World premiere of the new VW Compact Coupe

2010 VW Compact Coupe

New Compact Coupe unites 4.2 l/100 km (45 mpg) with top dynamics
Concept of an entirely new compact coupe emits just 98 g/km CO2, can go 227 km/h if necessary and accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds

Wolfsburg / Detroit—January 2010. For Volkswagen, this marks the beginning of an action-packed year in which more new models will be introduced than ever before in the company’s history. No. 1 on the spectacular list of new products for 2010 is a car based on entirely new concepts and technology, a coupe with a hybrid drive that is extremely fast yet futuristic in its fuel economy. It has sports appeal and sharp styling yet is remarkably elegant—positioned between the Europe’s best-selling sports car, the Scirocco, and the internationally successful CC. Its name: the New Compact Coupe. Site of its world premiere: Detroit, North American International Auto Show (January 11 to 24). Combined fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km* (45 mpg**)! CO2 emissions: 98 g/km! Incredible, considering its fuel economy, are its top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) and the short 8.6 seconds it needs for the classic sprint to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds).

These values were made technically feasible by a high-tech alliance: a TSI® engine (gasoline powered with 110 kW / 150 PS) that is as fuel efficient as it is sporty, an electric motor (20 kW / 27 PS) and a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) – which in the eyes of many car drivers is the best automatic in the world today. Just over a month after the debut of the most fuel-efficient four-seater in the world – the up! lite in Los Angeles – this new concept car confirms once again that future Volkswagen hybrid vehicles will not only focus on fuel economy, but – similar to pure gasoline and diesel versions of Europe’s most successful automobile brand – will also aim to be sporty and fun to drive. In the first half of the year, Volkswagen will launch its first hybrid model on the market under the VW label – an SUV with full-time all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the New Compact Coupe shows, both technically and visually, how Volkswagen envisions a front-wheel-drive hybrid for the compact class that would be implemented when the time is right.

HYBRID DRIVE – TSI AND ELECTRIC MOTOR PLUS DSG

Downsizing at its best: The concept car is driven by an extremely innovative high-tech alliance that closely approximates potential production versions. Volkswagen is using a four-cylinder version of the TSI gasoline engine range here. Direct injection, turbocharging and an intercooler generate a power of 110 kW / 150 PS from just 1.4 liters of engine displacement – downsizing at its best. TSI technology has impressively demonstrated its extreme durability in many car racing events, including on the legendary Nordschleife of the German Nürburgring, the most demanding race course in the world. Since the first TSI engine was introduced just over five years ago, 3.5 million units of these boosted and torque-strong four cylinder engines have already been installed in vehicles. The TSI of the NCC – which, of course, is also equipped with ESC – transfers a hefty 240 Newton-meters (177 lbs/ft) of torque to the front wheels at low engine speeds.

Emissions-free by E-motor: And there is even more power: An electric motor is integrated between the TSI and the efficient 7-speed automatic DSG; it can be used for pure electric, emissions-free driving, or it can support the TSI with aggressive torque. The electric motor develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS. The power and torque of the two drive units supplement one another during what is known as boosting – when accelerating to pass, for example. Since the NCC can also be driven in a pure electric mode, the drive system is classified as a Full Hybrid. A lithium-ion battery (1.1 kWh) at the rear of the vehicle supplies the electric motor with energy. By the way, in electric mode, the TSI is not only shut off; it is also disengaged by a clutch to avoid drag losses.

Frequently coasting: As soon as the driver releases the gas pedal, the TSI is disengaged from the transmission. This so-called “coast-down” is even possible at higher speeds, as in freeway driving. Since drag losses are eliminated here too, the NCC coasts for a very long time. And this promotes an anticipatory style of driving that leads directly to reduced fuel consumption.

Recovering kinetic energy: In braking, the electric motor – now operating as a generator – recovers kinetic energy which is then stored in the lithium-ion battery. Of course, just like the new BlueMotion models from Volkswagen, the New Compact Coupe also has a stop-start system on board. This reduces fuel consumption, especially in urban areas and in stop-and-go traffic.

EXTERIOR DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS

The unique interplay of efficiency and dynamics is reflected one-to-one in the styling of the coupe that is painted in Tungsten Silver Metallic. Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for Volkswagen, comments: “Styling of a coupe is considered the ultimate in automotive design. Our team has achieved a symbiosis of efficient technologies and elegance in the New Compact Coupe that is unique in its expression. Just a few precisely placed lines and powerfully sculpted surfaces have created a timeless dynamic and purist elegance that is typical of Volkswagen.”

Front end – showing a strong face: The front of the New Compact Coupe shows an extremely confident and focused expression. Moreover, the car’s width is emphasized by the horizontal line styling with integrated Bi-Xenon™ headlights – including LED daytime running lights and turn signals. The technically complex headlights contribute to unmistakable visual recognition of the concept car – both day and night.

Side view – a sharp profile: In the car’s side profile, styling properties characteristic of all-new Volkswagen vehicles of the past year have been merged with elegant and sporty coupe features, resulting in a new interpretation of the design DNA. The best examples of this are the characteristic tornado line and the powerfully emphasized curves of the wheel arches. They intersect the main volume of the large, homogeneous surfaces, conveying a powerful dynamic. The side windows round out this impression with a concise signature. Forging a stylistic bridge to current models are the 19-inch Lugano alloy wheels.

Rear – a strong concluding statement: The cargo area of the New Compact Coupe is decidedly powerful in design. Clean surfaces and a muscular shoulder section dominate here too. Bright: the LED taillights. A spoiler lip that reduces air turbulence was styled into the top of the trunk lid; it further improves the car’s remarkable aerodynamics. At the bottom there is a stylized diffuser; the tailpipe of the exhaust system is embedded here for a positive aerodynamic effect.

Dimensions – millimeters at work for styling: The New Compact Coupe is 4.54 meters (178.5 inches) long and 1.78 meters (70.1 inches) wide. Its low body height of 1.41 meters (55.6 inches) adds styling energy to the interplay of its dimensions; the ratio of broad width to low body height intensifies the Volkswagen’s dynamic image. Also large are the track widths (front 1.53 meters / 61.2 inches; rear 1.54 meters / 61.4 inches) and wheelbase (2.65 meters / 104.4 inches).

INTERIOR – ERGONOMICS AND DIMENSIONS

Showing its true colors: The NCC is a four-seater with exceptional long touring comfort and generous occupant space on sport seats that are upholstered in a light Berry White leather. Also designed in this color are the lower cockpit area, parts of the center console and the door trim panels. By contrast, all other surfaces (except accents and controls), including the leather-wrapped steering wheel, are styled in the darker Grigio Quartz color.

In its interior, the Volkswagen offers the best feeling of spaciousness in its class. This means that despite the sporty low body height, the car offers ample headroom (front and rear) as well as legroom in the rear. The coupe’s 380 liter trunk can handle luggage for four people without a problem.

Climb in, buckle up, drive away: As soon as the doors of the New Compact Coupe are opened, a reason for the Volkswagen brand’s tremendous success is revealed: unparalleled perfection in details and intuitive operation. The instruments are laid out ideally. The new multi-function sport steering wheel is the key interface between human and machine. The right hand rests naturally on the gearshift lever of the 7-speed DSG, and in front of it, the control panel sports newly designed controls for the automatic climate control system and the 8-inch touchscreen for stereo and navigation systems. Atop the panel is the hazard flasher switch and center air vents. The center console’s control panel is angled slightly toward the driver to perfectly align the cockpit to the driver’s needs. Also optimally laid out for viewing are the round instruments with their chrome bezels; the multi-function display (trip computer and additional navigation display) is placed between them.

Upgraded with metal surrounds are all air vents, multi-function buttons on the steering wheel, the sound and navigation system, the climate control, the DSG unit, white accents of the door trim, and instruments and panels (window lift and mirror adjustment) in the doors.

Individual seats in the rear: Designers have shaped the rear seating area in the style of large Gran Turismo cars. Passengers sit on two comfortable sport seats here. Between them is the continuation of the center console that passes through the entire interior. In the rear, the center console is equipped with additional storage space as well as climate controls and a fold-out center armrest. The finish and quality of materials in the interior make viewers forget completely that the New Compact Coupe is still a concept car. And that too is typical Volkswagen – no compromises.

* = Fuel consumption and CO2 values per NEDC
** = Fuel economy values of US label

Bookmark and Share

Vehicle Articles

39Comments

  1. I want this car like NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Will this come in the Jetta R (3.6) formula or just (1.4 TSI) version?

  3. Danke sehr an den Autor.

    Gruss Tina

  4. VW take off the kid gloves, drop a twin turbo V6 in this puppy, and let the bragging rights begin with the GLI, 400+ bhp, RW drive beemer eater.

  5. When will this car be available? I will be looking for a car soon and this one really appeals to me.

  6. Although I’m not a huge VW fan, the NCC has made me sit up and notice this stylish coupe. The market is saturated with sedans and most coupes that have been introduced industry wide, haven’t survived over the years. Hopefully the NCC has good power as well as high quality interior trim, including REAL leather NOT leatherette as is the case in most VW’s. Sorry but paying $35,000+ and no leather in a car isn’t acceptable to me as a car buyer. Bring on the NCC !

  7. awesome blog, do you have twitter or facebook? i will bookmark this page thanks. peace maria

  8. I really like your blog and i really appreciate the excellent quality content you are posting here for free for your online readers. thanks peace klara.

  9. This car looks great, would be great with a manual transmission. If it makes its way across the pond, I hope we will be graced with the great 6sp that moves the GTI.

  10. that looks like the jetta just coup its nice when is the gli coming out its about time since they took it off like 2 years :O

  11. Pingback: World Premiere of the New VW Compact Coupe | Auto News

  12. This is THE car for college kids.

    • After 10 years and 150k miles maybe. With parents dropping big coin for higher education be grateful for the junkers they deserve. Get the car you want when you are paying for it you ingrate.

  13. Love the car but forget this Gas Electric motor B.S If you wont the good milage stick with the TDI and spend the money you wasted trying to keep up with the stupid fad of Gas Electric motor combo on making the TDI better.

  14. Couple the TDI with the e-motor+ DSG, and tell us what the mpg comsumption is like?

  15. please make this car a reality i would buy it in a instant

  16. 3 requests…please, Please, PLEASE offer a manual transmission, keep the interior high quality and bring this car out ASAP!

  17. Pingback: Wereldwijde première van de nieuwe VW Coupe Compact | Auto blog

  18. Call this what it is, a Jetta coupe just like VW use to make back in the 80″s.

  19. It looks like every other car out there, what happened to the days when VW’s look like no other car on the road?

  20. How about building a 2dr. cc coupe 4matic convertible. This car would be a home run for vw and i would buy one…

  21. a jetta coupe that looks like a bmw for half the price and put in a tdi diesel and am sold. vw should stay with there diesel ways.

  22. Build this car Volkswagen!!! Its the affordable version of an Audi A5. It would do fantastic in the American market! I don’t want a Honda, Hyundai, Dodge, Chevy 2 door ….I WANT THIS CAR! in Toffee with a manual 2.0T

  23. VW needs to build this car. We’ve been reading articles since 2009 about this car and VW has made no announcement on a true assembly or availability date. VW needs a car like this in their line up. Plus, it’s the affordable version of the A5. Build it!

  24. Build it, VW, but, please, not with the low-rent interior of the latter Jetta.

  25. Serious post… I’ve really really been looking at your personal blog page available for a few years and i also definitely prefer what we experience gained for it

  26. ITS A FREAKING A5! Jetta? A4… :/ Cost cutting just got worse.

  27. Hello! Very good job(this site)! Thank you man.

  28. Looks like Audi A5. If it’s a Jetta coupe, just make a GLI version of this and it’s a SUCCESS!!

  29. This was an outstanding learn i altogether fully grasp whereby you are coming from around the independence day part. Amazing put up, I’ll absolutely visit different web content.

  30. please build this car now

  31. Make it into a Jetta coupe so it is affordable, and I’ll buy it.

  32. Looks like an Audi from the side dont you think? but its cool! i like it.. since its all volkswagengroup they all look the same… this is how the golf 6 shouldve looked like (front lights, inside).

    A new VW Beetle Enthusiast.

Share a comment

Connect with Facebook

*