Volkswagen preparing a 1.4 petrol Vento

In our earlier post, we reported Volkswagen testing the new Jetta around Pune. Amar Paithankar, the guy who took the pictures, is also reporting that VW was testing a few other cars too along with the new Jetta. The most intriguing of these cars was a 1.4-liter petrol version of the Vento. Now, we cannot expect VW to be testing an entirely new variant of a car just for fun, can we?

The new 1.4-liter petrol variant of the Vento seems to be prepared to fend off the fresh challenge thrown by the Hyundai Verna. Also, petrol prices are soaring through the roof and people are increasingly putting their money on diesel variants of various models unless there is an extremely substantial price difference between the petrol and diesel variants.

The cheapest Vento currently retails for about Rs. 7.1 lakh ex-showroom. It’s the 1.6-liter petrol Trendline version. With the Vento 1.4 liter petrol Trendline variant, VW may be able to offer a further discount of Rs. 50K, which would give the prospective customers an even bigger incentive to go in for the car.

The specifications of the new engine are not disclosed yet, but we can expect peak output of around 85PS, with 130Nm or thereabouts of peak torque. While those figures may not sound enough to haul the heavy weight of the Vento reassuringly enough, the lure of being able to own a premium sedan like the Vento at a small price, may just rope some more customers in for VW.

Apart from the new Vento, Amar also reports having spotted a Skoda Yeti and a Skoda Superb with concealed badges on test. While the Yeti on test may be an AT ver

sion, we cannot fathom what changes the superb may incorporate.

New VW Jetta caught testing in India

VW has been readying its new Jetta for India for some time. The current gen model, although well equipped and well engineered, doesn’t quite look premium enough to compete with the rivals in its segment. Skoda Laura, which is VW Group’s own product, looks like a better deal for the price. All that, however, is soon going to change with VW introducing the new Jetta. The new version of the car looks much better than the current one, and will probably be better equipped too.

Team-bhp member Amar Paithankar has managed to spot the new Jetta testing in India, at the picturesque twisties of Lavasa near Pune. The car was powered by a 2.0-liter TDI engine, the same unit that propels the Skoda Laura / Superb, and produces 142PS @4200rpm, and peak torque of 320Nm @1750rpm. We are sure this is not the same unit as the Passat Bluemotion TDI producing 170 horses, as putting the more advanced unit in this baby would escalate the cost for no understandable reason.

shares its face and flanks with most other VW cars like the Polo, Vento and Jetta. While having a family design philosophy is a good thing, VW seems to have taken it way too seriously. Cars need to have a personality, some character, unfortunately, VW new family design philosophy is making all the cars from the stable look alike from the front. The only differentiating factor is proportions, for most models. The Jetta too resembles the Vento, Passat and Polo from the front, and only a keen observation would reveal the differences.

The Jetta is larger in proportions than the Jetta. Then there are the stylish 10-spoke alloy wheels which are unique for this particular version. Finally, you have the biggest giveaway at the rear, the tail-lamps, which are unlike any other VW model in India, and are reminiscent of the Audi A4’s tail units. The twin-pipe exhaust is another detail you should look out for, for differentiating the Jetta from its blood brothers.

Features include parking sensors, which were clearly visible on the test mule. There is no question that the car will come equipped with dual-clutch DSG gearbox, and will retail at a higher price than its Skoda cousin when launched. Expect a pre-Diwali launch by VW.

VW Vento diesel’s price to be increased, petrol variant left untouched

VW India is increasing the price of its highly successful Vento diesel. The price will be increased by 2.2 percent. The price hike will be effective from July 1st 2011. The company has cited increased input costs as the reason for the hike. At the same time, the company has left the petrol variants untouched, and they will continue to be sold at the current prices. The company seems to have taken the decision to leave the petrol prices unaltered keeping in view the high price of petrol which is already acting as a deterrent to petrol cars’ sales.

The customers who book the Vento Diesel till June 30, 2011 will be able buy the car without the price increase. Also, those who opt for selected variants of the Vento Petrol Variant will be able to get a reduced interest rate of 6.99 percent starting June 2011.

Commenting on this, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board & Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said “The Vento diesel has been well accepted in the market since its launch in September 2010. Its quality, build and drivability have won the Vento many accolades. We want to continue maintaining the same standard and quality for our customers; however we have seen no relent in the input costs over several months now which has forced us to increase the cost of the Vento.”

He added “On the other hand we are fully aware that customers who prefer the petrol variants are already faced with the burden of increased fuel costs and therefore we have decided to continue absorbing the additional costs for our petrol variants.”

Paul Valthaty with his IPL VW Passat

Most of us know that Paul Valthaty, the surprise package of IPL 4 won the ‘Best Individual Performance’ Award for the tournament. The Kings XI Punjab cricketer got the keys of a spanking new Passat for his knock of 120 not out off 63 while chasing a score of 189 runs in the match against Chennai Super Kings.

Now Volkswagen have released an official image of the cricketer with the car at his residence. Here’s the image. Enjoy, and pass to your cricket fan friends if you like!

VW CrossPolo, 2011

VW CrossPolo, 2011

 

 

The next generation of the Volkswagen CrossPolo is ready for new adventures. The clever compact in rugged all-terrain look is celebrating its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. After the Volkswagen Polo base version presented in 2009 and the Polo BlueMotion (debut in 2010) with its superior and possibly record-breaking fuel efficiency, as well as the VW Polo GTI also debuting in Geneva, the Volkswagen CrossPolo completes the series as a fourth model. With its refreshingly cheeky design, unique world of colours and features, and a higher ride height (15 millimetre gain), the five-door is very appealing as one of the most unconventional vehicles in its class.

This all-rounder is powered by extremely fuel-efficient engines with a power range from 51 kW / 70 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS. Buyers can choose from three petrol and three common rail TDI engines. Three of the six engines can be ordered with a 7-speed DSG, like the one used on vehicles such as the Polo GTI.

Fun and Cross: From special edition to production model
The new Volkswagen CrossPolo continues in the tradition of its successful predecessors: the Polo Fun and the first generation VW CrossPolo derived from it. Originally, a production run of only 5,000 units was planned for the special edition Polo Fun, but great demand exploded all forecasts. The consequence: the step was taken from special edition to production model and to the Cross version.
Volkswagen CrossPolo

Exterior: Tough qualities and lifestyle character
The rugged-sporty character of the Volkswagen CrossPolo - always produced as a five-door - are reflected in many of its details. Especially striking: the individually styled front apron - in anthracite colour - with integrated front fog lights and large air inlet at the centre. It gets a black honeycomb insert bordered by fine chrome trim. Towards its lower edge, the bumper finishes with a section in light silver with the visual appearance of underbody protection. Taken from classic Polo styling are the upper radiator grille with its chrome inlay and the VW logo integrated here; the same applies to the dual headlights with standard daytime running lights.

The side profile of the Volkswagen CrossPolo also shows very tough qualities. Here sporty black wheelarch extensions and coordinated body sills set the styling. The latter continue visually into the lower door area. In off-road driving and in the jungle of metropolitan parking spaces, these rugged plastic guards protect the car from damage. Fitting the character of the VW CrossPolo are the 17-inch alloy wheels ("Budapest" style) in 5-spoke design with size 215/40 tyres.

Another unmistakable characteristic of the Volkswagen CrossPolo: the silver anodized roof rails. They are a traditional feature on this model, and are certainly not just decorative. They can be used to mount roof boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75 kilograms. Colour coordinated with the roof railing, like on the previous model: the door mirrors that are always painted in silver. At the rear, the Volkswagen CrossPolo continues the rugged all-terrain look in the bumper, whose lower section is also designed in a black, rugged plastic. At its centre, a separate section painted in silver catches the eye that is styled to look like a diffuser.

Six exterior colours accentuate the powerful style of the VW CrossPolo; offered exclusively on the new Volkswagen are the colours "Magma Orange" and "Terra Beige Metallic". Across the board, the upper areas of the bumpers and handles (door, tailgate) are painted in body colour, while the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames are treated in a high-gloss black.

Interior: Exciting and versatile
The high-end interior of the Volkswagen CrossPolo is a fitting match for the all-terrain look of the exterior. Here it is primarily the two-tone fabrics of the sport seats, the rear bench and the door trim that create a friendly and youthful ambiance. Up to four different colour trims are available, depending on the exterior colour. While the outer areas of the seats are always in anthracite, customers can choose from the colours "Hot Orange", "Orange", "Latte Macchiato" and "Grey" for the inner seat panels and middle sections of the door trim panels. On seat contact surfaces for the back and legs the fabrics ("Dimension" pattern) all have a black webbed structure, making them more durable. The "CrossPolo" signature is embroidered into the backrests of the front seats.

Throughout the cockpit materials are friendly to the touch. Take the steering wheel: It has a fine perforated leather cover; the steering wheel spokes are produced from a brushed chrome application. The seams of the steering wheel cover and the leather-trimmed parking brake handle are given the colour of the interior trim. The VW CrossPolo's high level of quality is highlighted by the instrument panel, finished in "Slush" technology with its soft surface texture that is pleasant to the touch.

The Volkswagen CrossPolo has an ample array of standard equipment. In the interior, specific standard features include height-adjustable sport seats, an asymmetrically split rear bench and backrest, pockets on the backs of the front seats and sliding drawers under them, leather-trimmed steering wheel, centre armrest in front (with storage compartment), pedal caps in aluminium look and chrome on various switches and components. The latter include the door handles, surrounds for the window lift switches and air vents. Also standard: electric adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric window lifts all around, illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors, multi-function display (MFA) including tyre pressure monitoring (tyre pressure monitoring system, TPMS) and central locking with RF remote control.

Estate car qualities: Cargo space increases up to 952 litres
The new CrossPolo also shows off its versatile talents when it comes to space and efficient space utilisation. As mentioned, the rear bench can be folded with a standard 60:40 split. When it is completely folded, the car's cargo capacity increases from 280 to 952 litres. The dual cargo floor - adjustable to two height levels - creates a continuously level loading surface. Four tie-down eyes simplify secure fastening of the cargo to be transported, while two hooks in the side trim panels keep bags from tipping over.

Engine variety: Three petrol, three diesel and one 7-speed DSG
The six engines of the Volkswagen CrossPolo have power levels between 51 kW / 70 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The entry level among the petrol engines is represented by the 70-PS version with a 1.2 litre displacement. Following at the next level is a 1.4-litre engine with 63 kW / 85 PS. The top petrol engine is the new 1.2 TSI with the mentioned 105 PS. This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine accelerates the Volkswagen CrossPolo to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, reaches a respectable top speed of 188 km/h, yet has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres of fuel (equivalent to 128 g/km CO2). The highlight here: The Volkswagen not only attains these values in conjunction with the standard 6-speed gearbox, but also with the optional 7-speed DSG, an automatic. Also deliverable as an optional DSG version is the VW CrossPolo with 85 PS.

Among the quietest engines of their kind are the three common rail, direct-injection turbodiesels (TDI) fitted with a particulate filter. All engines have 1.6 litre displacement and are available at the power levels 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. All three variants need just 4.3 litres of diesel per 100 km in combined mode and emit just 113 grams CO2 per kilometre. The 90-PS version can also be combined with the direct shift gearbox as an option; in this case, combined fuel consumption is 4.6 l/100 km. All Volkswagen CrossPolo engines meet the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard.

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line, 2010

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line, 2010

 

R-Line equipment is already offered on seven Volkswagen models. Now the Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line has got a sportier touch. Orders are now being taken for the four-door coupé with R-Line package.

On its exterior, 17-inch (optional 18-inch) R-Line "Mallory" alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres lend a sporty touch to the Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line. The front spoiler and side skirts, each painted in body colour, were also re-styled. In addition, R-Line logos embellish the front side sections; the rear lights are smoked.

Inside the Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line, standard features include details like four customised tread plates in aluminium (with R-Line Logo in front) and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with multifunction keys. The R-Line package has front fog lights and the Park Pilot system. The Passat R-Line leaves few wishes unfulfilled; even the base version of the Volkswagen Passat CC includes comfort and convenience features like sport seats and a climate control system.

The R-Line package is available with all Volkswagen Passat CC engines. Prices start at 2,200 Euros for the Passat CC 2.0 TDI (140 PS / 103 kW) with a 6-speed gearbox. Counting versions already introduced on the Golf, Scirocco, Touran, Tiguan, Passat, Passat Variant and Touareg, a total of eight models with R-Line equipment are now on the market.

VW to field the Polo in WRC 2013

VW Management Board Member, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg has announced that the company plans to compete in the 2013 WRC with the Polo. The announcement was made in front of 200 journalists as the Polo R WRC was unveiled. “Almost exactly two years ago, in May 2009, the most recent model of the Polo was presented here in Sardinia. Today we are proud to show you the hottest Polo of all time – the Polo R WRC” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen at the occasion.

The WRC Polo will be an AWD vehicle and will be powered by a 1.6 liter TSI engine good for close to 300bhp of power. VW has been winning the Dakar Rally for three consecutive years now and is now training its eyes on WRC, to sport that is globally covered and highly rated.

“The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles. Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.” said Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division.

VW has some previous rally heritage to boast of as well. The most important of these was in 1986 when Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V claimed the world champion’s title in the newly incepted Group A.

Volkswagen Golf Variant, 2010

Volkswagen Golf Variant, 2010

 

 

Volkswagen begins accepting advance orders for the new Volkswagen Golf Variant. In the sixth generation of the world bestseller, after the 2-door and 4-door VW Golf and the latest Volkswagen Golf Plus, this is the fourth body version to be launched. The estate is one of the most successful models on the market, particularly in the company car market. The extensive redesign of this Estate should ensure that the all-around talent further extends its position as a business estate car and as a first car for families as well. The base price of the new Volkswagen Golf Variant in Germany, including ESP, six airbags, daytime running lights, roof railing, power windows all around, upshift indicator, power and heated outside mirrors, 1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear bench seat and seatback, central locking with RF remote control, climate control and 1,495 litres of cargo capacity is € 18,500.

The front end of the Volkswagen Golf Variant was completely redesigned. Its visual appearance follows today's Volkswagen "Design DNA". From now its appearance is defined by clear horizontal lines and bold headlight styling. The car's engine lineup was adopted directly from the Volkswagen Golf 2-door and 4-door models. In the interior, the high-end instruments of the current Volkswagen Golf set the tone. In Europe, first units of the new VW Golf will be delivered in September 2009.

Features and engines
At its market launch - in parallel to advance sales that are now starting - the successful Estate (more than 95,000 new vehicle registrations in 2008) will be offered in the three equipment versions Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The latter replaces the previous Sportline version as the top equipment line. Engines available for selection when advance sales begin are a TSI (boosted gasoline direct-injection engine) with 90 kW / 122 PS and two very quiet common rail turbo-diesels (77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS). Other engines will follow in stages: two Multipoint engines (59 kW / 80 PS and 75 kW / 102 PS) and another TSI gasoline engine (118 kW / 160 PS). All six engines fulfil the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

Exterior details of the new Volkswagen Golf Variant
In front, the new VW Golf Variant can be recognized by its new bumper, radiator grille and engine hood styling and its modified fenders and headlights, which were all adapted 1:1 from the estate's 2-door and 4-door counterparts. In contrast to the previous model, the front-end design is no longer defined by a chrome radiator grille, rather by a black, horizontally layout of the grille and front bumper painted in car colour. In the lower area, the Estate has an additional large air inlet too. Starting with the mid-level equipment version (Comfortline), chrome inserts are integrated in the radiator grille and the lower air inlet. In the top Highline version, this also applies to the frames for the front fog lights with new static turning light function that are a standard feature here.

At the rear, the independent design of the previous model has been upgraded in the new generation by modified, more elegant taillights and bumpers fully painted in car colour in the lower area. From now on, TDI and TSI versions can also be recognized by their tailpipes, which are no longer covered by the bumper. In addition, Volkswagen developed a new wheel lineup for the new Volkswagen Golf Variant.

Interior details of the new VW Golf Variant
At the time of its presentation last fall, the sixth generation VW Golf received excellent marks, especially for its high-end quality. In the interior, it was especially in the styling of the gauges that the Golf crossed boundaries to the next higher class and still does. The same gauges and instruments, including a standard multifunctional display and upshift indicator, are now being used in the new Volkswagen Golf Variant too. Also adopted from the Golf was the new generation of three-spoke steering wheels, which celebrated their debut in the Volkswagen Passat CC in 2008.

In this context, controls for the new Golf climate control system were integrated in the VW Golf Variant as well. Volkswagen also adapted its line of different seat covers (Trendline: "Roxy"; Comfortline: "Scout"; Highline: Alcantara/fabric "Merlin") to the entire model series. The same applies to features ranging from the radio and navigation systems up to the interfaces for MP3 players and Bluetooth mobile telephones. Two driver assistance systems are also available as options for the first time in the Volkswagen Golf Variant: "ParkAssist" (automatic parking assistant) and "Rear Assist" (rearview camera). Another feature being offered is the panorama sunroof that is popular among many Volkswagen Golf Variant buyers.

Euro-5 engines of the new Volkswagen Golf Variant in detail
Volkswagen is launching the new VW Golf Variant on the market with four gasoline and two diesel engine options; they all meet the limits of the new Euro-5 standard. The entry level continues to be marked by an 80-PS gasoline engine, followed by a 102-PS version. The two most powerful gasoline engines (TSI with 122 PS and 160 PS) and the two turbo-diesels (TDI with 105 PS and 140 PS) may be ordered with an optional automatic DSG dual clutch transmission.

Entirely new to the Volkswagen Golf Variant's engine lineup is the 105 PS common rail TDI. Like the larger 2.0-liter TDI, the 1.6-liter four cylinder is also characterized by noticeably comfortable noise levels, low emissions (119 g/km CO2) and an extremely low average fuel consumption (4.5 litres per hundred kilometres). Compared to the previous model of the same power, fuel consumption was reduced by 0.7 litre.

The 2.0 TDI was adopted from the previous generation of the VW Golf Variant; it also has a highly advanced common rail direct injection system. The 140 PS strong and 210 km/h fast Volkswagen Golf Variant 2.0 TDI consumes 5.0 litre (132 g/km CO2), which is impressively low considering its power. The TDI engines may be ordered together with any of the three equipment versions.

As already noted, the gasoline engines of the Volkswagen Golf Variant have power levels of 80 PS (MPI), 102 PS (MPI), 122 PS (TSI) and 160 PS (TSI). The base engine with 80 PS is available with the Trendline equipment line; the 102-PS version may be ordered as a VW Golf Variant Trendline or VW Golf Variant Comfortline. The TSI engines can each be ordered together with the Comfortline or Highline equipment versions.

Just how efficiently the current gasoline engines from Volkswagen perform is well-illustrated by the TSI. Its 6.3 litre (122 PS) and 6.4 litre (160 PS) fuel consumption values place their average fuel consumption on par with the already economical base engine with 80 PS. When shifted by a DSG transmission, fuel consumption is even reduced to 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres (139 g/km CO2) on the 122-PS TSI and 6.1 litres (143 g/km CO2) on the 160-PS version. With this engine lineup, the new Volkswagen Golf Variant is one of the most economical and cleanest estate cars in Europe.

Volkswagen Golf GTD, 2010

Volkswagen Golf GTD, 2010

 

 

After the Polo, the BlueMotion offensive and the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is pulling the next arrow out of its quiver: the Volkswagen Golf GTD. It is extremely fuel efficient yet exceedingly sporty, and it is debuting as a world premiere at the 2009 Auto Mobil International in Leipzig (March 28 to April 05). The GTD code letters carry on a tradition: the first VW Golf GTD appeared back in 1982 - it was the GTI among diesels. Now Volkswagen has perfected the various aspects of sportiness. The new Golf GTD with its 125 kW / 170 PS is aimed at all diesel fans who value a maximum in dynamic performance. This is where the GTD shows a clear affinity to the new GTI (155 kW / 210 PS). While the GTI is in its own league with an efficient turbo gasoline engine that offers the same performance as far more expensive sports cars, the Volkswagen Golf GTD is making its appearance with phenomenal fuel economy. Every 100 kilometers, just 5.3 liters of fuel flow through the piezo injection valves of the common rail engine that can hardly be pegged as a diesel. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. This contrasts with a top speed of 222 km/h and 8.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.

The Range of about 1,000 kilometer
As on the GTI, the GTD's 6-speed manual transmission may be swapped out for an optional 6-speed DSG - which in the eyes of many experts is the most efficient automatic of our times. The Volkswagen Golf GTD with DSG reaches a top speed of 220 km/h; it accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and consumes 5.6 liters diesel on average (147 g/km CO2). These low fuel consumption values take both GTD variants to distances of about 1,000 kilometers on one tank of fuel (55 liters).

VW Golf GTD exterior
The exterior clearly indicates that this is the sportiest VW Golf with a diesel engine. Take the front end, for example: the bumper, radiator grille and headlights are a 1:1 match with the GTI. However, the red horizontal stripes in the radiator grille are styled in chrome on the GTD. At the rear, the turbo-diesel sports a modified diffuser. Even though no GTD emblem comes with the car purchase, the diesel version of the Golf can be recognized by its dual chrome tailpipes on the left side of the diffuser (the GTI has one tailpipe on the left and one on the right).

VW Golf GTD interior
Volkswagen's GT philosophy is also reflected in the interior. It expresses itself in standard high-end sport seats, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel whose curvature flattens at the bottom (GTD signature in the center chrome badge), leather parking brake lever and leather gearshift boot with stitching in contrasting color.

VW Golf GTD safety and convenience
Other standard features of the Volkswagen Golf GTD include details such as a black roofliner and black roof pillar trim, special interior accents, seven airbags including knee airbag on the driver's side, automatic climate control ("Climatronic"), front fog lights with chrome framing, daytime running lights, ESP, a winter package (with heated windshield washer nozzles, heated front seats, headlight cleaning system and low washer fluid indicator light) and the RCD 210 radio system. Nonetheless, the most important component of standard VW Golf GTD equipment is still the Common Rail TDI with 170 PS being used in the Golf for the first time.

2011 VW Beetle unveiled, pictures, features and specs

VW has unveiled its latest version of the iconic Beetle car. The earlier version, better known in the automotive circles as the New Beetle, will be replaced by this new version which is more muscular and sportier looking than the version it replaces. Apart from its brawnier lines, the new beetle is also lower, wider and longer than the previous version.
In its newest avatar, the Beetle’s roof has become slightly flat, unlike the curvy ones on the earlier model. The wheel arches are pronounced, and the car adopts angular treatment around its bumper for an athletic look. Even the air dam hints at aggression and muscle than the girly charm that the previous version was known for. The 2011 Beetle also gets a sporty spoiler right below the rear windscreen. The new, lower design has taken its toll on the space inside. The boot is smaller too.

The interior of the new car has been thoroughly overhauled, and now looks much more luxurious and modern. The interior trim can be ordered in body colour or carbon fiber. The car will be available in three trims, Basic, Design and Sport.

The engines for Europe will be turbocharged four-cylinder mills. TSI petrol units include 1.2-liter, 1.4-liter and 2.0–liter engines producing 103bhp, 158bhp and 197bhp. Diesel power would include 1.6 and 2.0 engines with 103 and 138bhp.

The top two petrol engines will also include the XDS electronic differential which is also employed in the Golf GTI for enhanced road-holding. With the 2011 Beetle, VW wants to send a message that the Beetle isn’t just for women.

What do you think of the original people’s car in its new avatar? Better or worse than the version it replaces?

When the bonnet of the Polo becomes a goat’s throne!

This incredible picture was taken by a close friend and an avid reader of Motoroids – Yatish Suvarna. His friend had bought a spanking new Polo which was the envy of all his colleagues. Unfortunately the lack of parking space (like everywhere else in Mumbai) at his workplace made him park the car on a street which wasn’t too conducive for sheltering automobiles.

Yatish was bamboozled when he saw this goat sitting on top of his friend’s car as he stepped out of the office for a meeting. The bonnet was badly scratched, much to the anguish of his friend. There wasn’t much he could do though – it was just another day in the life of India, as TOI puts it. Not a very pleasing picture for the car’s owner, but makes for a funny portrait for us nevertheless.

Got such a wacky picture? Send it to us, we’ll put it up here. Get mailing!

You comments please!

Volkswagen India rolls out the 50,000th car from its Chakan Plant

Volkswagen India rolled out the 50,000th car from its manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. It’s been less than two years since the Volkswagen plant in Chakan began operations. With the rollout of the 50,000th car, which happened to be a Vento, the company asserts that production at the plant is in line with scheduled ramp-up plans. The Chakan plant currently produces three models, the Volkswagen Polo, the Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Fabia.

Volkswagen Group has 61 plants globally, of which the Pune plant is claimed to be one of the most modern. It covers all stages in the production process from press shop through body shop and paint shop to final assembly. With a total financial commitment amounting to Rs. 3,800 crores the Volkswagen plant in Pune is the largest investment to date by a German company in India.

The dignitaries present at the event included Dr. Arno Antlitz, Member of the Board of Management VW, Dr. John Chacko, VW Group India President & MD and Mr. Holger Nestler, Executive Director, Technical, Volkswagen India.

“Touching the 50,000th car production landmark marks the beginning of Volkswagen’s next growth chapter in India. Realizing this target in just over a year’s time from the start of production is a testimony to the popularity Volkswagen cars enjoy in the Indian market. I wish the Volkswagen team great success for their future initiatives and I am confident that the team here will continue this momentum of growth,” expressed Dr. Arno Antlitz on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. John Chacko said, “It is a moment of great pride and satisfaction for all of us at Volkswagen on achieving this milestone in such a short span of time. Volkswagen has focused on introducing new products based on understanding of customer needs. The outstanding acceptance of all our products is a testimony to the success of that approach. The continuous support from our employees has made this possible today. I would like to thank the team at Chakan for their undying spirit and motivation and congratulate them for demonstrating how much can be achieved in a very short period of time.”

VW’s 111.11 kmpl, super efficient Formula XL1 car

What you are looking at is Volkswagen Formula XL1, the car which is capable of going more than 111 km on a litre of diesel. Apart from the high fuel efficiency the XL1 also boasts a ridiculously low CO2 emission figure of 24 g/km.

The XL1 is a diesel electric hybrid, with a 800cc two-cylinder TDI engine producing 48PS, supported by a 27PS (20KW) lithium-ion electric motor. And just because the XL1 is fuel efficient, you shouldn’t think that it’s a slouch. The 0-100km/h sprint comes in a decent 11.9 seconds, and the top speed is a respectable (and electronically limited) 160km/h. The XL1 is also capable of travelling up to 35km solely on electric power.

The secret behind the XL1’s fuel sipping capabilities is its lightweight construction. The car’s chassis is a carbon fibre monocoque, while the body panels are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The result of using such ultra-lightweight materials is a weight of just 795 kg.
The car will apparently make it to production, though only 100 units will be created and sold. The XL1 will be sold in markets across the world, starting from Europe, and then going to the US and China.

And if you thought that such exclusivity and environment efficiency would make the XL1 cost the sun and the moon and all the constellations, you’d be wrong. According to senior VW management, the car won’t be as expensive to produce as some other such projects in the past, as the hybrid tech is getting increasingly mainstream. Also, the cost of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber is coming down, as the usage increases in automotive and aviation applications.

VW NMS spied. Will sell alongside or replace Passat in India?

What you see in the pictures are the first undisguised pictures of the VW’s yet officially un named NMS (New Mid Size) sedan. The new car is meant primarily to be sold in the North American market, where the Passat isn’t doing great numbers. The NMS will be bigger and slightly cheaper than the current Passat and try to boost the numbers for ambitious VW in one of the most important markets in the world.

Although the car is breand new, we don’t really find anything striking about it. Seems like VW have decided to design all their car on similar lines so that it’s difficult for people to tell a Vento from a Jetta and the NMS from the Passat. It’s not going to do the German company a lot of good in the long run, until there are key design elements to give each car its own individual personality.

The new car will be priced internationally at $20000, which may mean an Indian price range of Rs 15-16lakh. The NMS is also highly likely to make it to the Chinese market, where it will replace or sell alongside the Passat. The same story will apply to the Indian market as well.

Expect the car to make its debut early-mid 2011 in one of the auto shows.

Volkswagen Vento – All that you want to know!

The Vento is a very important car for the Indian market. For a very long time, there has been a void in the Indian mid-size car segment. Although there are cars like the DZire, Fiesta, SX4, Verna, and Linea trying to fill up this space, either they do not look the part, or the engines are not good enough. The City comes across is a very good car, but then it’s very expensive. The Vento in that sense presents itself as an all-round package. It’s a well engineered German sedan which is powered by good engines. We are sure it will create a dent in the Honda City sales, and take some customers away from the top variant customers of the rest of the brands as well. Here’s all that you need to know about this handsome new German saloon.


Brief Overview:
The Vento is the first sedan from Volkswagen to be designed and built for a market like India. It is the company’s second volume model after the Polo in India.


The Vento is designed on elegant, understated lines. It was developed in Germany and built in India


The Vento is 4384mm long, 1699mm wide and 1466mm tall. Vento has a wheelbase of 2552 mm and a turning radius of 4.97m.


The Vento has two engines.


A 1.6 L petrol engine with 77kW/105 PS. This engine can attain a maximum fuel efficiency of 14.4 km/litre for the AT version and 15.83 km/litre for the MT version.


The 1.6 L 77kW/105 PS diesel engine will attain the highest fuel efficiency of 20.54 km/litre. This version is not available in AT


The Vento is available in two trims – the Trendline and Highline in both the petrol and diesel variants.


Front: The Vento offers a smart and elegant look. The front maintains the typical Volkswagen design look like that of the Polo. It comes with chrome trimmed front radiator and line grille that adds to its elegant, very well proportioned look. The chrome finish on the front air dam and the fog light surrounds of the Vento add to the elegant front.


Rear section: Just like the rest of the car, the rear too is neatly designed and offers a harmonious look. The wide rear window offers good visibility behind the sedan while continuing to maintain its strong dynamic lines. The squarish tail lamps give a stylish contour to the Vento and perfectly blend with the rear design. The rear light clusters with the chrome lining add a touch of elegance.


The Vento offers 480 litres of boot space for its passenger which is good enough for a family for pack their bags and drive away for a week for a holiday.

Side profile: The straight and muscular lines on the side profile of the Vento are typical of VW design DNA. The Vento looks sturdily built from the sides, with a strong emphasis on the big wheel arches which lend the car an air of muscle and sturdiness. Additionally, the body coloured side mirrors and door handles in the Vento Highline add to its slick look. The extended C pillar ensures ample space in the rear of the car is clearly visible.


Front Passenger Seat:
The interiors aredone up in two tone trim, and the dashboard has been designed to cut glare.



The Highline variant of the Vento offers power steering wrapped with genuine leather and can be easily adjusted according to the driver’s convenience.


Driver’s seat is height adjustable for comfortable driving.


The front door is equipped with 1 litre bottle holders, sunglass compartment inside the glove box


Center console includes 2 cup holders, front center arm rest, sun visors with ticket holder on driver’s side, vanity mirrors on passenger side
 
Rear Passenger Seat:
The Vento with a long wheelbase offers good legroom



The Vento has rear AC vents for the passengers seated at the rear seats of the car.


A unique feature provided in the Highline variant of the Vento which no other car in any category offers to customers is the ability for the rear seat passenger to push the co driver’s seat from the rear itself, thereby further enhancing passenger comfort.
 

Standard features of the Vento: Exterior



The Vento is equipped with 14″ steel wheels with full wheel caps


Chrome inlays in front grille to the left and right of the Volkswagen logo


Body coloured bumpers


Black exterior door handles & mirrors


High mount brake light


Day & night rear view mirror, Front disc brakes Electronic immobilizer.


Halogen headlights, heat protection glass with green tint, partially zinc coated body with 6 years anti-rust warranty.


Paint: Solid colors only

Interior features (Apart from the features listed in passenger comfort earlier)
Fully lined trunk and trunk floor, Trunk illumination

Foldable roof handles with coat hooks
Warning triangle holder
Front center console including 12V outlet
Rear seat headrest,
The gear lever surround, inner door handles & AC vents with chrome.
“Livon” fabric upholstery & Interior lights at roof front & centre.
Power windows front & rear with driver side one touch down
Electric trunk opening from the front driver’s side
Rear AC vents equipped with dust and pollen filter, Central locking,
Rear defogger, White instrument back-lights, Parking lights

Additional Equipments/ Features in the Highline:
Body colored outside mirrors and door handles



15” Alloy wheels, Chrome strip on trunk, Paint, metallic and pearl effect, Chrome finish on front air dam and fog light surrounds, Green wedge at top section of windshield.


Interior Chrome package, Genuine leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob, hand brake lever and gear shift boot


Rear centre arm rest, “Livon” superior upholstery
ABS, Front Airbags for driver and co-driver
Anti Theft system with interior surveillance, Fog light, front & rear
Electrically adjustable outside mirrors
Climatronic automatic air conditioning
Multi function information display including door opening warning
Radio with CD player MP3 and four speaker including roof Atenna



The Vento Price List**



Engine/ Trimline Price Index (INR in Lakhs)
1.6L Petrol Trendline (Manual) 6,99,000
1.6L Petrol Highline (Manual) 8,23,500
1.6L Petrol Highline (Automatic) 9,21,500
1.6 L TDI Trendline (Manual) 7,99,000
1.6L TDI Highline (Manual) 9,23,500

** All prices are Ex Showroom New Delhi

Volkswagen reveals CrossPolo, fusion of a car and an SUV

Volkswagen has revealed the details of CrossPolo-a softroader based on the current gen Polo platform. It gets a total of six engine options, and an optional 7-speed DSG too. The CrossPolo looks good and its muscular stance, thanks to the flared wheel arches, roof rails and a pair of good looking alloys is good enough to differentiate it from the hatch. It has a little more ground clearance than its hatchback sibling. A question lingers in my mind-Could this be the third car based on the Polo platform coming to India, after Vento?

Do you remember the time when Fiat had launched Palio Weekend and Adventure? That period wasnt something that could be termed as Fiat India’s golden period. The sales figures were bad and customer satisfaction was even worse. And launching such a product for a market not mature enough then was nothing but a wrong decision. There didnt exist any need for a car, er, estate like that. Then the same happened with Baleno Altura and Opel Corsa Swing and even the Octavia Combi. And the only estate that did good was the Indigo Marina. By ‘good’ here, I mean relatively good.

So if Volkswagen plans to launch one here, the stakes will indeed be high. There are chances the model flops the way Fiat’s did. Or has the Indian market matured enough to accept a product like this?

If it has, then there are chances that CrossPolo does well, goes head to head with the to-be launched smaller variant of Xylo, the 5-seater Xylo, the Uno( if Fiat plans to bring it), Premier Rio and the SX4 hatch(that is if Maruti brings it).

A new segment will be born. A car that can be used as your normal car, can take the shortcut through the forest and carry all the money you robbed from the bank. It surely will prove to be a cool car then, won’t it?

Innovative, Brilliant, 2011 VW Phaeton

Consider yourself lucky if you are planning to buy the luxo-barge from VW, the 2011 Phaeton that is. And if you belong to the group of mortals who admire high-tech stuff then this one is for you.

The car has a long list of features but there are some which sets it apart from the competition. Take for example the option of downloading images off the google server and integrating them with the in-car GPS. In this way the driver gets to familiarize with the route easily.

And there is a camera fitted on the car’s windscreen which can read the speed limit signs, no passing zones etc. Brilliant!

Then there is another feature called Dynamic Light Assist, which checks whether the surrounding cars are suffering from the glare of the car’s headlights. If yes, then this masks out a certain portion of the car’s headlights in order to reduce the glare on others. Innovative!

All this makes me wonder if we would need to drive in future or the cars will do that too on their own.

Source: Motoroids

Scoop! Volkswagen Golf caught testing for India

One of our members and a hardcore automotive enthusiast who is well known on the world wide web as ‘Shrivz’, recently caught the Volkswagen Golf MK6 on test in India. Our photographer, Eshan Shetty, too had caught the Golf on test a few months back (and almost got himself killed doing so, thanks to a loyal VW driver flinging a stone at him). That Golf however totally undisguised and in a left hand drive avatar – hence we let the test mules be, thinking that it was one of those export models undergoing some component testing. But when Shrivz sent us the Golf’s photo last month and highlighted the fact that the test car was a right hand drive, we got down to work and getting in touch with the vast network of sources (ahem!) that we have!

Our sources tell us that Volkswagen is indeed testing the Golf MK6 for the Indian market. Apart from the Beetle, the Golf has been one of VW’s signature cars. The German carmaker is hence looking forward to introducing the car in India as well. However, since the car is not manufactured in India (yet), VW is looking at various options to keep the car’s prospective price tag as low as possible. VW is expected to use the same 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines (probably in a different state of tune), that will be used in the upcoming Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Felicia sedans. Our sources tell us that the car is expected to boast of a sticker price between the Rs. 10-13 lakhs rupees – making it one of the costliest four door hatchbacks in the country.

Volkswagen is expected the launch the Mk6 Golf by Q2 2011 where it will join the companies ever increasing product portfolio in India. Though the Golf might not be able to gain the same market share as the rest of the of the hatchbacks in the country, VW will have a premium offering slotted between the Vento and the Jetta sedans.

Source: Motoroids

Volkswagen Vento. All the pictures, details and specifications

After being the first in the world to catch the Volkswagen Vento in the flesh, we are again one of the first in India to bring to you the official images, specs and details of the much anticipated car. Volkswagen has released the official images of its Polo sedan in Russia. The model displayed will be built in the company’s manufacturing unit in Kaluga near Moscow. The car will make its show debut at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show in August.

The sedan, as we had said earlier, will not just be a boot stuck on to the Polo, but a nicely executed car. The wheelbase of the car, and resultantly the overall size of the car will be much larger than its hatchback version. The new car will be 4.38 meters long, 1.7m wide and 1.46m high with a wheelbase of 2.55m (Polo is 2.456m). This will result in not only better legspace for the back benchers, but also a cavernous boot. The new car’s ground clearance too is increased by 15mm.

Engine options will include a 1.6-litre gasoline engine producing 105PS mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, air bags, power windows etc. will be available as standard equipment or options varying from variant to variant.

In the Indian market, the Vento will also come with A 1.6 liter diesel engine producing 105 bhp. We can expect a DSG gearbox to make an appearance on the car at a later point in time. The price is expected to be in the region of 7 to 8 lakh, depending on the variant. Looking at the pictures, the quality of the interiors appears to be top notch. Feast your eyes on the pictures, covering every single detail of the car. And don’t forget to write your comments on how you like this new machine from the German automaker.

 

2011 Volkswagen Passat – a technological marvel!

Germany’s highly regarded magazine Auto Bild has come up with the first leaked image of VW’s much awaited 2011 Passat. The new car (in case it really is what it’s said to be) is the most honest representative of the VW’s new design language.

The new design stresses on highlighting the width of the car and is reminiscent of the recently updated Phaeton limousine as well as the Touareg. The front and back of the new car have been accentuated with a heavy dose of chrome. The new Passat has a flat shoulder line and with the subtle, yet strong lines of its reasonably big size, it presents itself as a transportation tool of choice for well-to-do executives. The new Passat is expected to hit the international market by the end of this year and it should be first previewed at the Paris Motor Show.

The new Passat is expected to take the game higher for VW, and the company expects the new machine to be comparable to the 3-series, C-class and the A4 in terms of brand perception. While that may sound a little too optimistic to a lot of people, it’s not difficult to understand why VW are so positive. The new Passat will host an array of technologies which have yet been unheard of. Some of these wondrous technologies will include airless tyres and a wiper-less windscreen cleaning system. A magical electronic stability system is also expected which will automatically offer counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.

Engines for the new car will include a 300bhp power plant with a displacement of 3.0L. The new engine will also be using direct injection for enhanced power and fuel efficiency. The rest of the engine lineup is expected to benefit from some form of forced induction as well. Other models will include a new hybrid as well as a high-performance diesel with AWD.

Source: Motoroids