VW JETTA GETS SHARPER SHAPE

Though Volkswagen doesn’t like us calling the Jetta a Golf with a boot, that’s exactly what it is. Some buyers prefer sedans to hatches for a couple of reasons: you get a bigger boot in a sedan thanks to the car’s extra length, albeit without the large opening offered in hatches; and the ride comfort and body strength is even better in sedans than the equivalent hatchbacks. The latter is due to the fact that it has the added bracing underneath the rear window that’s obviously not offered in a… Read more

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1998 – 2014

2000 Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo is one of the smallest cars from the German giant vehicle maker. Until 2010 it was a slow seller in Australia, possibly because it was rather plain Jane in its shape. The all-new 2010 Polo had more style and it was finally seen as a serious contender in the small car market in Australia. Sales increased markedly and quite a few of these are now on the used-car market. The Polo has a solid feel that’s not usually felt in Asian competitors in this class. Owners love them… Read more

POLO GTI IS A GENUINE HOT-HATCH

The good sports of Volkswagen – the Golf and Polo – once again have made up a potential winning team with the new Polo GTI hanging on the tail of the Golf GTI, winner of the 2015 North American car of the year award. Now Golf’s smaller brother, the Polo GTI is primed to show what it can do with its recent launch Down Under. Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) took the compact hot-hatch to the top of the mountain – the Blue Mountains, to be precise – to let the… Read more

VIEW ALL OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST CARS TOGETHER

The Australian Motoring Festival will be a one-stop shop for new car browsers.

For the first time in one location, Australians will be able to walk around and study more than 40 of Australia’s best cars and see how they got their titles at the Australian Motoring Festival 26-29 March. Selected by the peak national motoring organisation, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), in partnership with the RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA, RACT and the AANT, Australia’s Best Cars awards covers 15 categories, informing buyers and automotive enthusiasts about the best vehicles available in this country, with information on safety, performance, affordability, and more…. Read more

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1995-2014

2008 Volkswagen Passat R36

Volkswagen Passat is a medium-large car aimed at those looking for a solid machine that should stand the test of time. Stylish it’s not, but that’s the way VW does its shapes, intending them to be timeless. There’s an exception in the Passat range, see the upcoming notes on the model tagged the ‘CC”. Passat shares quite a few out of sight components with upmarket Audis as that prestige marque is controlled by the Volkswagen Group these days. In the earlier days almost all Passat imports were four-door sedans but… Read more

GOLF WAGON NOW IN ‘LINE’ WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

The Volkswagen Golf station wagon has been given the option of an R-Line package, putting it in the company of other members of the VW family. Already enjoying the advantages of the highly valued options are the Golf, Beetle, Tiguan and Touareg. Now an R-Line optional package, in both Golf hatch and wagon models, builds on the standard equipment of the Highline 103 TSI and 110 TDI Golf models. For more than half a century the iF product design award has been a globally recognised hallmark, honouring outstanding design achievement…. Read more

TIGUAN WEIGHS IN WITH A TOUCH OF TOUAREG MUSCLE

The Volkswagen Tiguan continues to plough a lone furrow through the ranks of the small sports utility vehicle, one of the most competitive classes in the automotive world. Since its Australian debut in 2008, Volkswagen has continually sought to make additions and improvements to the Tiguan to satisfy the demands of increasingly sophisticated buyers. Recent upgrades to the range include introducing a more powerful diesel engine and unveiling a striking new flagship model. As well, all models now come standard with a rear-view camera, 6.5-inch colour touchscreen audio system, leather-wrapped… Read more

VOLKSWAGENS POLO PRIMPED UP

Volkswagen is running hot in Australia at the moment, particularly with sales of the evergreen Golf. Not content with that, VW Australia is keen to join the sales fray with the Golf’s smaller brother, the Polo. The light-car segment in Australia is dominated by cars from Korean and Japanese makers, selling at pretty low prices, so VW Australia trimmed it prices a few months back. Already sales seem to be on an upward path so we borrowed a Polo for a week to reacquaint ourselves with the little German machine…. Read more

VW LINES UP TEMPTING ‘MEALS’ ON WHEELS

Volkswagen Scirocco R

It was a case of car yum cha German style recently when Volkswagen wheeled out a tasty trolley load of its updated models for the Australian motoring media to nibble. The ‘Deutsche degustation’ consisted of the Tiguan SUV, classic town-and-country fare; members of the a la carte R-Line, including Golf, Beetle and Touareg; the Touareg R, a hearty piece of beef; and a sweet and spicy dessert, the Scirocco R, which will hit the Aussie automobile table sometime in the new year. Since its introduction in 2008, Volkswagen has considered… Read more

VW POLO IS EXCELLENT VALUE

Though a big hit in Europe, Volkswagen Polo lags significantly in sales behind its big brother Golf in Australia. That’s partly because the so-called light-car segment in Australia is dominated by Asian imports selling at low prices. VW Australia’s response is simple – it has trimmed it prices and the newly revised Polo starts at just $15,990 driveaway. Be aware that’s an introductory price, and will revert to $16,290 plus on-road costs within a few months; the exact timing has yet to be set, but don’t hesitate or you may… Read more