Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) hasannounced that a special batch of 3-door Golf R units is now open for booking. The very exclusive 3-door Golf R is limited to only 10 units in Malaysia, and is offered in Lapiz Blue. The 3-door Golf R is priced at RM268,888 (before registration).
Similar to its 5-door sibling, the 3-door Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19” Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators, and progressive steering.
However, the 3-door Golf R is not offered with KESSY keyless locking and engine starting system, exterior mirror memory function and power-adjustable driver seat. Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the Golf R is one of the most desirable Volkswagen models of all time, and the availability of the 3-door Golf R should have fans excited. “This truly is an opportunity for enthusiasts to be part of something special, as the 3-door Golf R is a rare beast here in Malaysia. With such a cult following, we are confident that all 10 units will be sold very quickly” he said.
VPCM also announced the new pricing of their cars, following the announcement of 0% GST starting from 1st June 2018.
The Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter encouraged owners whose Volkswagen cars are due for their service to make an appointment at their respective service centres and to take advantage of the 0% tax holiday. “Our commitment to our customers extends to our efforts in maintaining a strong level of transparency when it comes to owning a Volkswagen car, hence the availability of the service pricing guide,” he added.
VPCM is continuously working on enhancing the ownership experience, and part of this initiative was the introduction of the 3-year free maintenance program in early 2018, in addition to the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and 5-year roadside assistance offered on all Volkswagen models.
For a comprehensive list of the service pricing guide, visit: https://www.volkswagen.com.my/my-vw/service-maintenance-schedule.
For the full range of VW models sold in Malaysia and their price & specs, click this: https://www.volkswagen.com.my/models/models
I had me a ‘blond–moment‘ recently. “This is the 2.0L right?” to which I received an incredulous stare along the lines of ‘what planet are you from?’ from the amused VPCM comms manager…
In my defense, this new VW Tiguan felt so quick, I would have bet a months’ wages there was no way it could be powered by a puny 1.4-litre engine, who’s annual road-tax is a paltry RM70 a year. Here’s my in-car impression video, and please do ignore the part where I called it a two-litre…. duh:
The thing about the Tig (my pet name for it) though is that it only has 150Ps and 250Nm of torque from its 1,395cc turbocharged, direct injection, 4-cylinder engine; however, all 250 of that torques is available from as low as 1,500rpm.
Mated to a 6-speedDSG, to say that acceleration is quick would be a major understatement on my part, because this SUV is very, very fast off the line, and given enough road, it’ll top out well beyond 200kmh, and again, all this performance from a 1.4-litre 4-pot. I still can’t get my head around that to be honest, because my own car has exactly twice the capacity and is exactly twice as slow…
One thing though, unless you really, really need one, it’s best to not tick the box for the roof-rack option as seen on this test-unit, because early on I decided to rename it as the ‘roof-racket’ instead. Anything above 100kmh results in a terrific amount of wind-noise, and not to mention poorer fuel-efficiency due to drag. So yeah, the roof-racket is quite a drag… literally.
Now apart from that easily-solvable problem, the Tig is a remarkable mid-size SUV to drive. It’s a VW so you can be assured of excellent build quality and superb driving ergonomics, not to mention amazing levels of NVH suppression.
And there’s even more good news! Following the 0% GST which is to be implemented from 1st June 2018, the new Tiguan, available in two trim levels, is even cheaper now:
Tiguan
Comfortline
Was RM148,990
Now RM139,888
Highline
Was RM168,990
Now RM158,888
All in all, it’s really hard to fault the VW Tiguan 1.4 TSi. It’s great on gas, it’s cheap to run (still can’t get over that RM70 annual road tax!) and offers the kind of ride and handling that puts it at par with much bigger and more expensive SUVs in the market. Size wise, it makes for the perfect daily-runner and those who prefer a small-ish run-about insofar as SUVs are concerned, really need to give this one a gander. It really will surprise you. – Chris Wee.
Before we go, here’s another video on the new Tiguan during its launch a while back, from our friend Bobby Ang at #EVO Aurizn:
VW Tiguan 1.4 TSi Photo Gallery (Spec sheet / Brochure can be downloaded after the gallery)
In line with the newly-revised GST rate of zero percent by the Malaysian Government, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced the updated prices of its model range, effective 1st of June 2018.
The new prices will remain in effect, pending the reimplementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) by the Government. The table below lists the current recommended retail price (RRP) of Volkswagen models (with 6% GST) and the new RRP (with 0% GST) valid from the 1st of June 2018.
Model
Variant
Current Price with 6% GST
New Price Without GST
Polo
RM 76,888
RM 72,488
Vento
Comfortline
RM 86,888
RM 81,888
Highline
RM 93,888
RM 88,488
Jetta
Highline
RM 128,990
RM 121,488
Passat
Comfortine
RM 179,990
RM 169,488
Comfortline Plus
RM 184,980
RM 174,478
Highline
RM 198,990
RM 187,488
Tiguan
Comfortline
RM 148,990
RM 139,888
Highline
RM 168,990
RM 158,888
Beetle
Sport
RM 147,888
RM 139,488
Golf
Sportline
RM 155,990
RM 146,888
R-Line
RM 166,990
RM 157,488
GTI
RM 239,990
RM 225,888
R
RM 295,990
RM 278,888
Note: Prices listed are retail price and does not include insurance and registration.
With limited stocks available, customers should take this opportunity to place their bookings now as come 1 June, they will enjoy prices without GST as well as the current ongoing Raya promotions.
The Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said that the Malaysian public is in a position to benefit from the current situation. “This period in time is a windfall for Malaysians, and so I would like to urge those considering our products to grab this opportunity as there is no better time to own a Volkswagen. Customer peace of mind is always a priority for us, and we want to be able to provide this during the transition period until the implementation of the SST. We want our customers to benefit from the revised prices, and enjoy our ongoing promotions,” he added.
VPCM is currently running its ‘Fuel Up Your Gaya’ promotion, where customers can enjoy low interest rates of 0.88% per annum and cash rebates of up to RM15,000 on selected Volkswagen models. Additionally, those who purchase a Volkswagen (till 30th June 2018) will also receive a petrol card worth RM1,188.
On top of that, every new Volkswagen comes with a 5-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty, 5-Year Roadside Assistance and 3 Years of Free Service. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
With the festive season coming up, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has an array of offerings and special deals to help make it a rewarding one with the Volkswagen ‘Fuel Up Your Gaya’ campaign.
Volkswagen will help you fuel up your style this coming festivities by throwing in a free Petrol Card worth RM1,188 for all models booked and registered from now till 30 June 2018. On top of that, enjoy great savings and low interest rates on selected Volkswagen models while stocks last. See chart below for details…
Model
Savings from
Low Interest
Petrol Voucher
Monthly loan from
Polo
RM4,000
Yes
RM802
Vento Comfortline
RM10,000
From 0.88%
Yes
RM833
Jetta Highline
RM8,000
Yes
RM1,237
Beetle Sport
RM5,000
Yes
RM1,418
Passat Comfortline
RM15,000
From 0.88%
Yes
RM1,726
Passat Highline
RM4,000
Yes
RM1,908
Tiguan Comfortline
Tiguan Highline (below)
RM2,000
Yes
RM1,554
Tiguan WILD
+ Accessory package worth RM5,099
RM2,000
No. (just kidding, YES lah. – Ed.)
RM1,554
Note: Terms and conditions apply. Monthly loan based on 9-year loan with 10% down payment
As of 1st January 2018, all Volkswagen cars come with a free 3-year maintenance programme, which means customers will not have to worry about service cost for the first three years or 45,000km of ownership (whichever comes first). The programme covers all maintenance costs, as per the standard maintenance schedule, with the exception of wear-and-tear parts such as brake discs, pads, windscreen wipers and bulbs.
To qualify for the campaign, vehicle bookings must be made within the promotion period and is subject to terms and conditions while stocks lasts. For more information, visit your nearest authorized Volkswagen dealership or visit www.volkswagen.com.my
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting bookings for the new Volkswagen Golf variants at all Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. The Golf family consists of the Golf TSI in Sportline and R-Line, the iconic Golf GTI and performance-driven Golf R.
The new Golf family retains the charisma of past models with the unmistakeable design, and has been updated with details such as redesigned bumpers, new conceptualised headlights and LED tail lights. Here’s a quick 2-minute 360-degree video of the new Golf family:
Launched in 1974, the Golf is the Volkswagen brand’s most successful model, and has played a major role in the automotive industry by setting standards in the compact class and pioneering the advancement of leading vehicle technologies. It has won numerous awards, including “Compact Family Car of the Year” by UK’s Auto Express, and “Best Small Car” in the 2017 Daily News Autos Award.
Recognised the world over, the first Golf GTI invented the hot hatch category when it was launched. No surprise then that it was awarded as the “Most Influential Car of All Time” by UK motoring magazine Autocar UK.
The ultimate performance hatch, the Golf R has set and broken numerous track records around the world. On the road and track, its appeal lies in the fact that it is one of the most well-rounded cars available in the market.
To date, more than 34 million units of the Golf in its different body variants have been produced and sold around the world. A new Golf was built, purchased and delivered every 40 seconds, on average, over the past four decades.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above & below) is confident that the new Golf family will be well-received in Malaysia as it already has a strong local following. “With the introduction of four variants, there is a Golf for everyone. We are certain that the range will fulfil the expectations and desires of Golf fans here in Malaysia” he added.
VPCM is also offering Malaysians the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria. The contest is currently ongoing and will end on the 27th of March 2018. Details can be found at the Volkswagen Malaysia website.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the new Golf GTI and Golf R at the upcoming Volkswagen Tours. The GTI will be on display at AEON Bandar Dato Onn in Johor Bahru, on the 27th March till 1st April, while the Golf R will make its local debut at 1 Utama Shopping Centre from 28 March till 1 April 2018.
Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my
More on the new Golf family…
First a quick interior video comparing the VW Golf R and the iconic VW Golf GTI! (individual models highlights, specs and price after the video)
Golf 1.4 TSI
Price: RM155,990 (Sportline)
Price: RM169,990 (R-Line)
The Golf 1.4 TSI is available in both Sportline and R-Line. Under the hood of both variants is a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 7-speed dry clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. The Golf R-Line comes with ‘Vienna’ leather seats, 17” Singapore alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” composition media with App-Connect as well as LED headlights with Static and Dynamic Cornering Lights.
Golf GTI
Price: RM239,990
The ultimate hot hatch, the Golf GTI features a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). Output is an impressive 230PS with torque of 350Nm between 1,500 to 4,600rpm. The Golf GTI comes with GTI ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 18” Milton Keynes alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” Discover Media with App-Connect, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with driving mode selection.
Golf R
Price: RM295,990
A true performance powerhouse, the Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19” Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and progressive steering.
Set against an Alpine backdrop along the shores of Lake Wörth or Wörthersee as it is known in German, the tranquil town of Reifnitz transforms every May into a giant automobile playground to celebrate the Golf GTI. Since 1982, the town has hosted the “Wörthersee Treffen”, an annual gathering of GTI enthusiasts.
What began as a small gathering of GTI owners is now a full-fledged festival of modified, classic and vintage Volkswagen cars attracting over 100,000 fans around the world. This year marks the 37th year of the event, and it promises to be quite a show. Check out the video from last year!
For the first time ever, and in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the new Golf family, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering fans in Malaysia the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to the annual Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria.
The contest is divided into two rounds. In Round One, participants are required to answer 10 Golf-related questions in the fastest time, and the top three fastest participant will advance to the Grand Finale. The Grand Finale promises to be a nail-biting experience, as the three finalists will be battling it out in a Live Quiz finale at the Volkswagen Tour happening in 1 Utama Shopping Centre on the 31st of March 2018.
The grand prize? An all-expense paid trip for two to join the thousands of GTI fans around the world in Austria!So rev up, and take on the ultimate Golf challenge!
This is how you get to Worthersee…
ROUND 1: · Participants are required to register and complete their personal details on Volkswagen Malaysia’s website (https://www.volkswagen.com.my/GTIWorthersee) · The contest will run from 20th March till27th March, at 11:59pm · Participants may take part in a practice round to familiarize themselves with the mechanics as many times, before they begin the Quiz. · Participants are required to answer a set of 10 multiple choice questions in the fastest amount of time. · Each participant may submit multiple entries during the contest period. · Three (3) finalists will be selected to compete in the Grand Finale.
ROUND 2 (GRAND FINALE): (Live Quiz Round, 1Utama Shopping Centre) · Three finalists will compete head-to-head in a live quiz hosted at the Volkswagen Tour in 1Utama Shopping Centre on the 31st March 2018. · The Winner will be selected based on the fastest time, the most number of correct answers, subject to the decision by the panel of judges and announced at the event.
It’s quite a mouthful isn’t it? Volkswagen Passat Comfortline Plus 280 TSI 7-speed DSG. Okay, so that last bit with the mention of its gearbox isn’t really in the official name, I just added it in for effect and because I’m silly that way…
But while we’re at it, let’s dissect that “280” badge on the boot shall we? Well, apparently it denotes the torque figure, but this Comfortline Plus 1.8 variant only has 250Nm, so why “280” then? VW says that if the torque figure falls between a certain range, they’ll just take the higher numeric and stick it on the boot. Wait, what?
It’s all part of a new naming nomenclature that began last year, whereby the VW Group has chosen to use the torque figure to denote which variant of the car it is, simple as that.
If you’re still with me, let’s try to forget all that because it really isn’t relevant to the car at hand. Here’s my take on the car, summed up in a short video:
It really is nice actually, and as you can see from the video below, it looks strikingly good as well. Here’s a quick 360-degree external walk-around video, followed by the 5 main things I love about this car:
The Clock…
No joke, wanna know one of the coolest things about the Passat interior? It’s the clock. Seriously, situated smack-dab in the centre of the dashboard sits this wonderful analogue clock. Now I don’t know about you but to me, in this digital-age, digital clocks really cheapen the looks of a car. I don’t care if it cost millions or mere thousands, a digital clock cheapens any car that it’s used in. Period.
Thankfully, the one in this Passat looks glorious. I absolutely love the simplicity of it, and the thought given to where it’s placed deserves mention too; anyone in the car can see it, regardless of where they’re sitting.
The Engine…
Like me, I’m sure anyone test-driving this car will not believe it’s a 1.8-litre 4-pot, especially when ‘Sport’ mode is selected, followed by vigourous fingering of the paddle shifts. I should have worded that better I think, but you get what I mean.
There’s a definite Dr.Jeckyll & Mr.Hyde thing going on under that bonnet because ‘Sport’ mode really does bring out the beast in this car, and while normal cruising rewards the occupants with a smooth and effortless ride, ‘Sport’ mode alters this cars’ personality to the ‘nth degree.
The Design…
It’s a subjective matter of course, but in terms of design and aesthetic appeal, despite being a ‘safe’ choice as I mentioned in the video, there’s still something about how this car looks from the outside that’s uncannily appealing.
It’s not in the least bit ostentatious, however, the Passat manages to pull-off looking sporty and aggressive, and yet stylish at the same time. There’s just something about that front-end that captures your attention and holds it. Double-takes were very prevalent during the time I had the car…
The Ride…
Here’s another trick akin to what the designers pulled-off insofar as looks are concerned, that the engineers accomplished as well. The car runs on 18-inch alloys, but you’d never know it because the suspension manages to soak-up even the worst undulations and asphalt irregularities, which abound in this country.
At the same time, the Passat feels stable and reassuring in twists and turns taken more ‘spiritedly’. It’s not a GTI and shouldn’t be thought of as one, but it will hold its own during the odd occasion you find yourself alone on a stretch of road that would be a sin to not take advantage of. Yes, I know you know what I mean…
The Ownership Experience…
I had a bet the other day with a friend that I could drive a car for 5km and know exactly everything I’d need to know about it for the purposes of a review. I was bullshitting of course, and while reliability and cost of ownership are things that I can’t comment about for this Passat, I can say that having had it for a longer period of time than usual, it’s a brilliant ownership proposition.
This is the kind of car that would be ideal as a company car, daily commuter and weekend family-time car as well. It’s big, spacious, comfortable and very well appointed (FULL specs, click here). That’s my driving position in the photo above and look at the space available at the back. Some carmakers shorten the length of the rear seat for added legroom, this is not the case with the Passat.
So as I said in the video, despite not seeing this car much on the road, it is a definite worthy consideration for anyone seeking a D-segment car in the RM180k range. By all means go test the other multitude of D-segmenters from Germany, Japan, S.Korea, and even the USA. But do yourself a favour… save the VW Passat for last. – Chris Wee.
VW Passat 1.8TSI Comfortline PLUS Specs That Matter…
Price: RM179,990 + RM4,990 for PLUS upgrades
6.5″ touchscreen display radio ‘Composition Media’ with USB, SD Card slot, Bluetooth and AUX-In
‘Climatronic’ air-conditioning system with 3-zone temperature control
Front leather seats with 12-way electric adjust with massage and memory for driver
‘Easy open’ rear boot and Keyless Entry and Push Start
Electronic parking brake, auto hold and hill hold control
Park Assist 3.0
Adaptive LED lighting system
Rear view camera with 4 views
6 airbags
Power & Torque…
The 1.8TSI which is powering this Comfortline PLUS has 180PS and 250Nm @ 1250rpm – 5000rpm with the combined fuel efficiency of 5.7l/100km.
For the record, the 2.0TSI which is powering the Highline has 220PS and 350Nm @ 1500rpm – 4400rpm with the combined fuel efficiency of 6.2l/100km.
PLUS upgrades worth RM12,000
‘Monterey’ alloy wheels 8J x 18″
Window tinting by VW Tint
For full details, warranties and official price, click here.
