A fleet of 50 Volkswagen Polo 1.6’s will adorn the SOCAR logo and serve the car-sharing programme in the Klang Valley. SOCAR which launched in Kuala Lumpur just three months ago is continuing to reshape the way Malaysians think about mobility by leading the ‘multiflex movement’.
Key to SOCAR’s success is fast expansion which provides increased availability and convenience for their members. Another important element is to complement varying lifestyles and bring joy to the drivers on the platform. “The beauty of the car-sharing model is that as a member, you have several types of cars at your fingertips serving your different needs from a leisurely cruise out of the city to a trunk heavy trip to Ikea,” says Chief Executive Officer of SOCAR Malaysia, Leon Foong.
Signing Volkswagen as one of their preferred partners is just the beginning. “The Volkswagen Polo was a natural choice for SOCAR’s fleet expansion,” adds Foong, “because it is the perfect city car, offering an assuredly safe, yet fun quality drive. It is also one of the world’s most widely produced car models.” He also says that the current demographic of SOCAR users in Malaysia are in their mid-30s, who want to try new car models or are households that need to use a second or third car from time to time.
“We are pleased to collaborate with SOCAR. Through this partnership, we are able to offer the members of the public easy access to Volkswagen cars and have them enjoy its German engineered capabilities. The Polo is perfect for city driving, though it may be small in stature it offers a dynamic drive without compromising on safety and comfort,” says Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM).
The first batch of 21 Volkswagen Polo cars have been delivered with the remaining 29 due by mid-May. The Polo 1.6 hatchback comes equipped with a 1.6-litre 105PS petrol injection 16-Valve Multi Point Injection (MPI) engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, the Polo 1.6 comes with a maximum torque of 153Nm available at a low 3800rpm with fuel consumption at 6.3L per 100km.
SOCAR app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store. The Volkswagen Polo for the month of May is priced starting from RM13.90 per hour which is inclusive of petrol and comprehensive insurance.
For more information, visit www.socar.my
Ready to go Wild? Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced a new package for the Tiguan Comfortline, called the ‘WILD’ package. Included in the ‘WILD’ package are aluminium sports pedals, chrome trunk garnish, chrome load lip protector, chrome exhaust trim, scuff plates with Tiguan logo – and the kit is completed with VW Tint window film. The ‘WILD’ package retails at RM5,099.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above) said that the introduction of the ‘WILD’ package provides Tiguan customers with an option of having their Tiguan stand apart from the others. “We are constantly looking for new ways to enhance our products and offer stylish options for our customers. Having these enhancements on the Tiguan will definitely complement the SUV’s sleek design and defined contours,” he said.
A strong favourite amongst SUV fans in Malaysia, the Tiguan combines a 1.4L turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with a 6-speed automatic wet-clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG) to give an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. The Tiguan Comfortline is priced at RM 148,990 excluding the ‘WILD’ package.
Together with all current Volkswagen models (effective 1st January 2018), the Tiguan comes with a free 3-year maintenance programme (or 45,000km, whichever comes first) along with 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and 5-year roadside assistance.
To find out more about the Tiguan ‘WILD’ package, please visit your nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or visit www.volkswagen.com.my/tiguan/comfortline-wild
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced a revised Service Maintenance Schedule for Volkswagen cars, effective 1st April 2018. The revised Service Maintenance Schedule also offers up to 26% savings for Volkswagen owners (calculated based on 5 years or 75,000km).
Florian Steiner, Managing Director of VPCM said that the move is in-line with the company’s continuous efforts to optimize the ownership experience and in giving owners peace-of-mind. “The revised Service Maintenance Schedule, paired with the three years’ free maintenance programme which we introduced on the 1st of January 2018, makes owning a Volkswagen even more cost-effective,” he added.
A list of the revised Service Maintenance Schedules for all current and previous Volkswagen models sold in Malaysia can be found in detail on the official Volkswagen website. The revised Service Maintenance Schedule is only applicable to models sold by the manufacturer, and does not cover models imported via unauthorized distributors.
This revised Service Maintenance Schedule is implemented, due to extended replacement intervals of certain components. This translates into better savings for the owner. However, Volkswagen technicians will still perform routine checks, as part of the standard service process and will advise accordingly, if any parts replacement is required.
For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced its return to the 2018 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTDL) as the official automotive partner. Volkswagen’s previous involvement with LTDL was in 2016.
For this year’s LTDL, VPCM will be providing a total of 180 units of Volkswagen cars from its current model line-up, comprising of the Polo, Vento Highline, Passat Trendline, Passat Highline and the Tiguan Highline. The vehicles will be used throughout the race by riders, safety marshals and officials. You can see some of them in this short video leading the LeTour cyclists…
As the official automotive partner, VPCM is also will be presenting the White Jersey to the competition’s Asian Champion. Commenting on the partnership, Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that Volkswagen is honoured to once again be part of Asia’s most prestigious cycling event.
“We are delighted to be able to support the race with our range of Volkswagen models, and we look forward to the amazing display of endurance, agility and strengths from the world-class riders taking part. On behalf of Volkswagen, we wish the participants all the very best,” he added.
Held since 1996, the Le Tour de Langkawi is a multiple stage bicycle race that has gained multiple accolades and is now recognised as a highlight in the global competitive cycling calendar, attracting the world’s top riders.
It’s quite a mouthful isn’t it? Volkswagen Passat Comfortline Plus 280 TSI 7-speed DSG. Okay, so that last bit with the mention of its gearbox isn’t really in the official name, I just added it in for effect and because I’m silly that way…
But while we’re at it, let’s dissect that “280” badge on the boot shall we? Well, apparently it denotes the torque figure, but this Comfortline Plus 1.8 variant only has 250Nm, so why “280” then? VW says that if the torque figure falls between a certain range, they’ll just take the higher numeric and stick it on the boot. Wait, what?
It’s all part of a new naming nomenclature that began last year, whereby the VW Group has chosen to use the torque figure to denote which variant of the car it is, simple as that.
If you’re still with me, let’s try to forget all that because it really isn’t relevant to the car at hand. Here’s my take on the car, summed up in a short video:
It really is nice actually, and as you can see from the video below, it looks strikingly good as well. Here’s a quick 360-degree external walk-around video, followed by the 5 main things I love about this car:
The Clock…
No joke, wanna know one of the coolest things about the Passat interior? It’s the clock. Seriously, situated smack-dab in the centre of the dashboard sits this wonderful analogue clock. Now I don’t know about you but to me, in this digital-age, digital clocks really cheapen the looks of a car. I don’t care if it cost millions or mere thousands, a digital clock cheapens any car that it’s used in. Period.
Thankfully, the one in this Passat looks glorious. I absolutely love the simplicity of it, and the thought given to where it’s placed deserves mention too; anyone in the car can see it, regardless of where they’re sitting.
The Engine…
Like me, I’m sure anyone test-driving this car will not believe it’s a 1.8-litre 4-pot, especially when ‘Sport’ mode is selected, followed by vigourous fingering of the paddle shifts. I should have worded that better I think, but you get what I mean.
There’s a definite Dr.Jeckyll & Mr.Hyde thing going on under that bonnet because ‘Sport’ mode really does bring out the beast in this car, and while normal cruising rewards the occupants with a smooth and effortless ride, ‘Sport’ mode alters this cars’ personality to the ‘nth degree.
The Design…
It’s a subjective matter of course, but in terms of design and aesthetic appeal, despite being a ‘safe’ choice as I mentioned in the video, there’s still something about how this car looks from the outside that’s uncannily appealing.
It’s not in the least bit ostentatious, however, the Passat manages to pull-off looking sporty and aggressive, and yet stylish at the same time. There’s just something about that front-end that captures your attention and holds it. Double-takes were very prevalent during the time I had the car…
The Ride…
Here’s another trick akin to what the designers pulled-off insofar as looks are concerned, that the engineers accomplished as well. The car runs on 18-inch alloys, but you’d never know it because the suspension manages to soak-up even the worst undulations and asphalt irregularities, which abound in this country.
At the same time, the Passat feels stable and reassuring in twists and turns taken more ‘spiritedly’. It’s not a GTI and shouldn’t be thought of as one, but it will hold its own during the odd occasion you find yourself alone on a stretch of road that would be a sin to not take advantage of. Yes, I know you know what I mean…
The Ownership Experience…
I had a bet the other day with a friend that I could drive a car for 5km and know exactly everything I’d need to know about it for the purposes of a review. I was bullshitting of course, and while reliability and cost of ownership are things that I can’t comment about for this Passat, I can say that having had it for a longer period of time than usual, it’s a brilliant ownership proposition.
This is the kind of car that would be ideal as a company car, daily commuter and weekend family-time car as well. It’s big, spacious, comfortable and very well appointed (FULL specs, click here). That’s my driving position in the photo above and look at the space available at the back. Some carmakers shorten the length of the rear seat for added legroom, this is not the case with the Passat.
So as I said in the video, despite not seeing this car much on the road, it is a definite worthy consideration for anyone seeking a D-segment car in the RM180k range. By all means go test the other multitude of D-segmenters from Germany, Japan, S.Korea, and even the USA. But do yourself a favour… save the VW Passat for last. – Chris Wee.
VW Passat Comfortline Plus Photo Gallery…
Eighty years. Yup, that’s how long the VW Beetle has been around. It’s one of the most iconic cars in automotive history – recognised and loved by many for its distinct shape, which really hasn’t changed much in eight decades, and rich heritage.
This year, the Beetle celebrates its 80th birthday, and Volkswagen Malaysia (VPCM) is celebrating with a nationwide dealer celebration and everyone is invited. The nationwide birthday celebration will take place on the 17th of March, Saturday at all authorized Volkswagen dealers from 11am till 5pm.
Visitors at the party will be able to test drive the Beetle Sport 1.2TSI (above & below) and enjoy fun themed activities and refreshments for the whole family. Those who take part in the test drive will also stand a chance to win a lucky draw price of a LEGO Creator Expert Volkswagen Beetle at the dealership. Check out our review of the Beetle Sport here.
The Beetle Sport is priced from RM147,888 and is available in a variety of colours that will delight owners – Bottle Green (above), Pure White, Tornado Red, Blue Silk, Dark Bronze and Habanero Orange.
The Beetle comes with paddle shifters, cruise control, 2-zone Climatronic air-conditioning system, 6.5” Composition media with touch screen display with App-Connect, leather trim “Vienna” seats with front seat lumbar support, bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights.
A 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI engine with an output of 105PS with a maximum torque of 175Nm under the hood mated to 7-speed DSG automatic transmission ensures an exhilarating ride with every drive.
Customers can enjoy a rebate of RM5,000 for a Beetle, as well as cash rebates of up to RM15,000 on other Volkswagen models. All Volkswagen models registered from the 1st of January 2018 also come with a 3-year (or 45,000km, whichever comes first) free maintenance package.
For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my
You know the hard part about this job is not doing it, because with practice it becomes almost second nature. We’re not born to do this job though, nobody is, it all stems from passion for anything and everything automotive, short of a ride-on lawnmower. But I’d have a go at that too if given the chance…
No, the hard part of this job is returning the review cars that we reeeeeally liked. In fact some of us motoring scribes have even gone as far as to buy the cars we liked reviewing so much; yes, it happens more often than you’d imagine. The Mazda3 hatch was one such car, I think there were at least 4 who bought this car after reviewing it for their respective publications / websites. For me it’s only happened once in my career, with the Proton Satria GTI.
Well in that respect then, so is this, the VW Beetle Sport 1.2 TSI. Now anyone who knows me, knows very well that I’m more into retro, classic and old-school type cars as a personal choice, seeing as how my daily-runner is a car that’s older than 80% of you reading this, and comes from a time when this laptop I’m hacking away on didn’t even exist yet. Heck, websites didn’t exist yet. And the thing is, I’ve never been into Beetles. Ever. The Beatles yes, but Beetles, no.
I won’t deny though, that the allure and appeal of the Beetle, now spanning 80 years (yes, eighty!) has never really waned. From the early models (above) to this latest one, there have always been followers for this most iconic of cars.
So iconic that in the span of eight decades, its external design (above) hasn’t really evolved that much, except maybe to become more streamlined, sophisticated, sporty and pedestrian friendly. Oh, and metallic paint of course. Also, I doubt this new one floats…
It still sports ’round-eyes’ and almost comically exaggerated wheel-arches, just like the original, and even pays homage to the latter on the inside, where the whole dashboard is colour coded to the exterior. Even the additional glove-box (below) is a direct copy of the one found in the classic Beetle. Epic.
It’s kinda hard to not like something as cool as this. But the similarities with its forefather pretty much end there, because under this new Beetle’s hood is an engine, and the boot this time is conventionally at the back. Speaking of engines, the Beetle Sport is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged (TSI) 4-cyl engine capable of 105Ps and 175Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG with paddle-shifts.
Earth-shattering figures these aren’t, and well, maybe they’re not supposed to be, since this isn’t a Beetle RSI, remember that? Let’s sidetrack: Behold the maddest production Beetle ever….
The VW Beetle RSI was limited to only 250 units, and since it was a special edition of the vehicle, the Beetle RSI came with a 3.2 liter, 24-valve V6 engine which could produce 220bhp at 6200 rpm. (Photo & Text from AutoEvolution)
This Beetle Sport though has nowhere near that kind of oomph, but in all fairness, it shouldn’t anyway. There’s a bit of turbo-lag during initial acceleration, but once that turbine spools up, this little fella becomes pretty sprightly. It cruises into triple-digit speeds fairly quickly if given the beans, and of course being a VW, chassis-rigidity and NVH are right up there with the best of them.
There isn’t much room in the back for passengers, especially with me at the wheel, but surprisingly, the boot is huge for a car in this class (see gallery). One big gripe I had though is the position of the seat-belt anchors. Because this car is a 2-door, you’ll notice that the B-pillars (below) are much further back than they would be in a 4-door car, so even at 6’2″ and my driving position, I was having a hard time reaching back for the seat belt, located on the aforementioned B-pillar. I can only imagine how difficult it would be for more petite drivers.
I use the word ‘petite’ because throughout my time with the Beetle Sport, it only seemed to be the fairer-sex who were taking an active interest in checking out the car. Unless of course it was me they were checking out… no, I don’t think so. Really.
Another issue I had with the Beetle was the ridiculously large rear blind-spot created by the huge C-pillar (above & below). It looks great styling-wise, affording the Beetle a chunky swept-back coupe-ish look, but from the inside, I nearly reversed into a fork-lift which managed to hide perfectly in the said gargantuan blind-spot. So yeah, craning your neck to have a look-around before reversing is a must, and thankfully the Beetle Sport does have parking/proximity sensors to assist.
(For the full spec & price list, click this: vw-modelspecsheet-beetle-wm or click this link)
These are minor gripes though, because when it comes to actual driving, the Beetle Sport is every bit as fun as the original promised to be so many decades ago. It feels light and agile, spirited even. It feels like it wants to take the longer route, and because it’s so much fun to pootle around in, you will find yourself indeed taking that longer route to get somewhere, just so you can drive this thing more.
The Beetle Sport warrants me to use a term I coined a while ago, when it came to describing the Mazda MX-5. I called it a ‘happy car’. Weird right? But that’s what it was. It was the kind of car that makes you happy to drive, the kind of car that makes you want to drive it just for the hell of it. That’s exactly what this Beetle Sport does too. It even makes you feel happy just walking up to it…
Priced at RM147,888 (NSP) it’s by no means cheap, but then again, what price can you really put on something that makes you happy just seeing it parked in your porch? Heck, if this thing was a convertible, it would be perfect. – Chris Wee.
VW Beetle Sport 1.2 TSI Photo Gallery…
If you are looking to buy a new vehicle to surprise the folks this festive season, Volkswagen Malaysia has you covered. For a limited period, the automaker is offering a number of its models with incredibly low repayment schemes. As such, you are now able to own a VW for just RM25 per day, but you will require to tabulate daily payments to know what the exact figure for monthly payments.
During this festive campaign period, customers can enjoy cash rebates and savings mentioned earlier for the Polo, Vento, Jetta, Golf, Passat Comfortline, Passat Trendline and Tiguan Comfortline. The Polo and Vento are available for RM25 per day which equates to roughly RM700 a month. At these prices, you are saving RM7,000 on the Polo and RM11,000 on the Vento models.
The Jetta is priced at RM35 per day with a savings of RM10,000, Golf is RM45 per day with RM21,000 savings, Passat Comfortline and Trednline are at RM51 per day with a savings of RM15,000 and finally the Tiguan Comfortline is priced at RM51 per day with a savings of RM5,000.
All repayment schemes mentioned earlier are calculated based on a 9-year loan/installment plan. So, for the full details, it would be prudent to speak with a VW sales consultant before making a decision.
For customers to be eligible of this deal, vehicle bookings need to be made within the promotion period and is subjected to VW’s terms and conditions as well as stock availability. If you are interested to learn more about these deals, visit the automaker’s Malaysia website at www.volkswagen.com.my.
If you are one of those car buyers who considers unique number plates as an extension of your car’s personality and to a certain extent even your own, well this news should intrigue you. Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) has introduced vehicle registration numbers beginning with “VW” for cars registered in Wilayah Persekutuan. This would be good news for those considering a Volkswagen as their next purchase. Such a number plate would not only stand out and be considered unique, but could prove to be a valuable investment.
Unique number plates are a sought after item these days. Many a car buyer, superstitious or not, pay top dollar for vehicle registration numbers such as these. Even if you aren’t into that type of thing, a VW series number plate for your VW should fit very nicely.
As a mean to allure potential car buyers even further, Volkswagen have announced that they are still conducting their trade-in programme for the Jetta and Passat until the 31st of March 2017. The programme allows you to trade in your VW and purchase a new one at a lower cost than usual. Apart from that, the automaker is also offering a limited early bird discounts until the 31st of April for the all-new Tiguan which will be launched soon. The small and cheerful Polo is also being offered at RM69,888 for a limited time and so are a number of other VW models.
So, if you are in the market for a new VW and reside in KL, you should be in for a real treat because it will be sometime until such a unique sequence of alphabets come along again in the near future.
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