Tuesday, November 19, 2013

KLIMS'13 - Volkswagen at KLIMS'13 and the launch of the CKD 2014 Polo 1.6 Hatchback

Volkswagen is another car manufacturer that decided to participate in a big way for the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS'13). The VW stand is the largest at KLIMS'13 and showcases the following:
  • National premiere of the new 2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.6, 3rd locally assembled model
  • Unique special ‘cut out’ model of Golf displays Volkswagen’s engineering, innovation and safety
  • The iconic Beetle Fender Edition first appearance in Malaysia
  • Think Blue” – Interaction of fuel efficiency and fuel saving
  • The Volkswagen comprehensive model line-up and exciting brand entertainment for all walks of life


The VW Beetle Fender Edition show car is quite unique with the Guitarist plugging in his Fender Stratocaster directly to the car's amp and wringing out some riffs. The 'Think Blue' or BlueMOTION stuff is as usual eco-friendly stuff (which I don't really bother about as fuel sipping, whilst good for the pocket isn't exactly interesting for the petrolhead in me. The VW line-up is displayed showing all their stuff.

But all of this actually is just window dressing for people looking to purchase some VW cars. And what is special is actually the Malaysian launch of the CKD Volkswagen Polo 1.6 (hatchback). The Polo 1.6 is the third car to be locally assembled after the Volkswagen Passat and the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 sedan.

The new Polo 1.6 hatchback will come with the RCD 320 radio system which offers best-in-class connectivity, ‘Climatronic’ automatic air conditioning system and Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS). The CKD Polo is equipped with a 1.6liter 105PS petrol injection 16-valve MPI engine that produces a maximum torque of 153Nm at 3800rpm and mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, the new Polo 1.6 reportedly gets 6.3 litres per 100km and allowing drivers to go a distance of 15.9km per litre. The only drawbacks are the fact that it has two front airbags instead of four (two extra front curtain airbags) for a price that is slightly higher than the 1.6 sedan variant. The car should cost RM2,000 more than the RM85,888 (w/o insurance) price of the Polo sedan. 

 I have checked the car out and aside from the different engine and gearbox, the car looks and feels the same as the imported ones. Hello, these aren't luxury cars okay, it's Volkswagen's entry level car. You have to know that it is built to a budget.

So this is another affordable VW for the masses and one which in my opinion will be as reliable as most cars on the road out there. The reason is because the engine is a basic non-direct injection engine. Some of VW group's direct injection engines have oil consumption issues and since it is turbocharged (Polo 1.2TSI) there may be extra costs to think about in the long run. And since the gearbox isn't a Dual Clutch Gearbox (DSG), it may be reliable here too. We have heard issues pertaining to the VW DSG gearbox and I personally have driven a few (owned by friends) that have issues. Ergo, this Polo and its sedan sibling are VW s to buy if you want to safely own one after the warranty period (which these days is a fabulous 5 years unlimited mileage warranty).


It is actually rare that we recommend you folks out there a Volkswagen. This car is one of them. Of course it's not the latest in technology nor the fastest out there (it actually could be the slowest). But with horsepower and torque figures in the average range coupled with its smallish body, it could still bring a smile if one rows through the gears with a little more verve than usual. Then you also have the price coming in at around RM90,000 with insurance. A price that is affordable for most Malaysians out there. So there you go. A decent Volkswagen for the masses. 

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