VOLKSWAGEN BAGS E-BRANDED TAG FOR CLASSIC NAMES
Volkswagen has applied to trademark a number of its classic model names with an ‘e’ prefix, indicating that they could receive electrified revivals.
Late in June, Volkswagen applied to register the e-samba name. In the following few weeks, the firm subsequently registered the names e-beetle, e-golf Classic, e-kübel and e-karmann.
The e-kübel is expected to refer to the Kübelwagen, a light military vehicle from the Second World War that Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess declared in 2017 he desired to resurrect as a zero-emissions utility model.
Although unconfirmed, it is expected that these trademarks don’t relate to reborn classics directly built by Volkswagen. Instead, they could concern projects commissioned for German company eclassics, a specialist in converting older models into modernised EVS.
Volkswagen backs eclassics, which already makes an electric version of the classic Beetle and the Type 2-based e-bulli.
The eclassics Beetle EV is sold in the UK through a partnership with Londonbased classic Volkswagen specialist Jack’s Garage. The outfit also plans to bring future eclassics models to the UK, including the e-bulli.
An agreement with Volkswagen’s in-house Group Components division means the electrified classics can be serviced and repaired at VW dealerships.
THE NEW KIA Sorento has been priced up for the UK. Available to order now from £38,845, the large SUV is initially available with only petrol-electric hybrid and diesel powertrains, before a plug-in hybrid comes later this year. All are four-wheel drive.
Entry-level 2 spec offers the hybrid only. This combines a turbocharged 1.6-litre fourcylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.49kwh battery pack for a combined 226bhp and 195lb ft of torque. It promises a 0-60mph time of 8.7sec and 40.9mpg.
Standard kit includes LED front and rear lights, seven seats, a digital instrument display, an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple Carplay phone mirroring and a substantial suite of active safety systems.
In addition to kit upgrades, 3 trim (from £41,245) gets a new 199bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This can do 0-60mph in 9.1sec and promises up to 42.2mpg, while its towing capacity is 2500kg.
The top-end 4 is hybrid only and costs from £46,495.