The mag"s pictures show...
The mag"s pictures show how the prototype - expected to be called the CrossGolf - has wider, beefier wheelarches, modified bumpers and a revised front end. Changes to the nose are likely to include Passat-style headlamps plus a chunky off-roader-style bumper, complete with grilles over the foglights and a raised air intake. The CrossGolf - to be unveiled at September"s Frankfurt Motor Show - rides 60mm higher than the Plus. It"s also likely to have underbody and sump guards for protection when off-roading, while the 4WD set-up will be based on that of the Golf 4MOTION, which distributes power evenly between the front and rear. Engines should include 1.6 and 2.0-litre FSI petrol units and 1.9 and 2.0 TDI turbodiesels. VW"s excellent DSG gearbox is likely to be an option. A hot CrossGolf hasn"t been ruled out; the 4WD system could be combined with either VW"s proven 2.8-litre V6 petrol motor, or the 198bhp 2.0 FSI turbo unit from the Golf GTI.
The all-action Auto...
The all-action Auto Express-backed Dunlop British Touring Car Championship ended in controversy at Donington Park at the weekend. MG ace Colin Turkington barged past Vauxhall’s Fabrizio Giovanardi at the last corner.
But the unhappy Italian said: “It was a great race until the final chicane. I don’t know if I was stupid to leave the space open. I think the marshals will look at it – I am really upset.” Turkington countered: “It was one of the most difficult races I have ever had to drive. There was lot of rain coming down, but no rain round the back of the circuit and it was a constant juggle with the brake pedal. On the last lap I thought the win was gone, but I wasn’t prepared to give it up that easily.”
Championship leader Matt Neal finished the three races in fourth, fifth and seventh to stay ahead of Turkington in the title chase. Team-mate Gordon Shedden took the two other race victories.
Meanwhile, a Scottish outfit has revealed plans to run a pair of bio-ethanol-powered Chevrolet Lacettis in next year’s BTCC. Matt Neal’s former team-mate Dan Eaves is set to be lead driver.