Archives for posts with tag: volkswagen

Test: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

August 31, 2012 //
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ODDSPOT: 1m+ New Beetles found owners around the world from the 1998 launch to the final build 12 years later
 
Bigger and better, the Golf-influenced New Beetle deserves its broader appeal. NEIL DOWLING reports from Berlin. July 2011

THE world is catching the bug again. Volkswagen has gone viral, rebounding with a new New Beetle that, despite a silhouette dating from pre-war Germany, is fresh and very unlike its predecessor.
It’s a changed car because it is aimed at all markets, all ages and more pertinent, at both sexes. VW says 66 per cent of previous Beetle buyers were female and now expects a 50:50 split. The outgoing New Beetle was successful, but very specifically in the US market. It was coolly received in Europe in comparison to the Mini.
What is new is that it is now much closer in engineering to the Golf. That immediately makes it a better drive
and allows VW to share components and so reduce
the price.

VALUE: Clearly, VW has Mini in its sights, but the Beetle also fires at Citroen’s DS3 and intrudes into premium Euro coupes such as those from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Given European pricing and that of rivals, the Beetle is likely to be $25,000 (1.2-litre) to $42,000 (2.0-litre GTI). The DS3 is about $35,000; the BMW 120i Coupe $53,000; and the Mini Cooper S about $50,000.
But — and it’s a big but — the Beetle is very well equipped (judging by Euro-spec models) and quality of the Mexican-built bubble is almost up to German standards. Letdowns include the dashboard of hard plastic.

DESIGN: Iconic. It’s a total change from the old New Beetle. It grows in length and wheelbase and width and track, but is lower and has a flatter roofline. Things reminiscent of the 20th Century Beetle are subtle but visible — protruding lower sills that look like running boards; big, round headlights (now the only VW with these); no discernible grille; and on the inside, a glovebox styled on the 1960s model (there are actually two gloveboxes) and a sling grip on the door pillars.
There is more room — four adults can fit and the boot is almost three times the size of the older model — and better access, including the now frameless glass on the doors and a wider hatch. The vase for the flower has gone but may return as an option.

TECHNOLOGY: It’s all Golf under the body, with a 50mm slice taken out of the platform. Components are shared across the VW brand and the VW Group. The front-wheel drive gets engines from 1.2-litre to the detuned GTI 2.0-litre turbo engine
with 147kW.
Carsguide only drove the 147kW with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Australia may get two petrols and one diesel and maybe miss out completely on a manual transmission. The rear suspension is tuned to the Beetle and is an upgraded version of the Golf unit. Steering is electric-hydraulic.
Crazy but despite all this, the most memorable feature is the subtle sound of the exhaust that has been artificially tuned — by way of a sound amplifier up against the firewall — to resemble the offbeat pulse of the old air-cooled engine.

SAFETY: Volkswagen claims a Euro-NCAP five-star crash rating, six airbags and stability and traction control, following the lead of the Golf.

DRIVING: The driving position immediately feels like the perfection of the Golf. Gone is the enormous distance from the driver to the windscreen of the outgoing model.
The controls fall to hand easier and the instruments and switches are better placed. The engine note is very quiet — better at cruising speed — and when off the throttle, that artificial air-cooled chuff-chuff becomes a muted backdrop. In 147kW guise it’s a quick car.
The six-speed DSG — not seven-speed — can be manually operated by the gearshift. Paddle shifters are optional. The most impressive change is the handling. The wide track — up 63mm at the front and 49mm at the rear — just grips the road so tightly that it feels glued to the bends.
Ride comfort tends to firm. The optional sports suspension felt equally competent through the corners as the standard set-up but choppier over mid-corner bumps.
Wheel choice is critical and the 18-inchers are probably the best for enthusiasts. City drivers wanting more comfort should go for the 17-inch wheels. Visibility is its weak point and park sensors are an advised option, unless they become standard spec.

VERDICT: TIt’s a hard car to fault because it sits in a market segment where buyers forgive function in the name of fashion. But pragmatic buyers may discard style and look at the Golf and see more flexibility and five-door convenience.

specs

Volkswagen Beetle
PRICE: $25,000-$42,000 (est)
WARRANTY: 3 years/unlimited km
RESALE: 65 per cent (est)
SERVICE INTERVAL: 15,000km/12 months
SAFETY: 5-star Euro NCAP
ENGINE: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 147kW/280Nm
BODY: 3-door hatch
WEIGHT: 1364kg
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed DSG, front-wheel drive
THIRST: 7.7L/100km, 95 RON, 179g/km CO2
“A stronger third breath for an icon”

fast facts
* AUSTRALIA won’t get the Beetle until at least the first half of 2012. In fact, first estimates were late 2012 as China pulls rank. Final specifications and prices listed here are based on European models.
* Australians bought 8725 examples of the previous model, including the Cabrio, since its 2000 launch. It ended production in August but dealers still have stock. The new model is expected to eclipse that figure.

others to consider
Mini Cooper S

Star: 4/5
PRICE: $43,555
ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 135kW/240Nm
TRANS: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
BODY: 3-door hatch
THIRST: 6.3L/100km, 95 RON, C02 146g/km C02
“Unmistakable design. Fascinating interior. Terrific handling”

Citroen DS3 DSport

Star: 3.5/5
PRICE: $35,990
ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 115kW/240Nm
TRANS: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
BODY: 3-door hatch
THIRST: 6.7L/100km, 95 RON, 155g/km C02
“Smooth French operator is alluring but carries a couple of annoying traits”
BMW 120i COUPE
Star: 3.5/5
PRICE: $47,400
ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol, 115kW/200Nm
TRANS: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
BODY: 2-door coupe
THIRST: 7.9L/100km, 95 RON, 189g/km C02
“Rear-drive works better in more powerful models”
 
 
 
 
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Comparo: VW Amarok vs Nissan Navara ST-X 550

August 31, 2012 //
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Volkswagen has entered the lucrative ute market. But how does its small-engined Amarok spar with Nissan’s new powerhouse? NEIL DOWLING compares. June 18, 2011
NISSAN NAVARA
ST-X 550
Price: $60,990VALUE: This is the top-of-the-line Navara. The 550 flicks the 2.5-litre turbo diesel four in favour of Renault’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 170kW/550Nm. It’s mated this to a seven-speed sequential auto and electric part-time 4WD system with low range. Features include a six-speaker, six-CD audio with Bluetooth and dual-zone airconditioning. Star: 4/5TECHNOLOGY: This is the first showing of the V6 in a 4WD but maybe not the last. That, and the seven-speed auto, are the techno highlights. The rest is, like the VW, purposefully conventional to remain rugged, durable and together over the rough stuff. This and the Amarok have nearidentical coil-over suspension. Star: 4/5

DESIGN: Unlike the Amarok, the Navara doesn’t win many hearts. It looks old-fashioned. But the dashboard is easier to use than the VW’s and the steering wheel controls are excellent. Seating is reasonable at the front but the cramped position in the back is poor. VW is a lot better here. The lockable ute lid is a great idea. Star: 3/5

SAFETY: This rates under the Amarok despite having two more airbags. It adds stability control and ABS with an off -road mode. As in the VW, it has rear drum brakes. Braking performance is still great but a tad quaint. Navara also has five lap-sash seatbelts. Star: 2.5/5
DRIVING: This can out-accelerate most cars on the market. It’s also smooth and very quiet. The seven cogs in the box suit the engine and the fact it’s an auto makes it fine for the family. It’s also comfortable. What lets it down is the uncommunicative steering, which reduces precision while cornering. Star: 4/5
SCORE: 3.5/5
VW AMAROK ULTIMATE
Price: $58,490
VALUE: The Ultimate has all the extra fruit and is the most expensive Amarok. The Trendline ($47,990), with parttime 4WD and low-range gearing, is better for off -roaders. Ultimate has a permanent 4WD system without lowrange but gets leather, CD player, comfort suspension, dual-zone climate airconditioning and side steps. Star: 3.5/5
TECHNOLOGY: Australia gets only the 2 .0-litre twin turbo diesel engine across the Amarok range. It may be the smallest 4WD ute engine but with 400Nm from 1500rpm, it’s probably the best. A permanent all-wheel-drive system runs through a Torsen centre diff and there’s a switchable electric rear diff lock. Star: 5/5
DESIGN: This is arguably the prettiest and most purposeful 4WD dual-cab on the market. It’s efficient too, being the only one in its class to fit Euro or Aussie pallets sideways in the back. Argentine build quality is very good. The 19-inch wheels look good but give poor after-market tyre options, especially for off-road. Star: 4/5
SAFETY: The five-star crash rating is good news all-round. It complements the usual comprehensive safety gear – ESC, ABS and so on – but adds a secondary mode that compensates for off -bitumen roads. There’s seating for five and five lap-sash seatbelts. Star: 4/5
DRIVING: Until the auto arrives early next year, interest will be dull for the six-speed manual gearbox. The shift quality is firm and not as good as VW’s front-drive models. But the engine never stops giving. It’s a bit noisy but is economical (7.9L/100km). Despite the small engine, the gear ratios are perfect. Star: 3.5/5
SCORE: 4/5
VERDICT: My heart says Amarok but the Navara, with automatic, higher 3000kg tow rating, more features and so on is more versatile. It could be a tow car for grey nomads or a family car. But Amarok is a near perfect execution. If it had an auto it would be untouchable.
Volkswagen – 19pts
Nissan – 17.5pts
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Test – Volkswagen Scirocco R

August 24, 2012 //
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It may have been on the slowest boat from Germany but the Scirocco has been worth the wait. NEIL DOWLING reports

NAMING your cars after winds can be as tricky as sailing into them.
Volkswagen claims the German word for the trade winds that charted early sail boats as the name for its family model, Passat.
But with 188kW and the attitude of a psychotic guard dog, a soft breeze wouldn’t wash over the two-door version of the hot Golf R.
That’s why the Scirocco – a hurricane-size wind that blows north from the Sahara into the Mediterranean – so suits Volkswagen’s coupe and explains that even Maserati was enamoured with the same wind by twice using using its Arabic name, Ghibli, for high-performance cars.
Even Errol Flynn’s first yacht filled its sails in the Pacific wearing the name spelt as Sirocco.
VALUE: I expected it to cost more. At $47,490 – and an extra $2500 for the six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto – it has the hot looks, bristling performance and thundering exhaust note to trounce coupes with double its price tag. The kit is expansive, starting with the eight-speaker audio with Bluetooth and iPod/USB connection, bi-xenon headlights and 19-inch alloys, heated seats and park sensors, and electronic adjustable suspension damping. There’s 345 nation-wide sales to June 1 this year, indicating it’s also pleasingly uncommon.
DESIGN: Even since I saw one – white with silver alloys and red brake calipers – rumbling through a narrow, cobblestone Berlin street five years ago, it has become one of my key yardstick cars. Its design is purposeful yet beautiful, feminine in parts with its sculptured hips and chamfered nose, while relaying undeniable strength. Inside, my love diminishes somewhat – not because it’s done badly but because I’ve seen all of it before in other Volkswagen products. It seats four adults – ensure they’re not to tall for the rear, however – and the boot is surprisingly deep (mainly because there’s no spare wheel).
TECHNOLOGY: The Scirocco arrives in Australia in one version only – the 188kW/330Nm wearing the R label. This is the white-hot version of our 155kW Golf GTI and uses the same direct-injection turbo-petrol engine as the $49,990 all-wheel drive Golf R. Scirocco deletes the AWD and saves 120kg over the Golf, but with a 0-100km/h of 6.2sec, still isn’t as quick as the grippy Golf’s 5.9sec sprint. Scirocco shares the Golf R’s extended electronic diff lock (XDL) that successfully improves traction and minimises understeer. It also has three-mode damper adjustment – normal, sport and comfort – and electric steering.
SAFETY: No crash rating for this car. It’s regarded as a limited production car – like all Porsches, for example – so doesn’t get to kiss the concrete wall. But given it’s based on the Golf, it should be seen as a “safe” car. Standard gear includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, tyre pressure monitors, heated mirrors, park sensors, bi-xenon headlights and a hill holder. There’s no spare wheel, just aerosol goo and a compressor.
DRIVING: Don’t expect that because it’s based on the Golf R that it feels like one. In fact, the Scirocco’s lower seating position amplifies its performance aggression and, combined with the tuned exhaust note – that burbles and grumbles, roars and screams in proportion to right-foot pressure – makes all the car’s dynamics come alive. It’s quick, though you find that halfway through the rev range. Under about 3000rpm it’s docile enough to go shopping. Hit the pedal hard and the acceleration is so instant it almost pulls its own clothes off. Handling is very, very good – more grip that you’d expect from a front-drive car thanks to electronics fiddling with the diff and the ABS system. Purists would prefer a mechanical system but our streets are not race tracks. The car’s suspension is best left in “comfort” mode for the city and suburbs, clicked to “sport” for country roads. Ride in sport is firm – you get kicked in the butt on rough roads – but keeps the car flat through the curves. Clearly, it’s a lot of fun.
VERDICT: Wonderful piece of art that works on so many levels. But two doors limit cabin accessibility making the five-door Golf R a worthy alternative.
   
VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO R
STARS 4
Price: $47,490
Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
Resale: 55 per cent
Service interval: 15,000km/12 months
Safety rating: Five star
Spare: aerosol/compressor
Engine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol 188kW/330Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual; FWD
Body: 4.3m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)
Weight: 1351kg
Thirst: 8.1 1/100km; 95RON; 189g/km Co2
Three Others to consider.

RENAULT MEGANE 250 SPORT
Star: 4
PRICE: $41,990
ENGINE: 2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 184kW/340Nm
TRANS: 6-spd manual, front drive
BODY: 2-door hatch
THIRST: 8.7L/100km; 98RON; CO2 201g/km
“French powerehouse looks great, runs strong and hangs on beautifully to match the Scirocco in almost every department”ql

PEUGEOT RCZ
Star: 3.5
PRICE: $54,990
ENGINE: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 147kW/275Nm
TRANS: 6-spd manual, front drive
BODY: 2-door hatch
THIRST: 6.9L/100km; 95RON; CO2 159g/km
“Striking looks, superb engine and practical features stumble over an awful driving position. It’s distinctive but overpriced in this company”ql
VOLVO C30 T5 R-DESIGN
Star: 4
PRICE: $43,490
ENGINE: 2.5-litre, 5-cyl turbo-petrol, 169kW/320Nm
TRANS: 6-spd manual, front drive
BODY: 2-door hatch
THIRST: 8.7L/100km; 95RON; CO2 208g/km
“Great looks, excellent comfort and a decent price should make this more popular. Not as rorty as the VW or Renault – but do you need that?”ql

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Test – Volkswagen Golf Cabrio

August 24, 2012 //
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Cabrio ownership can have its chills but spring is just around the corner. NEIL DOWLING drives Volkswagen’s latest roadster
IF you hate freezing cold mornings then you may not be jumping out of bed at 5am to ride a motorcycle or drive a convertible to work.
It’s not impossible – the Brits and Germans do it in even colder and nastier weather – but that doesn’t make it right.
Interesting then that the cold-climate countries are the ones making the best convertibles. The Volkswagen Golf Cabrio perfectly reflects how well a convertible can suit icy conditions while being fun to drive and cute to look at. Failing all that, it’s a great open-top drive in Spring and Autumn.
VALUE: Almost as cheap as chips. The single-model Cabrio is $36,990 as a six-speed manual or $39,490 as a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG auto. Either is great. In perspective, a Mini Cabrio auto is $42,700, an Audi A3 soft-top is $52,150 and a BMW 120i convertible automatic is $55,480. The Golf wants for nothing – it even has seat heaters. It gets an electric roof, seven airbags, a pollen filter and pollutant sensor in the airconditioner (probably pointless when the roof is down) and Bluetooth with iPod/USB connectivity. It even seats four adults – something most of its rivals can’t do, so it’s also a family car.
DESIGN: Volkswagen says it wanted to maintain light weight, have a low body profile with the roof down and yet maintain a snug cabin when the roof is up. It succeeded. It’s a very pretty car that doesn’t have an awful boot bulge where the folded roof hides. You can actually fit four adults inside and the boot is spacious, but the small and vertically-placed boot opening makes loading awkward. Dash design is all Volkswagen and no complaints, though the right-hand drive conversion puts the pedals close to the driver and limits space for the right foot to cleanly operate the accelerator. Vision to the rear three-quarter is hampered by the fabric roof, but big side mirrors help out.
TECHNOLOGY: The sole engine is Volkswagen’s 118kW/240Nm 1.4-litre twincharger that combines a supercharger – for low-engine speed boost – and a turbocharger for mid to top-end boost. A few of these engines initially failed and were repaired or replaced under warranty by Volkswagen Australia. It gave the engine a bad reputation but VW says it’s no longer a problem so we can now enjoy a clever, quick, fuel-frugal and above all, fun engine to drive. The DSG automatic makes life a bit easier in traffic but the engine better suits the superb six-speed manual. Suspension and brakes are from the Golf, including a sophisticated multi-link rear end for better ride and handling than a torsion beam setup. The electro-hydraulic roof is fabric purely so it folds down tight on the body, doesn’t impinge on boot space and is light.
SAFETY: The standard Volkswagen offering here of a five-star crash rating, full electronic brake and chassis aids, plus the bonus of seven airbags. The cloth roof requires automatic rollbars that are fired into place when the car senses a rollover. Helping the driver are park sensors, heated side mirrors, auto lights and wipers, LED tail lights and an electronic diff lock. The spare is a space-saver.
DRIVING: Expect the same as a Golf and you won’t be disappointed. The electric roof zips up in nine seconds and can be moved up to a vehicle speed of 30km/h – handy in a sudden downpour. The dual-clutch transmission is annoyingly jerky off the mark, though can be tempered by being gentle on the accelerator pedal. Performance is neck-snapping though if the DSG is napping and the engine is on stream – like accelerating from a start – there can be an unexpected attempt for the wheels to spin. The ESC holds this in check but there’s no subtlety in the process. This is probably why I’d opt for the manual gearbox. Ride comfort is pretty good given the Cabrio gets standard sports suspension. Handling is obviously all Golf, with a solid stance on the road and a positive steering feel and predictable cornering. The fabric roof is very tight so there’s no drumming and even road noise is successfully muted. It’s not as quiet as the steel-roofed Golf but still perfectly acceptable. My body doesn’t feel overly comfortable with the pedals as the right foot is too close to the wheelwell.
VERDICT: The convertible four-seater market is mainly for the expensive models. This car breaks the mold with affordability, lots of driving appeal and neat looks. Yes, I would!
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF CABRIO
STARS 4
Price: $39,490
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Resale: n/a
Service interval: 10,000km/12 months
Safety rating: 5-star
Spare: Space-saver
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol 118kW/240Nm
Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch auto, front drive
Body: 4.3m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)
Weight: 1443kg
Thirst: 6.6 1/100km; 95RON; 153g/km Co2
Three Others to consider.

BMW 120i Convertible
Star: 3.5
PRICE: $55,480
ENGINE: 2-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 115kW/200Nm
TRANS: 6-spd auto, rear drive
BODY: 2-door convertible
THIRST: 8.3L/100km; 98RON; CO2 193g/km
“Great drive but overpriced in this company. Performance could be better as could fuel use”ql

MINI COOPER CABRIO
Star: 3.5
PRICE: $42,700
ENGINE: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 90kW/160Nm
TRANS: 6-spd auto, front drive
BODY: 2-door convertible
THIRST: 6.9L/100km; 91RON; CO2 160g/km
“Cheeky and city-friendly but cramped interior, hard ride and unspectacular performance put style well before function”ql

PEUGEOT 207CC
Star: 3
PRICE: $35,490
ENGINE: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 88kW/160Nm
TRANS: 4-spd auto, front drive
BODY: 2-door convertible
THIRST: 7.4L/100km; 95RON; CO2 171g/km
“Cute, French but cramped and though drivetrain works a treat in Europe, doesn’t sparkle in the Australian sun. New model soon”

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