December 2012
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Seasons Greetings Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
December 2012
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 (08) 9332 6919
Rod McSwain
PRESIDENT:
0408 183 396
SOCIAL SECRETARY:
Jamie Barrett
executive@vwclubwa.com
Jamie Barrett
VICE PRESIDENT:
0415 165 175
SPORTS ORGANISER:
Graham Tibbs
As above
0408 183 396 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
Kim Muste (country liaison South West)
TREASURER:
0438 819 443
WEBMASTER:
Justin Bayley
finance@vwclubwa.com
Tina Moore
Patrick Spiteri, Dave Moore,
webmaster@vwclubwa.com
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December 2012
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Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
December 2012
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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.
Please contact the Editor to find out about commercial advertising in the magazine, inserting flyers or advertising on the website.
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 lists the upcoming events and club runs for some months in advance in chronological order.
Publication Deadline: The ViaWest magazine’s deadline for articles for the next issue is . January 13
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Fees: Members - 1/4 page adverts are free. Non-Members - 1/4 page adverts are $5.00
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Volkswagen Club of WA (Inc), its Committee or members.
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 Joel Beaver Carl Guntrip Darren Roddy Peter White Brendan Wood Tony Wilde Vince Tuck Alfio Catalano Stuart Blagg Graham Dow Greg Suosaari Mitchell Hawke Wayne Pearce Aletia Artemis
Welcome to the new members… Cassidy Austin Helen Barnett Shaun Lawrence Joe Baroni Jim Steers Craig Morris Chris Mannon-Savage Chris Ridd
Andy Cotton Alan Avice Du Buisson Steve Robinson Rob Whitelaw Dean Barnett Rob Brown Andy Macey
The club now has 152 active memberships
IN THIS ISSUE
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The Club ............................. p 2 The Club (contd) ................. p 4 President’s Spot .................. p 5 Club Event Calendar .......... p 6 VW Club Plates ................... p 7 February Club Run .............. p 9 NSW 2013 Bug-In ............... p 10 SHANNONS INSURANCE 2012 Day of the VW ........... p 11 VW Hilton Trip (part 2) ........ p 18 Volkswagen News Passat Alltrack .............. p 21 Oz Best Car Awards ..... p 25 Drive’s Awards .............. p 26 5 Star Golf VII ............... p 27
Happy Birthday to our members…
Peter Abetz Ross Booth Sally Duxbury Deborah Evans Alan Grover Mitchell Hawke Paul Hunt Rosalie Instone Nevil Jones Reilly Jones Sam Karamfiles
Christopher Larkin David Moore Kim Muste Rachael Potter Bettylynn Richards Christopher Ridd Paul Rossenrode Tim Waters Peter White Ray Willis
Ute of the Year ............. P 28 TopGear Magazine ....... p 28 Vw Convertible USA ..... p 29 FRONT COVER: Season Greetings VW style
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December 2012
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I can now relax knowing that Shannons Day of the Volkswagen is behind us. As much as I love the day, the build up can be quite stressful. This year the stress level was far lower due to the fact that we had over 17 volunteers helping on the day. Without this support DoVW could not happen in its current capacity. On behalf of the Club “A BIG THANK YOU” goes out that team of people for their contribution! Many more helped out prior to the event so a BIG thank you goes out to them too! The day had a great feel to it in my opinion, the feedback received has been great too and some ideas have been shared with us. These ideas and more are being considered to help improve the DoVW in the coming years. It is worth mentioning that memberships are at a high. This is awesome news – welcome and thanks for joining the Volkswagen Club of WA. Remember that we have a committee made up of volunteers that give lots of their own time to the club. We are always up for more help and suggestions in ensuring we deliver on the constitution and more. Here’s to a fun and safe 2013 Happy New Year!
Jamie Barrett Club President
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December 2012
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Next month...
January 2013 # indicates a club run
Wednesday 2nd
ALFRED’S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Wednesday 9th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Sunday 13th
SOUTH WEST MONTHLY GATHERING BUSSELTON
Contact: Kim 0408 914 400 Contact: Mark 0449 947 782
Wednesday 23rd
EVENTS COORDINATION MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
February 2013 Wednesday 6th
ALFRED’S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Sunday 10th
SOUTH WEST MONTHLY GATHERING BUSSELTON
Contact: Kim 0408 914 400 Contact: Mark 0449 947 782
Wednesday 13th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Saturday 16th
RAAFA AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM See page 9 for information
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Wednesday 27th
EVENTS COORDINATION MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
February ALFRED’S of 2013 GUILDFORD
February 2013
March 2013 February Wednesday 6th
7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford Sunday 10th
SOUTH WEST MONTHLY GATHERING BUSSELTON
Contact: Kim 0408 914 400 Contact: Mark 0449 947 782
Wednesday 13th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Saturday 16th
MUNDARING HOTEL RUN Details to follow in next magazine.
Contact: Jamie Barrett 0408 183 396
Wednesday 27th
EVENTS COORDINATION MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
NEW SOUTH WALES BUG-IN 2013
See page 9
April 2013 29th March 1st April 2013
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December 2012
The end of VW Club Plates is coming... About 10 years ago the club came up with the concept of having its own identifying club plates. Since then the club has sold a number of plates to members and they are proudly displayed on their cars.
Via West
sons for falling sales is the continual price hikes by the department. Last year they were priced at $315 per set of plates...now they are $327 per set. Last year the club gained an extension of time to be able to give you, our club members at least one more chance to buy our club plates...the deadline was December 2011. Now‌.
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discretion of the Department of Transport, primarily if enough plates are sold. However, the VW Club committee has decided that when the Department of Transport retire our plates, that will be end of the series. It could be as early as January 2013. Once more, in an effort to make it easier for the club members to afford our club plates, the club has decided to
The VW Club committee has now keep the discount price of $300 been able to negotiate, what appears to be a FINAL EXTENSION, until 2nd per set‌yes now you save $27 Last year we received a letter from the January 2013. per set. Department of Transport (Government of WA) that they intended to retire our Extension past this date is solely at the If you are interested, you can contact the club at any time for an application club plates because of falling form and information sheet or sales. just to discuss your ideas. DPI has introduced a miniYou can purchase these and mum sales requirement of ten put them into storage if you do (10) sets of plates per annum. not have a vehicle for them yet. Unfortunately one of the rea-
Here are some sample plates already on VW Club Member vehicles.
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December 2012
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Member Story of the Month wins a 50 fuel voucher . The VW Club Committee is pleased to announce the competition for the “Member Story of the Month” IS BACK! Members will need to send in ‘their’ stories with photos to the editor at viawest@vwclubwa.com (or by post). All stories received & published will be in a monthly draw, the f irst drawn winning a 50 fuel voucher. The adjudged (committee) best story received and published in a f inancial year will earn the member a free membership. The Editor and Committee always have the discretion not to publish stories deemed unsuitable. Starts from 1 July 2012 until further notice.
Only open to current financial memberships. Stories or articles from another source are
not eligible (although welcome in the magazine) nor are stories or articles submitted by the VW Club Committee. A ‘multiple part’ story is only counted as one story in the first month it is published. There is a limit of 1 fuel voucher per membership per financial year.
GET YOUR STORY IN NOW....
V-neck Polo - design for the ladies & girls 30.00 each A name can be added for another $5.00
Polo Shirt - for the men and boys 30.00 each A pocket is an extra $5.00 A name can be added for another $5.00
T-shirt - unique design with the club 3D logo on front and back 25.00 each Stand out in the crowd.
VW Club stickers 2.00 each Official club logo 3D club logo “I’M A VW CLUB MEMBER”
VW Club Cloth badge 5.00 each
Day of the Volkswagen collectors cloth badge and annual stickers (limited numbers) 2.00 each VW Club Peak Cap with the traditional club logo - adjustable velcro band at the rear 15.00 each 2011 Toodyay Bug-In - 42nd National Bug-In Metal car badge (limited number) 25.00 each
If you have any ideas for merchandise, please let the club know.
Merchandise Officer: Rod McSwain Phone: (08) 9332 6919 Email: info@vwclubwa.com Purchases can be made by cash, cheque or credit card (Visa or MasterCard) - postage charges may be extra.
Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
December 2012
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RAAFA Aviation Heritage Museum ...the Club Run for February 2013
Event details...
Location: The RAAFA Aviation Heritage Museum, Bull Creek Road, Bull Creek is on the corner of Bull Creek Road and Leach Highway, just to the east of the Kwinana Freeway.
Date:
Features: There is a shop that sells, drinks, ice-creams, books, models and other souvenirs.
Club Run Entry: Adults 6 Children* 4 Club Member Children* FREE
There are two planes for children to * children ages 4 - 16 years play in. Note: Normal entry fees are Adults Inspections of the Lancaster are $10; Children $5; Family (2 adults & 2children under 16) $25; Students & $100 with no concession and a maximum of 4 people at any giv- Pensioners $7.50 en time to stop overcrowding. It takes about 4 hours to get a good look at the whole museum.
Because it will be a Saturday the Armstrong Siddley, Cheetah 9 engine will be run by our VW Club and Committee Member Richard Hines at 1:00 pm It is a 13 litre radial engine, with a big
Saturday propeller, which makes all the right 16th February noises and which is quite impressive.
Opening Hours: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Special Event:
For ease of entry into the museum we will collect the entry money before we enter to eliminate a long queue.
Richard would like someone with a good video to film the whole process and then put it on the website and/or the net.
BBQ: If there is enough interest, the VW Club will consider putting on a sausage sizzle at the museum’s BBQ. Tables and chairs are available.
Meeting time at Museum: To be there by 10:30am for a GROUP entry at 11:00am into the museum. Monies will be collected in the car park from 10:30am onwards.
Cruising there Freestyle To take you own route to the museum. To arrive at Museum by 10:30am.
North of the River To assemble in Kings Park, location and coordinator to be advised, for a 10:00am departure and run down the Freeway. Exit at Leach Highway (left hand turn) for the first turn on the right (at lights) into Bull Creek Drive. To arrive at Museum by 10:30am.
South of the River To assemble in Bull Creek Shopping Centre, location to be advised, coordinator will be Rod McSwain for a 10:00am departure and short lap around the suburbs. To arrive at Museum by 10:30am.
Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
December 2012
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New South Wales Bug-In 2013
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The “OLD Buggers “ of NSW have pleasure in announcing & inviting you to what may be the last ever Bug In in NSW, in the Beautiful Blue Mountains, just outside Sydney from 29th March to 1st April 2013. Accommodation is available from “Blackheath Caravan Park” Prince Edward St, Blackheath NSW Telephone: 0247 878101
Website: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
They are currently installing 8 brand new cabins, prices & reservations are not available for a few weeks. But you should make an inquiry. Mention the Bug In but unfortunately it will not get you a discount. 4 nights are required @ Easter. Next door is Lakeview Holiday Park who also have cabins Telephone: 0247 878534 for prices & availability. Please Note: Easter is a busy time so you should not delay in booking accommodation. Alternative accommodation try Googling caravan parks Katoomba Blue Mountains or if you want to go a little upmarket try Blue Mountains accommodation for Hotels, Motels, Cottages, B&B’s etc. etc. DON’T WAIT, BOOK NOW. Bug In Events Friday Night will be held @ Blackheath Caravan Park Saturday we will hold a Car Display on the shore of Wentworth Falls lake with visits to tourist attractions in the area afterwards. Saturday Night will be left open but we will have a suggestion for a get together probably in the main street of Katoomba where a multitude of restaurants are available. Sunday we will be holding a Driver Education Day @ Hampton, about 45 mins run away. This will give you the opportunity of practicing your car handling & obstacle avoidance skills. There may also be the opportunity to do some driving on dirt roads. All participants will be required to sign an indemnity against all damage & accident. NO responsibility will be held by the ground owners or organizers. Those not wishing to do the driver education can do a tour in Jenolan Caves. Sunday Night venue has not been finalized as yet, nor has Monday. Monday. We should have a Bug In shirt, cap & other souvenirs available but will be limited to prepaid orders only! Regards Christopher Harper
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December 2012
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2012 Shannons Day of the Volkswagen Each state holds their own Day of the Volkswagen regularly across Australia. The Volkswagen Club of Western Australia holds its Day of the Volkswagen on the first Sunday of December every year. For 2012 that was the 2nd of December. Shannons In- Best Buggy Modified..........Sean Jones surance once again sponsored what is the biggest show of the year in the WA Volkswagen calendar as they have done now for over 10 years. The venue was Taylor Reserve, a lovely tree lined grassed area on the banks of the Swan River with the city buildings providing the backdrop on the horizon. The weather was a fine and warm 30째 with near cloudless skies. The many attendees used the free sunscreen provided by the VW Club and a number of hats and caps were sold from the merchandise tent. The Committee and many other member volunteers arrived around 7:30am to prepare the site for the big day. The stalls and entertainment along with the Best Rat Look............Graham Tibbs food and drink suppliers arrived and set up in their allocated bays. All was ready for when the gates opened to the public at 09:30. This year the club trialled a new format with vehicles not wishing to be judged, paying their entry fee and being directed where to park up for the day on the concourse by the Club marshals. Those that wished to be judged paid their entry fee and were directed to join the line at a judging tent. While in line, competitors had the option of some last minute cleaning and shining before the judges reviewed their vehicle. The judging tent allowed the judges to remain at the tent reviewing the cars as they passed through the judging area. Judging rePresidents Choice.............Bernie Brix sults were sorted and ready as soon as the car moved on. It was a great success with judging finishing earlier than in previous years where the judges had to move around the concourse reviewing the vehicles where they parked. All the rosettes were on the winning cars well before the trophy presentations and announcements. There were 28 trophies up for grabs; 5 for each of the best Beetles; best Kombis/Transporters; and best water-cooled categories. The balance of the trophy classes were awarded for the various exam(Continued on page 13)
Judges Choice...........Dave Moore
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December 2012
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Best Type 1 Beetle Standard pre ’67.......... Colin Seth
Best Type 2 Kombi T1 Passenger............John Terpu
Best Type 1 Beetle Standard ’67 on..........Dirk Sheldon
Best Type 2 Kombi T1 Commercial...........Peter Kopic
Best Type 1 Beetle Karmann Convertible .........Michelle Dufall
Best Type 2 kombi T2 Passenger ............Alan Du Buisson
Best Type 1 Beetle Modified..........Sean Duffin
Best Type 2 kombi T2 Commercial..........Patrick Spiteri
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December 2012
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(Continued from page 11)
ples of the VW brand including the likes of best Rat Look. This was the one to win as it was a very impressive trophy hand made by the sponsors from Munster Garage. Also new this year, was the addition of the Telethon children’s charity. Judging entrants were required to donate a gold coin on top of their entry fee, while the donation containers were made available at the Club tent along with the additional regular circuit Robin Bailey award.........Daniel Garcia amongst the crowd. One member went to a great effort and collected a VW powered 1835cc Benson Gyrocopter kindly lent to the club by the RAAFA Aviation Heritage Museum. It was one of the features of the day and a big hit. The other was the Club’s newly acquired Kombi Panel Van that was on display with a “Help required to restore” sign attached. Members could see the task in hand and were given the opportunity to put their details down to join the restoration team. It should look a lot different at next year’s show. The old favourites were still the Club Beetle floor pan with the cutaway sections that shows everybody, especially the young ones the workings without the body on and the Rocker Cover Racing, where people designed some very novel racers and contested them against each other for the agegroup prizes. For those that have not seen this before, VW rocker covers have wheels attached to them (and some are ‘decorated for fun’) and raced in pairs down a 4 metre 2 lane track…the fastest is the winner. Heats are held in age-groups until only one winner in each survives.
Best Engine Bay ..........Peter Kopic
The usual was there for the kids again, a free bouncy castle, ice cream van, face painting and the colouring-in competition with prizes awarded to the best colouring-in in the different age groups. In addition there were two blackboards with VW outlines that the kids could colour in with the chalks provid- Best Original Interior ..........Graham Tibbs ed. These activities kept all the kids busy and let the parents view the cars on show in relative peace. Swap n Sell stalls are always encouraged to attend (no fee charged) and this year plenty of trading went on with early bargains snapped up quickly! Donations are usually made to the club based on how well the stall went on the day. Food and drink were provided through the Lions club holding their usual sausage sizzle and other foods (retaining all the monies for their club fundraising) while Boost Juice was there in their T5 Transporter and the ice cream van is of course a bay window Kombi that fits right in with the VW event. Also the (Continued on page 15)
Best Exterior............Steffen Linke
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December 2012
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Best Transporter T3, T4 & T5.............Chris Larkin
Best Water-cooled Standard.................Dave Mitchell
Best Type 3 or 4.............Jeff Maginnes
Best Water-cooled Performance.................Lionel Koh
Best Golf I - IV Standard..............Josh Grey
Best Water-cooled Modified
Best Golf V – VI Standard............Steven Jung
Best VW Affiliate...........Adrian Acquado
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December 2012
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(Continued from page 13)
obligatory coffee van completed the range of refreshments made available on the day. It takes a lot of work to put the “day” together and it could not be done without the Club volunteers that contributed to the make the event a success. The adage that many hands make light work is never truer than at events like this. The special effort put in by the organising committee in the 12 months leading up to the event and on the ‘day’ is not questioned.
The Bay Window Ice Cream Van
However, the event would not exist without the participants bringing their cars along on the day… everything from projects that arrived on trailers from 200km away to the new enthusiasts on ‘L’ plates and some too young to have a licence yet, to the concourse restorations that are the envy of many and to the high performance and modified water cooled that have many hours of work spent on them and finally to the daily drivers that are the pride and joy of their VW owners. We thank every one of them for coming along. FREE Kids Corner
OUR SPONSORS...SHANNONS INSURANCE
VW Powered Gyrocopter from RAAFA Museum
The VW Club of WA Tent...kept busy all day
The VW T5 from Boost Juice
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December 2012
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Beetlemania...one section of all the cars on show
Rocker Cover race track...before the competition started
Swap and Sell went very well
The VW Club of WA - Club Kombi before restoration
VWs against the City back drop
There must be something here that you want...
VWs as far as the eye can see...
The young and the old water-cooleds
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December 2012
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next get together is on Sunday 13th January...see you there.
Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
December 2012
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VW Hilton’s “Kimberley Trip 2012” (part 2) by Dave Beckley
Dampier Peninsular, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing
Page 18 goon. While at Middle Lagoon we woke one day to find that the contents of our 3 way fridge were not very cold. I cleaned the gas jet and we also moved to a powered site to use 240V power to get the fridge cold again as quickly as possible. (We subsequently had the fridge checked when we returned to Broome and it was given a clean bill of health and worked without any further problems for the rest of the trip). Middle Lagoon is a beautiful spot on the west coast of the Peninsular with great sunsets. There is a
After restocking in Broome we headed out of town on the 1st June and up the Cape Leveque road. From the turn off to Willie Creel Pearl Farm the road north deteriorates and there is 100 km of corrugated, sandy road before re-joining the bitumen south of Beagle Bay. This 100km stretch of dirt road is specified as ‘4WD Recommended and No Caravans’. In spite of this recommendation Middle Lagoon at sunset there are quite a few 2WD cars on the road and caravans, altsandy beach offering safe, croc Beagle Bay it was a short drive hough the Kooljaman Resort at free swimming, and lovely walks Cape Leveque will not accept car- along a dirt road to Middle Lagoon in the bush. There were lots of where we stayed for 4 nights. avans in the camping area. wild flowers in full bloom when Middle lagoon offers a range of Our first stop for the day was at we were there. camping sites in shady, grassed Beagle Bay where we had a look areas but we opted to stay in a After leaving Middle Lagoon we at the famous Church with its sandy area on top of the cliff with drove to the small Aboriginal vilpearl shell decorations. From a magnificent view over the lalage at Lombardina, but as it was after 11am we could not get a pass to look around! We then went to the east coast and found our way to Djoodoon and Bully’s Camp which was about 7 km along a rough track. Bully’s camp is an Aboriginal outcamp with very basic facilities for tourists and is run by an eccentric white fella. When we were there was no bore pump and consequently the loos had to be flushed with buckets of dirty creek water. The next day we returned to Lombardina on the west coast and paid the customary (in these parts) $10 to be allowed into the town. Lombardina has a bakery with a wood fired oven and the The church at Beagle Bay
(Continued on page 19)
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December 2012
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(Continued from page 18)
prospect of fresh bread tempted us but unfortunately they had sold out when we arrived. Lombardina is a an excellent example of how well a grog free Aboriginal town can be run; it has lovely well kept green lawns, the streets are free of any litter and it has a beautiful little church, which is made of timber with a paperbark roof. After our tour of Lombardina we went to the Cygnet Bay Pearl farm, where we went on a conducted tour and also had an excellent lunch in their small cafĂŠ. We then returned to the east coast to another Aboriginal camping spot at Gambanan, just north of One Arm Point.
The fish trap at sunrise at Gambanan
We stayed at Gambanan for three nights, enjoying the peace and quiet. For those up early enough there were also some fantastic sunrises. There is an Aboriginal stone walled fish trap on the shore at Gambanan that the outcamp owner Frank says was there when his grandfather was a boy and possibly a lot longer. The massive tides in this area provided an ever changing scene in the bay as islands disappeared and then reappeared during the day. From Gambanan it was a short drive to the Kooljaman Resort at Cape Leveque where we checked in to the highly organised and ful-
The Red Cliffs at Cape Leveque ly booked camping ground, where we had a reservation for 2 nights. For anyone planning a trip to Cape Leveque, you need to book in advance if you want to stay at the Resort. There are excellent beaches on both sides of the headland and the famous red cliffs are a big drawcard at sunset. On Monday 11th June we retraced our steps down the 240km to Broome where we stayed for a further four nights at the Tarangan Caravan Park. While in Broome we went to the open air picture theatre (claimed to be world’s oldest operating theatre
Derby wharf at low tide
(Continued on page 20)
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December 2012
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(Continued from page 19)
of this type), Cable Beach at sunset complete with the camels and tried out a couple of restaurants. After restocking the pantry etc in Broome we headed to Derby where we stayed for a couple of nights in the caravan park before driving to Fitzroy Crossing. The immense tides at Derby provide interesting views at the town wharf, particularly at sunset. The drive to Fitzroy crossing is through varied country from open savannah with lots of Boab trees and termite mounds to quite dense bush. The Caravan Park at Fitzroy Crossing is close to the 1974 built, supposedly all weather road, over the mighty Fitzroy River. The main reason for travelling to Fitzroy Crossing was to visit Geikie Gorge. We made two trips to this gorge; on the first day we joined the 3 pm boat trip up the gorge and on the second afternoon went for a walk along the western side of the gorge. There are lots of freshwater crocodiles in the Fitzroy River and presumably some decent sized fish. When driving back to town on the first evening we spotted a couple of Brolgas close to the road, David quickly grabbed his camera and followed the birds into the bush where they proceeded to put on a dance display, unfortunately it was too dark to get decent photos.
Geikie Gorge at sunset
Freshwater croc Fitzroy River Geikie Gorge
From Fitzroy crossing we took the back road to join the 600km long Gibb River road to Wyndham, which I will write about for next month’s magazine.
The VW Club Committee is pleased to announce this series of articles as the...
Member Story of the Month for October 2012. For this Dave wins a 50 fuel voucher .
Brolgas dancing near Geikie Gorge
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December 2012
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Volkswagen’s Sporty, Versatile, Rugged Passat Alltrack Volkswagen Passat Alltrack Closes the Gap Between Estate Car & SUV Over the past four decades, well over 15 million Passat cars have been built. Along with its favourable all-round qualities, the success of this bestseller - sold on all of the world’s continents can be attributed to the Passat’s wide and diverse range of versions. Now, Volkswagen is extending the Australian model series with another specialist: the Passat Alltrack. This new version is offered in an Wagon configuration, and closes the gap between the conventional Passat wagon and SUVs such as the Tiguan. The rationale is clear: many drivers who use their car as a towing vehicle, or in light off-road situations, desire a versatile, sporty and roomy passenger car that has rugged qualities. Volkswagen has developed the Passat Alltrack for this clientele. In comparison with the familiar Passat wagon, the new model is defined by new, SUV-style bumpers – with wheel well and side sill flares. Its greater off-road ramp angle, approach
angle, departure angle and higher ground clearance all make the Passat Alltrack an excellent SUV alternative for driving on unpaved roads. Power and Performance Featuring a powerful Volkswagen 125kW TDI engine, the Passat Alltrack also comes standard with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). While the Alltrack’s turbocharged diesel engine makes a potent 350Nm of torque, the Alltrack maintains the kind of frugal fuel consumption Passat owners have come to expect, with a combined fuel cycle of 6.3* l/100 km (166* g/km CO2). High torque value: The new Passat Alltrack is designed for larger towing capacities (up to
1,800 kg braked) and for handling offroad situations. That is why the Passat Alltrack uses a torque-strong turbocharged engine with a maximum torque of 350 Newton metres requiring no more than 1,750 - 2,500 rpm to achieve its maximum torque output. Protected engine: When driven over unpredictable terrain, the engine is protected by a solid engine underbody guard made of a steel plate. This protects the engine, gearbox, oil sump, exhaust system (front section) and various hoses from damage. Parameters of offroad capability: The Passat Alltrack is almost exactly the same length as the Passat Wagon at 4,881 mm, and its width is an identical 1,820 mm despite the wheel well flares. The vehicle’s key offroad parameters are telling: compared to the Passat Wagon, its ground clearance has been increased to 165 mm. The front approach angle has increased from 13.5 to 16 degrees, and at the rear, the departure angle has increased from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees. Another parameter that is no less important in offroad situations is the ramp angle for crossing over a hill; this value was improved from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees. Alltrack packs a lot: The car has a maximum payload of 656 kg. Other key parameters of the Alltrack’s cargo space: 0.72 m passthrough height and 0.83 m interior (Continued on page 22)
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car and SUV design. Dimensions in Detail (Continued from page 21)
height; 1.0 m width between the wheel wells. Largest width in the cargo area: 1014 mm. When the rear bench seat is folded down, the length of the Passat Alltrack’s cargo loading surface is increased to an impressive 1.94 m. Cargo capacity is 588 litres with the rear seats up, and 1716 litres with the rear seats folded. Visual Modifications Good styling always visually reflects a car’s conceptual parameters. In the case of the Passat Alltrack, these include the vehicle’s much more versatile performance parameters for driving on rough terrain than would be found on a conventional wagon. The declared goal of the designers was to reflect its competence off-road with very functional styling. In the area of the side profile, for example, the classic wheel housings and side sill flares are used, which are functionally oriented and offer rugged protection. The elements do not simply have the appearance of being tacked onto one another, rather they are harmoniously integrated into the Passat’s overall design. The same applies to the new design of the bumpers. Firstly, they show greater volume and are very rugged in construction; secondly, they completely fit in with the styling of the Passat. In interplay with the higher ground clearance, the underbody protection panels in stainless steel-look are integrated front and rear, projecting an overall link between the passenger
At a length of 4,881mm, the Passat Alltrack is slightly longer than the Passat Wagon (4,771mm). Despite the wheel housing arches, its width remains identical at 1,820mm. The Passat Alltrack has a ground clearance of 165mm, an approach angle of 16 degrees and a departure angle of 13.6 degrees. No less important in off-road use is the ramp breakaway angle, crucial in crossing the crest of a hill; here, the value has been improved from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees. Off-road Driving Program Volkswagen SUV drivers are familiar with the ‘off-road driving program’ on the Touareg. For the first time at Volkswagen, this clever, multifunctional system is being transferred to a passenger car in the Passat Alltrack. The driver activates this program by pressing an Off-Road button on the centre console. An LED symbol in the instrument cluster indicates when the system is ‘active’. Specifically, the settings for the safety and driver assistance systems and DSG control are modified as follows:
fied in parallel.
Driver assistance systems: Hill descent assist is automatically activated (when the off-road function is selected) at a descent angle greater than 10 degrees; braking the Passat Alltrack while functions of the optional adaptive cruise control (ACC) and Front Assist Safety systems: The anti-lock braking are deactivated. Dual clutch transmissystem (ABS) is now characterised by sion: A f latter accelerator pedal charhigher thresholds for control intervals; acteristic makes it easier to meter enon loose road surfaces, such as grav- gine power in off-road situations. At the el, a wedge of road substrate is formed same time, gear shift points are raised, automatically giving the driver a higher in front of the tyres to decelerate the engine rpm and therefore more power vehicle even more effectively. At the to work with. If the DSG selection lever same time, the electronic differential is switched to the manual shift gate, locks (EDS) react quicker to prevent the transmission no longer upshifts wheel spin at individual wheels. The engine’s torque control (ASR) is modi- automatically. The Stop/Start system and coasting function are also deactivated. 4MOTION all-wheel drive The Passat Alltrack is delivered with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard in Australia. Normally, the front axle is the primary drive axle in the Passat Alltrack 4MOTION; the rear axle only gets ten percent of the drive torque, saving on fuel. The rear axle may be gradually engaged – step by step – depending on the specific driving and road situation. This is done via an electro-hydraulic all-wheel coupling. The advantage of the electronics: no engine speed differences are necessary between the front and rear axles to activate the all-wheel drive coupling, (Continued on page 23)
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because pressure is built up via an electric pump. Alltrack Standard Features Passat Alltrack features: Along with the Off-road driving program, modified chassis and body modifications, the Passat Alltrack is characterised by a whole series of specific feature details. These include the new ‘Valley’ type 17-inch alloy wheels (new ‘Canyon’ type 18-inch wheels are another option included in the Sport package) and a low tyre pressure indicator. Trimmed in ‘chrome’ on the Passat Alltrack are the roof rails, window surrounds, door mirror housings and radiator grille. Standard features also include front and rear underbody protection in stainless steel-look, fog lights, stainless steel door sill plates with ‘ALLTRACK’ signature, comfort seats (Vienna leather appointed as standard, or optional Nappa leather appointed as part of the Sport package), interior accents in ‘Titanium Silver’ (with ALLTRACK signature on ashtray cover), pedals in brushed stainless steel and Dual Zone automatic climate control. Other ‘ALLTRACK’ signatures are located at the front and rear of the vehicle. On the screen of the instrument cluster the new Passat Alltrack also ‘greets’ its driver with the ‘ALLTRACK’ signature. Visible from exterior are the decorative dual exposed chrome tailpipes left and right.
Safety features: Of course, the Passat Alltrack has such features as eight airbags, daytime running lights and the ESP electronic stabilisation program. Additional standard features: fatigue detection and ESS Effective: automatic brake light activation under severe braking. Ingenious: if the driver parks the Passat Alltrack and unbuckles the seat belt before the engine is shut off, the electronic parking brake is automatically activated (when Autohold is selected), which prevents unintentional rolling.
adjustment and a rain sensor complete the range of standard features.
Child-friendly: in parallel to the standard Isofix fittings for suitable child seats, Convenience features: In the interior, standard features include various storage compartments (such as in the centre console and roof liner console) and the analogue clock on the dashboard. Other standard convenience features: automatic climate control, electro-mechanical steering assist, electric windows front and rear, outside temperature indicator, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function and central locking (with wireless remote). There are also comfort seats in front with pockets on the backrests, manual lumbar supports and electric backrest adjustment (driver’s side). Multifunction leathertrimmed steering wheel, leathertrimmed shift lever grip and carpet floor mats are also part of the standard specification. The multimedia AUX-IN socket, automatic running light switching, automatically dipping rear-view mirror, Parking sensors for the front and rear, safety-optimised head restraints with additional longitudinal
Fatigue detection counteracts this tendency. Right at the beginning of each car trip, the system analyses the driver’s characteristic steering behaviour. The fatigue detection system then continually evaluates signals such as steering angle, use of the pedals and transverse acceleration. If monitored parameters indicate a deviation from the steering behaviour recorded at the beginning of the trip, then visual and acoustic warnings are produced. Independent of this monitoring, whenever the system is activated it recommends a driving break to the driver after a certain period of continuous driving.
Key Technologies of the Passat Alltrack Fatigue detection: This system detects waning driver concentration and warns the driver with an acoustic signal lasting five seconds; a visual message also appears in the instrument cluster recommending that the driver take a break from driving. If the driver does not take a break within the next 15 minutes, the warning is repeated once.
The assistance system does not warn in acute cases of ‘microsleep’; rather, fatigue detection aims to detect phases of waning concentration even before this happens. Fatigue detection is standard in the Passat Alltrack. Tyre pressure indicator: The tyre pressure indicator system makes use of the wheel speed sen(Continued on page 24)
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Lane Assist merges the two assistance systems. If another vehicle is located in a spot that is not visible to the driver (Continued from page 23) during a lane change, the dual assissors of the ABS system for its operatance system pack warns the Alltrack tion. How it works: when air pressure driver via a f lashing signal of the LEDs decreases in a tyre, this also reduces in the right or left door mirrors as well the rolling radius at that particular as via a steering wheel vibration, and it wheel; therefore, the wheel turns faster simultaneously assists the driver with a at the same vehicle speed, and the corrective steering intervention. These system detects this deviation. The steps are taken regardless of whether Alltrack driver is warned via the tyre or not a direction indicator is set. The pressure indicator. Nonetheless, the combination of these two systems can system does not relieve the driver of make an even more effective contributhe responsibility for independently tion towards avoiding collisions with verifying correct tyre pressure at regu- other vehicles in the blind spot. Howlar intervals. ever, the driver still assumes responsibility for the entire process. Optional Features ACC plus Front Assist with City EmerOptional Driver Assistance and Visibilgency Braking: ity package Volkswagen designed City Emergency Offering drivers additional levels of Braking as a functional extension of safety and assistance, the Driver Asthe automatic ACC (Adaptive Cruise sistance and Visibility package inControl) plus Front Assist system. The cludes bi-xenon headlights with LED new system operates over a speed daytime driving lights with static and range of up to 30 km/h, and it automatdynamic cornering lights, rear LED ically initiates hard braking if an immitailight and Lane Assist, a lane deparnent collision is detected. City Emerture warning system that reduces the gency Braking can reduce the severity likelihood of the vehicle leaving the of collisions in city driving or even lane. The Lane Assist function moniavoid a collision entirely. tors the road ahead with the aid of a camera which recognizes lane markFront Assist becomes active at a vehiings, and takes corrective steering ac- cle speed of 30 km/h. This system, tion for up to eight seconds. which is integrated in ACC, helps to avoid front-end collisions as an ‘alert Side Assist including Lane Assist: front passenger’, even if ACC is turned Also making a significant contribution off. It does this by continually monitorto improved safety is the optional coming the traffic situation over a speed bination of Side Assist (lane-changing range of 30 km/h to 200 km/h with its assistant) and Lane Assist (lanefront radar, warning the driver of any keeping assistant). Compared to the critical situations. The system assists individual systems – the combination the driver even before a situation beof Side Assist and Lane Assist reprecomes critical by preconditioning the sents a functional extension and offers braking system and sensitising the a significant gain in safety, due to its braking assistants. reliable and urgent warning if a specific hazard is detected. Here is how the As the risk of front-end collision intwo assistance systems operate as creases, visual and acoustic warnings separate systems: Side Assist makes are initiated, and the driver is alerted to the driver aware of vehicles located in a necessary intervention by a jolt of the blind spot next to the Passat the brake pedal. If the driver reacts Alltrack or vehicles approaching from with braking that is too weak, the vehithe rear by f lashing LEDs in the door cle automatically builds up as much mirrors. Side Assist operates using brake pressure as necessary to avoid radar sensors. Meanwhile, Lane Assist a collision. If the driver does not apply accesses signals from a camera; as the brakes at all after the warning pesoon as it becomes evident that the dal jolt, Front Assist brakes so that, driver is leaving the driving lane or is under optimal conditions, the speed at driving over the lane markings without impact is reduced. setting the direction indicator,Lane AsOverall, automatic adaptive cruise consist countersteers. trol makes driving very comfortable Here is how the new systems operate and convenient. On an open road, together: Side Assist Plus including ACC can theoretically accelerate the
Page 24 car to its top speed. If a slower vehicle appears in the car’s own driving lane, the system automatically brakes to maintain the set distance ahead. The driver can calibrate this distance over various levels within the legal range. Park Assist, Generation II: In contrast to first generation systems, which only supported parking parallel to the carriageway, the latest parking assistant also assists in perpendicular parking – i.e. at right angles to the driving lane. The system is activated at speeds up to 40 km/h by pressing a button on the centre console. The driver indicates the side of the carriageway for parking by activating the indicator for that side. As soon as Park Assist detects a sufficiently large parking space – utilizing its ultrasonic sensors – assisted parking can begin: The driver engages reverse gear and then only needs to accelerate and brake. The Alltrack handles the steering. The driver is assisted by acoustic and visual cues on the multifunction display. While parking, Park Assist reduces vehicle speed to seven km/h. For the first time, this system can also actively brake the car if a collision is about to occur. Nonetheless, the driver remains responsible for braking, since the new braking function of Park Assist cannot guarantee that damage will be prevented in all cases. Vehicle Dynamics Systems Adaptive chassis control: Adaptive chassis control offers three programmes: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Comfort’. These are selected by a button next to the gearshift lever. Crucial here is the fact that adaptive chassis control is constantly working to improve driving properties. This is because it continually adapts damping to road conditions and the driving situation. The system also reacts to acceleration, braking and steering inputs. The system resolves the apparent conflict of goals between tight, sporty tuning and a comfortable ride. The significantly enhanced comfort is perceptible to both driver and passengers. Cargo Space Variable cargo space of the Passat Alltrack The cargo capacity of the Alltrack’s bootspace is 588 litres. Cargo capacity when seats are folded is 1,716 litres – in this case, the Passat Alltrack is (Continued on page 25)
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loaded up to the roofliner and to the backrests of the front seats. A cargo net barrier may be mounted behind the first seating row and/or behind the second seating row to prevent luggage from entering the passenger space when braking. Other key data on the Alltrack cargo space: 719 mm tall cargo opening and 831 mm interior height; 1000 mm width between the wheel wells. Largest width in the cargo space: 1014 mm. The loading surface of the Passat Alltrack when the rear bench seat is folded down is a minimum 1941 mm long. Remote unlatching of the rear bench backrest No less practical is the remote unlatching of the rear bench backrest. Levers mounted in the trim on the right and left sides of the boot make it easy to unlatch the left and/or right section of the 1/3 to 2/3 split backrest so that it can fold forward in a controlled way. Note: TDI is a registered trademark of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries. Features and technical data apply to model offered in Australia. They may differ in other countries. All fuel economy and driving performance data cited in this press release are forecast values as of October 2012.
Volkswagen’s Polo and Touareg win again at Australia’s Best Car Awards Volkswagen has received two industry accolades at this year’s Australia’s Best Car Awards event earlier today. The frugal Volkswagen Polo 66TDI was once again named Best Light Car over $20,000 for a third consecutive year, while the well-appointed
Volkswagen Touareg V6TDI defended its 2011 title as Best Luxury SUV Over $60,000. Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, Anke Koeckler, was delighted to accept the awards for these two vehicles. “This is the third time the Polo 66TDI has won its category and the fifth time a diesel Polo has collected an Australia’s Best Cars award,” said Ms Koeckler. “Our Touareg also showed why it is such a remarkably capable vehicle, with back-to-back titles in the Best Luxury SUV category. “ Since its launch in May 2010, the Polo 66TDI has outclassed its rivals in a hotly-contested segment with remarkable fuel efficiency and class-leading build quality. The Australia’s Best Car judges once again lauded the Polo 66TDI for its third win. “On the road the Polo continues to be a standout...On winding sections of road, the Polo is nimble and fleet footed.” “From the moment you step in, and hear the reassuring thud when you close the door you know you’re in a special vehicle.” Volkswagen’s Touareg emerged as Best Luxury SUV Over $60,000 among more expensive competition. The Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI was praised by Australia’s Best Cars judges for its outstanding fuel-efficiency and value for money. (Continued on page 26)
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“The Volkswagen Touareg has done it again and with a country mile between it and the rest of the field”, commented one of the judges. Australia’s Best Car Awards is now in its twelfth year, a co-operation between Australia’s Motoring Clubs. The Australia’s Best Car Awards represents the nation’s most comprehensive and independent consumer-focused vehicle testing and award program.
Volkswagen a Triple Category Winner at Drive’s Car of the Year 2012 Awards
the annual Drive Car of the Year Awards, with Polo, Golf Cabriolet and all-new up! each receiving awards. Launched in 2010, and crowned Drive Car of the Year the same year, the Polo 77TSI continues to collect trophies in the light car segment, winning its third consecutive category win as Drive’s Best City Car.
tive price, robust safety package, and outstanding driving capabilities. In the words of the Drive judges, the Golf Cabriolet “delivers a healthy reality check with great bang for buck, fuel economy and the fact that four people get to enjoy it at once.”
Volkswagen’s smallest car, the up!, was awarded Drive’s prestigious Safety Innovation Award, for its muchThe Polo was described by one judge lauded innovative City Emergency as being “the benchmark setter in this Braking function. This life-saving techVolkswagen Polo 77TSI Best City Car category – if not the one above,” while nology can reduce accident severity for the third consecutive year another judge found it “hard to fault via automatic brake intervention and anything about it,” pointing to the repotentially avoid a collision, and to Iconic Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet votfined and confident nature of the car date the up! is the only car in its seged Best Convertible during cornering and highway cruising. ment equipped with such premium car New Volkswagen up! takes out prestigsafety technology. The Golf Cabriolet, another repeat ious Safety Innovation Award award winner, has yet again led the Volkswagen has once again been rec- way in its class to collect the Best Con- The Volkswagen up! was voted a unanimous winner, with all Drive judgognised with multiple category wins in vertible award, thanks to its competies applauding the inclusion of its City Emergency Braking function in such a price-sensitive segment of the market. Drive’s judges applauded the inclusion, stating, “most car makers do everything they can to cut the price and often lop safety equipment.” Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, commented on the wins. “Time after time our Volkswagen Polo continues to receive recognition for its class-leading abilities, and the beautiful Golf Cabriolet has once again taken the top spot over some respected rivals.” “Winning Drive’s Safety Innovation Award is a truly great achievement for our new Volkswagen up!. The safety (Continued on page 27)
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offering in our smallest and most affordable car truly sits in a class of its own and the Safety Innovation Award confirms this further.” The 2012 Drive Car of the Year Awards was judged by one the most experienced group of road testers in the country over a week of testing encompassing 15 categories. The Drive Car of the Year Awards is regarded as the ultimate consumer guide in Australia.
Five Stars and Four Innovation Awards for the New Volkswagen Golf The new Golf has received a top five star rating by the European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP. It also won the award for innovations in the area of integral safety at the highly esteemed “Euro NCAP Advanced Awards”. Along with Lane Assist and Front Assist, the key systems proactive occupant protection and the standard multicollision brake were recognised as pioneering safety innovations. This is further confirmation of the excellent competitive position of the Golf in its class. The overall safety package of the new Golf − consisting of occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and driver assistance systems − was recognised by the European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP for its top results. Once again, in its seventh generation, the Golf is confirming its top position, which it has held in Europe for decades now. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Research and Development, Volkswagen Brand, had this to say: “We are very pleased that our new Golf was once again successful in fulfilling the challenging re-
quirements of the Euro NCAP and earned its top rating. We are especially proud of the no less than four Euro NCAP awards for excellent safety innovations with which the new Golf was recognised. But this success is not just coincidental, because it reflects our corporate philosophy: safety must be made affordable for everyone. Right from the start, we worked intensively with our engineers to develop a safety package whose scope is so far unique in the compact class.” He continues: “These results once again confirm that we are on the right path. We will systematically continue this development work into the future with the best interests of our customers in mind.”
Braking, fatigue detection and the Lane Assist lane-keeping assistant. This makes a total of seven driver assistance systems that are offered in the new Golf and which significantly improve vehicle safety.
The multicollision brake, which ADAC has already recognised with the “Yellow Angel” innovation award, automatically brakes the vehicle after a severe collision to reduce residual kinetic energy. The goal here is to either prevent a secondary collision altogether or at least significantly reduce the speed at impact. Accident statistics show that around onefourth of all accidents involve these dreaded secondary collisions. They are especially hazThe new Golf was awarded top ratings ardous, because occupants no longer for its occupant protection. Evaluated have the protective effects of airbags here were frontal and side impact and seatbelt tensioners. As is the case tests, a pole side impact test and what in all assistance systems from is known as the whiplash test, in which Volkswagen, the driver can choose to loads to the cervical spine are measoverride the multicollision brake at any ured in a rear end collision. Not only time. adults, but children too can feel safe in Volkswagen transferred the proactive the new Golf. This was verified in occupant protection system as well as tests, some of which utilised dummies the fatigue detection function to the sized to represent 18 month old and Golf from the premium class. The forthree year old children. The new Golf mer detects, in combination with other also impressed testers with its pedesvehicle dynamic parameters, especialtrian protection capabilities. ly critical driving situations and reacts Supplemental to its excellent occupant with either ESP interventions or full protection, the seventh generation Golf braking. In case of a subsequent collialso offers a broad array of driver assion, it automatically pretensions the sistance systems. In addition to the safety belts of the driver and front passtandard multicollision brake and the senger to ensure the best possible optional proactive occupant protection occupant protection by the airbag and system, the safety package can be belt system. In case of impending skidfurther customised and extended with ding accidents, the system closes the the optional adaptive cruise control, side windows to just small openings (Continued on page 28) Front Assist with City Emergency
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and closes the sliding sunroof so that safety systems such as the head and side airbags can offer optimal support and the best possible effectiveness. As soon as the hazardous situation has ended, the safety belt is untensioned. This is one way in which Volkswagen fulfils its corporate standard for providing advanced safety technology that must be attainable for a broad base of buyers. Since its debut in March 1974, over 29 million Golf cars have been sold worldwide, and the Golf has influenced automotive history more than nearly any other vehicle with its timeless and unmistakable design. It even defined a vehicle class that was named after it. Together with its also very successful and popular derivatives, e.g. the Cabriolet and the Wagon, the Golf is one of the world’s most successful vehicles.
The contenders for 4x4 Australia Magazine’s Ute of the Year award were “It was no surprise that the Amarok assessed on five different criteria, inauto, like the manual last year, imcluding value, doing the job, breaking pressed with its roomy cabin, large new ground, built tough and tray, composed and comfortable on‘bushability’; which determined each road handling, car-like refinement, and vehicle’s suitability for off-road and The seventh generation Volkswagen quiet, smooth and effortless bi-turbo outback travel. Golf will be launched in Australia in the engine’’. second quarter of 2013. Full specifications and pricing will be available at The Amarok launched in Australia in the time of launch. February 2011, and saw the 8-Speed Automatic transmission along with Single Cab Amarok variant join the range in July this year. Loaded with specialist features such as ESP with brake assist, “Off-Road Mode” – activated by the press of a button, Hill Descent Assist – which holds driving speed constant on steep descents by means of targeted brake actuations, electronic differential lock (EDL) and a standard mechanical rear diff lock, the Amarok The new Volkswagen Golf has claimed The Volkswagen Amarok has defend- is equipped to withstand the toughest its first award – the inaugural and presed its title as 4x4 Australia Magazine’s challenges off the beaten path; all tigious accolade of ‘All the car you’ll 2012 4x4 Ute of the Year, confirming while claiming one of the best fuel con- ever need Car of the Year’ in the UK its benchmark position in the segment. sumption figures in its class, as well as TopGear Magazine Awards 2012 – a 4x4 Australia’s Ute of the Year award, being the first dual cab ute to receive a month before it is even on sale in the five-star ANCAP safety rating. UK. judged by Australia’s most experienced 4x4 road testers, comprises of a Philip Clark, Director of Volkswagen Every UK TopGear Magazine Award is mix of freeway, secondary back-roads, Commercial Vehicles, was delighted judged by a group of expert and exdirt roads and very steep, challenging with the Amarok’s consecutive Ute of tremely opinionated motoring journalnational park and state forest tracks the Year win. ists, including the presenters of Topduring a rigorous four-day test route. Gear television. Summing up the “Despite increased competition in the judges’ views on the new Golf, TopThroughout judging, the Amarok was ute segment, the Amarok still sits in a Gear’s Consultant Editor, Paul Horrell, praised for its effortless off-road abiliclass above its rivals. Thanks to its said: ties and remarkable new eight-speed versatility, efficient drive technology auto transmission; while its roomy inte- and new eight-speed automatic trans- "Stopped or on the move, it feels like rior, class-leading dimensions and car- mission, the Amarok has again staked it’s made of stronger materials than the like handling sealed the Amarok’s po- its claim in its category, and 4x4 Aus- hatches of other nations. Top and botsition in the top spot. tralia’s accolade proves this even fur- tom: a Golf is no more car than you (Continued on page 29) On the Amarok’s success, the judges ther.”
Amarok Wins 4x4 Australia’s Ute of the Year Award Again
commented:
New Golf: "All the Car You’ll Ever Need" says UK TopGear Magazine
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need, yet it can be all the car you want.“ "Sometimes, it can be hard to find a question for which Golf isn’t the answer. It’s right-sized for the city and nimble in the country. Yet at normal motorway speed, a Golf is more relaxed than many big-tyred luxury barges.“ In recognising the Golf’s achievement, Editor in Chief, Charlie Turner added: "For a car to win is recognition of a truly exceptional vehicle. Only the remarkable are even considered for a TopGear Award, and this year, the Golf has proved to be the stand-out machine in its category. The best of the best." The seventh-generation Golf was unveiled earlier this year, 38 years and 29 million units after the original model redefined the small family car. Based on the new MQB platform, the new Golf is bigger, lighter and safer than ever, bringing technically advanced features previously reserved for higher classes to a new audience.
The link to the following article provided by member Don Yates.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible debuts at LA Auto Show
engined modern version, that is. The first generation was a relatively successful exercise in retro nostalgia, complete with dash-mounted bud vase, that appealed to a distinctly feminine demographic. This time things are more serious and less “cartoony,” with a wider, longer, lower body shape and a level of design and finish that offer real value and less novelty. It’s only right and proper that the iconic rag-top version should be launched in California.
Compared with the 2006 version of the car, the latest Beetle Convertible is 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) wider at 71.2 inches (180.9 cm); 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) lower By Vincent Rice at 58.0 inches (147.3 cm) tall; and 6.0 inches (15.2 cm) longer at 168.4 inchGizmag was on hand when es (427.7 cm) overall. Volkswagen unveiled the convertible variant of its new second-generation A convertible bodyshell is less rigid Beetle at the LA Auto Show ... second than a coupe's because the upper part generation of the modern frontof the structure is open, so the Beetle Convertible's body needed reinforcements. This included the use of partial body reinforcements and sheet metal with greater strength, such as: The A-pillar's interior bar is 0.5 mm thicker and made from ultra-highstrength hot-formed steel instead of cold-formed metal. There is also a reinforcement in the "bend area" The front roof crossmember has an additional central plate
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Additional tubing made of ultra-highstrength (hot formed) steel between the B-pillars as well as a stronger heel plate More sheet metal in the lower body sidemembers An extra rear panel that integrates the Automatic Rollover Support System is made of high-strength steel With the top up, the Beetle Convertible has an even lower roofline than the Coupe. The top lies flat when it's lowered, giving good visibility. The flexible leatherette top boot tidies up the appearance and is also a nice retro touch – though it’s an added pain when you need the roof up in a hurry. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional softtop because it allows for a roofline that's more like the original 1949 type 15's. Also, a softtop takes up less space than a folding hardtop, thus giving more trunk space. The heatable rear window is made of tempered safety glass.
highly individual cabin. The simple layout and clean graphics are the same as the Beetle Coupe's." The metal dash really does look rather good and the glovebox is an absolute spitting image of the original (if my memory serves correctly). All the modern conveniences are still present and correct however, and the Turbo and Turbo Diesel get an extra set of gauges located Porsche-style, on top of the dash.
Available extras include a multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel, keyless access with push-button start, leather seating, the RNS 315 navigation system, a Fender Premium Audio System, and Sirius XM satellite radio.
The following powertrain combinations are available: the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission; the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG In fact, all the 2013 Beetle Convertidual-clutch automatic transmissions; The top takes 9.5 seconds to stow and bles are pretty well equipped. The and the 2.0-liter TDI turbocharged 11 seconds to be raised. It can be base 2.5-liter model has standard 17- Clean Diesel with the same manual or raised and lowered at speeds of up to inch aluminum-alloy wheels; a leather- DSG options. 31 mph (49.8 km/h), which is unusualwrapped steering wheel; an eightThe 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder has dual ly high for a convertible. speaker sound system with aux-in; chain-driven overhead camshafts with Bluetooth technology; a Media Device Of the interior, VW Head Designer variable timing on the intake side, four Interface with iPod cable; 3-color adKlaus Bischoff says: "The shape and valves per cylinder, and an aluminumuse of color for the dashboard harkens justable ambient lighting; heatable alloy cylinder head. The engine makes front seats and exterior mirrors; cruise back to the design of the very first 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet control; and V-Tex leatherette seating. Beetle models and helps to create a (239.9 Nm) of torque. The turbocharged dual-overhead-cam, 16-valve, 2.0-liter, direct-injection, 4-cylinder engine in the Turbo makes 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft (280.6 Nm) of torque, delivered from just 1,700 rpm. The Beetle TDI uses the company's 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection Clean Diesel engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet (319.9 Nm) of torque. All content copyright © Gizmag 2003 - 2012
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December 2012
Via West
Page 31
Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
December 2012
Via West
Page 32
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