Car companies do their best to provide as much convenience as possible to customers and owners of their products. Whether it is enquiring about a new model or sending a vehicle for servicing, the more convenient it is, the better the experience of the brand.
For this reason, many companies have made their retail outlets 3S or 4S types, meaning sales, service and sale of spare parts are all at one location. ‘4S’ includes additional services such as accident repairs and refinishing. It is the norm these days and businessmen who wish to become dealers must be willing to make the big investments to build such facilities.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has followed this policy and can now say that virtually all its authorised dealerships in the country are now either 3S or 4S outlets, with the exception of one which is 2S (service and spares). There are currently 17 Volkswagen dealerships and one service partner, strategically located in key regions to provide customers with sales and aftersales services.
All dealer groups are equipped with the expertise, personnel and equipment to maintain Volkswagen models. In addition, VPCM is continuously working with its dealer partners to enhance customer satisfaction by providing professional, attentive, and top-level services. These efforts are evident in the Car.Advisor ratings given by customers. Car.Advisor is an independent third-party platform that manages customer satisfaction for the Volkswagen brand.
Volkswagen Malaysia has achieved an average 4.93/5 star for its sales experience on Car.Advisor, whilst aftersales services received 4.76/5 star (these annual results are as of April 2022). Ratings and reviews for each dealership are transparently shown on the website and accessible by the public.
Providing 3S and 4S outlets that offer the full range of services at one location is part of the company’s Volkswagen Cares initiative to enhance the ownership experience for customers. According to Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, a smooth and memorable ownership experience is important. “Customer service makes all the difference because it elevates the ownership experience. Now with a strong network of 3S and 4S centres, we are providing convenience for Volkswagen owners from around the country. We are also practising transparency with our customer satisfaction because ratings and reviews are available on the Car.Advisor website, and this pushes us and our dealer partners to continue improving our offerings too,” he said.
Developing new car designs is a challenge as the designers have to anticipate trends and look ahead to market needs. They may have new ideas and features, but how will car-buyers respond? To get an idea of how people feel, concept cars are built and displayed to show proposed designs so feedback can be collected. From what they learn, they can know what appeals and what doesn’t and create a winner with the next new model.
These days, it’s not necessary to spend money making a concept model as digital renderings can provide very realistic representations. Furthermore, it’s not even necessary to display the cars in physical form (though it is still done at motorshows to draw crowds). There is now social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – where millions of consumers can be reached and their opinions collected.
Recently, during World Design Day, Volkswagen Group Design boss Klaus Zyciora posted just one image of an idea on his Instagram page (and also the Volkswagen Group’s) and wrote: “On the way from an idea to production, there are a lot of unseen design drafts made – like this one: An #IDBuzz pick-up! What do you think about it?”. His post immediately went global and his team must still be going through all the comments posted.
The pick-up derivative of the just-launched ID. Buzz, the 21st century electric successor to the iconic Transporter/Kombi, is just a proposal. The design is not based on the production ID. Buzz but draws more on the original concept of the model that was first shown in 2017.
ID. Buzz BEV (battery-electric vehicle) which will go on sale in Europe later this year. The new Amarok undergoing testing. It is more of a workhorse type of pick-up whereas the proposal for the ID. Buzz variant would be towards lifestyle activities and usage.
It would undoubtedly sit on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform for electric vehicles which has been developed to accept many bodystyles. In fact, even before the ID. Buzz goes on sale in Europe later this year, the carmaker has said that work is being done on a ‘California Camper’ version (shown below) as well as an autonomous variant for ride-sharing operators. Both are expected to enter the market in 2025.
Volkswagen already has a new generation of the Amarok pick-up truck on the way, with a battery-electric version likely to appear in the second half of the decade. The Amarok is a workhorse vehicle and Volkswagen may see some potential in the lifestyle segment where it can offer this ID. Buzz pick-up.
Volkswagen’s designers have always been thinking of a modern pick-up based on the Transporter. This was one idea which was displayed at the carmaker’s Autostadt exhibition complex in Germany in 2006.
Clearly, it is not being conceived as a workhorse and would be aimed at customers who want to take along their activity gear like bikes or surfboards, just like the original Transporter (except the surfboards went on the roof).
Many of the styling elements would be just ideas for now so it’s hard to say how the final product could look like but the proportions of the 4-door cabin and short rear deck will probably be adopted. Below the doors appears to be integrated side-steps which could also make it to production as they suit the overall design well.
Volkswagen has produced a pick-up version of the Transporter/Kombi for decades.
The idea of a pick-up variant of a van is not new to Volkswagen as previous Transporter generations did have such a variant. Like the MEB platform, the original platform for the Beetle was also versatile enough for different bodystyles. One of them, known as the ‘Doppelkabine’, may eventually be regarded as the grandfather of the ID. Buzz pick-up if it does make it to the showrooms in future.
If you would like Volkswagen ‘s design head to know what you think about the pick-up concept, click here to post your comments on his Instagram page.
When the second generation of the Volkswagen Tiguan was launched around 6 years ago, there were two body versions – short wheelbase with 2-row seating and long wheelbase with 3-row seating. Initially, it was thought that the 3-row version was for China where extended bodies are preferred but it turned out that the longer Tiguan, known as the Tiguan Allspace, is offered globally as well.
The Tiguan Allspace has become a success story for Volkswagen as around 1.5 million units were sold worldwide, and this version accounts for 55% of all Tiguan production. With SUVs being popular, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) chose the model to add to its locally-assembled range with the completely knocked-down (CKD) kits coming from the global production hub in Mexico.
With the addition of the Allspace version, VPCM decided to stop assembling the 2-row version and now has two offerings – the Tiguan Allspace Elegance and R-Line 4MOTION. Both have been updated for 2022 with cosmetic changes and upgrades within. They are priced at RM174,745.68 and RM219,443.59, respectively, without insurance and with full exemption of sales tax (until June 30, 2022).
The overall form of the Tiguan Allspace remains recognizable but up front is a redesigned grille flanked by slimmer headlamps. The headlamps are LED units and said to have wider light distribution to better illuminate the sides of the road. The headlamps also include an all-weather light system and dynamic cornering function.
Like the front, the rear lights also use LEDs, with dynamic turn indicators typically found on premium models these days. The taillight cluster with a distinctive lighting signature puts on an interesting ‘show’ (Click-clack effect) when braking.
Other changes include redesigned bumpers and the signature LED illuminated light strip. Sharp-eyed observers will also notice that the brand logo is new, the result of what was said to be one of the world’s largest rebranding campaigns carried out in 2019 and 2020. The logo is reduced to its essential elements and has a new design that is flat and two-dimensional.
Plush and functional space for 7
Inside the new Tiguan Allspace is a plush and functional interior for 7 persons. Seats are all wrapped in Vienna leather with the addition of active climate 12-way adjustable seats at the front. The 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit has been improved and offers customizable displays on a TFT colour panel with resolution comparable to a premium smartphone.
The driver can operate and manage numerous functions from the multifunction sports steering wheel which has haptic-touch controls (needs a bit of getting used to). However, for more intuitive operation, there are upgrade knobs and buttons on the dashboard to adjust the air-conditioning systems. The shifter panel display has also been redesigned and gear positions are shown on the interface with illumination to highlight which gear is engaged.
Around the cabin, 30-colour ambient lighting is provided with light strips extending across the doors, creating a contemporary and personalised atmosphere to suit any driving modes, occasions, or moods. Newly added is the Easy Open and Easy Close feature that enables handsfree opening and delayed closing of the tailgate. The cargo volume can be expanded to 1,775 litres by folding down the rear backrests.
The infotainment system has also been upgraded to a new generation 9.2-inch Discover Pro unit. It now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes a navigation system as well as accepts voice commands. For the Tiguan Allspace R-Line, there is an additional Off-road display to provide information when this driving mode is selected. Also exclusively for the R-Line 4MOTION is the premium Harman Kardon 480W audio system with 10 speakers.
2-litre and 1.4-litre powertrains maintained
Technically, the powertrains are unchanged with the Elegance version having a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine and 6-speed DSG (150 ps/250 Nm) and only front-wheel drive, while the R-Line 4MOTION uses the 2-litre TSI turbocharged engine and 7-speed DSG (220 ps/350 Nm). Power is transferred to all four wheels via the all-wheel drive system.
1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine for Tiguan Allspace Elegance2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine for Tiguan Allspace R-Line 4MOTION. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system distributes power between front and rear axles on an infinitely variable basis. continuously adjusted to actual driving conditions. Mostly, it would be towards the front wheels but in slippery conditions, there will also be distribution towards the rear wheels for stability and grip.
The Tiguan comes with Dynamic Chassis Control for more personalised settings for driving behaviour, and there are 4 additional modes as part of the 4MOTION system – On-road, Off-road, Off-road Expert, and Snow. It is also fitted with progressive steering for sharper and more precise maneuvering.
Volkswagen pays a lot of attention to safety and would be right up there with other global brands. But unusually, the Tiguan doesn’t seem to have an integrated active system package that usually includes autonomous emergency braking. It does, however, come with a Lane Assist system which helps to keep the SUV within its lane. If it starts to move out of the lane, a gentle steering force will guide it back.
Nevertheless, all the other usual active safety systems like ABS, and stability control which works with the advanced Electronic Differential Lock (XDS). 6 airbags are also installed in the front and sides of the cabin and ISOFIX childseat points are provided in the front passenger’s seat as well as the rear seats.
The new Tiguans are now in authorized Volkswagen showrooms which have specific test-drive events this weekend. For those who do buy one, there’s a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years as well as complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years.
“SUVs are increasingly popular among Malaysians, and we see an opportunity for us to fill the gap in providing premium SUVs for the discerning. What we have in the Tiguan Allspace is an all-rounder that has more to give – more space, more performance, more value,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
To know more about the new Tiguan Allspace or to locate a showroom, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Thhe Beetle was Volkswagen’s first car and the company brought it back in a modern form in 1997. Now it is doing the same thing with the brand’s second model which was the Type 1 Transporter produced from 1949 onwards. It was actually on an extended Beetle platform and like the iconic car, remained in production for a long time. However, the Transporter, unlike the original Beetle, evolved in its design right to the current 6th generation.
With demand for MPVs in many countries, Volkswagen decided that one of the models in its all-electric ID. family would have to be such a vehicle, and for inspiration, the designers looked all the way back to the Type 2 which had various names in different markets (just like the Beetle). The original Transporter was especially popular in America and was one of the symbols of the 1960s counter-culture movement.
Evolution of the Transporter from 1949.The Transporter was Volkswagen’s second model and used the same platform as the Beetle.
Its low cost and simplicity made it easily affordable by the hippies who would live in it and gave the vehicles a lot of character with creative paintwork. And with the same durability as a Beetle, it lasted a long time with minimal maintenance too.
In 2022, the Type 1 returns as the ID.Buzz and it is fully electric. Like other ID. models, the ID. Buzz used the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). This is the world’s first scalable mass production platform for fully-electric vehicles that can be configured for different models and segments. Its architecture allows for an evolutionary further development of software and technology, which not only benefits new models such as the ID. Buzz, but also models that have already been delivered, by means of over-the-air updates.
The iconic design
The unique design of the ID. Buzz has proportions that create a direct link with the original classic vehicle. Another feature that has always been typical of the model line is the iconic front with its V-shaped front panel, now flanked by charismatic LED headlights. The same goes for the optional 2- paintwork.
The ID. Buzz and commercially-oriented ID. Buzz Cargo have a long wheelbase of 2988 mm, roughly the same as that of the current 6th generation Transporter. The length of both versions is 4712 mm which means that, in relation to the overall length, the wheelbase is unusually long. This has allowed for more flexible packaging within, complementing the cubic shape which is ideal for maximising available space.
Function should get a priority over design and in the case of the ID.Buzz, it’s the first MPV that has a drag coefficient comparable to a car’s – 0.285 to 0.29 (ID.Buzz Cargo). Good aerodynamics are important, especially for an electric vehicle so that the motor can work less hard to maintain a desired speed. Of course, it’s the same with cars with combustion engines too as less wind resistance means less energy consumed and more fuel saved.
And talking of energy, the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will have a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to power a 150 kW electric motor, which – as the flat engine once did in the Type 2 – drives the rear axle. The position of the battery, integrated deep down in the sandwich floor, and the lightweight electric drive system result in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity. Both factors optimise the handling and agility.
The battery pack can be charged from wallboxes or public charging stations using 11 kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC rapid-charging station (direct current), the charging power can be as much as 170 kW. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
For the ID.Buzz, the interior has been given a lounge-like, friendly ambience for 5 people to enjoy travelling. The spacious cabin maximizes utility and comfort, while dazzling with high-tech features and an interplay of colours and materials.
The cockpit is both high-tech and ergonomic with a 10-inch Digital Cockpit display and 10-inch or 12-inch infotainment/navigation system positioned centrally in the dashboard. Both the Digital Cockpit and infotainment system are connected with the instrument panel only at the bottom, looking like free-floating tablets. Beneath the infotainment system is a control bar with digital buttons and touch sliders.
A love for detail is reflected in the stylized vehicle silhouette that is embossed in the lower side seat trim, and the fold-down tables located in the backs of the front seats. Wholly practical, by contrast, is the optional height-adjustable cargo floor, which creates a level load space surface. The upward-opening rear hatch reveals 1,121 litres of luggage space and 2 side sliding doors are fitted as standard.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has developed an optional movable and removable centre console specifically for the ID. Buzz. The idea for this multifunction box was derived from the concept car shown earlier. In its upper section, it provides storage bins (in the case of the ID. Buzz Cargo, a cupholder), that can accommodate bottle, tablets or laptops.
As with other models of ID. family, the ID. Buzz comes with the interactive ‘ID. Light’. It stretches across in front of the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision above the instrument panel, and gives the driver intuitive information based on the colour and position of the light signal. For example, a signal in the right-hand area of the strip advises of obstructions in this area or corresponds with a navigation instruction to change lanes. When the ‘ID. Light’ goes red, it is signaling danger and the need to brake.
The hippies of the 1960s would love the ambient lighting feature – as standard, there are 10 colours and customers can also specify the 30-colour option. This option lights up a strip in the instrument panel, the decorative strips in the doors, the storage bins in the doors and the footwell. The Digital Cockpit and the infotainment system also take on the chosen base shade. In addition, two colours can be combined in each case for the different zones, and a ‘Mood Menu’ activates preconfigured lighting profiles.
Depending on the specifications chosen by importers in different markets, there is the possibility of a 6-seat configuration, with individual seats arranged in 3 rows of two. On the extended wheelbase version, there can be a 7-seat configuration in a 2/3/2 arrangement.
The ID. Buzz Cargo is what in Malaysia would be referred to as a ‘panel van’, strictly for commercial registration and use. In standard form, this version can accommodate 3 persons in front on a bench seat. An individual seat can also be installed for another passenger.
Behind the seats is a fixed partition, separating off the cargo space which has no windows. The cargo space has a volume of 3.9 cubic metres and has rings on the floor and bars on the walls for securing goods. Besides a wide-opening tailgate, the is one sliding door on the passenger side and customers can also specify a second sliding door on the other side as an option.
The ID.Buzz will go on sale in the third quarter of this year in some European markets. North America will see the extended wheelbase version in 2023 and deliveries will start in 2024. As for the rest of the world, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has not indicated when exports will start.
Over 70 years ago, a Volkswagen importer in Holland by the name of Ben Pons saw an opportunity to offer customers a versatile vehicle which could be adapted from the platform of the Beetle, then still a young product. He sketched a box like body on top of the Beetle platform and suggested it to Volkswagen which agreed to build prototypes. When the public saw the model, simply referred to as ‘T1’, there was great demand and so was born a vehicle that would become an icon in the decades that followed.
The I.D. BUZZ concept in 2017 with the original Microbus Kombi T1.
The original multi-purpose vehicle
It came to have various names – Kombi, Transporter, Caravelle, among them – and found use in numerous roles from people-carrier to goods transporter. In America, it was a ‘Microbus’ and became one of the symbols of the counter-culture movement there. Its low cost and simplicity made it easily affordable by the hippies who would live in it and gave the vehicles a lot of character with creative paintwork.
The original rounded form evolved into a more cubic shape with the third generation in 1979 and in 1983, the air-cooled engine was replaced by a water-cooled unit. The current generation is the T6 which was introduced in 2015 and continues to be a popular model in the midsize van segment.
Part of ID. family of EVs
However, with the trend towards electrification, Volkswagen has had to think of how to continue this iconic model with a zero emission powerplant. Its answer is a model known as the Buzz, which will be part of the ID. family of battery electric vehicles BEVs. The model, to be unveiled early next month, was shown in 2017 as the BUZZ concept and it received sufficient positive feedback that it was approved for production.
Prototypes have been driven on public roads for many months as part of the final phase of the development program before unveiling next month.
Volkswagen will have two versions of the electrically-powered model – the Buzz (a 5-seater) and Buzz Cargo (a van). The designers have transferred the styling of the 2017 concept car to the production version, and it has the design elements of the legendary T1. Those elements include extremely short body overhangs, maximum utilization of space on a minimal footprint, the classic division of the vehicle body design into an upper and lower level, and the V-shaped face. And just like the original, the Buzz also has rear-wheel drive.
The Volkswagen Group MEB platform for battery electric vehicles uses a new generation of battery packs (below).
VW Group MEB platform
The new model line is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). This uses a high-voltage lithium-ion battery providing gross energy content of 82 kWh, supplying 150 kW to the electric motor integrated in and driving the rear axle. The top speed is electronically limited at 145 km/h but official figures for range are not yet available. Unlike its combustion engine predecessor, the Buzz will be more agile with maximum torque of 310 Nm available when moving off.
Maximum space utilization
The MEB architecture has been designed to be variable and Volkswagen’s engineers have developed a versatile structure that facilitates a wide spectrum of roles – as a 5-seater leisure vehicle as well as a 3-seater cargo transporter. The range will be extended when another variant with a longer wheelbase and more possibilities of interior configurations debuts in 2023.
The standard wheelbase versions (2988 mm) of the Buzz and Buzz Cargo are just 4712 mm long. By way of comparison, the wheelbase of the Buzz is only 2 mm different to that of the current T6, which is 4904 mm long. The Buzz thus offers a similar internal length but is able to use smaller parking spaces. The passenger Buzz, which has a generous greenhouse, is 1937 mm high, which is lower than the T6, and is also 81 mm wider.
The original T1 van was developed from the same platform as the Beetle and was Volkswagen’s second model.
Thanks to the space-saving MEB concept, the two electric vans can offer good space utilization. The Buzz can take up to 1,121 litres of luggage even with all 5 seats occupied. For the Buzz Cargo, there‘s a volume of 3.9 cubic metres behind a partition that separates the front seats.
‘Plug & Charge’ and bi-directional charging
Using the latest ID. software, the model line will in future offer convenient charging methods such as the ‘Plug & Charge’ function. Using this function, the Buzz authenticates itself at many providers’ quick-charging (DC) stations via the charging connector, exchanging all necessary data with it in this way. And there is also the possibility of bi-directional charging which is available in some markets. This technology opens up a whole new spectrum of possibilities, such as the ability to store excess power from a home’s solar panels in the vehicle’s battery pack and to feed it back into the home in the evening.
Like other ID. models, the Buzz can receive software updates over the air (provided there is a connection). These include both updates for the infotainment system and updates relating to charging or driver assist functions. The spectrum of driver-assist systems available across various markets includes innovatively interconnected technologies such as the new ‘Trained Parking’ function (automatic maneuvering into and out of parking spaces); ‘Car2X’ (warnings and hazard alerts in the local vicinity); and the latest version of ‘Travel Assist’ that features crowd=sourced data to facilitate forward and lateral guidance on a partly automated basis across the full speed range.
The model was assembled and sold in Malaysia and used in many roles. Some units are still in use today, their owners turning them into mobile food trucks (below).
As far back as July last year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) had already confirmed that the new Golf 8 would be coming to Malaysia. That was good news but the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic and then the global microchip shortages must have delayed the plans although what had not been mentioned also was that the new 8th generation model would be assembled in Malaysia. That too would have added a bit more time as all previous generations came from Germany completely built-up (CBU) and ready for delivery.
And it’s not just the Golf model being assembled here again but it is the GTI – the original hot hatch – which is something special because there are only two other places in the world where it is made: Germany and China. Malaysia’s market size being tiny compared to China makes it a significant development although having started assembly of MQB platform models (the first being the Tiguan) has made this easier.
The last time the Golf was assembled in Malaysia was in the mid-1970s when the Mark 1 was introduced as the successor to the Beetle. However, due to changes of distributor and also Volkswagen’s strategy for the region, successive models were not assembled and while Auto Dunia (the distributor from 1984 through to the end of the 1990s) did sell some Golfs, most were imported by independent dealers who focussed on the GTI version that was the most popular.
It was only when Volkswagen Malaysia was established in the mid-2000s that a serious effort was made to market Volkswagens in the country. Of the different models imported, the GTI was the bestseller, accounting for 50% of sales at one stage. Since then, every generation of the GTI has occupied a strong position in the range sold in Malaysia and now, with the 8th generation, local assembly means it can sell in bigger numbers as the incentives that the government offers help offset the production costs to bring the price down to RM211,689 (without insurance and sales tax).
Coming soon: the new Golf R-Line with a 1.4-litre TSI engine, to be priced between RM155,000 and RM165,000.With 320 ps/400 Nm, this is the most powerful Golf R to be produced. Imported CBU, it is priced at RM356,412 and the limited number of units available are almost sold out.
The GTI isn’t the only version that is being assembled locally as there is also the lower-priced Golf R-Line which will be priced within the range of RM155,000 to RM165,000, but will only go on sale a bit later (although you can book one now). The price is certainly lower than the last listed price for the CBU Golf R-Line of the 7th generation (well, 7.5 to be more correct).
This is not to be mistaken for the very powerful Golf R which is also available in limited numbers as a CBU import, priced from RM356,412 (without insurance). That’s a lot more money than the GTI but according to the VPCM people, they are almost running out of stocks of the Golf R.
With a model as iconic and legendary as the Golf, especially the GTI, the designers have to be very careful how they shape it. While having to modernise in keeping with the latest trends, there is also a need to retain the heritage so the Mark 8 has evolutionary change from its predecessor and incorporates the signature elements like the honeycomb front grille and red pinstripe trim. But because it has the same basic form as the other versions, it is a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’.
The standard LED headlights are positioned low down and dominate the striking front end in conjunction with the radiator grille. A narrow edge below the bonnet, red in colour, reaches across the entire front. This creates the new face which is also in line with the current new models of the brand.
18-inch Richmond alloy wheels (with 225/40 tyres) with red brake calipers are at each corner while at the rear end, LED tail light units provide a distinct visual signature. There is, of course, the mandatory spoiler on the edge of the roof and under the bumper, individual tailpipes on either side.
Like an increasing number of new models today, the brand or model name is larger on the rear panel and in this case, the ‘GTI’ letters below the VW logo can be spotted from some distance (for the R-Line, ‘GOLF’ is used).
The original hot hatch – the first Golf GTI launched in 1975.
Under the bonnet is a familiar power unit, the EA888, which is a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct-injection. With the latest version of the engine, output has improved to 245 ps/370 Nm (15 ps/20 Nm more than the previous GTI 7.5). That’s more than double the power and torque of the original 1.6-litre engine in the Mark 1 which was 110 ps/137 Nm. The proven 7-speed wet-clutch DSG continues to be used to deliver power to the front wheels.
Further along the driveline, there’s an XDS+ Electronic Differential Lock that was initially developed for the Golf GTI (an earlier generation) which enhances handling to be more precise and more neutral. It is an extension of the electronic differential lock (EDS) integrated in the ESP system. It uses the ESP hydraulic system to apply braking forces to the relevant wheel to achieve optimum traction. Thus, the XDS acts like a limited-slip differential to compensate for the understeer typical of FWD cars during fast cornering.
The Golf GTI also comes with a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) with Dynamic Chassis Control that has up to 15 settings. The driver can choose pre-set modes for economy or sporty driving, or even customise specific aspects such as the steering, drivetrain and even engine sound. Using a new software application, the VDM intelligently manages the electromechanical running gear systems to provide the driver with an even higher level of control than before.
While the suspension layout is similar to the previous generation’s, there has been some reconfiguration of the front struts and the front axle spring rate is said to be 5% higher than before. The use of a new aluminium subframe also takes away a bit over 3 kgs while maximising rigidity. For the multi-link rear axle, the engineers designed a new wheel mount and increased the spring rate by 15% while also upgrading the damping characteristics.
‘Digital’ and ‘connected’ are the two words that are dominant in the description of the new Golf. The clearest demonstration of this is the new Digital Cockpit, which is part of what Volkswagen calls the Driver’s Workspace. Though looking traditional at a glance, the dashboard is actually revolutionary and presents information in a clearer, neater way. Virtually all of the displays and controls are digital with two display screens – a 10.25-inch TFT panel for the meters and a 10-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Because the instrument panel is digital and graphic, the display can be personalised with different colour themes and views, including a GTI-specific skin.
The 10-inch panel towards the middle of the dashboard displays 3D navigation and has connectivity options that include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to put smartphone apps on the screen and use them. Intuitive operation in the Golf GTI can also be supported by new, natural voice control on request. The system is simply activated by saying ‘Hello Volkswagen’ or pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The Golf reacts to intuitive voice commands such as ‘Play some music’ or ‘I’m too cold’, activating or adjusting systems as necessary.
The sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel also deserves highlighting with its multifunction haptic controls. This is new technology so for some (maybe computer gamers will be familiar with it), it may need getting used to. Your fingers don’t need to be ultra sensitive as the feedback is strong enough that you will eventually get used to it.
Ambient lighting around the cabin is the in-thing these days as it can create a more pleasant ambience for greater motoring pleasure. Volkswagen’s interior designers have installed accents of indirect lighting in various places and there are 30 colour choices to personalise from, or you can just pick one of the 5 preset themes (Infinity, Eternity, Desire, Euphoria, Vitality).
The sports front seats are upholstered in Vienna leather and for the feet, there are brushed stainless steel pedals. 3-zone climate control provides more personalised comfort to each front occupant as well as the rear occupants, while 4 USB ports (two of which are USB-C type) allow almost everyone to be able to recharge their devices while on the move.
Given the high performance of the Golf GTI, it would be expected that the levels of occupant protection would also be very high. Apart from the very rigid structure, the occupants are also protected by 6 airbags on the front and sides of the cabin. Active safety systems help the driver to maintain control or stabilise the car and if there is a major collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System activates to prevent the car from ‘bouncing’ about and crashing again.
Like other locally-assembled Volkswagen models, the new Golf GTI comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years, plus complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years.
To locate a showroom in Malaysia to view and test-drive the new Golf GTI, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Going into its second year in the Malaysian market, the Volkswagen Passat R-Line has received upgrades as well as a boost in performance. The new model is priced from RM211,916.88 (without insurance) and being assembled locally in Pekan, Pahang, customers can buy it without having to pay sales tax (until June 30, 2022).
The 2.0TSI turbocharged engine has its output now raised to 220 ps/350 Nm, all of which goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed wet-clutch DSG transmission. Dynamic Chassis Control enhances the driving experience, allowing the drive to personalise the handling character of the car.
Besides the engine improvement, the other change is to the audio system which is now a premium system from Harman Kardon. It comes with no less than 12 high-performance speakers and 700W amplifier to provide an immersive sound experience for every occupant in the cabin. There is also a haptic-touch air conditioner control that is simple and intuitive to use.
There are 5 colours choices – Scale Silver, Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Deep Black and Oryx White – for the latest Passat R-Line. Sharp-eyed Volkswagen fans will spot the new brand logo on the grille and rear end. It is the second model with this new logo.
“The Passat is built on a successful combination of class and performance, which makes it the sedan of choice for the sophisticated both globally and locally. We have retained the unique features of the Passat R-Line but fine-tuned its performance so that it becomes an ideal partner for the discerning driver,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.
Each new Passat comes with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years. To locate an authorised Volkswagen showroom in Malaysia to view the range of models available, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) starts off the new year with the launch of Accelerated Futurescapes, a collection of exclusive Arteon NFTs. This collaboration with new media art collective Filamen involves 4 one-of-a-kind crypto artworks based on the flagship Volkswagen Arteon.
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets based on blockchain technology that allows for digital ownership. As each piece is uniquely certified with no one piece is the same, it is expected to appeal to art collectors and Arteon enthusiasts alike.
Besides being available for purchase on Pentas. the NFTs are also presented on Filamen’s virtual gallery and co-curated design research platform, No-to-scale.
The NFT project is the second art collaboration to feature the Arteon. In 2020, VPCM partnered with Wei-Ling Contemporary art gallery on ‘Makings of a Masterpiece’, which featured 13 Arteon Art Cars by 13 local artists that were then successfully auctioned off for charity.
“Volkswagen have always been at the forefront of digitalisation initiatives in Malaysia, and pushing digital boundaries is something we constantly strive to do,” said VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter. “What more, to empower young local artists and be a part of their journey to explore and widen their creative range has been truly inspiring.”
“Of course, the collaboration had to star the Arteon, which offers the perfect combination of avant-garde design with dynamic handling. With this collaboration, we are once again setting new standards, and we thank Filamen in realising this dream with us,” he added.
Up-and-coming Filamen artists, Syed Mohamad and Jason Choo, were commissioned to create the NFTs, and the results were 4 ‘otherworldly’ visions of the future inspired by the Arteon’s design and performance – from the sound, to shape, and the little details that matter.
“It has been a thrilling journey for us at Filamen, and we thank Volkswagen for this opportunity. We saw the project as a digital exploration of the relationship between the car and aesthetic imagery and the artworks are distinct visions of the Arteon, exemplifying a car beyond just a vehicle. What we wanted to do, at the heart of it all, was to express human emotions inspired by the Arteon,” said Filamen co-founder, Abdul Shakir Abu Samah.
The Arteon is the flagship of the Volkswagen range in Malaysia. To know more about it, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Volkswagen offers discount, interest-free repayment
Owners of Volkswagen vehicles who have had their vehicles damaged by the floods will be pleased to know that if they use authorized Volkswagen service dealerships, they can get 30% off parts and labour for repair works. This offer is available from now until February 28, 2022. Owners are encouraged to download the new Volkswagen Cares app (Apple App Store/Google Play Store) to redeem the flood relief support voucher. Terms and conditions apply.
To further alleviate the financial burden that many may be facing, there is also an easy payment plan where owners have the option to spread out their bill over 6 or 12 months with no interest charged (terms and conditions apply).
“All of us at Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia are deeply saddened by the flash floods that struck Malaysia over the weekend. Our thoughts are with those who are impacted and are facing loss and damages in the aftermath. We hope that our assistance will help to relieve the burden of our owners during this difficult time,” said the company’s Managing Director, Erik Winter.
BMW Group Malaysia offers reductions and rebates
BMW Group Malaysia is also offering support to its customers with up to a 20% reduction on parts repair for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners affected by the flood over the weekend. Authorized dealerships will also provide an RM300 rebate on the towing cost for affected owners. The reduction and rebates are valid until January 31, 2022.
“Following the flood cases that have been reported in various states in the country, we remain committed to deliver peace of mind for our customers throughout their ownership experience, even during this challenging time. To this end, BMW Group Malaysia and our network of dealers stand ready to provide our customers with the needed support when it comes to their vehicles,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
To obtain support, owners can contact their preferred authorized dealership or contact the BMW Roadside Assistance for more information. Alternatively, they may also contact the Customer Interaction Centre at 1 800 88 3000.
With Ford having revealed their next generation of the Ranger pick-up truck, Volkswagen is also releasing more details and images of its new Amarok. Why, you may wonder, is Volkswagen associated with Ford’s model reveal? It’s because the two carmakers have been working together on their new pick-up trucks. Ford had previously been collaborating with Mazda for its earlier Rangers, with Mazda’s version known as the BT-50. However, the two companies decided to end that collaboration and Mazda has teamed up with Isuzu, while Ford teamed up with Volkswagen.
Like the Ford-Mazda collaboration, a similar arrangement is now with the German carmaker’s Commercial Vehicles subsidiary. Just how much each party contributes is not known, just as it was never known with Ford and Mazda which had worked together since the first Ranger in the mid-1990s. However, Ford probably brings much truck expertise to the collaboration since it has been making such vehicles for more than 100 years, and it also makes the bestselling truck on the planet (albeit largely in North America).
Volkswagen has not had a strong presence in the truck market and even back in the 1990s, it was taking the Toyota Hilux and rebadging it to sell as a Volkswagen Taro. It developed its own model, the Amarok, ten years ago but that has not made a big impact in the time it has been in the market (over 800,000 sold globally). Now, with the new model to be adapted from the new Ranger, Volkswagen will have a more capable truck to sell. The carmaker is certainly expecting it to impress with numerous innovations.
New Amarok to be built at Ford plant
The Ranger was mainly developed in Australia and Volkswagen adds that there were also project teams in Europe. The Ford models will be built at two production hubs – in Thailand and in South Africa – and Volkswagen says its product will be built in South Africa (at Ford’s plant) as well in Pacheco, Argentina, where the current generation is built. Volkswagen has plant in South Africa as Uitenhage but it is not set up as a truck plant (it makes only the Polo and Cross Polo). Incidentally, Mazda’s new BT-50 is also made at the Isuzu plant in Thailand rather than the original facility which is jointly owned with Ford.
This is considered as the third generation and unless Volkswagen plans on entering more markets with the new Amarok, it will be sold in considerably less than the 180 markets the Ranger is in. It is mainly on sale in South America, Europe, South Africa, Mongolia and there are plans to sell it in North America.
The new Amarok will be built at Ford’s factory in South Africa (above) which was upgraded this year for the new Ranger. Another production site will be at Volkswagen’s factory in Argentina (below) which builds the current Amarok.
Premium truck
To go on sale in late 2022, the new Amarok is presented as a premium truck and will have ‘clear Volkswagen DNA’, the company stresses. This probably refers largely to aesthetics and perhaps some specific equipment or features. The new vehicle has significantly more driver assistance systems and connectivity than before, which the Ranger is already well known for.
As is the case with shared models, the designers can only individualise areas like the lights and grille, and perhaps some of the bodywork as many of the structural ‘hard points’ are fixed. To alter them means additional engineering work and cost, defeating the benefit of joint development.
The new Amarok will get Volkswagen DNA at the front end and looks a lot more muscular than the model it will replace (below).
‘X design’ and Volkswagen DNA
In the case of the Amarok, Volkswagen is giving it a striking front end with defining ‘X design’, according to Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We’ve given the strength and power of the new Amarok an unambiguous expression – with clear Volkswagen DNA, inside and out.”
“The Amarok makes possible what in many places appears impossible at first sight: it makes things easier for its users by assisting them in their work and everyday lives,” said Dr. Lars Krause, Brand Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “That’s because the Amarok provides solutions that enable our customers to achieve their goals – especially when things get difficult.”
To know more about Volkswagen models available in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
