut at the Excel Docklands show. It arrives later this year and the firm is targeting both an incredibly competitive price tag and a range of over 200 miles. Bosses are quietly confident this could be a game-changer for the reborn firm now based in Marylebone, London.

Noble M500 prototype

The more affordable alternative to the Noble M600 supercar, the M500 is Noble’s vision of what its sports car rival to the McLaren 570S could look like. Boasting a Ford V6 twin-turbo putting out 500 to 550 horsepower, this model is in development right now. The prototype is an early look at what’s in store…

Hyundai Tucson N-Line

Hyundai has only just announced the N-Line series for its popular Tucson family SUV, yet it’s already here on show in London. Standout features include sportier wheels and black-accented body cladding, plus a neat set of black door mirrors.

Liberty Walk

Liberty Walk is one of the most talked-about and controversial modding companies of recent years. If you want the stance and aero of a racing car, they’ll make it happen. They’ve applied their not-so-subtle touch to everything from Nissan GT-Rs to Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Such is the popularity of these rivet-happy modders, their kits are even available as upgrades on a variety of racing games.

Ferrari Enzo

In the name of the Father. The Enzo was named after the man himself, Enzo Ferrari, otherwise known as the man that started it all in Maranello. The Enzo, originally F60, earned its name because of how proud the marque was of its creation back in 2002. A 650hp 6.0-litre V12, revolutionary paddle-shift transmission and an all-carbon structure and those striking looks made this one of the most desirable hypercars of the early 2000s. While it cost ‘just’ £600,000 in period, if you were lucky enough to be selected to buy one, today, Enzo entry costs well over £1 million…

Del Boy’s Reliant van

It wouldn’t be a true East London car show if there wasn’t an Only Fools and Horses van on show, would it? This is one of several cars actually used by Del Boy and Rodney in the 1980s sitcom.

Back to the Future DeLorean

Another motor show regular is a Back to the Future DeLorean. Given that the first instalment was released back in 1985, it’s likely to be dads rather than their kids queuing up here to have their photo taken in it…

Golden Rolls-Royce

For when your bank balance far outstrips any sense of taste you might call upon, there’s this golden Rolls-Royce…

Slammed Range Rover Evoque

Likewise, this ‘low ’n’ slow’ Range Rover Evoque. We don’t see this tackling the Darien Gap any time soon…

Audi e-tron EV

The Audi e-tron is the all-electric rival to the Jaguar I-Pace. Britain pipped Germany in the World Car Awards finals, leaving the e-tron as a still-worthy runner-up.

Lamborghini at London Motor Show 2019

The mighty Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder is on display at the London show. The hard-top coupe set a Nurburgring lap record, and the Spyder is not likely to be far behind. It puts out 640 horsepower from its mid-mounted V10 engine, but it’s the noise and spectacle that’s more of a draw for most…

Ford Focus Active

The Focus Active is Ford’s ‘in-betweener’ SUV. It’s a raised-up Focus with extra body cladding and tougher bodyside mouldings, for those who want to feel a bit more secure and all-roads ready without going all-out with an SUV.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV (and its commercial van sister car) is Mitsubishi’s answer to the London ULEZ. The Japanese brand is here at the London Motor Show 2019 with an officially-backed stand to support its London-based dealers in spreading the message.

Bugatti Chiron

London is lucky enough to have what could be the world’s fastest car at the 2019 Excel show. The Chiron has yet to set a top speed challenge…

Bugatti Veyron

… But it’s sure to beat the 261mph time set by the ultimate version of its Bugatti Veyron predecessor, right?

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A busy urban commute can be a painful experience, but new research has identified the cities in which you’ll find the most stressed drivers.

Research surveying 2,000 UK workers has revealed that motorists in York and London are the country’s most stressed commuters, whether they’re in the car or using public transport. Around half of all commuters in York and London said that their commute increases their stress levels.

“The roads around York are a nightmare, especially when travelling to and from work,” said Amy Taylor, an inclusion manager from York, who claimed she wasn’t surprised by the results.

“The ring road is constantly at a standstill and the city centre streets aren’t even worth trying at rush hour – you barely move.”

Overall, 43 percent of UK commuters said that their commute had an adverse affect on their mental health. For those between the ages of 25 and 34, that figure rises dramatically to 73 percent.

“Daily commutes are harming the mental health of Brits all over the country, but many are still prepared to travel in order to have better jobs and homes,” said Ross Counsell, director at Good Move, the company behind the research.

“While everyone has an idea of their dream home or career, it is so important that people get a healthy work-life balance and don’t sacrifice their mental wellbeing.”

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Meanwhile, Bristol is named as the city with the least stressful commute, followed by Coventry, Edinburgh, Sheffield and Belfast.

Reducing stress on the commute

Here are three tips to help relieve the stress of a daily commute:

• Sing along to music while driving. Research suggests that singing reduces stress and is a natural anti-depressant.
• Use the commute to plan ahead for your day, so you can hit the ground running. That will reduce stress about wanting to get where you’re going.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Driving, or indeed commuting in any way, while tired or low on energy, is at best not fun and at worst, dangerous.

Plans for a £1 billion upgrade to the A66 road have been unveiled by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. The road connects the east and the west of the North of England.

Highways England plans to broaden the remaining 18 miles of the A66 that are, at present, single-lane, in line with the rest of the route which is a dual carriageway. An eight-week consultation into options for the completion of the project has now been launched. It will explore how the upgrade should be carried out on varying sections of the road.

Some sections of the route will benefit from a straightforward ‘dualling’, while others could be freed up by a bypass. Examples of the latter include the five-mile Appleby to Brough section, and the more residential areas of Kirkby Thore and Crackenthorpe.

Overall, the goal is to ease congestion at peak times and improve journey times across the country. Once operational, speed limits across the A66 are likely to be increased.

The road is an industrial lifeline between for the region. It stretches 50 miles between Penrith in Cumbria and Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire. The upgrade, while benefitting local residents, will benefit freight and port routes across the country, better linking the likes of Stanraer to Hull, Felixstowe and beyond.

“Dualling the A66 will not only mean drivers’ journeys are quicker, safer and more reliable across the Pennines, but is part of our pledge to ensure that the business opportunities of the Northern Powerhouse spread out from the great cities of the North of England to every city, town and rural community from the Midlands to the Scottish Lowlands,” said Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.

Upgrading the trans-Pennine route is a part of a much larger plan to upgrade highways in the North of England.

“We are investing a record £13 billion to improve journeys across the North of England,” the Transport Secretary said.

“The A66 connects businesses, communities and families across the north of England, and this highly anticipated upgrade is great news for the local, and regional economies and will improve the national road network,” commented Highways England chief executive, Jim O’Sullivan.

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If you have never driven an Octavia, chances are you’ve travelled in one. Probably late at night, slightly inebriated and post-kebab. The multi-million-selling Skoda is one of Britain’s most popular taxis, and for good reason: it’s affordable, reliable and practical. As we’ll see, it can be exciting too.

The Octavia was first launched 60 years ago, so to mark this milestone we drove all four generations back-to-back. Turns out quite a lot has changed…

Skoda Octavia Combi (1964)

The Octavia took its name from the Latin word for ‘eight’, being the eighth post-war car built at Skoda’s Mlada Boleslav factory in the Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia at the time).

Its 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine sends 40hp to the rear wheels, giving a top speed of 70mph and 30.5mpg economy. Double wishbone suspension was considered innovative in an era of leaf springs, and the Octavia earned positive reviews from motoring magazines. The 50hp Touring Sport version later claimed three class victories in the Monte Carlo Rally (1961-1963).

The Octavia Combi estate – seen here – followed in 1961, with three doors and a horizontally-split tailgate (they’d probably call it a ‘shooting brake’ in 2019). It has five seats and a 690-litre boot, swelling to 1,050 litres with the rear backrests folded.

A total of 51,086 Combis were made by the time production ceased in 1971, versus 309,020 Octavia saloons.

On loan from the Skoda Museum, this flawless 1964 Combi arrived with its own – justifiably proud – chaperone. Nonetheless, I seemed more nervous than he did. Its chrome grille and tail fins are clearly influenced by American cars of the 1950s, while its two-tone interior oozes retro cool.

A huge, thin-rimmed steering wheel is flanked by a column shifter: push away and up/down for first and second gears, then pull towards you for third and fourth.

On today’s roads, the ‘family-sized’ Skoda is dwarfed by bloated SUVs. Its engine is thrummy and willing, at least until 40mph or so. Beyond that, acceleration is best described as ‘glacial’.

Stick-thin roof pillars mean excellent visibility, but the drum brakes are heart-stoppingly feeble. Seatbelts or crumple zones? No chance. Truth be told, I’m relieved to return the Combi safely to its keeper.

Skoda Octavia Mk1 (2002)

Trapped in the Eastern Bloc, Skoda struggled throughout the 1970s and 80s with a succession of outdated, rear-engined cars that sold primarily on price. The Octavia name wouldn’t return for another 25 years, then was revived under Volkswagen ownership.

An injection of Volkswagen cash from 1991 transformed the brand, starting with the 1995 Felicia, then the all-conquering Octavia a year later.

The Octavia shared its underpinnings with the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf, but was roomier and cheaper. Understandably, that sounded like a win-win for many buyers. Available as a five-door hatchback or estate, nearly 1.5 million were eventually built.

Its no-nonsense design, the work of Dirk van Braeckel, defined Skoda styling for generations to come. Indeed, you can see its influence in the current Octavia.

Fittingly, the 2002 Octavia on Skoda’s heritage fleet has covered a meaty 136,000 miles. An ex-taxi? Quite possibly, although it wears those miles impressively well. Its 110hp 1.9-litre diesel engine is good for 119mph and a thrifty 54.0mpg.

Inside, the cabin is functional and solidly built (Germanic, even). ‘Infotainment’ comes via a cassette player, but it feels positively futuristic after the classic Combi.

It’s effortless to drive, too. The bulbous, airbagged wheel is light, the five-speed gearbox is Teflon-slick and the gruff diesel pulls strongly from low revs.

It feels somewhat detached, but that’s perhaps the point. After a nine-hour night shift of pub pick-ups and airport aggro, I suspect I’d be thankful for such easygoing affability.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 (2004)

The Mk1 Octavia also did performance, not simply private-hire. The first vRS debuted in 2001, providing a springboard for Skoda’s return to top-tier rallying.

It was the fastest production Skoda ever when launched, reaching 62mph in 6.7 seconds and 144mph flat-out.

While the WRC version boasted 300hp and four-wheel drive, the road-going vRS shared its fundamentals with the Golf GTI. That meant a 180hp 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual ’box.

Subtle spoilers, spidery 17-inch alloys and green/red/grey vRS badges gave Skoda’s hot hatch a suitably sporty makeover. Nonetheless, it’s pretty tame (and tasteful) by modern standards.

A launch price of just £15,100 (a Ford Focus ST170 was £15,995) made the vRS even more tempting. In terms of performance-per-pound, little else came close.

It’s a cracker on the road, too. The steering is swift and precise, while handling is poised and predictable. There’s more body-roll than some rivals, but a pliant ride more than compensates. It’s been many years since I’ve driven a Mk4 Golf GTI but, from memory, the Skoda seems more fun.

The hot Octavia’s double-whammy of space and pace made it a popular choice with UK police forces. Seeing one of these in your mirrors usually spelled bad news. Skoda later launched an estate version, offering ultimate Q-car kudos.

Perhaps the finest compliment I can pay the vRS is that I’ve been browsing the classifieds for good examples ever since. And yes, they’re still a bargain now.

Skoda Octavia Scout (2008)

Today, Skoda has fully jumped aboard the SUV bandwagon; its line-up stretches from supermini-sized Kamiq to seven-seat Kodiaq. The Octavia Scout was arguably the first step on this (unclassified, boulder-strewn) road – and it remains a standalone model today.

The original Scout joined the Mk2 Octavia range in 2006. It followed the example of the Audi A6 Allroad, first launched in 1999.

In essence, the Scout combines the rugged styling, loftier ground clearance and four-wheel drive of an SUV with the superior dynamics and fuel-efficiency of an estate car.

An extra 40mm beneath the wheelarches and Haldex variable 4WD mean it will tackle gravel tracks or muddy lanes with confidence. But the rear wheels are only engaged when needed, so quoted fuel economy is a car-like 44mpg.

The Mk2 Scout still looks the part, thanks to muscular body cladding and skid plates beneath both bumpers. Inside, snazzy kickplates and a ‘4×4’ logo on the gearknob hint at its added potential.

Buyers could have a 150hp 2.0-litre petrol version, but most opted for the 140hp 2.0 diesel. It produces 140hp and propels the 1,625kg Skoda to 122mph.

On the road, the Scout feels as intuitive and inoffensive as a regular Octavia. Granted, there’s a little more lean when cornering, and perhaps a smidge less precision from the steering. But it’s certainly more engaging than a contemporary SUV. Less ostentatious, too.

Sadly, I didn’t get chance to sample the Scout on rough terrain. Suffice to say, the original press photos – which show it clambering over rocks and dive-bombing through streams – are testament to its prowess.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3 (2019)

My fourth and final drive is the current-model Octavia – again in sporty vRS guise. Its 245hp 2.0 TSI engine packs a healthy 65hp more than the original, cutting the 0-62mph dash to 6.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.

A base price of £27,640 still undercuts most rivals, although my test car cost £29,360 after options. These included the Audi-style Virtual Cockpit display (£450) and lane-assist with blind-spot detection (£400). Both were, of course, unheard of back in 2001…

In time-honoured tradition, the Octavia doesn’t shout about its added performance. Despite hip-hugging sports seats, red stitching and a smattering of vRS badges, its interior lacks the wow-factor of a Golf GTI. No complaints about build quality, though.

The eight-inch touchscreen media system is a highlight. It syncs seamlessly with your mobile phone via Apple Carplay or Android Auto. There’s also a choice of driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom.

The spiciest Octavia comes in three outputs: 184hp diesel, 230hp petrol and the vRS 245 petrol tested here. The top-dog 245 has a limited-slip differential as standard, but four-wheel drive is only offered on the diesel.

That diff makes a marked difference on the road, tightening turn-in and helping you slingshot out of bends. Switching to Sport sharpens things further without ruining the ride. The gruff growl of its engine sounds slightly synthetic, but there’s something addictive about its elastic mid-range punch.

The Octavia has been on quite a journey. It’s changed beyond all recognition, yet remained true to its roots, providing sensible – and sensibly-priced – transport for the masses. Even the vRS is a remarkably level-headed hot hatch.

So, všechno nejlepší k narozeninám Skoda Octavia (that’s ‘happy birthday’ in Czech). Here’s to another 60 years.