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Showing posts with label vw golf malaysia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vw golf malaysia. Show all posts

Sunday, September 21, 2014

News: VW spare parts discounts to those in their 6th year of ownership

2:05 AM 0

A press release from Volkswagen Malaysia states that they will be giving their long term customers discounts on clutch replacements which should include DSG clutch replacements too. Note that DSG means a dual clutch gearbox and they require clutch changes eventually (aside from what ever complaints we may have heard over time). Even the reliable VW Golf GTI Mk5, which does not suffer much problems at all would need clutch changes eventually - Yes, very reliable as I know a chap who has one and has over 160,000km on it. Oh. The Golf Mk6 would need it too. Its dry clutch DSG system needs a little more TLC than a wet clutch DSG.

PRESS RELEASE

"Volkswagen customers in their 6th year of ownership will be able to enjoy savings of up to 50% for clutch replacements at any Volkswagen authorised service centres nationwide. The offer which guarantees genuine parts from as low as RM1,888 comes as a showcase of Volkswagen’s fervent commitment and continuous efforts to improve the ownership experience of existing customers."
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Monday, June 9, 2014

TEST DRIVE: THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 1.4TSI Mk7 - The Mr Spock of hatchbacks

10:42 AM 0

The Volkswagen Golf is a car that has become an automotive icon. Over in Europe the car defines a genre and is the benchmark that others either follow or try to beat when engineering a hatchback. However over here, things are just warming up as any real Golf presence came about sometime after 2004 when the Golf Mk5 was officially imported. Prior to this we had Auto Dunia importing Volkswagens but somehow they must have done it wrong as not many people were enraptured by Volkswagens. These days, there are more Golfs than before and now in its Mk7 model, the current Golf carries on the legacy (and whatever reputation the previous models have; good or bad).



The Golf 1.4TSI that we're testing here is the most 'entry-level' Golf in Malaysia. It sits on the Volkswagen's MQB platform which actually comes in all shapes and sizes – from the Audi A3, this Golf, the Skoda Octavia, the upcoming Audi TT, the VW Tiguan and Touran. Of course this means a whole lot of platform sharing and cost savings for Volkswagen. Does this mean that the Golf is either as good as an Audi A3? In some ways it is, but note that this is a Volkswagen, and it therefore has its part to play in the VW Group picture.

The Mk7 Golf is like the previous Golf that came before it, and before that. This basically means that it is evolution taking its course. One could imagine the Mk1 Golf as an energetic kid who is is junior school, the Mk2 Golf as a strapping and fit teenager who grew into the Mk3. This chap was quite fit and nimble too but somehow by the Mk4 started taking too much sweets, chocolates and got too chubby for its own good (even the GTI was slow and overweight). This fat bloke then went on a diet, but not too much and became the Mk5 which in the GTI form was like a stout but agile fella due to its turbocharged 2.0liter. This bloke then decided that losing weight was a good thing and by the Mk6 things started looking promising. It was so promising that by the Mk7 the Golf was wider and lower and lighter. It was longer too but weighed up to 100kg lighter on average, model to model.

But even whilst this was happening, the Golf was still recognisably a Golf. Its DNA was intact even with that very positive weight loss and slightly different design cues. Evolution has taken its course and I have to say that this is the best looking Golf since the Mk2. It is still slightly plain to look at compared to, say an Audi A3 or even a Mazda 3. This is especially so to those that grew up wanting swollen wheel arches, spoilers and that very Japanese look Malaysians tend to love. Maybe the Golf could do with a little more bling, eh?

The Engine & Drivetrain

Now getting under the skin, the Golf 1.4TSI has 140hp and 240Nm torque from its 1.4liter turbocharged engine. This is no longer twin charged like the current Jetta (which is based on the Mk6 Golf) or the Polo GTI. The engine is very tractable and pulls strongly from around 1,500rpm and does not feel like it radiates as much engine heat as the TwinCharged variants. It also feels the most sorted out DSG drivetrain out there. And may be the DSG equipped car to get due to less heat soak and a more sorted out gearbox. You can read more about this below.

There is a fuel saving Start-Stop function in the Golf, if you don't like the jolt of an engine starting up everytime it stops in traffic then you have to automatically tell yourself to turn it off (a switch beside the gear shift) everytime you start the car. This isn't something so atrocious as even most Mercedes Benz Blue Efficiency models come with this function. All this eco-friendly stuff is there to ensure the car companies lower their CO2 emissions over in Europe where things are stricter than here. This is the near future and like electrically assisted power steerings, are here to stay.

The car, according to what I have researched has MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear. If you had more than 148hp, Volkswagen would give the Golf a multi-link setup (which the GTI has). But does it feel like a compromise? I'll get to this during the driving part below too.

The Interior

As for the interior build, material and trim, the Golf 14TSI is solidly built. It is a little plain in its execution but the ergonomics are above average with some tiny switchgear on the steering wheel. The steering wheel itself is actually impressive to the touch and how it looks. There are soft touch materials used throughout the cabin and compared to the Mk6, it gets things closer to Audi than before. Minus most of the the bling though. Yes, things are a little austere and slightly bland here in the Golf but again, I must insist that the fit and finish is good with some nice touches like that BMW-esque angled to the driver center console. And it does look better in the photos than in real life. It has a plainer look in the flesh, or plastic, metal, or whatever.

 I suppose with Volkswagens you know they fill a spot in the vast VW Group range of cars. More bling is kept for the other brand called Audi. Anyway, the large touch screen radio has quite good sound and quite easy to use. Quite. Not extremely easy mind you. Oh, the park brake is now electrically operated and is only a switch to the rear of the gear lever. Very upscale in this category. It does have that annoying lack of an 'Auto Up-Down' for all of its windows. One must hold on to the power window switch for both up and down.

Driving the Darn Thing

Driving position is good and you get comfortable easily with everything within easy reach. Once on the move you'd notice that the car is bloody quiet for what is supposed to be a small family hatchback. So much so that the noise generated from the Bridgestone tyres are audible whilst on the move on most rough road surfaces. The Mk6 I drove before had this feeling too, I suppose this is down to the Golf being extremely refined for its class. Aside from that, everything seemed sorted and if you're cruising down the highway at the national speed limit, you'd think that this car is as refined as something larger and more expensive.

Everything feels cohesive when you drive the Golf in and around town. The steering is nicely weighted and its gearing seems spot on for those U turns. At higher than usual speeds, the Golf exhibits good ride and handling. Even on the standard 16 inch wheels it feels planted and secure. Unlike the previous Mk6 Golf which seemed floaty and a totally lacking in feel. Very predictable is the word. It may have that superfast steering as the Citroen DS4 I drove earlier, but everything feels better gelled together. The correct weight, correct steering ratio and the fact that its good to the touch. If you're wanting more steering feel (not weight, but feel), the Golf is more about accuracy than actually feeling every pebble or ripple on the road. I could live with it.

Drive it with gusto and you'd be impressed by the effortless performance of the 14liter turbocharged engine as well as the 7 speed dry clutch DSG. It is so much more smoother and its power delivery is good with things moving at an early 1,500rpm. The gearbox must have been tweaked by VW compared to the Mk6 Golf and even the Polo GTI. It does not have that slightly raw feeling when you've just started moving. The whole powertrain feels like the wet type clutch DSG from the Golf GTI or the Audi TT. Throttle feel is so much more improved compared to those that use the DSG and the previous TwinCharged 1.4 liter unit too. 

I believe this Mk7 Golf has the most sorted out DSG of all of its cars that are 1.8liters and below. It may actually be pretty reliable too due to this re-engineering and as stated above, the cooler feeling engine bay compared to the TwinCharge variants previously. One can accelerate from nought to 100kmh in about 8.4seconds and it'll even hit 200kmh easily if you want it to. If you're attacking the road, that DSG as well as the engine gives it all its got and will hold nothing back. There is a slightly empty throttle pedal feel, but this is most probably the standard characteristics of a small capacity engine, with drive by wire accelerator pedal coupled with a DSG transmission. But everything will feel light and breezy to most ordinary drivers.

On the point of whether or not the torsion bar makes a difference compared to a multi link I have to state that in this 14TSI form it is more than adequate. It rides well at all speeds, soaks up bumps and is actually quite good in corners or handling even on rough roads. For the tyre size and the power of the car, it feels sorted, unlike the beam axle used in some Peugeots or Citroens I've driven so far.

This may be the most efficient hatchback in Malaysia is this car. But, the drawback to all of this 'goodness' and efficiency on the roads is that the car feels a little clinical overall. The Golf is well built, has impressive refinement, practical, decent performance, very fuel efficient (less than 8.5liters per 100km is darn impressive). It does everything its supposed to do well but because of this is falls into the realm of being utterly clinical. There is little or no art in how it achieves this high level of efficiency. It is science. Now this isn't a bad thing if you want something that is more logical than emotional. Like Mr Spock of Star Trek, logic and efficiency has a place in the universe.


Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI Mk7 Specifications
Base Price: From RM159,888 (without insurance)
Body: 5-door Hatchback
Mechanical Orientation: Front Wheel Drive
Engine: 4 cylinder 16 valve fuel injected 1.4-litre Turbocharged
Power: 140hp (6000rpm)
Torque: 240 NM (1400rpm)
Transmission: 7 speed Dual Clutch Gearbox
Weight: 1360kg
0-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds (tested)
Top Speed: 212kmh (manufacturer's claim)
Fuel Consumption: I got an average of around 8.3ltr/100km even after really going for it.

For: An all rounder, comfortable ride, overall refinement, very predictable handling, nicely weighted and accurate steering, performance from the 1.4 turbo more than adequate and refined, DSG gearbox smoothest to date, ergonomic interior, best looking Golf in a long time

Against: Slightly clinical or soulless, no auto-down/up for the driver's side window, some tyre roar (probably due to the overall quietness of the cabin – good tyres is a must), best looking Golf in a long time but it still a Golf – which means it is styled very conservatively – VW needs to go a little crazy.


Conclusion: The Mr Spock of all hatchbacks. An all rounder and what every C-segment hatchback ought to be. A tad bit clinical in terms of its too simple looks and how it feels is the only true fault. However, a Petrolhead would be more at home with either a Polo GTI or even the faster Golf GTI than this. For the average human being without petrol in their veins, this Golf 14 TSI would be the perfect car for them. 







Complete Specifications (courtesy of  VW Malaysia)
Engine & Gearbox
1.4L 140PS TSI turbocharged direct injection 4-cylinder petrol engine
7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG
Engine Start/Stop system with regenerative braking

Interior
380 litres of luggage compartment space
5.8” ‘Composition Media’ colour touch screen radio with USB, AUX-In and SD card slot, and 8 speakers with Bluetooth connection
60:40 split folding rear seat backrest with load-through provision and centre armrest, 2-cup holders
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror
Chrome interior package
‘Climatronic’ air-conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control
Cruise control with speed limiter
‘Dark silver-brushed’ decorative inserts on dashboard and centre console
Drawer compartments under front seats
Electronic parking brake with auto hold function
Front centre armrest with storage box
Front seats with lumbar supports
Glove compartment with cooling system
Leather 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel with paddle shift control
Leather gear shift knob
Multi-function display ‘Plus’
Overhead storage compartment with lid
Rear air vents
Seat upholstery in ‘Zoom/Merlin’ fabric
Exterior
Auto headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ function
Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
Chrome grille
‘Dover’ alloy wheels – 16” x 6.5J, tires – 205/55 R16
Dynamic headlight range-adjustment with dynamic bending light
Electrically foldable and adjustable exterior mirror, with environment lighting and curb view
Front fog lights with cornering lights
Heat-insulating green tinted glass
Rear fog lights
Safety
3-point seat belts for all 5 seats
Anti-lock braking system ABS with brake assist BA
Anti-theft alarm system with tilt and interior motion sensor
Curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers including side airbags at the front
Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation, including knee airbag on driver’s side
Electronic stabilisation control ESC
Extended electronic differential lock XDS
Flat tyre indicator
ISOFIX anchorage system for child seat
Multi-collision brake system
Park distance control (front & rear)
Rain sensor
Safety-optimised front head restraints
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Friday, June 6, 2014

New car launch: Volkswagen officially launches the Mk 7 Volswagen Golf R for Malaysia

7:19 PM 0
The Volkswagen Golf R is officially in town. It will costs those interested RM245,888 without insurance and if you opt for the optional tech pack, RM285,888 without any insurance too. 

This new Mk 7 Golf R is fitted with a newly designed 2.0l TSI engine producing 290hp and 380Nm of torque from as low as 1750rpm via the usual wet clutch DSG transmission unit through all four wheels (a Haldex All-wheel drive system). This allows the Golf  R to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5 seconds and onwards to around 250kmh easily. It, like any Mk7 Golf is based on VW's pretty good Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. As with any performance hatchback the Golf R built on a chassis that starts of as a regular Golf hatchback and gets extra engineering built into it. A good foundation is all important, and when it comes to ride, handling as well as NVH, the engineers already have the brilliant chassis of the basic Golf and makes it into the Golf R. 


The Golf R sips petrol too - 6.9l/100km on a combined cycle. And aside from all of that,  the Golf R is equipped with the Multi-collision Brake System, XDS+ on both front and rear axles, 7 airbags, progressive steering, ABS with 2 stage ESC, and Whiplash-optimised front head restraints, to name just a few.

On a personal note I have seen the car a month or so earlier over at VW's HQ here in Kuala Lumpur. Typically Golf with some large wheels and that nice blue colour. One little disappointment with the new Golf R is that the seats look pretty normal, like a Golf GTI \'s usual Recaro seats with R printed on it instead of those specced in the Mk6 Golf R, which were fancier bucket-like seats. I suppose VW is saving that for a future Golf 400R variant if they do build one. Whatever the case is, the 2014 Golf R takes the Golf GTI and adds a dose of performance and character. Character is important these days. It isn't always about immense power and speed but how the car makes you feel when you drive it at any speed.

PRESS RELEASE

• 380Nm of torque for 0 – 100km/h acceleration in 5 seconds

• New 4MOTION all-wheel drive system 

• State-of-the-art technology with exclusive ‘R’ features

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 June 2014 – Motorists and race enthusiasts have 

much to be eager about as Volkswagen Group Malaysia today officially 

announces the highly anticipated arrival of the fastest production Golf 

ever – the all-new Golf R.

As the fourth generation Golf R, this compact powerhouse combines 

a 2.0-litre newly designed turbocharged petrol direct-injection (TSI) 

engine that develops 380Nm of torque and approximately 290 hp for a 

0 – 100 acceleration within 5 seconds. To ensure that unrivalled control 

when on the road, the Golf R transfers engine power to the road via a 

permanent all-wheel drive system; in this case, it is the latest version of 

the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. 

“The new Golf R is an amalgamation of racing technology, pure power 

and everyday drivability that produces sportiness in the fast lane. It is 

the distillation of performance that equates to a pure adrenaline rush 

created by our colleagues at Volkswagen R GmbH specially to satisfy 

the hunger of motorists looking for an outstanding driving performance,” 

said Mr Christoph Aringer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group 

Malaysia.

The fourth generation Golf R continues the legacy of its predecessor 

in transplanting Volkswagen’s latest advanced racing technology into 

a series of vehicle that now enters the Malaysian market with a host of 

new and enhanced features.


“Build for racing but equally practical for daily driving, the Golf R is 

a pinnacle of race-inspired cars and it is a pure adrenaline rush on 

wheels. It is a synthesis of sportiness, comfort and safety; and we are 

confident that the latest Golf R will win the hearts of racing enthusiasts 

in Malaysia,” added Mr Aringer.

Engine and Performance

The new Golf R delivers a unique synthesis of maximum dynamic 

performance and ideal long touring capabilities. It is equipped with a 

2.0 litre TSI turbocharged direct petrol injection engine mated to a 6-

speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) to develop an impressive 290 hp / 

280PS. As a performance car without compromise, the Golf R produces 

a maximum torque of 380Nm kicking in from a low 1750rpm – enabling 

this sports car to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5 seconds. In addition, 

the latest generation 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is coupled with a 

6-speed gearbox that has a reinforced clutch and short-travel shifting.

The combination of TSI and DSG technology gives the Golf R a 

surprisingly frugal fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100km on the combined 

cycle, which makes it more fuel efficient from its predecessor – allowing 

drivers to go a distance of approximately 14.5 km per litre. 

Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB)

Tightly packaged with state-of-the-art technology, the new Golf R now 

rides on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, a combination 

of standardised and variable dimensions allowing flexibility in vehicle 

dimensions. Enabling simple integration of alternative drives in the 

future, MQB’s lightweight construction reduced the Golf R’s weight by up 

to 46 kg.

Enhanced Features

The Golf R is even more fuel efficient than before as it is equipped with 

a Stop-Start system and battery regeneration, where it converts the 

kinetic energy applied when driving or braking to recharge the vehicle 

battery. 

The Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold keeps the Golf R stationary 

once it comes to a complete stop without having to press the brake 

pedal, providing further convenience for drivers stuck in traffic. Further 

enhancing the experience for discerning drivers, the Dynamic Chassis 

Control (DCC) with a 5 mode Driving Profile Selection (tech pack) allows 

owners to suit driving profile properties to their individual needs and 

driving behaviour. 

On the entertainment and multimedia front, the new Golf R is equipped 

with ‘Discover Pro’, a new infotainment system with 8 inch TFT (Thin 

Film Transistor) touchscreen capacitive colour display with proximity 

sensors (tech pack), and a navigation system with voice control. 

Offering multiple connectivity options such as a USB port, AUX IN and 

Bluetooth, the system allows for music playback from MP3, WMA and 

AAC files with title display from its SD slot.

Safety Features

The new Golf R comes with new and uncompromised safety features 

including the Multi-collision Brake System which triggers automatic 

braking once an initial collision has been detected. This safety feature 

is to avoid follow-on collisions. In addition, the Golf R is equipped with 

XDS+ at the front and rear axles. This functionality is applied to a larger 

range of dynamic performance – making the vehicle even more agile 

when the car is not in an acceleration state.

The Golf R is additionally equipped with 7 airbags, progressive steering, 

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 2 stage Electronic Stability Control 

(ESC), Whiplash-optimised front head restraints, Anti-Theft Alarm 

System and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When the ESC 

button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully 

deactivated for professional driving on a race track – this deactivation 

is only available in the Golf R and not in any other models of the Golf 

series.

Interior

Meticulously built with the best materials and without compromise, 

the new Golf R is equipped with the “R” multi-function leather steering 

wheel, “R” Alcantara seats with “R” logo, “R” “Carbon Touch” decorative 

inserts for dashboard and door trim panels, Piano Black decorative 

inserts for centre console, multi-function display “Premium” with Lap 

Timer function and illuminated front door panels and scuff plates – 

giving it the premium racing look and feel. 

This compact sports model is equipped with the standard LED reading 

lights for front and rear, LED footlights, auto dimming interior rear 

view mirror and “Climatronic” air conditioning with 2-zone temperature 

control. Further enhancing the experience for discerning drivers, the 

Tech Pack package sees the addition of “Vienna” leather upholstery, 

12-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control with speed limiter 

and a KESSY keyless entry and starting system.

Exterior 

The Golf R, one of the sportiest compact models in the world, is fitted 

with front and rear fascia unique to racing hatchback. It is equipped 

with its signature “R” design front bumper, “R” design front grille, “R” 

design rear bumper with diffuser, “R” design Bi-xenon headlights with 

LED daytime running lights and dynamic bending lights. The Golf R is 

characterised by newly designed 18-inch "Cadiz" alloy wheels, matt 

chrome exterior mirrors, dual twin tailpipes and dark red LED taillights. 

The Tech Pack version features even more innovations, such as 19 

inch “Cadiz” alloy wheels, panoramic roof and ‘Rear Assist’ rear view 

camera. 

The new Golf R is offered in four colour choices: Lapiz Blue Metallic, 

Tornado Red, Pure White and Deep Black Pearl. Available for booking 

at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia from 6 June, the 

new Golf R is priced at RM245,888, with the optional Tech Pack with 

additional features raising the price to RM285,888.

For more information on the new Golf R, please visit 

www.volkswagen.com.my
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