Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) telah mengeluarkan notis penarikan balik (recall) bagi model-model tertentu yang dikeluarkan antara tahun 2010 hingga 2014. Program recall ini melibatkan sebanyak 6,671 kenderaan.
Model-model yang perlu diperiksa termasuk Golf GTI generasi ke-enam, Eos, Passat CC, Polo, Beetle, dan Vento. Fokus recall ini melibatkan kenderaan yang dilengkapi dengan airbag hadapan.
Masalah ini berkaitan dengan propelan penjana airbag. Kerosakan ini dipercayai disebabkan oleh pendedahan yang berpanjangan kepada kelembapan tinggi dan fluktuasi suhu.
Sebagai tindak balas terhadap isu ini, VPCM berkata yang ia sedang bekerjasama dengan pengedar untuk memastikan spare part tersedia untuk memudahkan proses recall. Penarikan balik (recall) akan dilaksanakan secara berperingkat di tahap kebangsaan untuk menguruskan jumlah kes yang terlibat.
Pemilik kenderaan yang dikenal pasti akan menerima notis melalui e-mel dan WhatsApp, dengan menggunakan maklumat dari pangkalan data Volkswagen.
Bagi mereka yang membeli kenderaan dari pemilik sebelumnya atau peniaga kereta terpakai, disyorkan untuk menghubungi pengedar Volkswagen yang terdekat untuk pengesahan.
Jika penggantian bahagian diperlukan, VPCM menjamin bahawa semua penggantian yang diperlukan untuk perkhidmatan tersebut akan disediakan tanpa sebarang kos.
Untuk memeriksa sama ada kenderaan mereka tertakluk kepada arahan penarikan balik, pemilik boleh melawat laman web penarikan balik yang khusus (https://www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-service/repair-and-service/service-action) dan memasukkan nombor VIN 17-digit mereka, yang terletak di bahagian kiri bawah cermin hadapan kenderaan.
VPCM berkata yang syarikat itu berkomitmen untuk memberikan keutamaan kepada keselamatan pelanggan dan menggalakkan tindakan segera dari semua pemilik kenderaan yang terkesan untuk memastikan penyelesaian yang cepat dan berkesan kepada arahan recall ini.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has issued a recall for certain models manufactured between 2010 and 2014, affecting a total of 6,671 vehicles.
The models subject to inspection include the sixth generation Golf GTI, Eos, Passat CC, Polo, Beetle, and Vento. The focus of the recall is on vehicles equipped with a specific driver front airbag gas generator housing.
The concern revolves around the degradation of the front driver airbag housing generator’s propellant. This deterioration is attributed to prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperature fluctuations. The potential consequence is an increased risk of injury to both the driver and passengers.
In response to this issue, VPCM has collaborated with its dealer partners to ensure the availability of necessary parts and to facilitate a smooth and efficient recall process. The nationwide recall will be executed in phases to effectively manage the number of affected cases.
Owners of the identified vehicles will receive notifications through email and WhatsApp, utilizing information from the Volkswagen database. For those who acquired their vehicles from previous owners or used car dealerships, an urgent recommendation is made to contact the nearest Volkswagen authorized dealer for verification.
In the event that parts replacement is required, VPCM assures owners that all labor and replacement parts necessary for the service will be provided at no cost. To check whether their vehicle is subject to the recall, owners can visit the dedicated recall webpage (https://www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-service/repair-and-service/service-action) and enter their 17-digit VIN number, located at the bottom left of the vehicle’s windscreen.
VPCM is committed to prioritizing the safety of its customers and encourages prompt action from all affected vehicle owners to ensure a swift and effective resolution to this recall.
Do you live in an urban area with mad traffic? Somewhere like KL, Penang or even JB? Do you work long hours at the office and take pride in working overtime? Perhaps you have spent years and years of your life working up the corporate ladder and now you are almost at the top.
Your family life is near perfect. Kids are in school, your trophy wife is dedicated to ensuring the home always remains comfortable and the kids balance their time between work and play.
And now it has come time to reward yourself.
But you are a price conscious man. You do not want to spend too much money on a car that takes you to work and home and back to your parents home in a town three to four hours away every three to four months away. But we are talking about a Volkswagen here, so you can accept a little bit of depreciation.
Or maybe you are none of the above and just want a nice car to go about your daily business then. It does not matter what category you fall into, or if there is even a category to define you.
Lets then talk about the Volkswagen Passat R-Line – a car so fine that you won’t mind spending hours stuck in traffic in it. And yet it falls short of being perfect.
What we love about it:
Design
The design of the Passat has come a long way. Even without the R-line kit the Passat is already a handsome car, but the R-line kit simply accentuates its good looks and adds a dash of sportiness to it. The R-line gives you bigger, sportier wheels, sports bumpers, a sportier steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, and a lot more inside and outside the car, but it does not add more power and add any electronic gizmo. Everything else remains the same.
We particularly loved it in white and as the saying goes, if you don’t look back at your car after parking it, you bought the wrong car. The Passat R-line had us looking back at it a lot, and we think you will too.
Interior
The interior is spacious and comfortable. The drivers seat is adjustable in 14 different ways, so it is impossible to not get comfortable in it.
We particularly appreciate how well built everything feels, and though it does not exude luxury and opulence, it is a great place to be in. When compared to the competition in its segment especially the current throne-sitters like the Camry and Accord, the Passat and its European build and style makes it feel as if it were a bargain at a little under RM205,000.
And yes, it is more expensive than its segment competitors and price-wise at least, it deserves to be put up against the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. And even then it would still seem like a bargain as you get so much more living space for a lot cheaper.
If you don’t mind the badge, then the Passat offers a lot more value for money than its Euro rivals. And if you don’t mind spending a little more than the Asians, you will love the interior ambiance and comforts.
Technology
During the entire review period, the Passat appealed to the techie in us. Whether it was the digital meter panel or the eight speaker sound system, or the armada of safety technologies, the Passat has plenty of tech to offer.
The Wireless App-Connect smartphone connectivity in particular was shockingly easy to use. The iPhone connected to the onboard Apple CarPlay quickly and drama free, and most importantly, wirelessly. It was perfect and for those of you who suffer from cable-anxiety where you have to carry cables everywhere, this tech is God sent. Sadly, this tech is only available for Apple iPhone users, Android users will still need to suffer the inelegance of carrying cables around.
The drive mode selector too is just two quick dabs of a button away – touch the Drive Mode button located by the gear shifter and then touch the 9.2-inch screen to select your preferred mode. The Passat R-line has five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual, which lets you adjust things like steering wheel heft, accelerator pedal sensitivity and gear shift speed. Because the Passat also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control, you can also adjust how comfortable the car feels, a plush for those highways cruises, and hard suspension for when you feel like attacking corners and for ultimate chassis and suspension response.
Power and Economy
We hear the groans, yes we know 190PS (187hp) and 320Nm of torque does not warrant us talking about power, but it honestly feels good enough in the Passat.
Keep in mind that this is a car that has been designed for comfort and safety for the family. Yes this is a family man’s car, and we beg of you not to kit it up with a spoiler and loud ‘wannabe’ akrapovic exhaust kit, because that will just make you look stupid and the car is not designed for this (yes, there actually are people that do such things to a Passat).
The Passat R-line is designed for the daily grind, and that’s what it does best – to keep you comfortable and to keep your money in your wallet and not poured into the fuel tank. Volkswagen Malaysia says the Passat R-line needs just 6.5 litres of fuel for every 100km, real world figures suggest something along those lines and up to 7.6 litres for every 100km when you’re not flooring the right pedal all the time. But we do believe their claim that the Passat is capable of 1,000km per tank. Of course this depends on your driving style, but if you keep your right foot on a leash, those figures are achievable.
All-round daily runner
This is what we love the Passat for, a no-nonsense, fuss-free, comfortable, loving car. It has everything you will want in a car and has it all packaged handsomely. It is a car that you can drive to the office and to impress your clients and to show that you are a person with taste yet don’t want to spend silly money on a car that ultimately does not give you back as much. It is also a car that your family will love and will also ultimately impress the cousins and kampung folks with its good looks.
But there are also things that we don’t quite like, such as ….
Road Noise
The 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato P7 (235/40 R19) rubbers are good in the wet and have decent dry weather handling, but are extremely noisy at highway speed. And this noise creeps back into the cabin to the point where you actually have to raise your voice significantly to have a conversation. This can get irritating and uncomfortable at highway speed. It is particularly annoying when you have to make and accept phone calls, hands free of course.
Confusing entertainment system and a screen that loves fingerprints
As great as the entertainment system is, we suspect that non-tech inclined drivers and passengers will find the onboard systems a little confusing to use. There is no doubt that the systems are especially friendly towards iPhone users (no complains there for this iPhone user), but the entire Discover Pro entertainment system requires a little getting used.
As for the screen that too easily smudges, this irritates the neat freak in us because the screen somehow does not cope very well with all that fingering around. After a day’s driving, the screen is full of smudges. Of course there is a way around it and that is to visit your favourite accessories story and to install a screen protector. It is not a deal breaker, but still very irritating.
Uninspiring dashboard
Yes yes we were raving about how well built the interior feels and all that jazz, but if you are artistically inclined the design of the dashboard may leave you longing for more. Of course less is always more, and the overall interior quality feels great, but as far as exciting interior designs go, the dash of the Passat will perhaps leave you longing for more after a while.
All in all …
There is little not to love about the Volkswagen Passat, especially in R-line trim. It may be pricey especially when compared to the Japanese rivals, but you get good value for money. There are plenty of complaints about Volkswagen and retaining its used car prices, but we are firm believers in living in the moment and worrying about the future when the time comes, so if you want a car that looks good and makes you feel great as well, then the Passat R-line checks all the boxes.
And for those concerned about owning a Volkswagen, the company has heard of such concerns and now offers a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 year free maintenance as well as 5 year free roadside assistance. Talk about drama free ownership.
There was a time when the Volkswagen Golf was the de facto go to car if you wanted something cheap and reliable as your daily runner.
Today though, the Golf is far from cheap (in Malaysia at least), but for some, it is still the ideal day to day companion.
Price & Competition:
At RM178,110, this Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line with Sound & Style package is punching above its weight; it is up against some of the finest from Europe and Japan.
Take the new Mazda CX-5 Turbo for example, it offers more living room, more power and comes with the decades old seal of Japanese reliability. A seal trusted by many.
Then there is the BMW 1-Series, the entry-level pawn to the world of Bavarian motoring. The Golf may better in some aspects, but let’s face it, in Malaysia, a BMW holds a lot more bling-factor than VW when arriving at a family dinner party. That’s just how we roll.
What is it like?
There are many other great options in the market too that would happily thumb their nose at the VW. So, what’s the case for the Golf then?
A lot actually. As I found out after a couple of days with one.
I like its size for one. It makes it easier to “kung-fu” your way around traffic jams and snug into parking lots.
I also like the interior and its fine quality, decent leg and shoulder space. Maybe not for the rear passengers though as it can get quite cramped back there.
It is also surprisingly quiet at all speeds, something that I think is extremely important in modern cars. Find a car with great insulation and you will be one step closer to finding the perfect car.
What we like about it:
Features like cruise control are nifty to have, but it is features like a Speed Limiter that make my list of must haves in a car. Why? Well, I spend a significant amount of time on highways, and I sometimes involuntarily creep into speeds that will amuse the “pak ciks” sitting beneath the overhead passes. They have sent me a couple of letters telling me how they are such big fans of my speeding habits.
These days I prefer to set the limit and just let my mind wander. Speed guns have nothing on a car with a speed limiter.
Friends say I’m getting dull, but I have come to appreciate regular, negligible features such as an auto dimming rear view mirror, rear air-conditioning vents, dual-zone temperature control. In fact I appreciate these features so much that anything lesser just doesn’t cut it anymore.
And there’s also features like the app-connect smartphone connectivity that launches either the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto applications, depending on which part of the never ending apple vs android war you are aligned to.
You access these apps via a 12.3-inch high-definition touch screen display that seems more like an on-board computer screen than an entertainment unit. Which is a good thing, simply because you spend so much time in a car that entertainment and the way you access it is important. You could have 500hp under your right foot, but when you’re stuck in traffic all that power is useless. A good entertainment system though goes a long way, traffic or not.
And this particular model with its sound and style package has quite a bit of entertainment to offer since it comes with a 300W Helix sound bar placed in the booth (seen below). This gives you rich bass that wouldn’t be out of place in a Dr Dre rap video, and makes you want to take the long way home since you would probably want to spend more time with your 90s hip-hop playlist.
The package also gives you aluminium sports pedal and side scuff plates, but the sound bar is easily the coolest part about this package. If you don’t mind the RM4,000 premium over the standard golf and don’t mind sacrificing some space in the booth, spend on the Sound & Style package.
Engine, Power and Performance:
When it comes to driving it, the Golf offers a plush ride, dull but precise handling and an aura that matches its expensive price tag. Of course not as indulging as its elder siblings, the GTI or the R, but there’s always a little hint that it wants to play behind all that vanilla character. Perhaps it is the R-line specific design with the rear spoiler, sill extension and 17-inch wheels, or perhaps it is the way it holds on to its gears in Sport mode, and lets you ride the wall of torque just the way a classic hot hatch would. Either way, there is a fun side to the Golf, but it runs out of breath pretty quickly.
That’s not to say that it is a sports car on a budget since the 1.4-litre TSI engine only makes 150PS (147hp) and 250Nm of torque. But to make it feel sportier than it really is, it offers three driving modes – Sports, Normal and Eco – and another called Individual that lets you customize how the steering feels, how quickly the throttle responds to your foot and how quickly the seven gears shift. It doesn’t do anything to the suspension though, so you could ask the car to be at its sportiest, but you can’t do anything about its softish suspension, which kinda takes the fun away.
Sportiness may not be part of this Golf though, but fuel economy definitely is. It’s 50-litre tank capable of taking you past the 600km mark depending on whether you tickled the pedal or consistently stomp the hell out it.
Should you buy it?
So why isn’t such a well-sorted car enjoying brisk-er sales in Malaysia?
When it comes to the asking price, the Golf sits in a rather awkward position. It sits in a spot where buyers who have the money are willing to pay the RM50,000 or so for a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW. Because that amount translates to just a few hundred Ringgit in monthly installments and just a few thousand more in downpayment. So why the hell not?
But that’s probably the only case against the Golf considering there really isn’t much not to like.
You could argue that its rather expensive for a hatchback, but that would be missing the point of a modern Golf. It may have been go-to car for cheap and cheerful cars once upon a time ago, but the Golf has grown up to be one that pampers and indulges your senses in a way only a continental car can. And that means forking out more money.
But then again, if you don’t give a damn about the brand like some of us and would get a Golf because you like well-engineered cars, I’d say hold back a little longer and go for the complete package instead – the GTI. That’s where things get serious very quickly.
Got plans this weekend? Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced a nationwide Chinese New Year Open House at all its authorized dealerships. The Chinese New Year nationwide open house will take place on Saturday 16th February, from 11am till 5pm at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships in the country. Visitors will enjoy ongoing CNY savings up to RM20,000 and Volkswagen owners can take advantage of ongoing aftersales offers.
At the open house event, there will be food, “Yee Sang” and mini activities for the whole family. Find out more about your favourite Volkswagen models, get up close and test drive these models. Volkswagen owners will receive a free battery check and if a battery change is recommended, enjoy 20% discount on new batteries starting from RM365 depending on model. Promotion ends 28th February. Additionally, there is also a tyre promotion where Continental tyres are available from as low as RM184 and comes with free installation, balancing and alignment.
All Volkswagen models come with 3 years’ free maintenance, 5 years’ manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years’ roadside assistance. For more information, visit https://www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-events .
VPCM is inviting you to celebrate Chinese New Year by inviting good luck and prosperity. The Chinese character “Fuu” means good luck and the reason why it is hung upside down is to symbolize that good fortune will come pouring in. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is kicking off its Chinese New Year celebration by offering great savings on all of its current models and it is enough to turn anyone upside down!
Below are the models and savings that are subjected to terms and conditions while stocks last.
Model
Savings up to
Monthly
Polo
RM6,000
RM720
Vento Comfortline
RM12,000
RM760
Vento Highline
RM8,000
RM870
Golf R-Line
RM4,000
RM1,767
Golf GTI
RM2,000
RM2,550
Golf R
RM2,000
RM3,155
Tiguan Highline
RM5,000
RM1,680
Passat Comfortline
RM20,000
RM1,635
Passat Highline
RM6,000
RM1,976
Beetle Sport
RM2,000
RM1,569
Note: Savings applicable for 2018 year make and limited stock available. Monthly calculation based on 9-year loan tenure with 10% down payment and based on 2.8% interest rate.
Volkswagen customers are always a top priority and here is a reminder to keep safe this festive season. For those looking to change their tyres, be sure to check out the ongoing tyre deals from as low as RM184 with free installation, balancing and alignment depending on the number of tyres purchased.
For peace of mind, there is also a battery campaign where all Volkswagen owners can visit authorized dealerships for a free battery check. Those in need of a battery change will enjoy 20% discount off new batteries starting from RM365 depending on model. This battery deal will run from 15th January till 28th February.
All Volkswagen models come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. For more information, visit an authorized Volkswagen dealership or go to www.volkswagen.com.my
HOT NEWS!Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced an extension of the tax holiday for its range of models with the Price Protection Scheme. The Scheme covers all Volkswagen models registered from now till 15th November 2018, while stocks last. With the upcoming implementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on the 1st of September 2018, any difference in the vehicle price based on the current 0% GST prices will be absorbed by VPCM.
The Scheme is applicable to all Volkswagen models sold in Malaysia, both locally assembled and imported. However, there is also limited availability of stocks and customers should take this opportunity to place their booking for a new Volkswagen and enjoy the Price Protection Scheme to avoid disappointment.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above) said “The response in the past three month since the announcement of 0% GST has been overwhelming and we have been trying to keep up with the demand for stock. The introduction of this Price Protection Scheme is a way for VPCM to assure our customers that we have their best interest at heart, so we urge customers to place their bookings now and enjoy the extended tax holidays”.
All Volkswagen models come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is set to make history once again with the launch of “Volkswagen Marketplace”, an e-platform where customers can reserve a Volkswagen car and enjoy exclusive online offers. A first-of-its-kind platform in Malaysia, Volkswagen Marketplace launches with an exclusive online-only deal on only 20 units of the Passat 1.8TSI Trendline Cyber.
These units are offered at an amazing online price of RM135,888 and comes with 5-year free maintenance, and 1-year free insurance. Customers will also be able to enjoy a low interest rate of 0.88% per annum on the Passat 1.8TSI Trendline Cyber.
Under the hood of the Passat 1.8TSI Trendline Cyber is the 1.8L TSI turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). This combination provides an output of 180PS and torque of 250Nm between 1,250rpm and 5,000rpm. Four colours are available for the Passat – Pure White, Deep Black, Indium Grey and Reflex Silver.
To make a booking, customers just need to follow a few simple steps to select their model, preferred dealer and submit in their details. A reservation will need to be accompanied by a credit card payment of RM1,500 (reservation fee), this amount will be deducted from the total price of the selected car. A Volkswagen sales representative will be in touch with the new owner to finalise the purchase until the car is fully registered and ready for collection.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the idea of creating an e-platform such as Volkswagen Marketplace had been in the pipeline for some time, and the recent success of VPCM’s partnership with Lazada further spurred the idea. “The rise of e-commerce has changed the way people shop, and selling 12 Beetles on Lazada in just 20 minutes confirmed our belief that Malaysians are ready and receptive to buying cars online. This as an important development for the brand and we are very excited to be able to bring Volkswagen Marketplace to Malaysia. Volkswagen Marketplace is a permanent platform for us, and we will be regularly updating it with new offers, so interested customers should definitely keep on a lookout for them”
The Volkswagen Marketplace is easy and simple to use. These are the five simple steps to follow once the customer logs on to the Marketplace.
Step 1: Select Volkswagen model.
Step 2: Select the preferred dealership.
Step 3: Enter customer details to continue with the reservation.
Step 4: Finalise reservation by submitting a fee of RM1,500 (credit card only)
Step 5: The selected dealer will guide and assist the customer throughout the purchase process, car registration up till the car delivery/collection.
All Volkswagen models now come with 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and 5-year roadside assistance. For more information, visit marketplace.volkswagen.com.my
Yes read you that right. But not that. What are we on about? Well it’s that time of year again and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is inviting everyone to their Raya Open House, this Saturday June 30th from 11am to 5pm, happening at all VPCM showrooms nationwide!
“As the event falls on the final day of Volkswagen’s Raya Promotion, this festive occasion is the perfect time to take advantage of rebates of up to RM15,000, low interest rates from as low as 0.88% (per annum), and a free petrol card worth RM1,188. Combined with the current tax holiday of 0% GST, visitors are ensured the best of what Volkswagen has to offer. Additionally, there is also a 20% discount offered on all official Volkswagen merchandise sold at the dealerships during the Open House” – VPCM.
And of course, no #VW Blue Durian Raya Open House is complete without a feast of Hari Raya delicacies for everyone. For more information, visit any authorized VW dealership or visit www.volkswagen.com.my
