December 2011
Via West
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
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December 2011
Via West
CONTACT US VOLKSWAGEN CLUB OF WA (Inc)
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YOUR COMMITTEE (cont‟d) EDITOR:
0407 347 340
PO Box 175
Ray Willis
viawest@vwclubwa.com
Victoria Park
CONCESSION LICENCE:
(08) 9332 6919
ABN:
Western Australia 6979 31 610 140 537
Rod McSwain CMC LIAISON OFFICER:
(08) 9342 8703
TELEPHONE:
(08) 9342 8703
Richard Hines
E-MAIL:
info@vwclubwa.com
PROPERTY OFFICER:
WEBSITE:
www.vwclubwa.com
Richard Hines
MAIL:
MERCHANDISE OFFICER: YOUR COMMITTEE
(08) 9342 8703 0417 173 886
Karen Fyfe
PRESIDENT:
0408 183 396
SOCIAL SECRETARY:
Jamie Barrett
executive@vwclubwa.com
Colin Seth
VICE PRESIDENT:
SPORTS ORGANISER:
John Hornby
As above
Currently grouped under “Events Coordinator”
SECRETARY:
0407 347 340
PUBLICITY OFFICER:
Ray Willis
administration@vwclubwa.com
As above
MEMBERSHIPS:
0407 347 340
GENERAL COMMITTEE:
Ray Willis
administration@vwclubwa.com
Karla & Merrick Paget (country liaison South West)
TREASURER:
0438 819 443
WEBMASTER:
Shane Williams
finance@vwclubwa.com
Tina Moore
Patrick Spiteri, Dave Moore,
webmaster@vwclubwa.com
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
December 2011
Via West
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
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December 2011
Via West
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VIAWEST MAGAZINE
VOLKSWAGEN EVENTS
Advertising: Please send your „for sale‟ or „wanted‟ adverts by mail or email to the Editor before the publication deadline.
Normally one event will be nominated as the club run each month. Some months will have more than one event. Not all events attended by the club will be club organised. Please note that non-members are welcome to come to the club organised events. If you have any friends you would like to accompany us, please bring them along. If you have any ideas or suggestions for club organised events give a Committee member a call or an e-mail and the committee so we can put it on our calendar. The VW Events Calendar is at page 6 and lists the upcoming events and club runs for some months in advance in chrono-
Fees: Members - 1/4 page adverts are free. Non-Members - 1/4 page adverts are $5.00 Please contact the Editor to find out about commercial advertising in the magazine, inserting flyers or advertising on the website. Publication Deadline: The ViaWest magazine‟s deadline for articles for the next issue is January 8 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Volkswagen Club of WA (Inc), its Committee or members.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at John Hughes Volkswagen in Victoria Park, starting at 6:30pm. Committee meetings are open to all members and invited guests.
Membership and Birthdays Welcome to new members
No new memberships received in October
IN THIS ISSUE
page
The Club ............................. p 2 Our apologies to Dr Stuart Breden for incorrectly printing their name in our last issue. Currently the club has...
99 “paid up” memberships
The Club (contd) ................. p 4 A word from the Editor ........ p 5 VW Event Calendar ............ p 6 January Club Run ............... p 7 2012 SA Bug-In .................. p 8 Dakar 2012 - Amarok .......... p28
Mark Williams
Happy Birthday
Jenni Palmer Tim Waters
Volkswagen News Golf Cabriolet................ p 9 VW eT! ......................... p 10 Drive CoY Awards ........ p 11
to the following members for
Peter Abetz
Passat Alltrack .............. p 12
DECEMBER
Bella Ruyg
Top EuroNCAP ............. p 12 Cross Coupe Concept .. p 13
Alan Grover
Sam Karamfiles
Chris Larkin
Neil Robinson
2011 Australias CoY ..... p 14
Kim Muste
Jayne Frith
Amarok - Ute award ...... p 15
George Banham
Alwyn Burgess
VW Vans scoop awards p 15
Ross Booth
Ray Willis
Rachael Potter
Paul Rossenrode
Betty Richards
Kel Laurent
Tarnia Palmer
Sally Duxbury
Geoff Telford Len Dibben
One up for the up! ......... p 14
Beetle R Concept ......... p 16 2011 Day of the Volkswagen in December 2011 ViaWest Supplement. FRONT COVER: new VW Golf Cabriolet ....more on page 9
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
December 2011
Via West
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
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December 2011 #
Via West
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indicates a club run
This Month Wednesday 4th
January 2012 ALFRED‟S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Wednesday 11th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park Sunday 15th #
FAMILY BBQ PICNIC AT POINT WALTER
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
See page 7
February 2012 Wednesday 1st
ALFRED‟S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Wednesday 8th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park Sunday 19th #
VW DAY AT THE BEACH
Contact: Jon Hornby 0415 165 175
Details in the January magazine Wednesday 22nd
2012 DAY OF THE VOLKSWAGEN
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Meeting venue to be decided
March 2012 Wednesday 7th
ALFRED‟S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Wednesday 14th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park Saturday 17th #
OLD COAST RD BREWERY - CAMPING WEEKEND Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340 Details in the January magazine
Wednesday 28th
2012 DAY OF THE VOLKSWAGEN
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Meeting venue to be decided
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
December 2011
Via West
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CLUB RUN - JANUARY 2011 Family BBQ Picnic at Point Walter Sunday 15th January Meet us from 11:00am - bring your own picnic lunch or use the BBQs on site. Remember to bring chairs, rugs, sunscreen, drinks etc to make your day comfortable. Also a cricket set or football to kick around, or maybe your bathers to go for a dip. The most direct route is to travel along Canning Highway - east from Fremantle or west from the Kwinana Freeway - turn into Point Walter Road (Leopold Hotel on the corner) and just follow it to Pt Walter Reserve.
This
way
We look forward to a big turnout on what should be a nice summerâ€&#x;s day. Everyone is welcome to attend the picnic. Early arrivals will get the shade. For further information on the event, contact Ray Willis 0407347340
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
December 2011
Via West
Greetings to all Volkswagen enthusiasts! As President of the VW Club of SA, I have great pleasure in conveying to you all the first official details for the 2012 Bug-In. Friday 6th to Sunday 8th April 2012 We expect this Bug-In will be as enjoyable as all previous Bug-Ins and are working hard to that end result. The event is based around the Aldinga Beach, Port Willunga and McLaren Vale areas which are less than an hour‟s drive south of Adelaide. After the traditional Registration afternoon/evening at the Port Willunga Tourist Park, we will be conducting the Show „n‟ Shine at a magnificent venue previously known as McLarens on the Lake, now Serafino‟s. It has a large beautifully manicured grassed area under gum trees and is located a couple of minutes from McLaren Vale. Early afternoon we have arranged a convoy to Woodstock Winery, followed by a visit to a rose farm (both located nearby) and then a pleasant drive through part of the Fleurieu Peninsula taking in Myponga Dam and the southern beaches area. Saturday evening is free, but we will be able to provide you with a few choices if you wish to go out for a meal. Sunday‟s motorsport will be held at the Tailem Bend Motorsport Park, which is approx. an hour away. We feel it will be worth the trip as the complex has the ability for us to have the traditional Motorkhana, a couple of courses for Khanacross AND a drag strip! We haven‟t finalised the details yet, but we think we can keep people busy and cater for all tastes. Of course, for those of you who aren‟t into the motorsport, we have organised a bus trip to the Goolwa/Victor Harbor area which will include a look at the Murray River mouth on Hindmarsh Island. Sunday‟s Presentation Dinner will be held at Serafino‟s in our own private room. The menu looks very inviting
and I‟m sure we‟ll enjoy the evening relating stories from the weekend and congratulating trophy winners. As Easter draws to a close, we have arranged a tour with a difference for those people who wish to stay for a while. The difference is we intend to include some of the highlights of our city as well as near country locations. Check out the itinerary below for further details. More information, including costs, will follow soon. ACCOMMODATION for the EASTER BUG-IN Various cabins and powered sites have been booked at the; Port Willunga Tourist Park, 22 Tuit Rd, Aldinga. To book your cabin/site, please phone direct on (08) 8556 6113 or visit www.portwillungatouristpark.com.au
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VW Club WA Remember to BOOK your LEAVE, ACCOMMODATION and have your TRAVEL plans organised. RAIL TRAVEL... The VW Club WA has been able to secure discount fares Perth to Adelaide v.v. from Great Southern Rail and Indian Pacific for VW Club WA members. The brochure for the discounted rail fares etc can be found on the Club webpage or a copy can be posted to you by contacting Ray Willis (Club Secretary). $250 as an incentive to VW Club WA Members who drive to/from their FIRST INTERSTATE BUG-IN... When the Bug-In is hosted interstate there is always somebody travelling from WA and in most cases this involves a road trip in at least one direction.
Mention you are part of the VW Club booking at Easter and they will arrange This normally leaves Perth on the Sunday before the Bug-In allowing up to 5 your booking. days driving to get there. If you have any queries regarding anything listed in this posting, please con- Currently there is a $250 incentive is available from the McSwain Family to tact me on (08) 8289 4707 or VW Club WA members who drive to/ mkdodd@internode.on.net or 13 Pisani Ct, Golden Grove SA 5125. from their first interstate Bug-In. Thanks, Mal Dodd Tentative day trips for the week after Easter – Monday 9th April: Aldinga to Goolwa cruise – day trip to the Coorong. Tuesday 10th April: Hahndorf & Windy Point – option of dinner at Windy Point and take in the sights. Wednesday 11th April: Tours of Adelaide Oval and Coopers Brewery. Thursday 12th April: Barossa Valley region cruise. Friday 13th April: See Adelaide via the O-Bahn to North East suburbs, tram to Glenelg and visit the famous Central Market. If you wish to be involved in some or all of this week‟s outings, we recommend the Windsor Gardens Caravan Park. Phone (08) 8261 1091 or visit
The offer is available each year until the Bug-In is next hosted in WA and will be distributed as decided by the McSwain Family after suggestions from the committee.
Please let the Club know if you are going or thinking about going to the South Australian Bug-In, especially if it is at least one way by road...we can all experience a great event and maybe that road trip together!
www.windsorgardenscaravanpark.com.au
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
December 2011
Via West
New Golf Cabriolet Debuts with Classic Soft Top Golf‟s top opens fully automatically in just 9.0 seconds Versatile Golf Cabriolet designed for all 4 seasons
A circle is completed: Volkswagen is continuing a great tradition with the Golf Cabriolet. Internationally – on the past 3 models produced between 1979 and 2002 – over 680,000 drivers worldwide chose the cabriolet version. The new Golf Cabriolet has the potential to continue this history now without a significant feature – a roll bar. This function of the roll bar is now being performed by an extremely fast rollover protection system that deploys in fractions of a second. Front and front side/head airbags, a knee airbag on the driver‟s side and ESP are also always standard. After all, safety is a top priority.
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other structural modifications (under body, side panels, sills, back panel, doors). These many reinforcements also give the 4.33 metre long, 1.78 metre wide and (top up) 1.42 metre tall Golf Cabriolet extreme torsional rigidity. Very clearly the Golf among cabriolets: The styling of the Golf Cabriolet‟s rear section, lower roof line and more swept-back windscreen frame also give it a high degree of sporty independence. When the soft top is down, the Golf Cabriolet has an elegant, extended appearance. With the top up, the compact and crisp styling lines around the „imaginary‟ C-pillars transfers it to contemporary times.
Volkswagen is introducing a new gen- All-rounder instead of diva: eration of its open air bestseller to the When the top is up, this Volkswagen is Interior. High-end with cabrio feeling: cities, streets and beaches. It offers all one of the quietest cars of its kind. In The cabriolet version of the Golf fol-
the advantages of a Golf – one of the most awarded car in the world. And one more advantage as well: the soft top opens fully automatically in just 9.0 seconds, and this can be done while driving up to 30 km/h. And what happens in autumn when the Golf top is closed and summer is over? The answer is clear: the four-seat Volkswagen is a versatile, year-round cabriolet thanks to its practical traits and the sophisticated design of its soft top.
addition, the Golf Cabriolet offers one of the most spacious interiors in its class and – thanks to the soft top – unlimited use of the boot space and 250 litres of cargo capacity, even with the top down. This enables open-top cruising in the Golf Cabriolet with a full load of cargo in the boot. In addition, the folding rear bench seat is split, which significantly increases stowage capacity. Maximum safety: The body of the Golf Cabriolet offers maximum all-round safety thanks to its extremely fast rollover protection system that deploys in milliseconds, a reinforced windscreen frame and numerous
lows the high styling and material quality standards of the classic hardtop Golf 1:1 in the interior. This results in a level of sophistication that is otherwise only offered in significantly more expensive cabriolets. Like the Eos before it, the Golf sets itself apart from many other convertibles in the compact class in one key interior attribute: the windscreen frame is refreshingly short, optimising the cabrio feeling. One cabriolet, lots of equipment options: In the exterior area, standard features include smoked LED rear lights, sporty 17-inch wheels with 225 tyres and chrome trim on the radiator grille. Interior and functional features that are standard include a fully automatic electro-hydraulic black fabric roof, sports suspension, dual zone climate control automatic air conditioning, comfort
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
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December 2011
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front seats with rear seat easy entry aid, Bluetooth and MDI (USB) connectivity and “Matte Chrome” decorative inserts. Sustainable cruising: The twincharged direct-injection petrol engine that is offered with the Golf Cabriolet is ideal for long and short trips throughout the 4 seasons. Power output is provided at 118 kW with 240Nm of torque matched with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7speed DSG transmission. The Golf Cabriolet achieves fuel consumption figures of just 6.5 l/100 km (6.6 manuThe Reinvention of the Delivery Veal) and emits 153/km CO2 (155 manuhicle. eT! is electrically powered al). and drives semi-automatically on command Driver can steer the eT! Technology of the bestseller: by „drive stick‟ from passenger‟s The Golf Cabriolet‟s engine powers the front wheels, and utilises the same side as alternative powertrain and chassis system availaFor over 60 years now, commercial ble in Golf hatch. Therefore, the familvehicles from Volkswagen have mainiar MacPherson-type strut suspension tained a visual presence on the with performance-optimised anti-roll world‟s streets. They are helpers in bars are used in front. In the rear, the everyday life, which bring us people new Golf Cabriolet has an innovative goods, services, postal deliveries and multilink rear suspension, which enoccasionally emergency assistance as sures that the ESP system very selwell. Volkswagen Group Research, dom needs to be activated. which is responsible for the world of tomorrow, together with the German Post Office („Deutsche Post AG‟), which is one of the largest customers of lightweight commercial vehicles – as well as the University of Art at Braunschweig – formed a think tank on future transport and mobility issues. Finally, these research activities led to a completely new vehicle concept for the delivery and logistics field:
World Premiere Potsdam: VW eT!
eT! Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research: “We analysed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term. In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semiautomatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today.” The eT! research vehicle could someday actually revolutionise the world of lightweight commercial vehicles. Completely reconceptualised, driven with zero emissions, thought through to the last detail and driving semiautomatically if necessary! Just how wide-ranging the significance of this research project could be for sustainability in the transportation field is underscored by the support for the eT! project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. “The eT! research vehicle,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, “unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future im(Continued on page 11)
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December 2011
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sources, the eT! can indeed be operated with zero emissions. Naturally, the eT! is not a vehicle which – unlike the (Continued from page 10) Golf or up! with an electric motor – portance, specifically for logistics busi- could become available very soon. But nesses. In particular, the possibility of we must make plans today for what driving the car semi-automatically – the world of lightweight commercial and electrically – in downtown areas vehicles might look like starting in the Volkswagen Polo 77TSI „Best City unifies economical and environmental second half of this decade, including Car‟ for the second consecutive aspects more systematically than ever. with regard to electrical drives.” year As a vision of the future, the eT! Is To make the working world of mail deshowcasing what is the maximum feaIconic Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet livery personnel and courier drivers sible technology for electric vehicles in voted „Best Convertible‟ simpler and safer, to optimise the lothe commercial market today with a gistics of delivery and to shorten deliv- Volkswagen has claimed top honours special design that systematically adery times, eT! can be operated semiin two categories at this year‟s prestigdresses future customer needs.” automatically in certain situations. The ious Drive‟s Car of the Year Awards. “eT! is a pure electrically powered car can follow the delivery person from The popular Polo 77TSI continues to transporter that systematically transhouse to house (“Follow me”), or the impress taking out the coveted „Best fers E-mobility to the area of commer- car can return to the delivery person cial use,” says Dr. Rudolf Krebs, on command (“Come to me”) – driver- City Car‟ for the second year running, cementing its position as the segment Group Manager for Electric Traction at less! As an alternative, the driver can Volkswagen AG. And continues: “As a direct the car‟s movements via a „drive leader. transport specialist, the eT! is advanc- stick‟ from the passenger‟s side that In addition, the recently launched Golf ing to become the automotive building also offers a standing seat and quick Cabriolet was awarded the „Best Conblock for an innovative, future-oriented access to the vehicle. On the passen- vertible‟ beating two luxury vehicles to logistics concept, which not only drives ger‟s side – the side that faces the claim pole position. with zero emissions in urban areas – sidewalk and therefore the working Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group thanks to its electric wheel hub motors area of the delivery person – there is – but also offers maximum freedom in therefore an electrically opening sliding Australia‟s Managing Director acceptmanoeuvring and turning as well as door that opens to two different stages; ed the awards at today‟s ceremony optimal utilisation of the vehicle‟s inte- this enables extremely quick entry into held in Sydney. rior space. If „refuelled‟ with electricity the vehicle as well as quick access to “We were pleased to launch the iconic generated from renewable energy the mail parcels. This makes unneces- Golf Cabriolet in Australia this year sary walking move- and are thrilled with the result. To take ments around the out Drive‟s „Best Convertible‟ category, vehicle a thing of especially against prestige luxury vehithe past. cles, is a great achievement.
Drive Car of the Year Awards
Variants of this lightweight transport vehicle could be implemented for all conceivable business uses. And these derived concepts are also the focus of research activities. Meanwhile, the eT! concept shown in a world premiere at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types. The research vehicle will now be integrated in a driving test study and further analysed.
“Again, Volkswagen‟s designers and engineers have delivered a great product and I am sure they will be very pleased to hear the news. “Furthermore, the Polo has been a great success here in Australia and continues to impress year on year. Being awarded Drive‟s „Best City Car‟ for second year running is a remarkable achievement and one of which I am very proud. “The Polo is a fantastic product and gives our customers the opportunity to experience Volkswagen‟s technology, design and engineering expertise for an incredible price.” said Ms Koeckler. The 2011 Drive Car of the Year was judged by 12 of Australia's most experienced judges over a week of testing across 13 categories. The Drive Car of the Year Awards is regarded as the ultimate consumer guide in Australia. (Continued on page 12)
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
December 2011
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VW Passat Alltrack Passat Alltrack has higher ground clearance and new off-road design Over the past four decades, well over 15 million Passat cars have been built. Along with its favourable all-round qualities, the success of the bestseller, which is sold in every continent of the world, can be attributed to the Passats wide and diverse range of versions. Now, Volkswagen is extending the model series with another specialist: rol engines (TSI) with 118 kW /160 PS the Passat Alltrack. and 155 kW / 210 PS and two turbodThis new version is offered in an esiesels (TDI) also with direct injection tate car configuration, and it closes the with 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / gap between the conventional Passat 170 PS are available in the Passat Estate and SUVs. The rationale here: Alltrack. The two most powerful many drivers who use their car as a Alltrack versions, the 170 PS TDI and towing vehicle, or in light off-road situthe 210 PS TSI, have standard 4MOations, want a versatile, sporty and TION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch very roomy passenger car that has transmission (DSG). For the Passat rugged qualities. Volkswagen develAlltrack with a 140 PS TDI, oped the Passat Alltrack for this clienVolkswagen will offer all-wheel drive tele. In comparison with the familiar as an option. Just how efficiently the Passat Estate, the new model is deengines of the Passat Alltrack operate fined by new bumpers in SUV style together with the intelligently controlled with wheel well and side sill flares. Its 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is greater off-road ramp angle, approach illustrated by the two TDI engines: the angle, departure angle and higher 140 PS version has a low combined ground clearance all make the Passat fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km Alltrack an excellent SUV alternative (equivalent to 150 g/km CO), while fuel for driving on unpaved tracks. consumption for the 170 PS version is Two turbocharged direct injection pet- 5.8 l/100 km (152 g/km CO2). The
Alltrack will debut in a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (03 to 11 December); market launch for the new versatile Alltrack begins in early 2012.
Top Euro NCAP Ratings Top Euro NCAP Ratings for New Volkswagen up! and Beetle Models The overall packages of occupant, child and pedestrian protection and the safety assistance systems installed in the up! and the new generation Beetle have been evaluated by the European consumer protection organisation, Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), and the results are first-rate: five stars for both new Volkswagen cars. In addition, the up! received Euro NCAP‟s Advanced Award for the car‟s innovative City Emergency Braking function. This positions the new Volkswagen ahead of its direct competitors, because no vehicle in its class has earned five stars and the Advanced Award before. So, the Volkswagen up! is „Best in class‟ when it comes to safety. In occupant protection, both vehicles attained top results in all seat positions and regardless of the sizes of the driver and front passenger. Factored into the rating were results of frontal and side impact tests, a pole side impact test and what is known as a whiplash test – which determines loads to the (Continued on page 13)
Enjoy the Festive Season...drive safely...see you next year!
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cervical spine of the neck. It is not only the large vehicles that are safe. Both small Volkswagen cars achieved excellent child protection results with dummies representing 18 month and three-year old children. The up! and Beetle also attained impressive results in the area of safety equipment. Here, Euro NCAP rated the seatbelt reminders for all seats and use of a vehicle dynamic control system (ESP) as especially positive. Euro NCAP is increasingly evaluating active safety assist systems in vehicles. Along with its five star rating, this also emergency braking function with its led to the up! receiving the Advanced automatic brake intervention can reAward for its City Emergency Braking duce the severity of accidents and in function. some cases avoid a collision altogethThe optional City Emergency Braking er. is automatically active at speeds beEuro NCAP is a manufacturer indetween five and 30 km/h, and it utilises pendent international crash test proa laser sensor (integrated in the upper gramme. The full test results can be part of the windscreen) to scan an arviewed at www.euroncap.com. After ea of up to 10 metres in front of the up! the Golf, Golf Cabriolet, Jetta, Passat, and detect the risk of an impending Polo, Scirocco, Sharan and Tiguan, collision. the up! and Beetle are the ninth and tenth vehicles from Volkswagen to If a collision is about to occur with a vehicle moving in the driving direction earn a top „Five Star‟ rating from Euro NCAP. This is another sign that or with a stationary object without the driver reacting, first the braking system Volkswagen is promoting vehicle safety as a top priority, and of course for all is preconditioned, and in a second sizes of vehicles. stage the hydraulic brake assistant is switched to a more sensitive level. Depending on the situation, City Emergency Braking might then initiate hard braking to a stop as a third stage or support the driver with full braking power if brake pedal pressure is insufficient. Depending on the vehicle‟s speed and the particular situation, the
Volkswagen Tokyo Concept Cross Coupe
Volkswagen Reveals the Future of the SUV with Tokyo Concept Car Volkswagen is showcasing its concept of an SUV of the future at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, in the shape of the Cross Coupé. The all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid hints at how a crossover between a four-door coupé and an SUV could look. It also defines a new stage in Volkswagen engineering design, being the first model based on the company‟s new „modular transverse matrix‟ – or MQB – to be shown publicly. At 4,345 mm, the concept car being shown in Tokyo is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. The width of 1,868 mm and height of 1,523 mm also come exactly in between these two bestsellers, meaning that the Cross Coupé‟s dimensions place it at the heart of the globally in-demand A segment. The concept car‟s 2,630 mm wheelbase is very long in relation to its overall length (52 mm longer than the Golf and 26 mm longer than the Tiguan). The overhangs (855 mm at the front and 860 mm at the back) are correspondingly short. This gives the car a very compact but dynamic appearance, which is emphasised by wide tracks widths of 1,585 mm (front) and 1,613 mm (rear). It‟s not just coupélike though: off-road, it possesses figures that almost fall into the range of classic SUVs. The front angle of approach, for example, is 24.2 degrees and at the rear 32.5 degrees. The Cross Coupé also features good offroad ground clearance. The design of the car – penned by a team led by Volkswagen Group Chief (Continued on page 14)
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(Continued from page 13)
Designer Walter de Silva and Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff – features the characteristic horizontal lines of the Volkswagen „face‟ at the front while linking to the future with a completely new light and grille treatment. The rear is dominated by steeply sloping angles and new distinctive light clusters which are combined with SUV -like chunky bumpers and twin tailpipes.
accolade even before it is launched. In summing up, the TopGear judges said: „It is the cleverest small car around today, the city car we know VW was capable of producing, the distilled essence of Volkswagen.‟
The Volkswagen up! is an all-new city car which offers maximum space on a minimal footprint, and embodies the core values of the brand in an innovative and compact package. The entrylevel Take up! model comes with the new 1.0-litre 60 PS petrol engine. Retailers in the UK began taking orders for the all-new up! at the start of OctoThe four-seat Cross Coupé is powered ber ahead of the first deliveries in by two electric motors (one front and March 2012. one rear) which generate 40 kW / 180 Commenting on the award, Director of Nm of torque and 85 kW / 270 Nm reVolkswagen, Chris Craft said: “This is spectively, and a TSI direct injection a brilliant award with which to begin turbo petrol engine. With overall power the up!‟s trophy tally, and we hope the of 265 PS, the Cross Coupé can accelTopGear accolade will be the first of erate to 62 mph in just seven seconds many. and on to a top speed of 125 mph. It can travel up to 40 km on purely elec- “The up! is a hugely important car for tric power. Volkswagen which will appeal to a wide range of customers. TechnologiThe all-wheel drive system with cal innovations, value for money and „electric drive shaft‟ also represents an the highest quality standards make this innovation for Volkswagen, with the – as the TopGear judges have said – a rear axle being driven by the rear elecgenuine small Volkswagen rather than tric motor. In this situation power is just another small car.” supplied to the rear electric motor by the one at the front, which during this phase acts as a generator powered by the TSI engine. This means that in the Cross Coupé, the flow of electrical energy thus replaces the conventional transfer of power by means of a drive shaft – which creates room in the central tunnel (which would usually house the drive shaft) to hold the lithium ion battery. The resulting low position of the battery and layout of the drive sys- High fives as Volkswagen triumphs tems give the vehicle a very low centre at 2011 Australia‟s Best Car Awards of gravity and a balanced spread of Volkswagen has recorded one of its axle loading, endowing the car with dynamic coupé-like handling qualities. strongest performances to date taking out five category wins at this year‟s Australia‟s Best Car Awards.
2011 Australia‟s Best Car Awards
One Up for the up!
New Baby Volkswagen Claims TopGear Award Volkswagen‟s new city car, the up!, has claimed its first award, being named Small Car of the Year by the UK‟s best-selling motoring title, TopGear magazine. Voted for by the staff of the magazine and the BBC‟s ever-popular television show, the award gives the up! its first
The remarkable Polo 66TDI continues its winning streak claiming the „Best Light Car over $20,000‟ for the second consecutive year. The Volkswagen Golf 90TSI has also been recognised in the small car segment winning the title of „Best Small Car under $35,000‟.
Page 14 $40,000‟ and „Best Luxury SUV over $60,000‟ respectively. Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia‟s Managing Director, was honoured to receive these accolades: “2011 has been huge for Volkswagen, with awards such as these, it is really the perfect conclusion to what has been an overwhelmingly positive year. “With the launch of eight passenger vehicles this year, obviously we continue to hit the mark with our products. “The Polo continues to impress, being recognised for the second consecutive year. One of our strongest and most popular models, the Golf 90TSI, has been judged as one of Australia‟s best vehicles marking it the sixth time a Golf has appeared amongst the winners at Australia‟s Best Cars. The Golf is fast becoming one of Australia‟s favourite vehicles, and I am glad the Best Car judges agree. “The previous Jetta, another pillar for Volkswagen, has twice been recognised at these awards. Having the new Jetta receive recognition this year proves that we continue to do the right thing by our customers. “In addition, having the Touareg and the Tiguan claim top spots in the highly competitive SUV segment is a significant accomplishment. “The judging panel assessed each vehicle on value for money, its overall design and function, and of course the on-road experience. With the judging panel amongst the most highly regarded industry professionals, these accolades bring with them an ever greater sense of achievement,” Anke Koeckler concluded. Australia‟s Best Cars chief judge Mark Borlace said the driveline technology in the Volkswagen range put it ahead of its competition. The Australia‟s Best Cars judges were impressed with the Volkswagen Polo: “The Volkswagen Polo has redefined the class with the German carmaker adding a touch of esteem and luxury to a sector of the market not traditionally known for above average levels of quality and refinement.”
The Volkswagen Jetta was praised for In the medium car segment, the new the new model for being bigger, Jetta 118TSI was rated the best uncheaper and better equipped than its der $50,000, while Volkswagen‟s two predecessor. SUV‟s, the new Tiguan 103TDI and its big brother, the Touareg V6 TDI, have (Continued on page 15) each been awarded „Best SUV under
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“With well-above average scores in most areas, the new Jetta once again convinced ABC judges it deserved the Best Medium Car under $50,000 title.” While the Tiguan also held onto its title from last year, with its mid-life refresh further strengthening its hold on the crown. „Australia‟s Best Car Awards‟ are in their eleventh year as a co-operation between the seven State and Territory based car clubs of Australia.
Volkswagen Amarok - Ute of the Year
so many ways. It‟s powered by the quietest, most refined and most economical engine that gives little or nothing away to the others”.
Volkswagen Amarok is crowned Ute “Whatever way you look at it, the Amaof the Year rok is the complete package…and the 2011 Ute of the Year” The Volkswagen Amarok has taken out the 4x4 Australia Magazine‟s 2011 The contenders for 4x4 Ute of the Year „4x4 Ute of the Year award‟, with a award were assessed on five different convincing win over a collection of es- criteria: tablished and newly released competi“Value” in relation to equipment and tors. price. The Amarok which entered the market earlier this year has confirmed its posi- “Doing the Job” where judges astion as the benchmark for its class with sessed the vehicle according to the vehicle‟s design brief. this win. “Bushability” which determined how Phil Clark, Volkswagen‟s Director of well the vehicle was equipped for AusCommercial Vehicles was pleased to sie off-road and outback travel. hear of the Amarok‟s success. “Breaking new ground” evaluated ad“The Amarok brings a fresh new apvancement in technology and design. proach to the segment which has for many years been overlooked when it “Built tough” took into account how comes to offering both active and pas- strong the vehicle was and how it sive safety features and more imcoped with rigorous off-road and outportantly excellent on and off-road per- back driving environments. formance,” said Mr Clark “The 4x4 Ute of the Year award highlights just how well our designers and engineers have done their research with our first entry in this segment.” According to 4x4 Australia Magazine the Volkswagen Amarok delivered on the key areas ahead of the competition. “On-road, the chassis offers a level of ride and handling well above all of the others, yet the Amarok is still as good as it gets for off-road ability. “The Amarok is ahead of the game in
Volkswagen Vans Scoop Awards
Volkswagen Vans Scoops Three What Van? Awards
The UK magazine awarded its hat-trick of honours to three separate models in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle range with the Amarok winning the „Pick-up of the Year‟ category, Caddy 4MOTION claiming the title of „4x4 Van of the Year‟ title and the Transporter Sportline named as „Editor‟s Choice‟. And, that‟s not all, as Volkswagen‟s two best-selling vans, the Caddy and Transporter, were also highly commended in the Light Van and Medium Van categories, respectively.
„It‟s my pleasure to hand over a trio of What Van? Awards to Volkswagen Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the only manufacturer to have scooped Commercial Vehicles,‟ said What Van? editor, Paul Barker. three categories in the 2012 What Van? Awards announced in UK yester- „The Amarok has moved the game on day.
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significantly in the pick-up sector, while the Caddy 4MOTION fills a small but important niche, and the Transporter Sportline is the most desirable light commercial vehicle on sale. The Transporter and Caddy are also excellent products that we were delighted to Highly Commend,‟ he continued.
LA Auto Show – USA Beetle R Concept The Beetle as a sports car: USA premiere of the Beetle R Concept design study Beetle R Concept has customised front and rear styling and 20-inch wheels, Sport seat system of Beetle R Concept is upholstered in luxurious Nappa leather.
version of the Beetle was also created in the halls of Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen R GmbH.
Beetle‟s wheels, which feature 5 triple spokes, are the blue brake callipers in R design.
The Beetle R Concept is still a design study. Those who are familiar with the Beetle 2.0 TSI (147 kW / 200 PS) know the dynamic potential of this new car. As an „R‟, the Beetle could demonstrate a performance potential similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R.
Newly sculpted bumpers are wider
Designers completely redesigned the front and rear bumpers that were widened by 30 mm. In front, the bumper module practically consists of 3 air intakes, which are styled in contrasting At Volkswagen, the letter „R‟ as an „Black High Gloss‟. The middle air inadded identifier promises top-notch take supplies the engine with oxygen, performance. Currently, this claim is Exterior with 20-inch wheels while the outer two contribute to coolbeing validated with turbo pressure by ing the brakes. The front spoiler, also Visually, the Beetle R Concept, paintthe Golf R with 199 kW / 270 PS of painted in „Black High Gloss‟, is deed in „Serious Grey‟, offers a glimpse power and the Scirocco R (currently signed as a flat splitter (with a chrome only in Europe) with 195 kW / 265 PS. of what a production version might strip); splitters of this kind are typically look like. Outside, the concept is In a USA premiere in Los Angeles, used in motorsport. To regulate engine equipped with 20-inch „Talladega‟ alloy Volkswagen is now showing a third temperature within an optimal range, variation of this sporty theme: the Bee- wheels – whose styling is like that of even under extreme conditions, ventithe Golf R and Scirocco R. However, tle R Concept. It is based on the 21st lation slots are found on the right and Century Beetle. Like its two larger sib- 18- and 19-inch wheels are mounted left sides of the engine bonnet. lings, the Golf R and Scirocco R, the R on those cars. Easy to spot on the The rear bumper also has air exhaust slots that are integrated in the aerodynamic concept of the Beetle R Concept. There is also a diffuser that is integrated in the lower bumper area. Together with the rear spoiler – which is significantly larger than the one on Beetle production models with up to 200 PS in power – and its black trailing edge, ideal downforce values are generated at the rear axle. A visual and acoustic highlight is the exhaust system with its 2 sets of dual chrome tailpipes. On each side, the bumpers transition into the freestanding wings; they were also widened 15 mm per side. The (Continued on page 17)
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side sills are styled in „Black High Gloss‟; a high-end chrome trim strip is incorporated here. Also painted in „Black High Gloss‟ are the roof, the upper part of the bootlid connecting to it, the door mirror housings and door handles. Interior with Nappa leather sport seat system. As is usual on R models, the interior also makes a customised and sporty impression. In the front, the driver and passenger sit in motorsport shell seats with what are referred to as Ergopads made of gray nubuck leather. The seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather. Embossed on the seats is the R logo. The seat seams and piping are in the colour „Space Blue‟.
The contrast colour „Black High Gloss‟ that was already used on the exterior is used in the interior as well, such as for dashboard accents and decorative elements around the gear shift grip. Interior designers also styled the instruments to be R-specific. Modified here are the central instrument cluster (with tachometer in the middle, in the style of a sports car) and the auxiliary instruments laid out above the centre console. The door sill plates are upgraded with the R logo. Meanwhile, brushed aluminium is used for all pedal caps. Matching the seats with their blue piping are the fabric floor mats with their blue-black double borders. Notes: TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
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VW Amarok Supports 2012 Dakar Rally
DAKAR 2012 ARGENTINA - CHILE - PERU January 1st to January 15th, 2012 Mar del Plata - Copiapó - Lima The ultimate adventure From 1st to 15th January, the drivers and the teams of the Dakar will compete against each other on a diagonal line which will go through South America, linking Mar del Plata, in Argentina, to Lima in Peru, passing through Chile and in particular Copiapó, where the rest day will take place. Apart from this break in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the participants will be competing every day. There will be 14 exceptionally sporting stages to complete. As the condor (rather than the crow) flies, almost 5,000 kilometres separate Mar del Plata from Lima. In 2012, the Dakar will be staging a pan-American adventure of more than 9,000 kilometres in total. Unlike previous year‟s loops, the route will transport the rally from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to those of the
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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will return to the 2012 Dakar Rally as the event‟s official supplier for the third year. A fleet of nearly 40 vehicles, including 30 Amarok pick-ups, are being provided to the event‟s organisation team, the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), as support vehicles. These will be used throughout the event, regarded as the toughest marathon rally in the world, which takes place from 1 to 15 January. The 2012 Dakar Rally will see competitors from across the world lining up at Mar del Plata, Argentina before the 9,000 kilometre course takes them on a journey Pacific, enabling its competitors to disthrough Chile and on to the finish at cover new lands and another aspect of Lima in Peru. South America. The scale of this challenge has also led to a change in the race‟s format, which will include 14 days of racing in 2012. Constantly guided by the Andes Mountain range, the drivers and riders will be crossing the Atacama, and will experience in particular the diversity of the dunes as they head into Peru.
On the rally‟s rest day, some important visitors will join the event with Formula One legend Jacky Ickx showing Scorpions rocker Rudolf Schenker and boxing world champion Dariusz Michalczewski how to handle the Amarok Automatic safely under off-road conditions. Also, windsurfers Bjoern Dunkerbeck, Klaas Voget and Robby Swift will head into the Atacama Desert to experience surfing on the dunes. The Amaroks and other support vehicles will be subjected to some of the toughest and most extreme terrain on the planet during the two week event. As the event‟s official support vehicles, they must be able to deal with everything this really fierce course can throw at them – from the Atlantic to the Pacific, through the Atacama Desert to the Andes mountains, through canyons, and across different climate zones. For more information on the Dakar Rally 2012, visit www.dakar.com.
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