Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has refreshed its eShowroom to provide greater convenience and clarity for those looking to purchase a Volkswagen. On the revamped website, customers will know what models are available for sale at the respective authorised Volkswagen dealers nationwide in real-time.
Loosely based on the concept of “what you see is what you get”, only vehicles that in stock at the showrooms of dealers will be featured. In this way, a customer will be able to know that he or she can have the vehicle right away (subject to loan approvals and completion of other processes related to a new vehicle registration).
Customers can browse through the website to see the models currently available and their showroom locations. They can either book a test drive, or reserve the unit online with a standard booking fee of RM1,500. After that, a representative of their preferred dealer will be in touch to assist them through the next steps to complete the purchase.
Special offer As part of the Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations over the next 2 months, those who place a booking via the eShowroom will also receive an exclusive RM500 rebate on their purchase.
“Volkswagen Malaysia is always looking for ways to enhance the ownership experience for our customers, and begins at the moment of purchase. With this in view, our eShowroom is anchored on the concept of bringing a dealership right to the customer’s fingertip, and we are pleased to now bring it up a notch by introducing real-time availability. This will bring greater convenience, thus ensuring a smoother journey for our customers,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
Online sales channel since 2020 VPCM was among the early companies to establish an online channel for customer to shop when the COVID-19 pandemic started. In fact, the company ‘opened shop’ for its eShowroom in March 2020, the same month when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was first introduced. It was timely as businesses, including showrooms, had to stop operating. But with the e-Showroom, they could still ‘visit’ to know more about Volkswagen products and initiate a purchase if they were interested.
The availability of an eShowroom has provided customers with another channel to obtain information at their convenience – even at 2 am in the morning! From time to time, there have been special offers for purchases made only at the eShowroom, saving money for customers.
Illustration only as delivery methods may vary! But customers are assured that the new vehicle will be protected from risk of damage while being transported to their home.
With social distancing being urged to reduce spread of the coronavirus, authorised Volkswagen dealers have also been offering a home delivery service for the past 2 years. The service is available nationwide up to a distance of 20 kms from an authorised dealership serving the customer. To avoid any risk of damage, the new vehicle (which is covered) is delivered using a flatbed carrier truck right to the customer’s doorstep.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has added the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life to its locally-assembled SUV range. ‘Life’ seems to be a new designation the German carmaker is using to denote entry-level models as it also displayed a model called Life last year which is described as an entry-level EV.
Thus, the new Tiguan Allspace Life is positioned as the entry-level version of the range, priced from RM172,990 (excluding insurance). Compared to the Tiguan Allspace Elegance, which has the same engine size, the price difference is RM7,600 less, while the 2-litre Tiguan Allspace R-Line is RM53,083 more expensive.
Like the other two variants as well as the latest Golf 8, Passat and Arteon the Tiguan is assembled at the Volkswagen facility at the DRB-HICOM Automotive manufacturing complex in Pekan, Pahang. As an indication of its popularity, the SUV model has accounted for 55% of the Volkswagen vehicles assembled in the first 6 months of 2022.
The current Tiguan (which is the German brand’s global bestseller) has two body versions – 2 rows for 5 persons and 3 rows for 7 persons. Only the 3-row Allspace version is being assembled in Malaysia, with many parts coming from the global production hub in Mexico.
Although the Tiguan Allspace with its additional row is 242 mm longer than the 2-row body, it doesn’t have the stretched look that some extended wheelbase. And though the Life variant is at entry-level, its appearance is no different from the other two variants. It also comes with the signature Volkswagen illuminated light strip between full LED headlamps. The taillight cluster has a distinctive lighting signature with dynamic visualization when the brakes are applied.
Other elements include the ‘Allspace’ trim, silver-painted side mirrors, ‘Tiguan’ lettering on the rear, and 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels.
The Tiguan Life is powered by the same 1.4TSI engine with power going to only the front wheels via a 6-speed DSG. Turbocharged, the engine produces 150 ps/250 Nm for spirited performance but can still do a claimed 13 kms/litre. With the 60-litre fuel tank, that should be good for almost 800 kms on an outstation journey.
The interior is also well equipped, as Volkswagens usually are, and VPCM has provided useful and functional features that would be expected of a SUV. Standard for the Tiguan Life are the 9.2” Discover Pro infotainment system with wireless app connect; built-in GPS navigation system; voice-control; 3-zone Climatronic air conditioner; and a leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel.
Some may feel that they do not need a third row so it’s a waste but with the flexible layout, the unwanted row can be kept out of sight by being folded down. This gives a large cargo area that can be up to 1,775 litres – which anyone would appreciate. And perhaps there will be that one occasion in the year when you’ll be glad you have a 7-seater when having to fetch a large group of friends from the airport.
European carmakers are very serious about safety and often standardise safety equipment and systems globally. With the Tiguan Allspace Life, besides 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, ABS and Brake Assist , there’s also a Multi-collision brake system, Intelligent Crash Response System, and Electronic Parking Brake. Lane Assist and Driver Alert systems are available as well to help the driver while on the move.
Owners do not have to pay for scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years, and there is no mileage limit on the 5-year warranty. There’s also complimentary roadside during the first 5 years of ownership.
“The Tiguan Allspace plays a key role in our portfolio, so we are pleased to be able to bring its full range to Malaysia. With the Life, we are offering a high-performing SUV that gives our customers excellent value for money. It is also ideal option for a young family’s first choice of vehicle,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
To find out more about the new Tiguan Allspace Life or to locate a showroom to test-drive Volkswagen models in malaysia, visit volkswagen.com.my.
The latest Volkswagen Golf 8 R-Line now has a price which starts from RM169,990. The model, one of the versions of the new Golf 8 range launched in February this year, was displayed but at that time, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) did not have a price for it yet. The Golf GTI and Golf R (CBU) are priced from RM214,900 and RM389,990, respectively.
1.4TSI engine with torque-converter AT
Like the Golf GTI, the Golf R-Line is assembled at the Volkswagen facility in the DRB-HICOM manufacturing complex in Pekan, Pahang. Under the bonnet is a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine with an output of 150 ps/280 Nm, mated to an Aisin-supplied 8-speed automatic transmission (the trusty torque converter type) with shift-by-wire control. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 17.2 kms/litre.
The driver can select from 3 driving modes to suit driving conditions or personal preference, and can customise the settings as well.
Apart from the R-Line styling and low C-signature front bumper, the new model comes with 17-inch Valencia alloy wheels and chrome-effect trapezoid faux exhaust tailpipes.
Better connectivity
The latest Golf generation has enhanced digitalisation in the cockpit with far greater connectivity than before. It also comes with intelligent voice control system to manage various functions. The ‘trigger phrase’ is ‘Hello Volkswagen’ which will ‘wake up’ the system to await a command. Alternatively, pressing a button on the steering wheel also activates the system.
The voice recognition system has been improved from earlier systems and uses digital microphones. The new software has fewer system interfaces than before, and comprehension rate is said to reach a level of around 95%. It recognises whether the driver or the passenger is speaking. which means it can adjust the air conditioning system (to colder or warmer, for example) specifically for the person making the request.
The Golf has always had optimised interior packaging with space for the occupants as a priority. The hatchback offers plenty of room for all the family while, at the rear, is a 381-litre of luggage compartment.
Like the Golf GTI, the Golf R-Line has a tough structure constructed using a combination of high-quality steel extensively engineered to provide maximum occupant protection in the event of an accident. Other key safety features include Electronic Stability Control; Post Collision Braking System that prevents a second collision; Electronic Differential Lock that improves traction and reduce understeer; and 6 airbags at the front and sides.
Customers can choose from a range of 5 colours for the Golf R-Line – Moonstone Grey, Metallic Kings Red, Atlantic Blue (in metallic finishing), Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect.
The price includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years of ownership, and 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.
Collaborating on products is nothing new nor unusual in the auto industry. It costs a massive amount of money to develop a new model and unless the potential volume over the life of the model is sufficiently high, it may not be worth the expenditure on R&D. So carmakers will team up and jointly develop a new model and share the costs, which would make better business sense if the volumes are not going to be very big.
Even our Perodua teamed up with Toyota and Daihatsu to develop the first Myvi, which each carmaker then added its own styling differences for differentiation. The sharing of costs sometimes allows a better equipped product to be developed as the money saved can be used for better features.
Volkswagen is no stranger to such partnerships and has shared products with companies like Ford and Toyota, among others. In the past, its Sharan MPV was also sold as a Ford Galaxy and now, the latest model to be shared by the two companies is the Amarok, which is adapted from the latest 4th generation Ford Ranger (to be launched in Malaysia this month).
First generation of the Amarok.
To be built in South Africa
The new Amarok is like the previous Rangers and Mazda’s BT-50, which was a shared product as well. And like those trucks, the Amarok will also be initially built at the same plant as the new Ranger in South Africa. Later on, production will also start at Volkswagen’s own factory in Argentina which has been making the first generation of the Amarok that was introduced in 2010.
The new Amarok was developed largely in Australia, probably at Ford’s facilities, but Volkswagen also mentions Germany which would have been where the styling work would have been done. It will be sold as a premium pick-up truck and appear in Australia and New Zealand, numerous countries of Africa, the Middle East and Europe. While North America is not mentioned and perhaps it would be a tough market to enter, it’s interesting that Volkswagen does not have Asian markets in mind either. Perhaps the dominance of models like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-MAX also make it challenging to compete in, not to mention the fact that the Ford version is sold widely.
The first generation of the Amarok now looks pretty dated but then again, it was developed over 15 years ago. Since then, many new technologies have been developed and trucks have also gained more sophistication. Thus for the new model, it is a big leap technologically with over 20 new driver assist systems, mobile online services, all-wheel drive technologies, and high efficiency/high-torque powerplants.
With over 830,000 units sold, the first generation established the Amarok as a tough vehicle, though a bit basic in comparison to rivals. The new one is bigger, more powerful and more athletic. It has a frontal appearance that follows Volkswagen’s design language so it is well differentiated from the Ford.
“For the new generation, we have significantly modified the Amarok’s archetypal design. It is now unambiguously more expressive and even more impressive”, said Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Making a statement in itself is the new front section of the truck which will have three specification variants, as well as the top versions with off-road styling and exclusive styling. The new Amarok will be offered with two bodystyles – a 4-door double cab and 2-door single cab.
Long wheelbase enhances proportions
At 5350 mm, the new Amarok is 96 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also been extended to 3270 mm, representing an increase of 173 mm. That allows more room within the cabin, especially for the rear passengers in the double cab. The longer wheelbase shortens the body overhangs, which is not only gives sharper proportions but is also advantageous in off-roading as there are better approach angles. The off-road capabilities of the Amarok are also enhanced by a much greater fording depth for driving through deep water; previously it was 500 mm, now it’s 800 mm.
High-quality interior
With its self-explanatory and digital displays, the interior has been configured by the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles design team in a very functional and high-quality way. The spectrum of display units is made up of digital 8-inch instruments (Digital Cockpit, fully digital) and 12-inch panels with a large touchscreen in tablet format.
After much research, the interior designers implemented a mix of digital functions and ergonomically configured buttons and/or push/rotary switches in the Amarok that are intuitive to use. The infotainment system’s volume and all-wheel drive system’s settings are controlled via such hard keys which make better sense than touch operation.
The sound system is from Harman Kardon and will be standard for the high-end versions and optional for others. It is used exclusively in the Amarok and complements the premium appearance of the leather-look instrument panel with elegant contrast stitching. The premium positioning is also matched by the seating which has electric adjustments.
Payloads of up to 1.16 tonnes
Behind the cab is a spacious load area which Volkswagen refers to as a ‘cargo box’. Its dimensions are sufficient for a Euro pallet loaded sideways. The single cab version can even take two pallets loaded sideways. The load is strapped down via eye rings on the cargo bed, each of which can take a load of up to 500 kgs. There is also boosted load capability – the maximum payload has gone up to 1.16 tonnes.
The cargo box can also be secured using an electrically operated roll cover, protecting the items inside. This roll cover can be opened and closed from the cargo box itself, from inside the vehicle or by remote control via the vehicle key.
5 turbocharged engines
Customers will have a choice of 4 turbodiesel engines and 1 turbocharged petrol engine. All the engines have high efficiency and high levels of torque. The engines offered in each market will depend on the needs of the customers. In African markets, for instance, the base specification engine will be a 4-cylinder, 2-litre turbodiesel with 150 ps output. But for many other markets, there will be a more powerful version which produces up to 170 ps.
10-speed automatic with 4MOTION systems
Amaroks with engine outputs of more than 209 ps will have a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard. This transmission is operated by an e-shifter which is a by-wire system. In addition, there will also be a 6-speed automatic transmission and manual 6 or 5-speed gearboxes for various engines and market preferences.
In many markets, the Amarok will come with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system as standard. Depending on region and engine, there will be two different 4MOTION systems. One will have selectable all-wheel drive based on the given situation, and one will be permanent all-wheel drive.
Driver assist systems
With pick-up trucks spending more time on highways rather than off-road, the need for driver assist systems to make driving safer is greater. To provide this, there are more than 20 of the driver assist systems in the Amarok. Where markets are suitable, the ACC+ Adaptive Cruise Control can incorporate road signs into the automatic control of speed via camera scans.
There are also 6 different driving profiles (Drive Modes) to assist the driver in a variety of terrain conditions. These customise the characteristics of the engine and drivetrain to optimise grip and stability so the driver can confidently explore off-road areas.
After releasing sketches of a new model in its BEV (battery electric vehicle) ID. range, Volkswagen has now issued the first pictures of the concept car that will be the basis of the flagship of the range. To be known as the ID. AERO, it will be the sixth member of the ID. family, after the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6 as well as the iconic ID. Buzz.
The future model will be positioned in the premium midsize sedan segment and offered worldwide as the brand’s first global BEV sedan. the production version for China, a very important market for Volkswagen, is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2023. The European and global version will be made in Germany from 2023.
Electric offensive in China
With the ID. AERO, Volkswagen is stepping up its electric offensive in China as part of its ACCELERATE strategy. Following the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.6, the production version of the ID. AERO will become the fourth fully-electric model series in China when it goes on sale in the second half of 2023.
Two versions are planned for the world’s largest car market – one for each Volkswagen joint venture. Based on its regional strategy, Volkswagen is aiming to become the leading supplier of sustainable vehicles in China. As early as 2030, it is planned that at least every second vehicle sold in China will be an electric vehicle.
Elegant design characterised by aerodynamics
The concept car is almost 5 metres long and its design is greatly influenced by aerodynamic principles. The roof slopes elegantly to the rear in coupe style and contributes to achieving a very low drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd.
Stylistically, the ID. AERO transfers the design of the ID. family to a sedan in the premium midsize segment for the first time. The aerodynamically designed front end and roof ensure that air flows optimally over the vehicle. The airflow is calmed by the slightly drawn-in rear end with a separation edge.
The front end is characterised by the ID. honeycombs typical for the ID. family. The front is horizontally split into two in the bumper and is a defining style element for the ID. AERO design. As another distinctive feature that makes the ID. AERO stand out in the crowd, a narrow light strip extends horizontally across the front out to the left and right of the illuminated Volkswagen badge and above the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, wrapping into the wings and side panels.
This light strip is continued visually to the rear end with a few interruptions. The dominant rear end features a striking dark light strip and LED taillight clusters with honeycomb structure that create an exclusive look.
The sporty 22-inch two-tone wheels are designed in the style of a turbine and are integrated flush into the wheel housings. Classic door handles are replaced by illuminated touch surfaces, which reduce the drag even further.
At the top of the silhouette, the bold tornado line and downward sloping roof line shape the design. The powerful shoulder section of the ID. AERO is located above the tornado line. The contour lines make the electric sedan appear flatter and give it a dynamic look.
Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB)
Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) permits short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an exceptionally spacious vehicle interior. The ID. AERO will have a powerful lithium-ion battery with a net energy content of 77 kWh. Thanks to the interaction of the efficient drive system and the excellent aerodynamic properties, the carmaker claims that ranges of up to 620 kms will be possible.
“With the ID. AERO showcar, we are revealing a preview of the next member of the ID. family. A car with an emotional and at the same time extremely aerodynamic design, a range of over 600 kms, an extraordinary amount of space and a premium interior,” said Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “With our ACCELERATE strategy, we are intensively driving forward the electrification of our model range. Following the ID.4, this model will be our next global car for Europe, China and the USA. ”
The ID. family is Volkswagen’s range of the future with all battery-electric models using the MEB platform.
These days, it seems that reviving iconic models is a growing trend and while doing so, designers also use the opportunity to reimagine the model. While retaining the iconic elements, they make subtle (or not so subtle) changes to modernise the design which still remains immediately recognisable.
The Milivie 1 is such a car, instantly recognisable as the legendary Volkswagen Beetle but evolved in various ways. It is the brainchild of Jonathan Engler, an artistic engineer with the vision to celebrate extinct German automotive icons and discreetly re-engineer them anew as an exclusive machine for the very select few.
Engler and his team start with a carefully selected donor VW 1303 model. While many will think of the Beetle as a product in the 1950 or 1960s, the 1303 in particular was actually produced in the 1970s when the model was given a bigger engine. Once the unit is acquired, it will receive over a thousand hours of craftsmanship and engineering. This evolved it into a car that shares little other than the metal monocoque section of body and the floorboards with the donor. Even these areas are vastly modified from the original car.
The aim is also to provide a driving feel that is tactile, active and agile, hence every single component has been enhanced with a spec list that rivals the ultimate performance classic. The chassis is enhanced and onto it goes an air-cooled 2.28-litre flat four powertrain, precision-built for each car, tuned to the specific car’s use case and eventual environment. The Carrera 2-sourced ZF 4HP transmission is totally reworked to deliver the engaging, thrilling drive that will be the car’s signature.
The body, at first glance seemingly unchanged, is elegantly and artfully crafted to produce a smoother, more contemporary silhouette that combines shared DNA with a unique stance. The interior echoes familiarity but offers modernity. The vision for creating the interior design was to entirely replace the dominantly geometric and static design with a ground-up surface dynamic that elaborates on the exterior. Yet those shapes that are faithful to the original organic design base are the details characteristic to each generation of the donor vehicle’s history.
Engler has combined a subtle and unobtrusive exterior appearance with a complete reappraisal of driver and passenger desires that blends an old school driving feel with cutting edge technology and contemporary comforts.
The entire team has drawn on 70 years of air-cooled history and acted to build on the 78,000 incremental OEM changes made by the original manufacturer during the vehicle’s production period. To Engler and his team, the original story is an unfinished one deserving of a final, respectful yet totally modern evolution to mark the final chapter.
The number of cars that will be offered for sale – 22 – honours the 22 million total production output of the original Beetle, making each car representative of one in a million. In creating a car that is not only approachable in style but exclusive in every single detail, the Milivie team looked back not only to the donor vehicle’s extensive DNA, but also to wider evocation from air-cooled classics.
Complementing their evolution study references were drawn to pay homage to early Porsche designs, enabling them to respect and embrace the design vision of the car’s original creator – Ferdinand Porsche. 904 bodyline elements lead into the distinctive ducktail; the 935 echoes in the exhaust tips; and the 956 in the high-cut rear fenders and bumpers. The 964 inspired the concave indents of the rear fenders, not revealed until you glimpse the top view. The subtly inverted angle rear bumper from the type 64 results in a higher and longer rear end.
The slightly lower and more centred placement of the actual headlights and turn signals are inspired by the Rallye and buggy culture of the donor and once again evoke the 718, whilst the high-tension running lights are the stretched oval outlines of the Porsche RS Spyder headlights. The execution of painstaking design and artfully considered evolution delivers an initial silhouette that seems immediately familiar, whilst the detail intrigues and draws in the passionate driver for closer inspection.
Milivie is now taking orders for the cars which will have prices starting from €570,000 (around RM2.633 million). The first car will be delivered in July 2023 with subsequent units going to customers thereafter up till May 2025.
Das WeltAuto is a website where those who are looking for a used Volkswagen vehicle in Malaysia can go to and check out the available models. Launched in September 2019, it is Volkswagen’s global used car program which offers certified used cars for sale.
“What makes Das WeltAuto different from other used car channels is that you can expect the same exceptional level of service as a new car purchase experience from a dealer you can trust, with experienced sales staff who will provide the best advice and maximum transparency. All this from a brand you can rely on – and most importantly, a product you can trust,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM).
To improve the user experience, the website has been refreshed and now presents a more minimalist look. The interface has also been revamped and various new features have been introduced to provide convenience.
Most notably, owners can sell their Volkswagen to authorised dealerships through the ‘Sell Your Car’ function. This completes the Das WeltAuto ecosystem as it now provides both the purchase and sale of certified used Volkswagen cars within the same platform.
The process for ‘Sell Your Car’ is simple as owners only need to submit their vehicle’s details via the website. A preferred dealership will then arrange for a free inspection either at home or on-site before a competitive offer is made. Attractive trade-up support is offered if the owner wants to purchase a new Volkswagen from the dealership.
Another feature is the ‘Nearly New Cars’ section that lists certified cars with less than 12,000 kms mileage and are within a year of the original registration date. These might be company-owned vehicles that have been used as demonstrators and can often be a great deal for buyers as they are almost as good as new.
Das WeltAuto follows Volkswagen’s global know-how, standards and processes so customers are assured of the same level of meticulousness for the used cars as if they were purchasing a brand-new one. All vehicles are accepted for trade-in and will undergo a strict and thorough 133-point check by Volkswagen Technicians.
Peace of mind is also guaranteed as all Das WeltAuto vehicles are fitted with genuine parts (where necessary); are accident-free and flood-free; and come with complete proof of scheduled services at authorised Volkswagen service centres. Purchasers also get a 1-year extended warranty and 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance.
The story of the Golf R began in 2002 when Volkswagen put a 3.2-litre 6-cylinder engine into the Golf, and the R32 badge. With 241 ps going to all four wheels, it became the most powerful Golf that Volkswagen had built for sale up to that point. And just like the first Golf, the planners under-estimated demand and sales were triple what had been expected.
To celebrate its 20th year, the fifth edition of the sporty variant of the Golf range gets a special anniversary version called the Golf R ’20 Years’. Volkswagen plans to produce it for about 12 months, so the actual number has not been determined. But the Golf R ‘20 Years’ will undoubtedly become a collector’s item with its special-edition status.
Golf R ’20 Years’ and 2002 Golf R32 (right)
Most powerful production Golf
As with other R-badged models, the Golf R draws on racetrack experience in its development, using many technologies developed for the high-pressured and demanding competition environment. With the Golf R ‘20 Years’, the company says that the model ‘surpasses everything that has been launched with the ‘Golf’ label up to now with its drive technology.
Unlike the first Golf R32, the latest one has a 4-cylinder engine and 2 litres of displacement. But with direct injection and turbocharging, its output has reached 333 ps – the highest ever for a production Golf. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is claimed to be just 4.6 seconds but the top speed is somewhere beyond 270 km/h, the electronically limited maximum speed.
Enhancing the driving experience
The enthusiasts at the company’s performance division have installed an ‘Emotion Start‘ to activate an initial engine speed overshoot extending up to 2,500 rpm, thereby enhancing the ‘R driving experience’.
The DSG is also said to provide noticeable feedback from the gearbox and drivetrain each time the right paddle is operated (when shifting up manually in S and S+ modes). In addition, the optimised engine tuning means that the load change response is extremely spontaneous. The turbocharger is preloaded to keep it at a constant speed during part-load driving. This then allows faster power development for subsequent acceleration and quickens response.
The Golf R ‘20 Years’ will be offered with the R Performance package already available with the current Golf R. This package includes R-Performance Torque Vectoring in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager and 2 additional driving modes, Special and Drift.
Exclusive design and styling elements
The exclusive design highlights use blue accents and for the first time in a production Volkswagen model, the dashboard panel and door trim feature decorative trim elements in Genuine Carbon. There are blue R logos also found on the steering wheel and on the vehicle key cap.
First deliveries start from next month to many European markets and North America, with each unit priced in Germany at 59,995 euros (around RM283,000).
To know more about the latest Golf 8 and other Volkswagen models in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
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.
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