Volkswagen Malaysia roadshows are making their way to you this year end!

Here are Volkswagen Malaysia's upcoming roadshows making their way to you this year end. Expect lots of rebates and discounts on various models. First up is Mahkota Parade in Melaka on the 19th to the 22nd of November 2015 and then to the Atria Shopping Gallery in Petaling Jaya on the 10th to the 13th of December 2015. 

Details for both events are below: 


Mahkota Parade, Malacca 19 – 22 November 

The Volkswagen Malaysia crew will be making their way to Malacca

this November for a sales carnival. From 19 to 22 November, drop

by Mahkota Parade in Malacca and join in the fun as there will

exclusive Volkswagen merchandise given out for every test drive,

exciting Q&A sessions and also an Instagram contest where visitors

stand a chance to win petrol vouchers. The cars on display will be

the Volkswagen Passat, Jetta Sport, Polo Sedan, Polo 1.6 and the

iconic Beetle. Test drives are also available for all models on

display and the not to be missed “Volkswagen Big Day Out” year-

end promotion. The event will be hosted by Ms Lalitha Monisha,

former 1st runner up Miss Malaysia Universe 2014.

Atria Shopping Gallery, Petaling Jaya  10 – 13 December 

The Volkswagen crew will be headed back to KL and this time

visiting Atria Shopping Gallery in KL from 10 to 13 December. Do

drop by and participate in Volkswagen’s Instagram contest and

stand a chance to walk away with RM200 petrol vouchers daily.

Customers can also get up and close with the Volkswagen Passat

and Jetta Sport which will be on display.

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Driven: 2015 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI DSG (B7) CKD

I had a go at the locally assembled Volkswagen Passat 1.8TSI (B7) recently. This is Volkswagen's full sized or D segment competitor here in Malaysia and it has been around in this form since 2011 with local assembly in Pekan, Pahang since 2012. Now this B7 series Passat has a long history to it in terms of production life cycle. It actually started its life as a B6 Passat in 2005 and was heavily facelifted in 2010 for the 2011 production year. And by heavily facelifted, it really is some extra engineering compared to the usual facelift of a change of bumpers and lights.

The B7 Passat actually only keeps the roof of the B6 Passat. The rest of the body panels are new. The changes to the 2005 chassis are also quite extensive with a 2mm increase in wheelbase (2,711mm) and a 4mm overall increase in length (4,769mm). The interior of the car gets a slightly redesigned dashboard (especially below the vents with the addition of an analog clock and better quality trim) and more soundproofing with thicker glass all round. The Malaysian spec Passat B7 gets the 1.8 TSI engine with the 7 speed dual clutch transmission as standard.

I actually thought that the Passat was all new when it was first launched in 2011. This was mainly because it was a Passat. Passats look a little too staid and conservative in their styling. This B7 Passat is no different. It may have been touched up, restyled, but I still find the car to be a car for one's uncles or aunties to drive. This 2015 B7 Passat has that tall and upright glasshouse and cabin. Good for visibility but it makes the car, with its boxy looks a tad too conservative for me. And then there's the overhangs front and back - the wheels sit inwards instead of at the edges of the car, or at least the front wheels. This design does not make the Passat a sporty looking sedan. But notice that even in all of its accountant type styling and not rock star looks, I still requested for one to try out. The reason for me doing so is that I wanted to see how this outgoing model stands up just before the all-new Passat B8 model is launched in Malaysia.

Yes, the new model will eventually be out sometime next year. This B7 Passat will still soldier on till then so the question is – Is a car that was originally launched in 2005, redesigned and re-engineered in 2010 so that it is essentially almost a whole new model relevant in 2015?

I suppose it is. You see, we seem to be in an era where vehicle platform life cycles are much longer than what they were before. Costs are taken into account right down to the final cent and it is accountants that run everything. Scientists, dreamers, racecar drivers and engineers all take a back seat. So we have the Passat.

When you get into one you can see that the car is typically Volkswagen. This is a very good thing. The instruments are clear and the controls easy to use. Everything seems familiar and where it is supposed to be. The seats, especially the driver and the front passenger seats, are supportive and fully wrapped in a lot of leather. It has loads of adjustment and is easy to get comfortable in. Lots of equipment too with electric everything that you actually need. The dashboard is a little bit conservative with a brushed aluminium strip right in the middle with an analog clock in the middle of it. That little bit looks classy. The rest looks all businesslike without any extra 'bling' to it. Whilst the materials used are top notch and well put together, it is the apparent feel that its all business in here that somehow gets to me. I would love it if it were a little bit more playful inside. Actually, it's like the outside. It needs more of that presence instead of blending in all of that quality. More shouting, less whispering would be good.

But it isn't as bad as the outside. Very, very conservative with the exception of the grille up front with its four horizontal chrome lines and a large VW logo in the middle. Granted, a Volkswagen must sit in the Volkswagen Group hierarchy right in the middle, waaaay below Bentley, a step or two below Audi, slightly above or hovering around Skoda and less sporty and forward looking than a Seat. So many toes to not step on does that to a car's design. So you get something so conservative, whilst not outrageous or ugly, will not win any beauty awards. I think some angles the Passat looks quite handsome (front three quarter, taken from a certain height...like below). Some, especially from the side, makes it look very 'uncle'-like. This is actually a face an accountant will love. Or those that love space more than anything else – it has a boot than has 565liters of space, it is large. And from RM173,888, plays right smack into the D segment class prices and a price accountants will also love too. Anyway, it is conservative, both inside and out. But things are indeed better when you drive it.

Driving the Passat B7

The Passat is actually quite good on the move. It feels very quiet. As quiet as the best the D segment has got to offer in terms of on road comfort and refinement. When it comes to refinement on the move I have to say that it is close to that of something with the cachet of the current W212 Mercedes Benz E-class. It is very refined and quiet with a little bit of road noise coming through. Less than even my W204 C-class. The turbocharged TSI engine is also very refined in that it revs cleanly to the redline without any strain or change in note. There is no harshness all the way to the redline.

 The only bugbear is the initial acceleration of the dual clutch gearbox. Like any dual clutch transmission, it feels less refined when you are moving away. It feels as if the clutch on the first and second gears slip a little before biting. A very common trait of a dual clutch setup. Of course, when you are actually moving, it feels superb. Like most Volkswagen dual clutch gearboxes (DSG) do. Gearshifts are super rapid up and down the seven speeds this 'box gives you. And paired with the 160ps /250Nm 1.8liter TSI turbocharged engine, it makes some pretty rapid progress. 

It could do with more steering feel though. And a little bit more weight to it. But don't mind me. I usually demand more than most people do. Oh, 0-100kmh was tested at 8.0seconds flat and it would do a nice highway cruise at between 160- 180kmh without me feeling all worked up and the need to concentrate like crazy. This is a sign of a car that has good levels of refinement and stability. Most large German cars like this Passat have this fully sorted out feeling that makes me want to drive them often. However, it could do with a little more soul. It does feel clinical when you're driving at normal speeds. 

So when you are driving the B7 Passat fast it feels fun. Like most Volkswagen sedans and hatchbacks of today, the drive is pleasurable when you are going for it. It may not have handling that is totally addictive like the new Ford Mondeo, but it is actually better than most of the Japanese and Korean offerings out there. Haven't tried the local French option as yet, so I wouldn't know how it compares. The B7 Passat is a good drive. Whether you're belting it or if you want to just waft down some road after work. There is definitely some driving pleasure to be had here. Its just the overall styling that I find too conservative.

 Again, its like dating super plain Jane. But she is very, very good in bed, and being European, plain Jane may have some higher maintenance costs too. 

2015 Malaysian Spec (CKD) Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI B7

Pros: Comfortable, very refined, high equipment levels, good performance, high speed stability, space, interior quality, good discounts since it is a run out model, quality materials used inside....

Cons: Very conservative looks, good performance but slightly clinical in approach, DSG low speed refinement, actually a super duper facelift instead of a totally new model, new model out sometime next year, quality materials used inside by not enough 'wow' factor, some may have fears about the DSG (of course, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into and be aware of the warranty terms and conditions at all times)

Conclusion: It may be based on the earlier B6 Passat but it is still one of the most refined D segment cars around (circa 2015) with very usable performance when you need it. But it could do with a little more soul the next time around. Fit and finish of the interior is very good if slightly conservative. And do note that the word 'conservative' has been used in here many a time.

Volkswagen Malaysia should be giving a good discount on this model since the new one should be landing in about 4-6months time. Its dull looks can be actually fixed with a set of 5 spoke alloy wheels from the CC or the Passat Sports line or R line models (if you can find them). It would make the car look sportier and younger too. As it should be. 

Price: From RM173,888 (but there should be a dealer's rebate/discount around now)

0-100kmh: 8.0seconds (tested)

Max speed: 220kmh (manufacturer's figures)

Weight: 1,517kg

Engine & Gear Box		7-speed dual clutch gearbox DSG 1.8l 160PS /250 Nm TSI turbocharged direct petrol injection 4-cylinder engine
Interior		Analogue clock in dashboard Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control Cruise control Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function Front centre armrest with storage box and 2 air rear vents Front seats with electric 12-way adjustment with memory function for driver's seat ‘Iridium printed’ decorative inserts for dashboard, doors, trim panels and centre console Leather gearshift knob Mobile device interface MEDIA-IN & AUX-IN with USB adapter cable Multi-function display ‘Plus’ Multi-function leather steering wheel with control for MFD, radio and paddle shift ‘Press & Drive’ comfort start function Radio ‘RCD 510’ touch-screen with Bluetooth, 6 CD changer and 8 speakers Remote unlocking for luggage compartment Split-folding backrest with centre armrest Tilt and telescopic steering wheel ‘Vienna’ leather seat upholstery
Exterior		Automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ function Bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights Dynamic headlight range adjustment, with dynamic bending light Electrically adjustable, foldable and heated exterior mirrors with environment lighting and auto dimming with memory function on driver’s side Front fog lights Headlight washer system Heat-insulating green-tinted glass LED tail lights ‘Minneapolis’ alloy wheels 7.5J x 17", tyres 235/45 R17 Park distance control PDC (Front & Rear) Rain sensor Rear fog light
Safety		3-point front seat belts with height adjustment and belt tensioners Anti-lock braking system ABS with brake assist BA Anti-theft alarm system Child seat anchor for child seat system ISOFIX Curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers Dual front airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation Dual front side airbags Electronic stability control ESP including counter steering assistance Electronic vehicle immobilisation device Euro NCAP 5-Star rating for adult occupant protection Flat Tyre Indicator Hill-hold control ‘Rest Assist’ drowsiness detection system

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News: Volkswagen Malaysia sponsors 100 units of Volkswagen vehicles to GPEC Asia

L-R  (front row) : YBhg. Dato' Sri Adenan bin Ab. Rahim, Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Dasar Keselamatan), YBhg. Datuk Nur Jazlan bin Mohamed, Timbalan Menteri Dalam Negeri and Mr Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.  

Volkswagen Group Malaysia recently announced its participation as the official car sponsor this year at the General Police and Special Equipment Exhibition & Conference (GPEC) Asia 2015. Volkswagen Group Malaysia will be sponsoring and registering a total of 100 units ranging from the Volkswagen CC, Sharan and Tiguan which will be used for and by delegates throughout the three day conference held at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur on the 21st to the 23rd of October 2015.

GPEC Asia, the region's largest dedicated police and homeland security equipment show, is in its fourth edition this year. GPEC Asia 2015 will anchor the burgeoning growth of the police equipment industry, bringing together high-profile police and security industry players under one roof for high-level strategic dialogues, and the very best in procurement and networking opportunities. Those of you who are in the defense industry (as vendors or contractors) or are interested in the defense industry should attend. But do note that this is a closed door event. So pre-register and have a business card that has some relevancy to the topic at hand (Mindef, PDRM, safety equipment related companies, govt. contractors/GLCs etc) you want to attend.

Expect to see a lot of VW Sharan and Tiguan (above and below) ferrying people in and around the PWTC this end of October 2015

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen Malaysia Salutes the Force

Volkswagen Malaysia sponsors 100 units to GPEC Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 October 2015 – Volkswagen Group Malaysia is pleased to announce its participation as the official car sponsor this year at the General Police and Special Equipment Exhibition & Conference (GPEC) Asia 2015.

Volkswagen Group Malaysia will be sponsoring and registering a total of 100 units ranging from the Volkswagen CC, Sharan and Tiguan which will be used for and by delegates throughout the three day conference held at PWTC.

Volkswagen CC with its evolutionary design offers better dynamic performance and handling. Without compromising active and passive safety technologies, the CC is equipped with innovative driver assist technologies.

The Tiguan is a sporty SUV that is both practical and versatile, yet a safe and durable set of wheels. It combines exceptional performance, fuel efficiency, innovative and advanced safety features while delivering superior performance and acceleration with the highest torque in its class.

The Sharan comes with incredible amounts of power but yet impresses with its low maintenance and wear costs which makes owning the Sharan a breeze. Powered by a turbo charged engine, the Sharan not only has the speed but also the advanced and innovative safety features.

Commenting on the sponsor, Mr Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia said that “Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased and privileged to lend our hand in support for this year’s GPEC Asia 2015. What these men and women on the force do is truly remarkable. We have utmost respect for the work they do and we thank them for all they have done. As they continue to uphold the safety of the nation, Volkswagen wants to support the force by providing them with our Volkswagen cars that come equipped with world class safety features, the very best of German engineering so that they have one less thing to worry about.”

GPEC Asia, the region's largest dedicated police and homeland security equipment show, is in its fourth edition this year. GPEC Asia 2015 will anchor the burgeoning growth of the police equipment industry, bringing together high-profile police and security industry players under one roof for high-level strategic dialogues, and the very best in procurement and networking opportunities.

For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my  

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Kenanga Investment Bank's KenTrade Trading Challenge II - Volkswagen as grand prize sponsor

I was over at the Curve yesterday where the KenTrade Trading Challenge II by Kenanga (“KenTrade Trading Challenge”)was officially launched.  This is Kenanga's effort to continuously create awareness and education on share trading and the market. So why am I at an Investment bank event? Well, a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI is the grand prize for the challenge winner this time around. 

I managed to squeeze in a question to the people at Volkswagen at the event as regards the 'Dieselgate' issue over in the United States and the change of leadership arising out of this in Europe. They don't really have much to say as Volkswagen Malaysia sells mainly petrol powered vehicles and the issue is on its diesel powered vehicles. There is not much to be said except that whatever Volkswagen Group over in Europe says is what their stand is over here. It makes sense when the issue in question is pretty much irrelevant here. 

So back to the KenTrade challenge and what is it actually- The challenge is quite straightforward - Supported by Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”), KenTrade Trading Challenge participants will be given RM1 million virtual money (wish it were real) to trade from 1 to 31 October 2015. Participants can opt to participate in the student or public category and will be tasked to perform a minimum of five buy or sell transactions as well as trade at least three different counters listed on Bursa Malaysia during the Challenge period. The top 10 participants from each category who achieve the highest percentage portfolio growth* will win the coveted seat at the Face Off Challenge and vie for the grand prize of a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI worth RM135,888. The Face Off Challenge will be an intense four hour trading period at Bursa Malaysia’s Listing Gallery on the 9th of November 2015.

Supporting the KenTrade Trading Challenge are returning sponsors Bursa Malaysia, Volkswagen Malaysia, Star Media Group Berhad, EquitiesTracker.com and ChartNexus Sdn Bhd. Joining the lineup this year, Kenanga Investment Bank welcomes its partnership with “RadioShack Malaysia (owned by Berjaya RadioShack Sdn Bhd)”, KenWealth and NetInfinium Solutions Sdn Bhd.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE DISSEMINATION

Kenanga Brings Back KenTrade Trading Challenge – II

Grand Prize Winner To Drive Away With A Volkswagen Beetle TSI

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 SEPTEMBER 2015: Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga Investment Bank”) has announced the return of KenTrade Trading Challenge by Kenanga (“KenTrade Trading Challenge”) in its efforts to continuously create awareness and education on share trading and the market.

According to Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of K & N Kenanga Holdings Berhad, the Trading Challenge is designed to promote online share trading on Bursa Malaysia and to demystify share trading. “The KenTrade Trading Challenge II will be quite interesting this year given the current market climate. The investment strategy executed will be very important in order for portfolio growth to be substantial and to yield a higher portfolio growth. An added benefit to the KenTrade Trading Challenge is the opportunity for new investors to test trading strategies digitally using virtual cash.

“Testament to the success of last year’s KenTrade Trading Challenge was the return of its sponsors complemented with the introduction of three new sponsors. The response from the public at large reaffirmed our commitment that this was the right way to create interest in share trading. Last year Kenanga received more than 12,000 entries, exceeding our initial target. This year, KenTrade Trading Challenge II received almost 14,000 entries and the number continues to grow,” added Datuk Chay.

Dato’ Tajuddin Atan, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia Berhad said “I commend Kenanga on the hosting of the KenTrade Trading Challenge and their efforts in drawing new investors into the capital market.  Now in its second year, the Kentrade Trading Challenge shows that gamification is indeed a useful method to engage with different segments and make share trading even more appealing.  Initiatives such as this are unique in that they give investors the experience of trading without investing real money, promoting financial education in a risk-free environment.  I look forward to further initiatives from Kenanga and our other brokers in the near future.”

Supported by Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”), KenTrade Trading Challenge participants will be given RM1 million virtual money to trade from 1 to 31 October 2015. Participants can opt to participate in the student or public category and will be tasked to perform a minimum of five buy or sell transactions as well as trade at least three different counters listed on Bursa Malaysia during the Challenge period. The top 10 participants from each category who achieve the highest percentage portfolio growth* will win the coveted seat at the Face Off Challenge and vie for the grand prize of a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI worth RM135,888. The Face Off Challenge will be an intense four hour trading period at Bursa Malaysia’s Listing Gallery on the 9th of November 2015.

This time round, KenTrade Trading Challenge participants will also be able to win prizes on a weekly basis ranging from electronic devices to cash vouchers. Weekly prize winners will be determined based on the percentage portfolio growth* for the week. There will be no repeat winners for the Weekly Challenge. This means that participants who join the Challenge in its second week, will still stand the chance of winning one of six weekly prizes up for grabs. Each week’s prizes will be awarded to different participants thereby allowing for more winners during the Challenge.

Supporting the KenTrade Trading Challenge are returning sponsors Bursa Malaysia, Volkswagen Malaysia, Star Media Group Berhad, EquitiesTracker.com and ChartNexus Sdn Bhd. Joining the lineup this year, Kenanga Investment Bank welcomes its partnership with “RadioShack Malaysia (owned by Berjaya RadioShack Sdn Bhd)”, KenWealth and NetInfinium Solutions Sdn Bhd.

Mr. Armin, Managing Director, Volkswagen Malaysia said, “We return for the second year as we believe in sustainable partnerships that help us create strategic platforms that speak effectively to our target audience. The first installation of KenTrade Trading Challenge was enthusiastically received and we are confident that this year will be even better than the last. In celebration of this partnership, this year we have decided to give out a Beetle as the grand prize. You would have seen this 1.2l TSI engine car showcased on the KenTrade Trading Challenge truck going around town.”

The original Beetle was first unveiled here in Malaysia in the 1950s, quickly becoming a cult favourite and an icon. Today, after more than half a century of bringing happiness and creating memories for Malaysians, the Beetle has evolved to suit modern needs but still remains an icon of popular culture among the people.

The Beetle comes with a 1.2l TSI direct petrol injection turbocharged engine which gives excellent acceleration performance yet still has remarkable fuel consumption with 5.9 litres/100km (or 16.9km/litre) on the combined cycle. As with all Volkswagen vehicles, driver and passenger safety is always a priority with a host of uncompromising safety features, resulting in the Beetle receiving the highest possible Euro NCAP 5-star rating.

KenTrade by Kenanga Investment Bank is a trading portal for clients to buy and sell equity shares online. The portal enables users to make informed investment decisions for online trading through customised viewing based on preference, fundamental financial data, charting tools, account management, market data and also research reports. Markets that are available to be trade on via KenTrade are Bursa Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

To participate in the Trading Challenge, please register at www.KenTrade.com.my.

* Growth is defined as profit, unrealized profit and cash balance.

###

*year to date based on Bursa Malaysia's Participating Organisations Trading Summary

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Volkswagen Malaysia's sales offers for the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and CC

If you plan on buying a Volkswagen Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan or CC now's the time. September's promotion for the cars mentioned above includes Cash rebates start from RM9,000 and go up to RM25,000 for each of the respective models. There is also zero instalments for 12 months package. This applies to customers who purchase under the 7 year loan package. Terms and conditions apply obviously.

Personally, if I am looking for a small sedan, the Volkswagen Polo Sedan would be on my mind. It would offer you peace of mind with that basic 1.6liter engine and traditional 6 speed automatic transmission. Great highway stability too. It has a recommended sales price of around RM88,000+, so with this offer you could save at least RM9,000 bringing the car in at under RM80,000. At that price..actually at RM88,000 it drives better than most of the Japanese B segment cars out there. Have a look at it.

The rest are good to drive too especially the Jetta and the CC. But I do recommend keeping with the maintenance schedules as with performance, (turbocharged TSI engines, super quick DSG transmissions), great responsibility is always required. Remember all the technology built into it. 

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen is offering free monthly instalments with 10% down payment

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 September 2015 – Drive home in an affordable German engineered car with Volkswagen Group Malaysia’s irresistible new financing campaign. The recently launched plan offers Malaysian customers cash rebates and free instalments for one year.

This promotion rolled out in September includes the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and CC at stunningly accessible prices. Cash rebates start from RM9,000 and go up to RM25,000 for each of the respective models. The zero instalments for 12 months applies to customers who purchase under the 7 year loan package.

According to Mr. Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia, “Volkswagen always emphasizes the customers’ experience and through this campaign the brand wants to ensure Malaysians have the opportunity own our cars and enjoy the best of German engineering.  With this in mind, we have created a new deal for car buyers who want quality, safe and stylish cars. ”

The five car models – Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Volkswagen CC Sport and Volkswagen CC Std have world class safety features and is designed for dynamic performance. Cars bought under this campaign will enjoy five years warranty and five years mobility guarantee.  These are just some of the many reasons to own a brand new Volkswagen right now.

For more information and the terms and conditions, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my .

*Terms and conditions apply

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Volkswagen Group CEO shown the door due to US diesel emissions testing debacle

The Volkswagen diesel debacle in the US has hit Volkswagen group hard. Shares have dropped by a whole lot and the market value is now down by a third in just two trading days. And we thought the drop in the Ringgit was bad.

The story is simple. News broke that Volkswagen cheated in its diesel emissions tests in the United States where the pollution controls will only come into full swing when it detects the car is being tested for emissions. If one drives a Volkswagen model fitted with this software, chances are the car is actually between ten to forty times more polluting than when it is tested. Discrepancies relate to vehicles with Type EA 189 engines, involving some 11 million vehicles worldwide and there could be fines in the US hitting billions of US Dollars. In fact Volkswagen have set aside USD$7.27billion to cover any contingencies that may arise from this incident. And you thought RM2.6billion was bad.

And then with this comes the head culling - CEO Martin Winterkorn has been shown the way out. The 20 person Supervisory Body of the Volkswagen Group have retracted their support for him and it seems his final day as CEO is this Friday. I think it is an easy thing for the Board to come with a decision as billions of dollars in profits and reputation could be lost or at stake. But this was not the case. Prior to this I remember Mr Winterkorn had a lot of support even when then Supervisory Board Chariman Ferdinand Piech, (part of the Porsche family who own a significant portion of Volkswagen AG) tried to oust chief executive Martin Winterkorn. In fact, Piech's plan backfired and led to the resignations of Piëch and his wife from the supervisory board. And now, this issue has left the Board no choice but to show Winterkorn the door.

Tough times ahead for Volkswagen in the coming months. They have been trying to boost flagging sales in the US prior to this and this, will not help its cause.

So does this affect us? Not really. Malaysia is a petrol vehicle market for Volkswagen. But I can guarantee that with this there would be more internal systems of check and balance within Volkswagen and a ramp up in quality so that worldwide customer satisfaction will be up. Expect more tender loving care for your Volkswagen because of this.

Oh. The new CEO is reported to be current Porsche CEO Mr. Matthias Muller. I wish him all the best in his future undertakings at Volkswagen. He's really gonna need it.

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Volkswagen crowned world rally champions* for third time & some stuff about the Volkswagen Polo R WRC

I was a little bit busy travelling around Malaysia and Thailand to write over the past couple of weeks. Last week, Volkswagen made a successful title defence by wining the Manufacturers, Drivers and Co-drivers competitions in the FIA World Rally Championships with a one-two over at the Rally Australia.

The winner was Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and the Volkswagen Polo R WRC were crowned world champions. This marks he third time in a row that Volkswagen have won all titles for the FIA WRC. The Drivers', Co-Drivers' and Manufacturers' competitions were settled in just three quarters of the way into the season – earlier than any manufacturer before them in the history of the World Rally Championship. Jari-Matti Latvala (the chap that drove me round a circuit in Setia Alam just a few weeks ago) /Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) finished runner-up and Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene fourth to complete a fantastic result for Volkswagen Down Under. They currently lie second and third overall with three rallies remaining.

I must say that whilst the WRC does not feature much on my scope these days but lets take a note at the Volkswagen Polo R WRC. 1.6liters 318bhp and a massive 430Nm (from a 1.6liter) makes it do 0-100kmh in 3.9seconds and a gearing limited 200kmh. Note the engine bay pic below, it shows you that the car still uses a production bodyshell and something that most of us can relate to. This is unlike LeMans, DTM, JTCC (or whatever its called today) and Formula 1. If you had a Polo GTI, you may aspire to put a WRC replica 

The only thing that would be hard to replicate is the wheel arches and doing that jump below with the stock suspension. Full Specs of the Polo R WRC are included below 

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen crowned world rally champions* for third time

Volkswagen wins Manufacturers', Drivers' and Co-Drivers' competitions in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC)

One-two for the Polo R WRC at the Rally Australia secures titles with three races remaining.

15 September 2015 - Successful title defence: Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and the Volkswagen Polo R WRC were crowned world champions* on the back of an extraordinary triumph at the Rally Australia. For the third time in a row, all the titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) go to Wolfsburg. And they do so after another record-breaking performance: a one-two at the Rally Australia, the tenth of 13 WRC rounds on four continents, saw the manufacturer crowned champion in the Drivers', Co-Drivers' and Manufacturers' competitions just three quarters of the way into the season – earlier than any manufacturer before them in the history of the World Rally Championship.

Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) finished runner-up and Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene fourth to complete a dream result for Volkswagen Down Under. They currently lie second and third overall with three rallies remaining.

Victory Down Under was the Polo R WRC's ninth win in ten rallies so far in 2015. As such, the World Rally Car from Wolfsburg remains the most successful model in WRC history: since Volkswagen returned to the pinnacle of rallying in January 2013, 31 of 36 victories have gone to the Polo R WRC, with the car claiming a total of 62 podium finishes. The 318-hp four-wheel drive powerhouse has contested 668 special stages so far, winning a remarkable 467. A win ration that is second to none.

The titles in the Drivers', Co-Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships earn Volkswagen World Championship titles number seven, eight and nine within the space of just three years. The manufacturer remains unbeaten with the Polo R WRC at the pinnacle of rallying, which is the most famous motorsport world championship outside of Formula One. The World Rally Championship is regarded as the greatest challenge in motor racing, from both a driving and technical point of view: the 13 events that make up the season are held on four continents, on gravel, asphalt, ice and snow, and in temperatures ranging from minus 20 to plus 40 degrees Celsius.

The final quarter of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) kicks off with the Rally France (01.10.–04.10.2015), which is followed by the Rally Spain (22.10.–25.10.2015) and the Rally Great Britain (12.11.–15.11.2015).

* subject to confirmation from the FIA.

The Volkswagen Polo R WRC Specification

Engine 

TypeStraight-four engine with turbocharger and intercooling, transversally mounted in front of the front axle

Displacement1,600 cc

Power output234 kW (318 hp) at 6,250 rpm

Torque430 Nm at 5,000 rpm

Bore / stroke83,0 mm / 73,8 mm

Air restrictor33 mm (FIA regulation)

Power transmission 

GearboxSequential, six-speed racing gear box, transversally mounted, hydraulicallyactivated, paddle on the steering

Gearbox Final drivePermanent four-wheel drive with equal torque split between the front andrear axles, multi-plate limited-slip differentials, front and rear

ClutchHydraulically actuated double-disk sintered metal clutch from ZF

Chassis/suspension 

Front/rearMcPherson struts, dampers from ZF

Suspension travelapprox. 180 mm on tarmac, approx. 275 mm on gravel

SteeringServo-assisted rack and pinion steering

Braking systemVentilated disc brakes (front Ø 355 mm and rear Ø 350 mm on asphalt,front and rear Ø 300 mm on gravel),aluminium brake callipers (four callipers, front and rear)

Dimensions and weight 

Length / width / height3,998 / 1,820 / 1,356 mm

Track width1,610 mm

Wheelbase2,480 mm

Minimum weight1,200 kg

Performance 

Acceleration0–100 km/h in approx. 3.9 seconds

Top speed200kmh

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