Volkswagen's 'The Icon Is Back' Event - Showcasing the launch of the All-new New VW Beetle

VW Malaysia is really investing in Malaysia. I say this because they've launched the all-new New Volkswagen Beetle with a whole lot of fanfare and hoohaa. The reason I say this is that the launch isn't just limited to members of the media but to the general public too.

Last weekend VW did hourly presentations to media as well as members of the public who had bothered to register their attendance for the event titled 'The Icon is back'. It was a big thing as VW started with a video presentation showing the original Bug and then interviewed local celebrities as well as VW Beetle owners. The curtains was then raised to reveal the all-new New Beetle together with some dancers and some lady singer belting out some number stating that 'the icon is back'.

After that little show and dance number which also featured Beetles driving to and from the stage the audience was led to an area where the new Beetle was displayed together with VW's other models which included the first showing of the Volkswagen Amarok 4x4 pickup truck and some people carriers that I have absolutely no interest in whatsoever. The Amarok (pictured below) is a pretty good looking truck though and VW was gauging its response by inviting people to give their opinions on it via a handheld device. I did my best to answer it anyway, stating that "I'd like one in yellow please".

And what do I think about the new Bug then? It's a Volkswagen. It has the same high quality build that we're used to and it looks like a Beetle although I still think they haven't nailed it like how Fiat has done so with the 500 or how BMW has done it with the Mini. It is still a feminine looking car and if you were a straight guy who intends to buy this as his only car, you may be defined as, errr, not so straight after buying one. It still has that slightly girly image to it. Even if you opt for the 2.0liter TSI version that packs a decent wallop at slightly under RM200,000 (without insurance) over the poofy 1.2liter version you will look like you have more in common with the chaps from Queer Eye For The Straight Guy. Not there's anything wrong with that. Unless you're trying to be known as Jason Statham or Donnie Yen that is.

- The Beetle does seat four blokes (the two in the seat are my friends and schoolmates, who happened to bump into the two in the front who are their friends, and therefore schoolmates too - what coincidence that all attended the same session) , but not that comfortably at the rear

The only other issue is that the painted dashboard and door trim which matches the exterior would mean that if you bought a pink Beetle, you will also have to stare at a pink interior. Aside from that one should remember that the Beetle is still a niche car, and not a bread and butter model like the Polo.

And for that I have to give a pat on the back to VW for spending a ton of cash on its launching. I suppose brand awareness is what they're really after. The launch was just an excuse for getting the VW brand totally embedded in the Malaysian public's psyche. Good job to them then. I believe they've accomplished what they set out to do with the launch.

 

Volkswagen Polo BlueGT - Economy and Power equals to some fascination on my part

Hello chaps. I am just too lazy to type this out in my own words so let's just let VW say it for me.

"The new Polo BlueGT stands out in its ability to combine superior dynamic performance with extreme fuel-efficiency. The technical highlight of the progressive compact car is the cylinder deactivation system, which is being introduced for the first time in a Volkswagen – also known as active cylinder management or ACT. The system was realised with the new 1.4-litre TSI of the Polo BlueGT. The torque-strong TSI develops a power output of 103 kW / 140 PS, yet has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.7 l/100 km* (equivalent to 108 g/km* CO2). If the Polo BlueGT is ordered with the optional 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), fuel consumption drops further to 4.5 l/100 km* – and, bear in mind, this is a petrol, not a diesel (105 g/km* CO2). Nonetheless, this car, with a top speed of 210 km/h, accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. This uncommon coexistence of efficiency and dynamic performance is enabled by the systematic interplay of ACT, downsizing (reduced engine displacement plus direct injection and charging) and BlueMotion Technology (Stop/Start system, battery regeneration). As such, the Polo BlueGT closes the gap between the Polo 1.2 TSI (77 kW / 105 PS) and the Polo GTI (132 kW / 180 PS). The new car will already on the market in July."

If you took the trouble in reading the above, it basically means that this 'Green' Polo BlueGT has more power than the basic Polo 1.2TSI and less power than the Polo GTI. It however is more economical than the 1.2TSI which only makes a combined 5.3l/100km against the BlueGT's 4.5l/100km.

Imagine if you decide to boost the turbocharged engine with one of those aftermarket tuning options (ABT, REVO, Superchips) when such an option is available the BlueGT may even get you the same horsepower as the Polo GTI. And it should still be pretty economical too.

The only problem with the Polo is that ...it is a Polo. That slightly too narrow a chassis would basically mean a  slightly twitchy car and very high speeds. But then again, as if most of you VW Polo 1.2TSI owners out there actually get out of town and hit the B-roads anyways.

Another question would be whether I really care about saving so much fuel in the first place until I would end up buying one over say, a Ford Focus TDCi or a 140bhp Mazda 3 hatchback or that sort. If the VW Polo 1.2TSI costs about RM113K and the Polo GTI costs RM145K, it would mean that the BlueGT may cost RM130K or thereabouts IF VW Malaysia decides to bring it over here. Such a small car for so much money - As is the Polo GTI, which in my opinion would struggle for sales as it VW sells the same engine in the larger, albeit much softer Golf TSI.

The Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI Test Drive and Delusions of Grandeur

The one major problem I see that is caused by the artificial and slightly high car prices in Malaysia is that people think the car they bought is manna from heaven or as I stated earlier their car is a golden chalice from heaven. Some also think that their RM100,000 to160,000 car is a super-duper luxurious status symbol of a car. I see this problem in many owners of cars that cost a tad bit more than the usual below RM100,000 bread and butter models. Yes they work hard to pay their monthly car installments and all that but it is the fact that we are paying so much duty and excise tax that we think we actually bought gems in the first place. One should actually keep a level perspective in the first place and not think like what I will say in the next paragraph.

2012 Volkswagen Golf Gossip - It's Supposedly Sportier

"And while journalism takes an ugly turn due to the mess concocted by the henchmen within the Rupert Murdoch media empire and while Lady Gaga still entertains us not with her songs but by her lack of clothing during her public appearances, Autocar UK has reported that the upcoming Mk7 Volkswagen Golf will look sportier than ever."


So the 2012 Golf Mk7 is supposed to be sportier. But a word of advice folks. It is still bound by the rules of Volkswagen and its design philosophy. It isn't going to be a Lancia Delta Integrale any time soon. Sigh. 


Click here to read about it. It is also posted over at MyAutoblog.org. What can I say? They welcome my stuff over there! Enjoy.

ABT Tunes the New, New Beetle

"The totally new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has barely hit most markets around the world but as usual, the tuning houses have gotten their hands on it. ABT, known for tuning VW Group cars have their pimped out Beetle ready and wants us to call it the 'Speedie'. A bodykit, alloy wheels and 'go-faster' stripes and it deserves to be called 'Speedie'? I doubt it if you went out and bought the base 105hp 1.2liter TSI version. Even with ABT's ECU tweaks for that engine. But do continue reading anyway."


Click here to read about it. Posted over at MyAutoblog.org.