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Volkswagen Group Malaysia Promises Quick Solution To Passat CC Delay

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 11:31:00 +0000

As the Royal Malaysian Customs is currently re-evaluating cars that are imported into the country, the delivery of the Volkswagen Passat CC has been delayed due to the re-evaluation exercise. This re-evaluation may also cause prices of the vehicle to change after the completion of the exercise.

The new shipment of the Volkswagen Passat CC cars are at the port awaiting clearance and will be released once the re-evaluation is completed. For Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) customers who have signed a sales contract with our authorised dealers for the car before April 7 2011, VGM will undertake to sell the Passat CC to these customers at the current retail price.

Customers who have placed their bookings from April 8, 2011 onwards will be sold the Volkswagen Passat CC at the new retail price.

“We are currently working with all parties to reach a swift and amicable resolution to this matter,” said Mr. Ricky Tay, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Malaysia. Mr. Ricky Tay added: “We hope to resolve the matter as soon as possible.”

The Volkswagen Passat CC, a Passat B6 variant, debuted back in January 2008 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. VGM had announced in October 2009 the availability of the Passat CC to the Malaysian market.

More details on Volkswagen’s next-generation Passat

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:27:00 +0000

New Passat will be positioned more upmarket in order to compete with the likes of BMW’s 3-Series and the Audi A4

Volkswagen's next-generation Passat is expected to up the stakes against Germany’s luxury carmakers, with the car’s designers hoping it will be mentioned in the same breath as the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

Under the hood, a replacement for the VR6 engine will be in place, putting out close to 300hp (224kW) from a displacement of 3.0L. To improve mileage and maintain power, the new engine will also be using direct injection, while the rest of the powertrain lineup is expected to benefit from some form of forced induction as well. Other models will include a new hybrid as well as a high-performance diesel with AWD.

To give the Passat some much needed panache, VW will be pulling out all the stops to make the next-generation a technological showcase, with features that should have the traditional German manufacturers feeling a little worried.

Expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the next-generation Passat is tipped to feature a host of new technologies, including airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system, and an advanced user interface. There may also be an electronic stability system with a feature that automatically offers counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.

One year after the launch of the Passat sedan will be the station wagon. This will be followed closely by a new high-performance model to replace the current R36.

2012 Volkswagen Passat Price

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:25:00 +0000

Volkswagen announced today the 2012 Passat price list for the USA market, where the new version went on sale. Volkswagen offers three versions of the 2012 Passat in the United States: the 2.5-liter, the TDI and the 3.6-liter. with several equipment levels, the VW's 2012 Passat offers the 6-speed DSG transmission, a sunroof and the RNS 315 Navigation with Mobile Device Interface (MDI).

In terms of power output levels, the USA version 2012 Passat develops 170 hp when equipped with the 2.5-liter unit, and 280 hp with the 3.6L VR6 engine. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI promises to offer a range of up to 800 miles on a single tank, which means it has a 43 mph fuel consumption on the highway. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat price list for the petrol powered models starts at 19,995 USD for the 2.5L – S equipped with the 6-speed manual gearbox and goes up to 32,950 USD for the 3.6L – SEL Premium. The TDI diesel version of the 2012 Passat will cost you at least 25,995 USD. The full price list for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, including options, is available lower down this page.

2012 Volkswagen Passat price list + options and packages: Model Price Features
2.5L – S (man) $19,995 16” steel wheels, six-speed manual transmission, Automatic dual-zone climate control, power locks & windows, body color mirror and door handles, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, 8-way manual driver seat, center armrest w/integrated storage box
2.5L – S w Appearance (auto) $22,690 + Six-speed automatic transmission, 16” alloy wheels, rear center armrest w/storage
2.5L – SE (man) $23,725 17” alloy wheels, V-Tex leatherette, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, 2012 Volkswagen Passat Price Photos Multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim dash and middle console, exterior chrome window trim, sliding front center armrest
2.5L – SE (auto) $24,825 + Six-speed automatic transmission
2.5L – SE w Sunroof $25,625 + Sunroof
2.5L – SE w Sunroof/Navi $26,795 + RNS 315 Navigation with Mobile Device Interface (MDI)
2.5L – SEL $28,395 + RNS 510 Navigation, Fender Premium Audio System, Homelink, comfort sport seats, interior chrome accents, wood grain interior décor, exterior chrome accents
2.5L – SEL Premium $29,895 + leather seating surfaces, keyless access and remote start, fog lights, driver seat memory, 8-way power passenger seat
TDI – SE $25,995 17” alloy wheels, V-Tex leatherette seating, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, Multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim dash and middle console, exterior chrome window trim, sliding front center armrest
TDI – SE w Sunroof $27,895 + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission, sunroof
TDI – SE w Sunroof/Navi $29,495 + 18” alloy wheels, RNS 315 Navigation, Mobile Device Interface (MDI), fog lights, exterior chrome accents
TDI – SEL Premium $32,195 + Leather seating surfaces, comfort sport seats, keyless access and remote start, RNS 510 Navigation, Fender Premium Audio System, driver seat memory, wood grain interior décor, 8-way power passenger seat, interior chrome accents
3.6L – SE w Sunroof $28,995 Six-speed DSG automatic transmission18” alloy wheels, V-Tex leatherette seating, sunroof, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, comfort sports seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, Fender Premium Audio System, Multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim dash and middle console, exterior chrome window trim, chrome dual exhaust, fog lights, sliding front center armrest
3.6L – SE w Sunroof/Navi $30,595 + RNS 315 Navigation, MDI, exterior chrome accents
3.6L – SEL Premium $32,950 Leather seating surfaces, keyless entry with remote start, RNS 510 navigation, driver seat memory, wood grain interior décor, 8-way power passenger seat, interior chrome accents
Destination $770 All prices exclude destination

First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Passat

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:20:00 +0000

2012 Volkswagen Passat - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is facing a kind of perfect storm of skepticism from long-time fans of the brand. Volkswagen has wasted no chance to tell the world that the company's newest sedan will be custom-tailored to the American market, with styling and packaging tweaks designed to set the vehicle apart from its European counterpart. If that weren't enough, the new North American Passat will also carry the distinction of being the first VW product to be built at the automaker's brand-new assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

VW fans have always embraced the German flavor of their vehicles, but as the company pushes toward its (massively ambitious) goal of selling 800,000 units per year by 2018, we can expect to see more market-specific products in our neck of the woods. That trend kicked off with the 2011 Jetta – a vehicle that sacrificed interior materials and suspension refinement to meet a lower price point while growing larger to accommodate American tastes.

Does the Passat share a similar fate? When the sedan first debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show, it came packing a host of styling cues lifted directly from the smaller Jetta. That lead many onlookers (ourselves included) to conclude that in creating its new mid-sized sedan, Volkswagen had simply supersized the Jetta.

There's no denying that the 2012 Passat is cut from the same design cloth as the 2011 Jetta. In fact, when the two vehicles are parked next to one another, it takes a keen eye to distinguish between the two. That's thanks in no small part to the fact that Volkswagen has slathered its new familial nose over the fascia, hood and fenders of both vehicles. The look is right at home on the larger Passat, with its slightly aggressive headlights, three-bar grille and scowling hood. Along the sides of the vehicle, a new crease runs from stem to stern just below the window sills.

The rear of the vehicle is adorned with taillamps that do a smart job of integrating both that crease and additional body lines. While the overall aesthetics of the Passat's exterior is conservative compared to offerings like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, the overall effect is incredibly cohesive. Nothing seems tacked on. Instead, the exterior seems to be the product of a singular vision with a focus on getting the details right. No matter where your eyes rest, they're bound to fall on a line that runs nearly uninterrupted around the entire vehicle. It may not raise anyone's pulse, but in the flesh, the four-door carries itself well.

Base models wear 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, though 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy rollers are also available depending on the trim specification. The options are somewhat smallish by today's standards, but larger sizes look sharp enough rolling down the road.

Indoors, we were happy (relieved?) to find a cabin that has lost very little of its German flavor on its way to the States. While the Jetta swapped most of its softer dash and trim components for well-grained but cheap-feeling plastics, the Passat has held onto higher-quality materials, at least in the places that matter most. The upper portion of the dash is clad in soft-touch goodness, though everything below the copious amounts of faux wood-grain trim is treated to the harder stuff. Still, touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel in higher trims and excellent seating surfaces go a long way toward making the cabin feel like a quality space. Volkswagen said that it specifically wanted to focus on the vehicle's touch points – that is, where your body actually makes contact with the cabin – and that work has paid off.

For 2012, Volkswagen has built almost four additional inches into the Passat, and most of that length has found its way into the rear foot well. Rear passengers are now treated to 39.1 inches of legroom, which is nearly a full inch more than the Toyota Camry and almost two inches more than the Honda Accord. For drivers with kids, that translates into miles of motoring bliss without feeling Junior kicking you in the back from his car seat. It also means that even the jolliest of green giants can fit in the back without feeling cramped.

One of the biggest highlights of the 2012 Passat interior is its sound system. Volkswagen teamed up with Fender to create a nine-speaker audio system that pushes 400 watts of power. We aren't certified audiophiles, but to our ears, the stereo is capable of besting anything else in the segment. While an integrated subwoofer is part of the kit, the bass is never overbearing. Instead, deeper tones are nearly seamlessly integrated into the music. The system is standard on SEL models and optional on both S and SE trims.

Volkswagen has worked to slim its option sheet to just 16 buildable combinations down from 128 possibilities, and as a result, long-time Passat fans will find a few notable omissions. Buyers will no longer be able to enjoy a wagon version of the vehicle. Likewise, 4Motion all-wheel drive is nowhere to be found. Volkswagen admits it deleted those options to make ordering easier on both dealers and buyers and to focus its products where American shoppers spend the most money. Additionally, the 2012 Passat is only available with three engines. Those include a 2.5-liter gasoline five-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque as well as a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 with 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of twist.

The Passat will also be available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder with 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That means this four-door is the only sedan in the mid-sized segment available with an oil-burning engine under its hood, a move that wins it all sorts of points in our book.

The smaller of the gasoline engine options will be available with either a six-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual gearbox, while the larger V6 can only be had with the dual-clutch cog-swapper. We're happy to report that Volkswagen has left some quirkiness in the Passat line by offering the 2.0 TDI engine with both the DSG and a six-speed manual option.

You can probably guess which we'd opt for.

We were able to spend time in both a 2.5-liter, automatic-equipped Passat and its 2.0-TDI, DSG counterpart in mixed driving. Though the big German sedan weighs in between 3,300 and 3,400 pounds depending on engine and transmission choices, neither engine has a particularly hard time moving the Passat in any conditions. The five-cylinder gasoline engine offers similar power to four-cylinder options in both the Camry and Accord, and as such, there's enough grunt on hand to keep the vehicle on pace with the rest of traffic. The six-speed dual-clutch transmission offers quick, smooth shifts with excellent logic for choosing the right gear at the right time, though expect to downshift a gear or two for long grades or quick acceleration.

VW says that while the EPA hasn't finished its fuel economy evaluation for the Passat, the company expects the 2.5-liter powered sedan to see 21 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway in manual guise and 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with the autobox of our tester. Those numbers put the base entry around three mpg behind the Hyundai Sonata on the combined scale and 1.5 mpg behind a comparably equipped Honda Accord.

Of course, if fuel economy is your concern, the 2.0-liter TDI is the engine to have. While down on horsepower compared to the larger-displacement gasoline engine, the four-cylinder lump kicks out a walloping 59 more pound-feet of torque. As a result, the TDI-equipped Passat feels and drives like a sedan you want to spend time in. The 2.5-liter plays Justin Bieber to the diesel four-door's Barry White – both are plenty successful, but after a while, you only really want to listen to one of the two.

As in other applications, all that torque comes on at a low 1,750 rpm, which means you're rewarded with an addictive amount of low-end grunt that pulls with a vengeance. As in the Jetta TDI, the 2.0-liter engine is quiet both inside and out, producing marginally more engine noise than its petrol counterparts. If this is beginning to read like a love letter to the little oil-sucker, it's not by mistake. All told, VW expects to see 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway for a total of 37 mpg combined. Remarkably, those are all better numbers than the official ones for the smaller 2011 Jetta TDI, which scores 30/42/34 mpg from the EPA. We encountered just over 40 mpg combined during our time behind the wheel of the Passat TDI.

If there's a downside to going diesel, it lies in the fact that the Passat requires a urea exhaust additive to combat particulate emissions. The automaker says that the special tank only needs to be filled every 10,000 miles, even though the vehicle can theoretically make it 50,000 miles before running dry.

Unlike the Jetta, the Passat still comes with a four-link independent suspension out back, which, while more expensive to manufacture, makes for an incredibly solid-feeling vehicle no matter the condition of the pavement. Volkswagen turned us loose on a lengthy jaunt through Tennessee that covered everything from highway stints to twisting mountain passes and small-town traffic, and the suspension nearly delivered the coveted Goldilocks sweet spot of not-too-harsh, not-too-soft driving. Pavement imperfections were dispatched with just a little more float than we'd like, though understeer and body roll were both kept to a minimum in more athletic circumstances. This is a family sedan, after all.

Volkswagen hasn't announced pricing for the 2012 Passat just yet, but the company says that it's aiming for a price point in the low-$20K range with topped-out models landing in the lower- to mid-$30K range. Those numbers would be in line with the Honda Accord, which starts at $21,180 without destination, though they sit a good bit north of metal like the Toyota Camry at $19,820 and Hyundai Sonata at $19,395. The last Passat carried a base MSRP of $26,995 in 2010, though given the German automaker's recent insistence on being price competitive, we wouldn't be surprised to see the 2012 model land well below that figure.

Exactly where the company plans to price its newest sedan will play heavily on how successful it manages to be in a segment that's fiercely competitive. Thanks to reworked machines from Korean and domestic manufacturers, big players from Nissan, Honda and Toyota have found themselves defending their respective thrones in America. The 2012 Passat underscores the fact that Volkswagen plans to be a legitimate player in this fray for the first time in the nameplate's history – even if not every brand purist chooses to go along for the ride.

2012 Volkswagen Passat Specifications And Price

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:19:00 +0000

2012 Volkswagen Passat Specifications And Price: The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat, looking to be a big player in the highly competitive midsize segment and the first car to be built at a new Chattanooga, Tenn., assembly plant, will come to market this fall with a base sticker price of $19,995, plus $770 destination charge. The 2012 Passat will be sold with three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels.

“The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value,” said Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world.”

The base Passat is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder with a manual transmission and 170 hp. The 2.5L model, available in eight equipment levels, comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel audio controls and VW's no-charge three-year/36,000-mile scheduled-maintenance program. The uplevel Passat SE model starts at $23,725 and includes additional equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, a touch-screen Premium VIII radio and a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2.0L TDI clean-diesel model offers three trim levels and starts at $25,995. The Passat TDI--the only clean-diesel option in the midsize segment--is expected to deliver 43 mpg on the highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles. The TDI base trim package, the SE, comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a touch-screen Premium VIII radio and a six-speed manual transmission. VW's automatic DSG transmission is optional.

Topping the VW Passat range is a 3.6-liter VR6 that comes in three different trim levels and has a base sticker price of $28,995. The VR6 model comes standard with a six-speed automatic DSG transmission and offers a highly competitive 280 hp. Additional standard premium features in the VR6 model include 18-inch alloy wheels, comfort sport seats, a sunroof and a class-exclusive Fender premium audio system.

2012 VW Passat CC Commercial: Nice try

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Sat, 28 May 2011 08:58:00 +0000

A father foils his 17-year-old son’s plans of sneaking out for a ride in the family’s Volkswagen CC thanks to a clever use of the car’s intelligently designed backup camera.

Volkswagen Passat Review

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Fri, 27 May 2011 08:50:00 +0000

2011 Volkswagen Passat 118TSI sedan, 1.8-litre petrol, seven-speed DSG – $38,990

2011 Volkswagen Passat 125TDI wagon, 2.0-litre diesel, six-speed DSG – $45,990

Those familiar with the Super Bowl commercial will remember the new 2011 Volkswagen Passat as the ‘Baby Darth Vader car’.

But the refreshed premium mid-sizer from Germany is more about science than science fiction, with a number of new features making it safer, better equipped and more efficient than ever.

The last Passat carved out a 3.2 percent share of the medium vehicle segment in 2010, with 2603 sales across Australia. Like many Volkswagen products, it occupies that slightly awkward space in the market in-between price points, and consequently has been outsold by most of those around it.

The Honda Accord Euro, Hyundai i45, Mazda6 and Toyota Camry all start at around $30,000 and top out below $45,000, while at the other end of the spectrum, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class all get started around $55,000.

The new Passat sits in the middle of the bargain-hunters and the badge snobs, with prices ranging from $38,990 to $57,990.

If those prices sound familiar, there’s a good reason: Volkswagen Australia has maintained the prices of the old model. The diesel engine still demands a $5000 premium over the base petrol, while the step up from the four-cylinder petrol to the V6 is a considerable $17,000. Wagon variants cost $2000 more than their equivalent sedans.

The value equation of the V6 is now much more tempting, however. Although Volkswagen has dropped the R36 model from the line-up, the range-topping V6 FSI Highline inherits the engine from the outgoing R36, resulting in a significant boost in power and torque from 184kW/330Nm to 220kW/350Nm. Power and torque figures for the other engines remain unchanged.

Despite this, every model is greener than before, with the standard fitment of brake energy recuperation the major factor behind the improvements.

The 118kW/250Nm turbocharged four-cylinder 118TSI petrol model now uses 7.2 litres/100km on the combined cycle (7.5 for the wagon) – down from 7.7 and 7.8 respectively. Emissions are also tidier at 168 and 176g/km CO₂.

At 9.7 litres/100km (9.5 wagon), the V6 FSI Highline model is more efficient than both the old V6 Highline and the R36, which ranged between 10.0 and 10.7 litres/100km combined.

The pick of the bunch for fuel-conscious shoppers is the TDI125 Highline. Powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 125kW and 350Nm, both the sedan and wagon variants use just 5.7 litres/100km.

The diesel Passat is now equipped with stop-start technology, which shuts down the engine when stopped in traffic and restarts it when you take your foot off the brake.

The diesel’s shutdown and restart process is a little harsher than comparative petrol systems. Some find it a little unnerving and slow to react on take-off, and those people can deactivate it with a button near the gearstick.

The diesel model itself is a brilliant all-rounder. It has more power than the TSI, the same torque as the V6 FSI and smashes them both for efficiency. The torque doesn’t come on in a massive surge but rather in a more comfortable, progressive fashion. There is some slight turbo lag when you stamp on the throttle, but drivers familiar with diesel cars won’t be disappointed, and it’s unlikely to be the deal-breaker for first-time diesel shoppers either.

Both Highline models are equipped with a six-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) while the 118TSI gets a seven-speed DSG. The six-speed didn’t miss a beat on our drive, while the seven-speed only hesitated once when shifting from first gear to second under solid acceleration. The DSG system was criticised early in its life for being indecisive, but avoiding the new Passat simply because of the transmission would be a big mistake.

Volkswagen has also fitted a selectable Auto Hold function to stop the manual-style rolling that some automatic drivers find off-putting in dual-clutch vehicles.

With many European vehicles today, the diesel model has become the standout in the range, but the 118TSI is a true alternative with plenty of punch and better than average fuel consumption. It accelerates from 0-100km/h just 0.1 seconds faster than the 125TDI – 8.5 seconds sedan, 8.7 wagon – but feels livelier and sounds sportier. Putting it into ‘S’ mode, you’ll find it hard to suppress a smile as the car revs 1000rpm more than you’re used to, making you feel like a bit of a racer without changing your driving style.

The all-wheel drive V6 model has loads of family sports car potential. The sedan accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, making it just four-tenths slower than the dual-clutch Audi S4, which is more than double the price.

The brake pedal feel isn’t typical touchy Volkswagen and is easier to drive smoothly. Like other new models in Volkswagen’s range, the Passat’s brakes are tremendously progressive and confidence inspiring.

The ride is comfortable on average surfaces and you only start to get tossed around on coarse and bumpy sections of road. The steering has a light feel and keeps you busy in low-speed manoeuvres, but is extremely obedient and will go where you point it. Road noise is insignificant on freeways and only started to nag on C-grade roads around Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. There was next to no wind noise from the side mirrors or A-pillars.

The dimensions of the new Passat are almost identical to the old model, with a height increase of 20mm the most significant change.

The Passat looks somewhat skinny on the road and this impacts on the cabin width. That said, you certainly don’t feel cramped with four occupants, and taller adults won’t be troubled riding in the back.

The boot is cavernous. The sedan offers 565 litres (541 litres for the all-wheel drive V6), while the wagon provides 603 litres (588 litres) and 1731 litres (1716 litres) with the seats folded down. The sedan’s boot is not especially tall from floor to ceiling, although with a standard full-sized alloy spare it’s hard to be too critical.

Comfort levels are great. The base model now gets leather upholstery, while the Highline models get a classier Nappa finish. Standard cabin features include tinted windows, dual-zone climate control, 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with six-stack in-dash CD changer, SD card slot, auxiliary jack, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, iPod/USB/mini USB connectivity and eight speakers.

The interior is classic Volkswagen – clean and effective. There are a few more hard plastic surfaces than you would expect, although they don’t really take away from the overall quality feel of the cabin.

Safety is another strong point for the Passat, with eight airbags standard (dual front, side, curtain and rear side). Fatigue Detection is another new feature that analyses your driving style and gives warnings when your driving patterns show signs of tiredness.

The exterior is conservative, although the medium segment is hardly overflowing with flamboyant designs. All models get plenty of chrome in the grille, window surrounds and lower body panels as well as daytime driving lights (LEDs optional). The 118TSI and 125TDI sit on 17-inch alloys while the V6 gets 18s.

Over the 118TSI, the 125TDI Highline adds front fog lights, brushed aluminium interior inserts, chrome highlights and stainless steel scuff plates.

The V6 FSI Highline scores a vehicle alarm, left and right dual exhaust pipes, Adaptive Chassis Control, folding exterior mirrors and 12-way adjustable front seats with three driver memory settings.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Electric Brake is both a mouthful and a $2000 option. The adaptive cruise setting allows you to maintain your favoured distance from the vehicle in front, while Front Assist and City EB decrease your chance of a nose-to-tail crash.

The second-generation Park Assist system can now perform reverse perpendicular parks as well as reverse parallels, can locate spaces at greater vehicle speeds and can help you in and out of tighter spots. It’s still far from fail-safe, however, with one car on the launch day making contact with another when performing a 90-degree park. When combined with satellite navigation and a rear-view camera, Park Assist 2 is a $3600 option ($1300 on its own).

They’re expensive options. If you purchase a 118TSI sedan and add sat-nav and metallic paint ($700), it will be $42,690 before on-roads, which will push it beyond $45,000. Throw in Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assist, and your well-optioned base model will be closer to $50,000 on the road.

The challenge for Volkswagen Australia will be convincing people to hit the middle ground between a Camry and a C-Class. If you’re in the market for a classy, composed and more than competent performer that will handle almost anything a family can throw at it while sipping less fuel than its similarly-priced competitors, the 2011 Volkswagen Passat is certainly worth a test drive.

2011 Volkswagen Passat manufacturer’s list prices:

118TSI sedan – $38,990
118TSI wagon – $40,990
125TDI Highline sedan – $43,990
125TDI Highline wagon – $45,990
V6 FSI Highline sedan – $55,990
V6 FSI Highline wagon – $57,990

The Volkswagen Passat TSI gets E85 compliant in some markets

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Thu, 26 May 2011 08:48:00 +0000

European and American Passats are totally different cars nowadays, with distinct bodies and engines, but there’s a new engine for some Northern European countries that a few Americans could probably enjoy. It’s a very small unit, making only 1.4-liter of displacement, but it’s got VW’s remarkable Twincharger technology, which adds a supercharger to a turbocharger. It allows that small engine to produce a stout 160-hp. Just enough for a family sedan.

But what sets this Passat apart is that its TSI engine has been modified to accept ethanol, E85 more precisely. Running on that fuel, the Passat sedan gets 27-mpg on the European official tests. Considering the lower energy density of E85, it’s a pretty impressive number for a family sedan of this size.

Sadly, this car won’t be available everywhere. Right now, only Swedes and Norwegians can expect it, as these countries have been doing a lot to promote the green fuel, but Volkswagen may bring this engine to other markets if there’s a demand…

A New Generation Volkswagen Passat will Soon Introduce in China

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Wed, 25 May 2011 08:46:00 +0000

China is getting a dual dose of Volkswagen Passat. The new generation Passat B7 will soon hit in China’s streets with a longer wheelbase edition, to provide room space for the driver in the rear while the driver up face braves the mad Chinese traffic. Just similar to the previous-B6 gen, the vehicle will be manufactured by Volkswagen’s northern combined venture with FAW & would be sold under the mane of Magotan. 2011 Passat was already taken through Volkswagen’s joint venture. The images of the car show that it has 4inch longer wheelbase. It will be powered by a 1.4Litre TSI, 1.8 TSI & 2.0 TSI engines, joined to a DSG transmission. Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s combined venture with SAIC will alter its long-in-its-tooth Passat B5 with American Chattanooga Passat, the formerly called NMS.

The new Volkswagen Passat has been now shown at Shanghai car Show. It shares 2 engines with the Magotan, & adds 3.0 Liter V6. Its price ranges between 218800 Yuan ($33500) and 310800 Yuan ($47,600). The era of the affordable Passat in China is finally over. The new 2011 Passat has a 2803 millimeter wheelbase, only slightly shorter than the ‘long’ Magotan B7L that has a 2812 millimeter wheelbase. In the ‘why throw away a rightly fine platform’ department, the fifth generation new Passat B5 will show on as the Passat Lingyu and also made by the combined venture with SAIC. None of the all new Passat break down any sales records. In March, the Lingyu stood at position 31 with 10111 vehicles sold. The Magotan was at the rank 57 with 6349 cars sold. Meanwhile, the Santana which is derived from the 2nd gen B2 Passat, held rank 4 with 19683 cars sold. The top rank had FAW Xiali N3-N5, and has its root in a second gen Daihatsu Charade.

2011 Volkswagen Passat CC

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:45:00 +0000

The Volkswagen passat cc 2011 is an all-new Passat wrapped in an exceedingly dramatic and trendy four-door body with flowing lines and a daring face. it’s kind of like that of the Mercedes CLS, with frameless windows and an extended, and flowing style.

Volkswagen passat cc 2011 is over an in. longer and one.5 inches wider than the Passat sedan. Its overall height is over 2 inches lower, most of that has been subtracted from the car’s roofline to form a way sleeker appearanc. Though the 106.7-inch wheelbase is shared, the CC is longer by zero.6 in. at each ends, that helps build the roof look even under the 2 inches it already is. At its highest purpose, the CC is merely fifty six inches tall. With a stance zero.4 in. wider in front track and zero.6 in. wider at the rear, the CC appearance able to get down and party compared with the buttoned-up Passat.

This wonderful and easy-to-use navigation system options a touch-screen which will management USB-connected media devices, and show the read from the rearview camera.

The 2011 Volkswagen passat cc engine is equiped by either a a pair of00-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, or a 280-hp three.6-liter narrow-angle V6 (VR6). each engines are obtainable with front-wheel drive, whereas the VR6 may also be equipped with all-wheel drive. The CC carries four folks in ergonomic sport-type seats, leather seating surfaces are commonplace on all however the leatherette equipped Sport trim level. commonplace safety options embrace electronic stability and traction management, anti-lock brakes, panic brake assist, six airbags, front row seatbelt pretensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system. options like a panoramic sunroof, Dynaudio stereo system, navigation system, back-up camera and satellite radio are commonplace on some trim levels, optional on others.

The Volkswagen passat cc 2011 options VW’s Dynamic Drive management adjustable suspension that provides “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort” modes. beginning with one in every of those 3 basic settings, the suspension constantly adapts to the roadway and also the driving scenario. DDC additionally reacts to acceleration, braking and steering inputs. in line with the official the worth is around $27760~$40420. passat cc 2011.

Volkswagen Beetle Review and Specification

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Sat, 21 May 2011 11:15:00 +0000

Volkswagen Beetle Review and Specification

New Beetle showed a clean sporty, Volkswagen Beetle, this time more brave, more dynamic, more masculine. on the back can follow the contour of the original Beetle, the new focus duck C-pillar. In parallel, the development team to increase track width and wheelbase car. All this gives the VW Beetle looks strong with muscle tension.

the styling follows the Volkswagen design DNA created by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff. It clearly expresses itself in the horizontal image of the front bumper, front air inlet, straight lines of the bonnet edges, the precisely drawn line between the A-pillar and C-pillar and the styling of the rear lights.

the Volkswagen Beetle’s typical styling characteristics. This should come as no surprise; after all, it was vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and original Golf that had a decisive influence on Volkswagen’s “design DNA.” Of course, some of the Beetle’s longstanding characteristics remain: these include its round headlights (optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available for the first time in this model series),

A new feature is the rear spoiler that is homogeneously integrated in the design (standard for TSI engines with 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS); it aggressively maintains contact with the road on this Volkswagen, which has a top speed of up to 225 km/h, depending on the engine, and is available in the three equipment lines Beetle, Design and Sport. Incidentally, the top surface of the rear spoiler is always black, while its underside is painted in body color.

The form and use of color on the front panel or nameplate painted carbon-look dashboard hear back into the design of the first VW Beetle, but the new car does not have a retro look. But everything has been redesigned. The three round instruments are prepared in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provides all the key information; integrated in the speedometer (middle position) is a multifunction display. From level design tools, air vents and instrument has been adjusted chrome bezels. This also applies to / optimal audio navigation system located on the driver’s visual field on the dashboard, framed by two air vents. It also includes controls for climate control systems.

interior ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle felt as if they were chauffeured because the bonnet was so far forward, the latest Volkswagen Beetle now offers an agile, driver-oriented coupé experience. Every feature is within easy reach.

Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Volkswagen is offering the Beetle with bi-xenon headlights for the first time. 15 LEDs frame the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights; they implement the daytime running lights and parking lights.

In the USA, the VW Beetle will be offered as a turbo diesel for the first time. The Beetle 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 PS) meets all USA emission limits and attains 40 mpg fuel economy in the Highway cycle, 29 mpg in City driving, and 33 mpg combined. As a result, the Volkswagen Beetle is a good choice as one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. Incidentally, the Volkswagen not only has excellent fuel economy values in the version with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but also – and this is a technical debut in the Beetle as well – with the optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

Volkswagen Launches the new Beetle

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Sat, 21 May 2011 11:06:00 +0000

One of the most popular and long lived car brands of all-time has finally entered into its third generation, with Volkswagen launching the latest version of the Beetle

Now the Volkswagen Beetle needs no real introduction. Originally launched in 1938 in Nazi Germany as the original “People’s Car”, this bare-bones rear-engined the same model of this car remained in production till 2003, making it the longest-running and most-manufactured automobile of a single design platform anywhere in the world. A modernized version of the original design made its debut under the name of New Beetle in 1998 and has remained in production till now, as the German Auto giant launched an all-new, or "new-new" if you like, Beetle.

Unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, this latest generation of the Beetle moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998 and instead draws on cues from the original and Beetle Ragster concept shown in Detroit in 2005. And this is not necessarily a good thing. While there is nothing that can be called really offensive about this Beetle’s design, it certainly seems to have lost a lot of its definitive silhouette – the original shape that made the car such an icon through the ages. But what this new Beetle has lost in terms of its original charm it somewhat makes up for it in modern appeal. All the latest touches from modern Volkswagen design language are there, such as the straight grille and running lights. Overseen by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff, with Marc Lichte the team leader for exterior design, the car’s new proportions mean the roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is now more akin to that of the original Beetle.

Three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport, each endowed with its own individual character and features along with many new optional features such as keyless access, satellite navigation systems, panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. The choice of engine options includes a 1.2-litre TSI with 105 PS, a 1.4-litre with TSI 160 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI producing 200 PS and 1.6-litre diesel with BlueMotion Technology which makes 105 PS. Thanks to the addition of Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems the diesel powered Beetle is estimated to have a combined fuel consumption of 28 kmpl and carbon dioxide emissions of 112 g/km. In addition the range-topping engine, the 2.0-litre 200 PS, will feature standard XDS electronic differential lock as fitted to the Golf GTI.

Deliveries for this latest Beetle will start in early 2012 in Europe and it’s safe to assume that we should be able to get it around the same time in India as a CBU, just like the current Beetle.

2012 VW Beetle Specs

noreply@blogger.com (hadinetworks hadi) — Sat, 21 May 2011 11:01:00 +0000

2012 VW Beetle Specs

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, hewing to the original name and retro styling, on Monday made a simultaneous debut at the 2011 New York auto show, Shanghai and Berlin. Volkswagen will offer three different engines for the new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle: a diesel and two petrol. The 2.0 TDI engine delivers 138 HP and everything has a fuel economy of 40 mpg in the cycle of the highway is 29mpg in city and 33mpg combined. It will be available with a gearbox 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed dual clutch. The gasoline engine lineup will include a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a 197 hp 2.0 TSI. Depending on the version, the gasoline engine will provide up to 25 mpg in combined cycle and can be coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission or standard 6-speed DSG option.

A new Volkswagen Beetle is a bolder, more dynamic, and masculine, the latter is a huge bonus for this car generation. Many men would not be caught dead with vehicle-bug as in previous years, but we are confident that Volkswagen hopes the project aimed opens the doors male segment. Looking at the new Volkswagen Beetle, you’ll notice a new line of front bumper design and front air intake, straight lines of the bonnet leading edge, just a line drawn between the pillar and the design of the rear pillar and the rear lights, all to help a new generation of change for a new world. First for the models a new Volkswagen Beetle Bi-xenon: xenon headlights LED frame module 15 and outer perimeter headlights.