Beijing (dpa) – The new Volkswagen Lavida, based on the Passat, made its debut at the China Motor Show with a completely restyled body reflecting the current VW design.

The Lavida is being offered in three engine versions and four equipment lines. The base version already comes equipped with such standard safety features as ABS, ESP and front air bags.

According to VW, the Lavida is designed to specifically meet the needs of Chinese consumers and aimed at strengthening the car maker’s position at the top of the highest A-segment on the Chinese market.

VW also upgraded its best-selling Tiguan SUV for Chinese customers. R-line packs were conceptualised for the exterior and interior based on the dynamic ”Track & Style” equipment version.

Especially prominent features are the R-Design bumpers and dynamic 19-inch alloy wheels.

Wolfsburg, Germany (dpa) – The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, a crossover between a passenger car and Sports Utility Vehicle, is now available at European dealers featuring an off-road programme previously only available in the Tiguan and Touareg, the carmaker said.

The Alltrack sets itself apart from the standard model with 17-inch alloy wheels, matte chrome window surrounds, door mirror housings and radiator grille, silver roof rails, underbody protection, fog lights and the ‘Alltrack’ signatures at the front and rear.

The engine line-up includes two turbocharged TSI engines with 118 kW/160 hp and 155 kW/210 hp and two TDI engines that produce 103 kW/140 hp and 125 kW/170 hp. Both TDIs are BlueMotion Technology versions with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration.

The models with the most powerful engine versions are equipped with permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive and DSG as standard; Volkswagen offers all-wheel drive as an option for the Passat Alltrack with the 140 PS TDI.

Kia Motors America today rolls out the first all-new special edition for the Soul model line, the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul’s cutting edge style and youthful, fun character. Matched with impressive fuel economy and safety features standard on all models, the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.

“Denim Soul incorporates edginess and confidence,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “It illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that’s been in the marketplace only a few months, and it’s the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul.”

Exclusive to the Denim Soul is a unique denim exterior color, striking white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a bold off-set white racing stripe completing the rally-inspired look.

The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof and fog lights all included for this special edition.

The special edition Denim Soul starts at $17,300 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $18,250 with an automatic.

Press