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  • Volkswagen Polo GTI launched in Sepang – Mk5 looks set to win lots of new friends

    In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By / / 175 comments

    Volkswagen Group Malaysia today launched the Polo GTI at the Sepang International Circuit, in conjunction with the Scirocco R-Cup one-make race taking place there over the weekend. The Mk5 arrives in both three-door and five-door form, with both variants sharing common specifications and features.

    The twin-charged 1.4 litre TSI unit that equips the car offers 180 PS (or 178 hp, if you will) at 6,200 rpm and 250 Nm at 2,000-4,500 rpm, and the Mk5 gets a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox transmission – with an XDS electronic transverse differential lock – as standard. Performance specs for the 1,269 kg hatch include a 6.9 seconds 0-100 kph time as well as a 229 kph top speed.

    While the power output is 30 PS more than that offered by the 1.8 litre turbo mill on its predecessor, VW is playing up the Mk5′s frugalness in consuming less fuel even with that substantial increase in zip, with the car managing a claimed 5.9 litres per 100 km compared to the Mk4′s 7.9 litres per 100 km, an improvement of 24%.

    There’s the usual mix of ABS, EBD and ESP, as well as hill-hold control, and the GTI comes with a sports suspension and 17-inch Detroit alloys, wrapped with 215/40 series Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE001 rubbers. Features include bi-xenon headlights (the GTI is the first Polo to wear them) with cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and corner marker lights as well as a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof.

    Inside the cabin, you get sports seats dressed in the familiar GTI tartan design (called Jacky, if you must know), and items such as electro-hydraulic power steering, electric windows, rain sensor, central locking, driver seat height adjustment, green tinted insulated glass.

    Also on, cruise control, rear park distance control (PDC), a leather-wrapped multi-function three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shift and a RCD 310 radio/CD/MP3 player with USB/iPod/AUX-In connectivity.

    In terms of safety features, the car comes equipped with combined head-thorax side airbags and twin front airbags, belt tensioners, belt tension limiters plus belt warning, head restraints designed to avoid whiplash trauma (each in front) as well as Isofix points on the rear bench seat.

    There are six different colours to choose from, these being Candy White, Flash Red and Black as solid shades, Reflex Silver and Shadow Blue as metallic colours and Deep Black with a pearl effect.

    Of these, the white, red and silver were the shades worn by the test mules that were serving on track as part of the launch and drive experience. I can’t, however, tell you what the Polo GTI feels like on track (no groans, please); my counterpart from Autocar Asean and I were supposed to be the last two out, but by the time it was to be our turn, the track closed for race practice.

    What I can tell you is how the Polo GTI feels out on the road, albeit briefly – arrangements were made to get us both out for a short blast around the ‘hood. It turned out to be a pretty decent session; the weather had just begin to take a turn for the worse, but the roads just around the circuit gave enough space and length to stretch the car’s legs, with a good mix of sweepers and wide-ish corners.

    There’s a decent amount of poke from the get go, and with the slippery conditions permeating there was even a chance to get torque steer going initially, standing on it. Managing to get up to speeds of 150 kph on the back roads, the car felt lively and willing to go. The steering feels nicely weighted, with turn-in crisp and rapid, and those who revel in information coming off the wheel will quite like this one.

    Handling-wise, the car’s articulate character shines, and responds to ruffian behaviour like it loves it. Like its bigger Golf sibling, this one makes average drivers feel more accomplished than they are, and rewards better ones. Grip levels are high, and in-corner composure (and follow-through) is very poised when the car is set up cleanly. Nimble is the word that springs to mind.

    All this ability to deliver such thuggery is tempered by the suggestion from the course terrain chosen that the Polo’s suspension is, for want of a better word, unyielding. The firm quality coming off it has great appeal (I love it for what it accomplishes), but you’ll have to savour the ruts and dips with equal passion, especially if you’re bombing along at speed. It got a bit hairy once during the run, but on the whole affects passenger comfort more than the car’s disposition.

    Arguably, the person who buys a Polo GTI isn’t going to tick compliance in the boxes, but daily use might turn out to be an interesting affair, based on the initial take – the full session with the car when it comes should answer things better.

    Based on the brief impressions, the Mk5 is looking like every bit the pocket rocket it’s suggested to be though. At RM132,888 for the three-door and RM135,888 for the five-door variant, you can imagine this one doing very well, and the three-door looks quite likely to be the kitten chosen by those who so want to take one home.

    Gallery of Sepang launch photos after the jump.
    Read more ›

     

  • Volkswagen Polo GTI brochure uploaded on microsite

    In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By / / 66 comments

    UPDATE: Volkswagen Polo GTI launched in Sepang – read our full launch story.

    Check it out (there’s a full screen view) – Volkswagen has uploaded the brochure for the upcoming Volkswagen Polo GTI on its Volkswagen Das Auto Show Bukit Jalil event microsite. We’re not sure if this is the finalized specs but from what we can see, the are both 3-door and 5-door bodies listed – does this mean you’ll be able to get the Polo GTI in both 3 door and 5 door versions?

    Other specs listed include an 180 PS 1.4 litre TSI engine, a 7-speed DSG gearbox, cruise control, RCD 310 audio with MP3 and USB support, sports seats, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 17 inch Detroit style wheels with 215/40R17 tyres, a sunroof, 6 airbags, ESP stability control, XDS electronic differential, and rain sensor wipers.

    The Volkswagen Das Auto Show is a big event in Bukit Jalil where the public will be able to learn more about the brand as well as its car offerings and the technologies employed such as TSI engine downsizing and DSG dual clutch transmissions.

    Volkswagen sells cars with premium price tags so far – cars like the popular Golf GTI and Passat CC. When the CKD cars are launched, entry into the brand is going to become more affordable so this a good move for Volkswagen to get the general public familiarized.

     

  • Volkswagen up! due out in Europe in December – three versions and two engine output choices at launch

    In Cars, International News, Volkswagen / By / / 76 comments

    Volkswagen’s new small car, the up!, will be launched in Europe in December. At point of entry, there will be three versions to cater for different budgets and needs – the take up! is the entry-level car, move up! the comfort-oriented one and high up! the top of the range version. The market launch will also see two independent models based on the high up!, these being the up! black and the up! white.

    The new car will also see the debut of a new three-cylinder 1.0 litre petrol engine, initially in two output guises, these being 60 PS and 75 PS. In its BlueMotion Technology form, with a Stop/Start system, the up! promises 4.2 l per 100 km (60 PS) and 4.3 l per 100 km (75 PS) in fuel consumption.

    As it goes along, a natural gas engine with 68 PS with the same basic configuration is set to follow, and there are also definite plans for an up! with an electric drive to be introduced in 2013.

    Smaller than the Polo, the up! is very much catered for urban use, with a maximum utilisation of space being the operative word. At 3.54 m long, 1.64 m wide and 1.48 m tall, the company says that the up! is one of the smallest four-seat cars around, but with conspicuously short body overhangs and a very long wheelbase (2.42 m) the car has a body layout that fully utilises the space available in the new design.

    The long wheelbase, combined with an engine that is mounted well forward, means that the interior is decently sizeable – the car seats four comfortably, with 251 litres of boot space left over. With the rear seat fully folded, cargo space increases to 951 litres.

    The cabin will be cleanly laid-out, and Veedub says that the interior will offer numerous clever and detailed solutions, fun styling and a level of quality that will “enhance the market segment.” Depending on the equipment line, either decor paint or one of the five body colours available for the car will be used in the interior.

    Features will include what is called a Dash Pad, an instrument pad extending crosswise in front of the driver and front passenger. Elsewhere, a maps + more system will be offered, as part of a mobile Portable Infotainment Device (PID). The user simply snaps the PID into place above the centre console, and navigation, telephone and infotainment can now be controlled and viewed via the PID touchscreen.

    The touchscreen can also be used to view important vehicle information, such as the visual display of the ParkPilot, which controls the car’s distance to the next vehicle. Apps specially developed for the up! also let users extend maps + more to meet their specific needs.

    In terms of customisation, optional features include up! boxes, which are box sets for shopping, long trips or for children on board. There’s the “kid box”, for example, which is designed for parents with small children – it includes a bag for the thousand small items that are essential with small children, as well as a toy to cuddle and a lunch box for the obligatory snacks. Other up! boxes will be called the “city box” and the “travel box.”

    Elsewhere, among the other items on the options list for the car is City Emergency Braking, which features automatic braking intervention. Automatically active at speeds under 30 km/h, the system utilises a laser sensor to detect the risk of an imminent collision. VW says the up! is the only vehicle in the segment to be offered with an emergency braking function for city driving.
    Read more ›

     

  • CKD assembly of Volkswagens to start by November 2011

    In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By / / 101 comments

    Last year, the news of Volkswagen working with DRB-Hicom to locally assemble VW models got many excited. Back then, they said that three models were earmarked for CKD assembly at DRB’s Pekan plant, and production will start from 2012 onwards. We’re nearer to that date now, and it has been revealed that things are right on schedule.

    Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at a breaking of fast function with DRB-Hicom employees, said that the Pekan plant will start assembling Volkswagens starting in October or November, and the initial batch will be 200 units.

    “The first batch from the Pekan plant will test the response of the local market for the model, a number of which, according to plans, will be exported to Asean countries,” he told the crowd at the Sri Maulana Mosque in Pekan, which included DRB-Hicom MD Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil. Najib is the MP for Pekan.

    It is understood that the first batch mentioned will be the D-segment VW Passat, which should be officially launched early next year. The next model is likely to be the Jetta, which is a sedan variant of the Golf. The Polo Sedan, a.k.a. Vento in some markets, has also been spotted testing here.

    There’s a huge appetite for more affordable Volkswagens, and the launch of the CKD models are highly anticipated. How much do you think they’ll cost?

    But before all that, Volkswagen is all set to launch the Polo GTI, which has already been spotted in KL. It’ll happen this week in Sepang, as hinted by VW’s Scirocco R Cup ad captured above. Stay tuned!

     

  • New Volkswagen Polo GTI snapped at a VW dealership!

    In Cars, Volkswagen / By / / 174 comments

    UPDATE: Volkswagen Polo GTI launched in Sepang – read our full launch story.

    It looks like the Volkswagen Polo GTI is already in Malaysia, so I suppose we can expect a launch very very soon. This Polo GTI with its protective layers still unremoved was snapped at Volkswagen Jalan Ipoh by reader Mansor J, who uploaded it onto our Facebook fan page.

    This new high-performance version of the Volkswagen Polo has a twin-charged (supercharger + turbocharger) 1.4 litre TSI inline-4 engine under its hood which is able to crank out 178 horsepower at 6,200 revs and 249Nm of torque from as low as 2,000 revs. It’s mated to a 7-speed twin clutch DSG gearbox.

    Wonder how much the Polo GTI will be priced at? The last generation Polo GTI was officially priced at RM138,888. Wonder if the new Polo GTI will receive a similar price tag. The current generation Polo 1.2 TSI goes for RM108,888.

    While you wait for the launch, we have some stories for you to catch up on – 1) Polo 1.2 TSI test drive review and 2) previous generation Polo GTI test drive review.

     

  • Suzuki now looking to expand ties with Fiat

    In Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen / By / / 4 comments

    In further news that is surely telling about the current climate of that particular relationship, Suzuki is eyeing deeper ties with Fiat as its frustration with Volkswagen grows, reports say.

    Automobilwoche reports that a senior Suzuki executive, who was unnamed, told the German weekly that the cooperation with Fiat has been going well in a climate of mutual trust for years. “It is perfectly imaginable that a strengthened partnership would be beneficial to both parties. On the other hand, our cooperation with Volkswagen is still being reviewed,” he said.

    Back in May, Corriere della Sera, an Italian daily, reported that a secret meeting took place between Fiat and Suzuki executives in Italy.

    Meanwhile, Hans Demant, who is in charge of international cooperation at VW, said both automakers were two independent companies with different economic models. “As a result, cooperation should be developed with caution. It is unfortunately taking a little longer than what had been initially planned,” he was quouted as telling Automobilwoche.

     

  • Suzuki unhappy with Volkswagen’s attitude in partnership

    In Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen / By / / 25 comments

    According to a report, Suzuki isn’t very pleased with Volkswagen’s attitude in the partnership the two companies formed at the end of 2009. The tie-up was planned to give Wolfsburg an inside track into Suzuki’s small-car technology, and for Suzuki to access VW’s hybrid and a host of next-gen tech that it had no means financially to develop on its own.

    Suzuki’s CEO Osamu Suzuki had insisted back then that the alliance would be formed on an equal basis, limiting VW’s stake in the Japanese automaker to 19.9% and stating it would pay the equivalent value to buy VW’s shares.

    Now, cracks in the relationship have come about. Reuters reports that the Japanese automaker isn’t chuffed by its German partner’s claim that it could wield great influence over Suzuki’s management, something that was stated in VW’s annual report to shareholders, no less.

    Suzuki’s executive vice-president Yasuhito Harayama told reporters in Japan just who is in charge of Suzuki’s relations with VW. “It was made very clear when we tied up with Volkswagen that we did not want to become consolidated, and that we would remain independent,” he said.

    “We feel we need to return to the starting point, including over the ownership ratio. The understanding that we are independent companies, and equal partners, is the absolute prerequisite in pursuing any specific cooperation.”

    Harayama added that Suzuki will continue to pursue operational relationships with a wide range of companies, while holding back on any projects with VW until the two parties are able to reaffirm their initial understanding. “Right now, there is no specific joint development project going on with Volkswagen,” he stated.

    Last month, Suzuki announced a deal to buy 1.6 litre diesel engines from Fiat, a deal that the company says proves it can do without VW.

    Update: Further reports coming about say that Volkswagen, in response to Harayama’s comments, has said it would not encroach on Suzuki’s autonomy.

    “Volkswagen and Suzuki are and will remain two independent companies. No increase of Volkswagen’s Suzuki stake has been agreed upon,” Hans Demant, who is in charge of the alliance at VW, told Reuters through comments provided by his spokesman,

    The rift isn’t that trivial sounding. As an analyst puts it, “Japanese managers do not readily criticise publicly, so the fact that in this case they have shows that there really is a problem.”
    Whether it means the end of a long-term working partnership between the two companies remains to be seen.

     

  • Volkswagen Eos facelift now available – RM257,888

    In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By / / 43 comments

    We’ve just noticed the new facelifted Volkswagen Eos has appeared on Volkswagen Group Malaysia’s website. For the facelift, Volkswagen has updated the Eos with Volkswagen’s latest family looks, clearly linking the Eos to its solid roofed Mk6 Golf stablemate, while the pre-facelift looked like a convertible Mk5 Golf.

    The Eos is a “coupe-cabriolet” in the sense that it has a convertible metal roof and not a cloth roof like the other Golf-based open top in the Volkswagen family, the Golf Cabriolet. The metal roof folds down in 25 seconds and is operated by a switch in the center console. The roof incorporates a tilt/slide sunroof, so there’s an option to just use that or go completely topless. VW says that this arrangement is a world’s first.

    Peak power for the 2.0 litre TSI direct injection turbo 4-cylinder engine is now 210 PS between 5,300 to 6,200rpm, compared to 200 PS between 5,100rpm to 6,000rpm in the pre-facelift Eos. Peak torque remains at 280Nm, but kicks in 100rpm lower at 1,700rpm and stays steady up to 5,200rpm – 200rpm longer than before. This engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG twin clutch transmission.

    The updated front end also now features integrated LED daytime running lights to complement the bi-xenon headlamps.

    Other changes to the equipment level include an RNS510 Navigation system with TFT display, touch screen, 30-GB hard disk, SD card reader, DVD drive (previously only RCD510 radio/CD player), 18-inch “Chicago” alloy wheels from Volkswagen Exclusive (previously 17in “Westwood” alloys), 235/40 R18 self-sealing Mobility tires (previously 235/45 R17s), Napa heat reflective “cool leather” upholstery (especially useful for a convertible in sunny Malaysia), and a multi-function display “Premium” with multi-color display (previously white backlit). The price has gone up abit – now available for RM257,888, up from the pre-facelift price tag of RM249,888.

    Look after the jump for a full gallery of the Eos facelift. There’s also a brochure with a specs sheet embedded so perhaps sharp eyed readers can tell us what equipment has changed from the pre-facelift Eos.
    Read more ›

     

  • VW buys 55.9% stake in MAN, aims for Daimler’s top spot

    In International News, Volkswagen / By / / 27 comments

    Volkswagen wants to be the world’s largest carmaker by 2015, selling 10 million cars in the process. But it now looks like the German company has similar ambitions in the truck market. Last week saw VW finalise the purchase of a majority stake in MAN, the truck and bus company from Munich.

    The 55.9% majority stake allows VW to determine seats on the supervisory board, and this could be a fast way to accelerate cooperation between MAN and Swedish truck brand Scania, which VW already owns.

    Between them, Scania and MAN produced 172,000 trucks (above six tonnes in weight) in 2010, compared with Daimler’s 274,000 units. Three pointed star trucks account for about 10% of global truck output. With 171,000 units, Volvo holds 6.2%, according to data from IHS Global Insight. It won’t take a genius to guess that Euro truck leadership is what VW is gunning for.

    “Volkswagen is more than pleased with the result. As a result, our objective of realising substantial synergies between MAN, Scania and Volkswagen in the interest of all shareholders, employees and customers is moving closer,” said Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn.

    Who’s next to be gobbled up?

     

  • Volkswagen Golf24: 450 hp beast set to take on Nürburgring

    In Cars, International News, Motorsports, Volkswagen / By / / 8 comments


    Click to enlarge

    Volkswagen is set to challenge for honours at this coming weekend’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, with no less than five factory-fielded VW Motorsport entries. Leading the charge are three 450 hp Golf24 cars, a thoroughbred racing version of the world’s highest-volume production car.


    Click to enlarge

    Powered by a 450 hp 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the four-wheel drive Golf24 features a sequential six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters and wears a rather spectacular body shell.


    Click to enlarge

    The three cars will be piloted by an assortment of drivers, ranging from seasoned Nordschleife drivers such as Peter Terting and Patrick Simon, ex-Formula 1 veterans Johnny Herbert and Mark Blundell right through to the likes of Volkswagen junior René Rast and DTM rookie Edoardo Mortara.


    Click to enlarge

    The two other VW factory cars are 330 hp Scirocco GT24-CNG versions, which will contest for honours in the class for vehicles with alternative powertrains. Of note is the three-man crew for one of the vehicles – Nasser Al-Attiyah, Carlos Sainz, Giniel de Villiers, the three Dakar Champions from 2009, 2010 and 2011, who will take on the Nordschleife together in a blue and orange Scirocco GT24-CNG. They will be joined by former DTM racer Klaus Niedzwiedz, who will be the fourth driver for both Sciroccos.

     
 
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