Fresh textures, colours and finishes: Mulliner extends personal commissioning options

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Latest Personal Commissioning Guides include new interior options New open pore wood veneers celebrate natural texture of fine wood Carbon fibre trim available in four new colour tints High-gloss piano veneer can match exterior finish or hide colour Centre console pinstripe veneers inspired by luxury yacht decking New ‘Wave’ metal technical finish for centre console Five natural Tweed fabrics offer texture and contrast Painted interior pinstripe matched to hide colours or exterior colours Anodised Bang & Olufsen speaker grilles available in eight colours, including new Kingfisher, Mandarin and Pillar Box Red (Crewe, 30 July 2025) Bentley expands its Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide with new open pore wood and tinted carbon fibre veneers. Now that one in four Bentleys leaves Crewe with Mulliner content, more owners than ever are taking the opportunity to bring their own dream Bentley to life via the Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide. The Mulliner team is always looking to extend the vast spectrum of choice available to Bentley customers by introducing new finishes, textures and colours, and the latest editions of the Guide for Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga include new options in textures, colours and finishes to make each Bentley an expression of its owner’s individual tastes and values. Natural grain and textureMulliner’s open pore veneers give interior surfaces a soft glow and tactile finish that invite driver and passengers to caress the natural wood surface. These veneers feature an ultra-thin matt lacquer which allows the natural grain and texture of the wood to be enjoyed with 90 per cent less lacquer than a high-gloss finish. The treatment brings out the full beauty of figured wood veneers such as Vavona, while another open pore veneer option, Liquid Amber, sets a cool, contemporary mood. A broader palette of choiceCarbon fibre interior trim creates a technical ambience. Now, in addition to the gloss black carbon fibre finish, Mulliner offers four coloured carbon fibre tints that showcase the flawless symmetry of the carbon weave beneath. The four colours – Damson, Kingfisher Blue, Imperial Blue and Cumbrian Green – give an extra dimension to an already striking material, to harmonise or contrast with other chosen cabin colours. Alternatively, a mirror-finish Piano Gloss to all the veneered surfaces can be matched to many of the colours in the standard, extended or Mulliner special paint ranges as well as the interior hide colours, giving well over 100 available shades. Whatever the chosen veneer, Mulliner offers the option of a hand-painted pinstripe that runs the length of the fascia and into the door waistrails. Again, this can be matched either to the exterior paint colour or hide colour of the customer’s choice. Inspired by luxury yachtsFor the front console, Mulliner’s latest range includes the option of pinstriped veneers including open pore wood or even one of the 100+ exterior paint colours offered today. These can be specified with a straight or chevron pattern. The finish was inspired by the decking of luxury yachts. Mulliner is also introducing Wave, a new technical finish in metal, as another option for the centre console. The pattern of intertwined ribbons gives a repeating wave effect, catching the light and creating a stunning focal point for the interior. Finishing touchesCustomers choosing the Bang & Olufsen for Bentley audio system can now choose from eight highlight colours for the anodised speaker grilles, including three new shades: Kingfisher, Pillar Box Red and Mandarin. Another recent introduction that leans on Bentley design tradition is the option of 18k gold ‘organ stop’ air vent controls with a tactile knurled finish. The latest guides include the option of Tweed door inserts in exclusive yarn colours, with a choice of five patterns: Cheltenham, Glen Plaid, Charcoal Herringbone, Sand Herringbone and Damson. Guidance and inspirationThe new Personal Commissioning Guides also feature Designer Suggestions, a curated set of recommended specifications from the Mulliner Design Team, that bring to life the many colour, trim and finish options on offer. With the Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide, and the guidance of a Mulliner Consultant or Bentley Retail Specialist, every Bentley owner can create a Continental GT, GT Convertible, Bentayga or Flying Spur that’s as distinctive as their personality, and as unique as a fingerprint. – ENDS – Notes to editorsFrom W.O. Bentley, who founded Bentley Motors in 1919, to the current team of over 4,000 dedicated colleagues, the company’s extraordinary cars have always been designed and built by exceptional people using only the finest of materials. From modest beginnings, Bentley has moved from strength to strength – in a relentless pursuit of both luxury and performance. W.O.’s vision continues to guide Bentley’s beliefs, actions and ambitions. Located in Crewe, England and owned by the Volkswagen Group since 1998, Bentley Motors remains the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the world’s most desirable high performance grand tourers. Bentley’s colleagues design, engineer and handcraft five bespoke models: Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations and engineering expertise is unique to Bentley. The luxury marque is creating a future driven by new technologies, materials, fuels and skills, in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the highest levels of luxury mobility are achieved with sustainable methods. The company’s Beyond100+ strategy promises to revolutionise the company to be exclusively electric from 2035. Mike SayerHead of Product Communicationsmike.sayer@bentley.co.uk+44(0)7507 846782 Jonathan SmedleyProduct Communications Managerjonathan.smedley@bentley.co.uk+44(0)7958 058427 Bentley Motors LtdPyms LaneCreweCW1 3PL www.bentleymedia.comcommunications@bentley.co.uk@BentleyComms@BentleyNewsroom

New 788 bhp supercharged Mustang Dark Horse launched by Clive Sutton

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. New ‘CS800 DH’ Mustang receives 788 horsepower output and 642 lb-ft torque Exclusive Sutton carbon fibre enhancements include huge rear wing, larger diffuser, distinctive double-sided bonnet, front splitter, side skirts Full interior retrim, including heated and cooling Recaro racing seats All upgrades maintain the full Ford Performance Warranty Images: New CS800DH – 788 bhp Mustang Dark Horse by Clive Sutton London, 30 July 2025 – London-based high-performance vehicle specialist, Clive Sutton, has launched the ‘CS800DH Mustang’ a 788 bhp version of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Featuring enhancements to the performance, handling, aerodynamics, plus the exterior and interior appearance, the new model is one of the most powerful and comprehensively enhanced new Mustangs available in the UK. The Clive Sutton team fit a Ford Performance 3.0L Whipple Supercharger to achieve a 76 percent increase in power output of the five-litre V8 engine, which grows from 447 bhp (453 PS) to 788 bhp (799 PS) at 6,700 rpm alongside 61 percent higher torque – 642 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. The CS800 DH also features all-new bespoke carbon fibre enhancements including a 1,580 mm-wide raised rear wing, larger diffuser, distinctive double-sided bonnet, front splitter, and side skirts. Clive Sutton, founder and CEO: “Our customers love the Mustang and consistently turn to us to unleash its full performance capability, alongside accessing our suite of distinctive exterior and interior enhancements. With 780 bhp, the full Ford Performance warranty, a glorious supercharger whine and our bespoke exhaust, there’s nothing like the CS800DH Mustang!” Boosting style, performance, and driving experience further, the Sutton team pair new Vossen wheels clad in Michelin Pilot 4S tires with lowered and stiffened suspension, and a Borla ATAK quad-tip exhaust system with custom H-pipe. Inside the cabin, driver engagement is enhanced with the addition of a MGW short-throw racing shifter. The team also installs adjustable racing Recaro sports seats with full heating and cooling functionality. Crucially, all the enhancements are made in line with the Ford Performance specifications and guidelines, meaning that the full three-year / 36,000-mile Ford Warranty remains in place, with the Sutton team adding their own three-year / 36,000-mile warranty to cover all their modifications. Additionally, all performance enhancements to the engine, exhaust, and suspension maintain full functionality with all factory drive modes and settings. Sutton’s team also transform the interior, offering customers the option to reupholster the entire car from headlining, seats and dash to door cards and steering wheel. Amplifying the bespoke finish, customers can opt for a broad spectrum of leather and Alcantara colours, in addition to swapping out the standard seats for racing Recaro seats. Where the base car has heating and cooling fitted, the Recaro seats pair seamlessly with the technology guaranteeing all-season comfort alongside high-performance support. The CS800DH Mustang by Clive Sutton is priced from £135,000-£165,000 and includes both a Ford Performance and Clive Sutton comprehensive three-year warranty on the vehicle and its enhancements. The new model will make its public debut at Salon Privé (Blenheim Palace, 27-31 August) alongside a new build ‘67 Mustang GT500CS, Sutton’s VIP Mercedes-Benz V-Class, and the latest 2025 Cadillac Escalade. Customers interested in the new Mustang or the rest of the Sutton high-performance and luxury range can call the London-based team on +44 (0)20 7483 6500 or visit CliveSutton.co.uk. SUTTON CS800DH SPECIFICATION Base model MY2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse CS800 Power Pack Whipple Supercharger Stage 1 (up to 788 bhp)Borla cat back – quad-tip exhaustSutton custom H-pipeMGW short-throw shifterCS800 Branding Pack Power 788 bhp (799 PS) at 6,700 rpm Torque 642 lb-ft (870 Nm) at 4,750 rpm Suspension Stiffer & lower MagneRide suspension system Wheels Bronze finish VOSSEN HF5 – 20X9.5-inch – RearBronze finish VOSSEN HF5 – 20X10.5-inch – Front Tires Rear Tyres – 295/35R20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 105Y M01Front Tyres – 275/35R20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 102Y GOE Exterior Carbon fibre front splitterCarbon fibre side skirtsCarbon fibre rear diffuserCarbon fibre raised rear wing (1,580 mm width)Carbon fibre double-sided bonnetCarbon fibre headlight surrounds Interior(optional) Ford racing Recaro sports seats with electric adjustment & heating / coolingFull interior retrim: Mustang centre console, gear shift gator and handbrake Alcantara headlining Door insert Seat conversion Dashboard face Steering wheel Carpet Package prices and contents are subject to change. Contact Clive Sutton for details. – Ends – ImagesFor images of the CS800DH Mustang by Clive Sutton, email communications[@]vcomm.co.uk or download here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qr6spz1wrmm960o52dns4/ANXFNfYsfa4q-SQjaCo0Da0?rlkey=1t3b993j3w5b0gxtqvt4e3qlg&st=khkiqp2o&dl=0 About Clive Sutton and Sutton Bespoke For almost 40 years, Clive Sutton has been at the forefront of the performance and luxury car industry. The business has nearly four decades of experience in providing UK buyers with the finest American and European vehicles alongside in-house tuning upgrades and custom enhancements. Clive Sutton has established a reputation for sourcing the finest cars, SUVs, and 4x4s for its discerning customers. It handles all import, taxation, and homologation requirements to bring its customers the most sought-after vehicles from global markets. Additionally, the team has official distribution rights for Shelby American, Superformance, and luxury LEVC taxis. Alongside its import and retail business, Clive Sutton has a Bespoke division, which creates luxury conversions of Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Sprinter people carriers, a unique VIP London Taxi through its official partnership with manufacturer LEVC, and high-performance builds of the iconic Ford Mustang. CliveSutton.co.uk Instagram: CliveSutton | Facebook: @clivesuttoncars | X: @CliveSutton | LinkedIn: Clive Sutton Cars | YouTube: Clive Sutton Media contact For further information, images or comment, contact the team at Vcomm:Jon.Visscher@vcomm.co.uk / Vcomm.co.uk+44 (0)7816 906 794

Renault Group appoints François Provost as Chief Executive Officer and Director

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Boulogne-Billancourt, July 30, 2025 – The Renault Group Board of Directors, meeting today under the chairmanship of Jean-Dominique Senard, decided, following recommendation from the Governance and Remuneration Committee, to appoint François Provost as Chief Executive Officer of Renault S.A. and Chairman of Renault s.a.s., effective July 31, for a term of four years. The Board also appointed François Provost as Director of Renault S.A. and Renault s.a.s.. Previously Chief Procurement, Partnerships and Public Affairs Officer, François Provost is an experienced executive with 23 years of service within the Group. With a strong international experience in both operational and strategic roles, an in-depth understanding of the sector’s challenges, and a strategic vision, François Provost has the qualities required to continue and accelerate the development of Renault Group. Furthermore, his attributes will ensure the continuity of the Group’s development, particularly internationally, and through partnerships, capitalise on its strategic agility, and maintain high performance standards, in full respect of the company’s values. At the conclusion of the Board of Directors meeting, Jean-Dominique Senard stated: “ I am confident that François Provost will lead the Group with discernment and determination in an environment that demands both rigor in execution, strategic vision, and the ability to innovate. In this rapidly changing industry, his determination and sense of responsibility will be true assets to guide the teams and sustain our momentum. At Renault Group, there is no place for the status quo . Thanks to his expertise and knowledge of the company, we will be able to complete the implementation of our strategic plan, finalise the terms of the next one, and ensure its successful execution. I sincerely look forward to working with him. I would also like to warmly thank Duncan Minto for serving as interim during these past few days.” On the occasion of his appointment, François Provost stated: “It is with pride and gratitude that I welcome my appointment. I would like to warmly thank my President, Jean-Dominique Senard, and the Board of Directors for the trust they have placed in me. I have a special thought for the teams across the Group who have supported me throughout these past 23 years. I will dedicate all my energy and passion to contributing – alongside our 100,000 employees, our dealers, suppliers, and partners – to the development of our Group, one of the flagships of French industry for the past 127 years. Renault Group benefits from strong fundamentals, with committed teams, an outstanding range of products, strong brands, and an innovative organisational model. These will be invaluable assets as we accelerate our transformation in an increasingly demanding environment for our industry. You can count on my commitment and determination to write the next page of our history together.” Renault Group will publish its half-year financial results tomorrow, Thursday, July 31. ENDS François ProvostBorn in 1968, François Provost is a graduate from the École Polytechnique and a Chief Engineer in the Corps des Mines. After beginning his career in senior public administration, he joined the Group in 2002. He has held various executive positions in France and across Europe, including serving as CEO of Renault-Nissan Portugal from 2005 to 2008. In 2010, his career took an international turn: he became Deputy CEO of Renault Russia in charge of operations and then served as Chairman and CEO of Renault Samsung Motors in Korea for five years. He then became Chief Operating Officer for China, followed by Asia-Pacific, and ultimately served as Head of International Development. In 2023, he joined the Group’s Leadership Team as Chief Procurement, Partnerships and Public Affairs Officer. From Lisbon to Seoul, via Moscow and Shanghai, he has grown into a strategic and experienced leader, playing a key role in establishing major partnerships with global players such as Nissan, Geely, and Aramco. RENAULT GROUP PRESS CONTACT Valérie Gillot+33 6 83 92 92 96valerie.gillot@renault.com Rie Yamane+33 6 03 16 35 20rie.yamane@renault.com RENAULT GROUPINVESTORS RELATIONS Philippine de Schonenphilippine.de-schonen@renault.com+33 6 13 45 68 39 About Renault GroupRenault Group is at the forefront of a mobility that is reinventing itself. The Group relies on the complementarity of its 4 brands – Renault, Dacia, Alpine, Mobilize – and offers sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to its customers. Established in 114 countries, Renault Group sold 2.265 million vehicles in 2024. It employs more than 98,000 people who embody its Purpose every day, so that mobility brings people closer. Ready to pursue challenges both on the road and in competition, the Group is committed to an ambitious and value-generating transformation focused on the development of new technologies and services, and a new range of even more competitive, balanced, and electrified vehicles. In line with environmental challenges, Renault Group’s ambition is to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040. More information : https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/

Ferrari Vetroresina takes the chequered flag at Hampson’s Oulton Park Gold Cup sale as Hampson’s drives to the head of the UK auction house pack

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. When the hammer fell for the final time at Hampson’s Oulton Park Gold Cup sale of performance, classic and supercars on Sunday 27, more than 80% of the 120 lots on offer drove off to new homes, resulting in a sale figure north of £1million. When combined with the equally impressive percentages from Hampson’s previous sales this year, the auction house is currently running at an average 84% sale rate in 2025 – significantly ahead of any other UK auction house. The chequered flag for the top seller at Oulton Park went to the rare right-hand-drive 1976 Ferrari 308 Vetroresina, which sold for £73,125. Second past the post was the 1978 Aston Martin V8 Oscar India. This had been offered at No Reserve and achieved £55,125. The third ‘podium place’ went to the 1989 Audi UR quattro 2.2 Turbo 10V with the sought-after ‘MB’ code engine, the successful bidder paying £40,500. In addition to the Aston Martin Oscar India, a further four of the top-ten sellers had been offered at No Reserve. These included the extensively enhanced 2014 Land Rover Defender 110XS (£34,312), a 1967 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Litre FHC (£32, 344), the track-ready 1981 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 in full period Rothmans livery (£30,375) and the 1934 Bentley 3½ Litre Special Sports Roadster, bespoke sports special, crafted from a classic Derby Bentley, which sold for £23,062. Hampson’s Managing Director Zach Hamilton said: “It’s great to get another strong sale under our belts this year and to be building a market-leading average sale percentage. It’s testament to our ever-increasing focus on offering high-quality vehicles across the price spectrum, and I’m delighted that we had such a busy, well supported sale. My personal favourite lot was the 1994 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9. This quintessential hot hatch boasted power steering and air conditioning – both highly desirable in this model – and it’s not surprising that the bidding was brisk, powering past the £17,000 top estimate to achieve an amazing £20,812. “In addition to our strong sale percentage for our physical sales, I’m also thrilled at how well our online timed sale offering – Hampson Marketplace – is going since we introduced it at the start of this year. In particular it seems to have caught the imagination of the motorcycle world, rapidly establishing itself as a popular outlet for bikes. “Marketplace sales also generate funds for The Joshua Tree charity, which provides bespoke support for children and their families affected by childhood cancer, and the motorcycle community is renowned for its support for children’s charities in particular, so that might be one of the reasons they are turning to Hampson Marketplace. We’ve raised more than £2,500 this year for the charity through the online sales and look forward to raising more. And we were hugely excited when it was announced earlier this month that The Joshua Tree will be the focus of the BBC’s DIY SOS Children in Need Special in September, with Nick Knowles and his team heading to Cheshire to extend the charity’s present building. The Hampson team will be following the progress of this epic, 10-day build, which will be covered by BBC One’s Morning Live programme throughout.” Full results of Hampson’s Oulton Park sale can be found at hampsonauctions.com. Hampson’s next physical auction will be at Bolesworth Castle on Sunday 28th September 2025, while the next Hampson Marketplace online timed sale goes live on Friday 22nd August. Ends For images, please see Dropbox. For further press information please contact:Karen Coekaren@hampsonauctions.com +44 (0)7540 725821

Number of new convertible model options halved compared to 2000

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. CarGurus’ latest annual Convertibles Report reveals there are just 16 new convertibles from the UK’s top 30 car manufacturers1, a drop of almost 50% since 2000 As of 2025, nearly 70% of the U.K.’s top 30 automotive brands do not make a convertible Analysis from the last 25 years shows the biggest drop in available models occurred over the last five years, falling 49% compared to 2020 In 2025, there are two electric vehicle options from the most popular manufacturers The used car market continues to offer a wide selection of soft top options, with CarGurus sharing a guide to the best new and used convertible cars in 2025 Open-top driving is increasingly becoming a rarity for U.K. drivers as the number of new convertible model options has dropped by nearly 50% since 2000 — a 20-year low after peaking in 2005. Results from the latest annual Convertibles Report by CarGurus — a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles — reveal that consumers only have the choice of 16 new convertible model options from the U.K.’s top 30 manufacturers1, This represents a decrease of 48% compared to 31 in 2000. The greatest drop in available models occurred in the last five years, showing a decline of 45% from the 29 options available in 2020. Even in the past 12 months, the body style has experienced an almost 28% decline, dropping from a choice of 22 cars to today’s 16. CarGurus’ research also revealed that in 2025, only 10 manufacturers still offer convertibles as part of their model ranges, compared to 15 in 2000 and 23 in 2005, the height of selection. Now 68% of the nation’s most popular car makers don’t include this body style in their new model lineup. The brands with convertible models in their current range are BMW, Fiat, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, MG, Mini, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Of these, just five have consistently offered a soft top to customers over the last 25 years — BMW, Mazda, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen. In the last 12 months, Audi has ceased offering any convertibles as part of its range. The brand’s flagship model, the R8 Spyder, had been on sale for 16 years. Predated only by the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, the Mazda MX-5 is the longest-standing affordable convertible still on sale in the U.K., having been around since 1990. BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen have included at least one convertible as part of their model range for decades. More recently, BMW has offered them via the ‘Z’ range of cars, starting with the Z1 in 1989, and has consistently offered a convertible since the unveiling of the Z3 in 1995. While Porsche is synonymous with the convertible, its 911 Cabriolet and Boxster models have had an enduring presence since the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. Of the 16 convertibles from the top 30 manufacturers in the U.K., two of them are electric vehicles (at the time of writing): the MG Cyberster and the Fiat 500e C. Outside of these top 30 car makers other electric convertibles include the Abarth 500e and Maserati GranCabrio Folgore. Chris Knapman, CarGurus U.K. Editorial Director, said: “Our latest annual Convertibles Report highlights more than just a drop in new car model selection. It reflects a wider shift in the automotive landscape towards SUVs. As evidence of this, note that while the number of new convertibles on sale has fallen by 45% since 2020, the number of new SUVs and crossovers has grown by a staggering 543%. “Thankfully, the new models that are still available in soft top form are of a very high calibre and cover a fairly broad range, from the electric Fiat 500e C city car through to more traditional sports cars such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Plus, of course, the used car market remains a rich ground for soft top motoring, with our top picks such as the Mazda MX-5 starting from less than £5,000.” On the CarGurus platform, there are thousands of used convertible models to choose from. Current listings range from value options priced from approximately £1,000, to premium used models in the hundreds of thousands. For motorists looking for guidance when choosing a convertible, CarGurus has published a guide to the best new and used convertible cars in 2025. The Best New and Used Convertibles to Buy in 2025 Fiat 500: The electric fashionista Jaguar XK: The suave sophisticate Mazda MX-5: The affordable roadster Bentley Continental GTC: The lottery win convertible Audi A3 Cabriolet: The family-friendly fuel saver Saab 900 Convertible: The Scandi style icon Porsche Boxster: The thoroughbred sports car Ford Focus CC: The bargain basement drop-top Mercedes-Benz SL: The rock star car MINI Convertible: The fun urban cruiser Audi R8 Spyder: The everyday supercar Triumph Spitfire: The affordable classic 30 TOP BRANDS IN THE U.K. CONVERTIBLES 2000 CONVERTIBLES 2005 CONVERTIBLES 2010 CONVERTIBLES 2015 CONVERTIBLES 2020 CONVERTIBLES 2025 AUDI 2 3 5 7 6 – BMW 3 4 5 6 6 5 CITROEN 0 1 1 1 – – DACIA 0 – – – – – FIAT 0 – 1 1 1 1 FORD 0 1 1 1 1 1 HONDA 1 1 – – – – HYUNDAI 0 – – – – – JAGUAR 1 1 1 2 1 – JEEP 0 1 1 1 1 1 KIA 0 – – – – – LAND ROVER 0 1 – – – – LEXUS 0 1 1 – – – MAZDA 1 1 1 1 1 1 MERCEDES 3 4 3 3 6 2 MG 1 1 1 – – 1 MINI 0 1 – 2 1 1 MITSUBISHI 0 – – – – – NISSAN 0 2 1 1 – – PEUGEOT 1 2 2 1 – – PORSCHE 2 2 2 3 3 2 RENAULT 1 1 2 1 – – SEAT 0 – – – – – SKODA 0 – – – – – SMART 0 2 1 1…

New Volkswagen Passat eHybrid Match and Black Edition trims available to order from 14 August

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Match and Black Edition eHybrids replace Life and R-Line eHybrids Newcomers have extra features worth up to £4,905 at no extra cost Multi-award-winning Passat now in its 53rd year of production across nine generations Milton Keynes – The multi-award-winning Volkswagen Passat can be ordered in two new eHybrid trim levels from Thursday 14 August: Match and Black Edition. These value-focused newcomers replace the Passat Life and R-Line eHybrids and come with more features than the outgoing variants at no extra cost. Monthly payments, for any customers funding their purchases with Volkswagen Financial Services, could also be lower as a result of enhanced residual values for the new trims (subject to terms). All Passat eHybrids are already packed with attractive and useful features as standard. These include wireless phone charging and multiple charging ports for devices, digital radio and IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration, massage seats, Park Assist Plus with memory feature, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and a host of safety systems including advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor. The new Match and Black Edition eHybrid models bring with them plenty more equipment for no extra outlay. Additional features in the Match compared with the outgoing Life trim, which would normally cost £3,890 if ordered as options, are: Metallic paint IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights Tinted glass (65 per cent) in rear windows Assistance pack including area view and emergency assist Additional features in the Black Edition compared with the outgoing R-Line trim, which would normally cost £4,905 if ordered as options, are: Metallic paint 19-inch Leeds alloy wheels Panoramic sunroof Privacy glass (90 per cent) in rear windows Winter package including heated front and rear seats Head-up display and 15-inch infotainment screen Assistance pack including area view and emergency assist Both new trims come with a 1.5 TSI 204 PS hybrid-petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG); the new Black Edition eHybrid can also be ordered with a more powerful 272 PS version of the same engine, again with a six-speed DSG. The 19.7 kWh (net) battery in all Passat eHybrids offers ranges of 83 and 77 miles with the 204 PS and 272 PS engines respectively (WLTP combined) – more than enough to cover daily drives for the vast majority of motorists. The battery can be topped up from five to 80 per cent capacity in just 26 minutes with up to 40 kW of DC electricity at public chargers. The new Passat Match eHybrid is priced £44,555; the new Black Edition eHybrids are £48,900 and £51,420 for the 204 PS and 272 PS versions respectively (all on-the-road recommended retail prices including VAT). Passat Life and R-Line trims with petrol engines remain available to order. The ever-popular Volkswagen Passat has been in production for 53 years, and the latest ninth-generation version has won a host of awards since it was unveiled in 2023. This year alone it was named Estate of the Year and Tow Car of the Year at the 2025 What Car? New Car Awards, where it also earned the Safety Award following extensive testing by Thatcham Research. Volkswagen itself is the biggest-selling brand for new cars in the UK – a position it has held for the past four years. A total of 166,304 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2024 (source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders). (ends) Press contact Volkswagen (UK) Press TeamMike Orford 07467 442062Grant McPherson 07774 684222Trevor Rickwood 07407 826649Nicki Divey 07802 248310 Volkswagen Press and PRVolkswagen (UK)Yeomans DriveBlakelandsMilton KeynesMK14 5AN www.vwpress.co.uk VW25037 TR/rp/mo About the Volkswagen brand: A total of 166,304 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This equated to a market share of 8.52 per cent, matching the brand’s market share in 2023, and made Volkswagen the UK’s best-selling new-car brand for the fourth year running. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence, producing vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries, and employs 170,000 people. In 2024, Volkswagen delivered around 4.80 million vehicles worldwide. These included bestsellers such as the Polo, T-Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat, as well as the successful all-electric ID. models. Volkswagen handed over about 383,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide in 2024 and, with its ACCELERATE strategy, is consistently advancing its ambition to become the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility.