Things are certainly picking up in the car industry as increasing activity is evident. New models that may have been delayed are now appearing in showrooms to revitalise interest among car-buyers.
The latest is from Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) which has just launched the UNITED range. Consisting of the Passat and Tiguan, the limited edition range celebrates ‘the strength of unity, a trait deeply embedded in the Volkswagen brand’.
Volkswagen Original Accessories added
Two new unique items from Volkswagen Original Accessories are introduced with the UNITED models: dynamic wheel hub caps with a self-levelling logo that stays upright while the car is in motion, and LED door lights that project the Volkswagen logo when the front doors are opened (Passat only).
The Passat UNITED is priced at RM193,856 and comes with accessories worth a total of RM12,000. Additional accessories include aluminium sports pedals and side scuff plates, new 19-inch Verona alloy wheels, VW Tint and the UNITED emblem.
Priced at RM166,108, The Tiguan UNITED has a front sports bumper, rear spoiler, chrome boot garnish, load lip protector, chrome exhaust tip, VW tint and the UNITED emblem, all worth RM4,000.
VPCM Managing Director Erik Winter explained that the UNITED range is introduced as a symbol of solidarity rooted within the brand. “While there is a connection between our UNITED range and Volkswagen’s involvement in football, the significance of the name and what it represents could not be more relevant today, with the challenges we are facing. Additionally, a core principle of the Volkswagen brand is #wenotme, which emphasises on unity and togetherness,” he said.
Save RM1,000 this weekend
This weekend, authorised Volkswagen dealerships are hosting a virtual Raya Open House on their respective social media channels. They are offering an additional RM1,000 rebate on any Volkswagen models booked during the weekend online.
Additional deals
An additional deal for the Tiguan offers the first 6 months of H-P instalments covered by Volkswagen if the SUV is registered by June 30, 2020. The Passat also comes with free insurance coverage for the first year. There is also the free home delivery service for customers within a 20-km radius of the dealership.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my for more information or to locate a showroom in Malaysia.
It took some 14 years for the original Volkswagen Beetle to reach a cumulative production volume of 500,000 units, becoming the German carmaker’s bestseller for many years. Today, the bestselling model in the Volkswagen Group is the Tiguan and it reached the first 500,000 units within 8 years after being launched.
Thereafter, as its popularity grew, the cumulative volume rose very quickly and 13 years after launch, it crossed the 6 million mark last month. In fact, just last year alone, total Tiguan production was 910,926 units. On average, a brand new unit left the production line every 35 seconds in one of the company’s Tiguan factories in 2019.
Concept Tiguan displayed in 2006 was a preview of the Tiguan a year before it was launched.
Right timing for SUV boom
The Tiguan arrived in the market at the right time when the SUV boom was accelerating. Sold in 80% of countries in the world (including Malaysia), it is the most successful SUV on the market in Europe.
The SUV arrived in Malaysia in 2008.
It was launched at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show, a year after Volkswagen had previewed the compact new model at the Los Angeles Auto Show as the Concept Tiguan. With demand for SUVs growing – especially smaller SUVs – the Tiguan was a popular choice for many buyers.
The second generation
The second-generation arrived on the market in April 2016. Where the first generation had sat on the PQ46 platform of the Passat (B6), the new one adopted the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB). This more versatile platform allowed the designers to develop a more authentic and muscular SUV with a considerably roomier cabin owing to the longer wheelbase.
Launch of the second generation in Malaysia in 2017.
The model line was expanded in 2017 with the debut of a second Tiguan variant for some markets. It was an XL version with a wheelbase extended by 110 mm and could include a third row of seats.
This variant was sold in North America, Europe and China. Since being added to the line-up, the long-wheelbase Tiguan accounts for 55% of the sales. The powertrains are common to the standard model but in China, a plug-in hybrid powertrain was made available last year.
Long-wheelbase XL variant.
The Tiguan is currently manufactured at four Volkswagen plants spread across four time zones. The normal wheelbase (NWB) version is manufactured at Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, for markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The plant in Russia produces the NWB vehicles for the Russian market and for neighbouring Central Asian countries. In Shanghai, Volkswagen manufactures the LWB Tiguan L for the Chinese market while the plant in Mexico supplies to North and South America and for markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
It is also assembled in Malaysia at the HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) complex in Pekan, Pahang.
As part of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia’s continuous efforts to enhance the ownership experience for its customers, the Volkswagen Tiguan will receive an upgrade of a new 2019 Active Info Display (AID) and LED Taillights (below). The upgrades will take effect on all Tiguan units from March 2019 onwards.
The new Active Info Display (below) has a high resolution display colour thin-film transistor (TFT) that is similar to a smartphone. It incorporates functions and features in 2D and 3D graphic display for navigation and media. There is now a three-view customizable screen via the infotainment with over 30 combinations options. The dials can also be pre-set to show a combination of data and a full 3D view map for better navigation.
On the exterior, the LED Taillights have been updated to a new unit with distinctive light graphics. More than a style factor, the new taillight also incorporates brake animation that enhances visibility for safety. The taillights continue to be an all LED system.
For added peace of mind, the upgrades will see no price hike to the Tiguan, and it will remain priced at RM 165,990 for the Highline and RM 175,990 for the JOIN variant. All Volkswagen cars come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. The Tiguan combines a 1.4TSI turbocharged direct injection engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode to give an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. It boasts an impressive acceleration of 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100kph.
The Tiguan boast safety features such as six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) as well as hill-hold control. For comfort, the Tiguan features Park Assist, Manoeuvre Braking and 3-Zone Climatronic. For complete connectivity, the Tiguan comes with App-Connect for easy access to apps via the 8”-inch infotainment touchscreen via MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
The production of the first generation Tiguan began in 2007 in Wolfsburg and has become Volkswagen’s most successful SUV to date with the 5 millionth unit leaving the assembly line in January 2019. Aside from its worldwide success, the Volkswagen Tiguan has enjoyed local success in Malaysia and is locally assembled at Volkswagen’s Pekan Plant, Pahang. For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the ‘JOIN’ range, a special edition model line-up targeted to customers wishing to stand out from the crowd. The ‘JOIN’ range is an accessory package available on Volkswagen’s core models, the Polo, Vento Comfortline and Highline, Tiguan Highline and Passat Comfortline. ‘JOIN’ accessories include side scuff plates, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, VW Tint, and a list of other exclusive add-ons worth up to RM12,000, depending on the model.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above) said that the ‘JOIN’ range further reaffirms Volkswagen’s commitment to provide a wide variety of products to the Malaysian public. “Whilst our core models are popular on their own, we believe customers are also looking out for an extra touch of exclusivity on their cars. The introduction of the ‘JOIN’ range, and other special edition models is something we are actively doing in our bid to offer to our customers these options with value-added benefits.” (More details on each of the ‘JOIN’ models below after the photo gallery)
In conjunction with the unveiling of the ‘JOIN’ range, Volkswagen and Lazada Malaysia are once again collaborating to offer a special deal for the Malaysian public. 25 units of JOIN models will be exclusively available on Lazada beginning 12th October 2018 until the 30th of October. Customers need only pay the retail price of the car to receive the ‘JOIN’ accessory package for free.
To make a booking, customers are required to pay a booking fee of RM799 (for the Polo JOIN and Vento JOIN), or RM1,699 for the Passat Comfortline JOIN and Tiguan JOIN via Lazada Wallet, credit card or online banking, after which they will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on the preferred dealership and to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle. Those interested to purchase any models with the ‘JOIN’ package may visit https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/volkswagen-passenger-cars-malaysia/ to find out more. “We were delighted to have pushed boundaries and make history with our collaboration, when 12 units of the special edition Beetle was sold out in 20 minutes on Lazada last December. This proves that customers, while more discerning than ever, are receptive towards buying big-tickets items online.,” said Erik Winter.
CEO of Lazada Malaysia, Christophe Lejeune (above, left) added, “Lifestyles are changing due to digital commerce, with more people becoming comfortable to shop for what they need online. The sell-out performance of Volkswagens special edition Beetle last year during 12.12 is a testament to that. 1 out of 4 of the 20 million Malaysians online visited Lazada at least once in September, and we are confident that this number is set to grow even further. We are excited to be working once again with VPCM in pushing the boundaries of online shopping, with even bigger things in store for the future.”
The launch of the ‘JOIN’ special edition range was held in conjunction with Volkswagen Fest 2018, which takes place from the 12th till 14th October at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam. A celebration of all things Volkswagen, visitors can enjoy exclusive offers on new and pre-owned Volkswagen models, as well as a variety of activities for the family such as food trucks, busker performances, an outdoor movie screening (12th October), and an open-air concert (13th October).
At the same time, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) also launched the “Volkswagen Cares”customer loyalty program. The launch was aptly held in conjunction with Volkswagen Fest 2018, which will see Volkswagen fans from all walks of life celebrating their love for the brand over the course of three days starting today. The core of the Volkswagen Cares philosophy is the commitment to care and provide the best for Volkswagen customers. Key to this initiative is the Volkswagen Cares mobile application, an aftersales-led initiative using a new platform for the brand to engage with its customers and continuously improve the ownership experience.
The mobile app comes with a list of features related to both sales and aftersales, and this includes service offers, owner rewards, educational videos and tips event updates, and 24-hours’ roadside assistance – all at the touch of a button. The Volkswagen Cares mobile app is available on both IOS and Android can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play.
Non-Volkswagen owners are also invited to download the mobile app to access offers, Volkswagen video content, and receive Volkswagen event updates via push notifications. Speaking at the launch, Erik mentioned that Volkswagen Cares is more than just a loyalty program. “Volkswagen Cares applies on all levels, be it to our colleagues, dealer partners and our other stakeholders. And more importantly, it is about how we interact, engage and serve our customers better.”
“Volkswagen is better experienced than explained, and this mobile app was conceptualized with this thought in mind. This mobile app not only makes our services more accessible to our customers, it is also a way for us to appreciate and connect with our loyal customers.” Erik Winter.
Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP)
An integral part of Volkswagen Cares is Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP), an exclusive program for owners with a vehicle 5-years and older. With a one-time payment of only RM138, VCP member privileges include three 20% service discounts vouchers, 2-year extension of Volkswagen’s Roadside Assistance, and a RM100 merchandise voucher, which can be viewed and managed within the mobile app. Interested customers can sign up at any authorized Volkswagen dealer to make payment before receiving their membership card.
More on the VW “JOIN” Family of Cars…
Polo ‘JOIN’
Priced at RM81,990*
Available colours: Candy White, Carbon Steel Grey, Flash Red and Reflex Silver.
The Polo is small but tough and is perfect for city driving. The Polo ‘JOIN’ comes with added accessories such as side scuff plates, trunk garnish, rear spoiler in black, side mouldings, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.
Equipped with a 1.6l 105PS petrol injection 16-Valve Multi Point Injection (MPI) engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic with sport mode, the Polo 1.6l comes with a maximum torque of 153Nm available at a low 3800rpm. The Polo 1.6l is equipped with the new RCD 340G head unit which offers a wide range of connectivity options such as USB and iPod interface, AUX-IN support, SD card slot, Bluetooth and App-Connect (CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink).
Vento Comfortline and Highline ‘JOIN’
Priced at RM91,690* and RM98,490*
Available colours:
Candy White and Carbon Steel Grey (Vento Comfortline)
Carbon Steel Grey and Deep Black (Vento Highline)
When it comes to looks, the Vento embodies the Volkswagen design DNA that perfectly balances form and functionality. Both Vento variants is offered with ‘JOIN’ accessories, which includes trunk garnish, rear spoiler, side mouldings, side scuff plates, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.
The Vento Highline is powered with the award-winning 1.2l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with an output of 105PS. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission DSG (with sport mode) and a maximum torque of 175Nm, between 1,550 – 4,100 rpm, the Vento is the sedan with the highest torque in its class.
The Vento Comfortline comes with a 1.6l 105PS Multi Point Injection (MPI) and a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox with Tiptronic function. Maximum torque is 153Nm at 3,800rpm, and fuel consumption is 6.5l per 100km.
Tiguan Highline ‘JOIN’
Priced at RM175,990*
Available Colours: Deep Black, Pure White and Tungsten Silver.
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s most successful SUV with over 2.8 million units sold globally. The Tiguan JOIN comes with additional front design element, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, chrome exhaust tip, load lip protector, footboards and VW Tint worth RM10,000.
The Tiguan combines a 1.4l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode to give an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. It boasts an impressive acceleration of 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100kph.
Passat Comfortline ‘JOIN’
Priced at RM188,690*
Available Colours: Deep Black, Manganese Grey, Pure White and Reflex Silver.
Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Passat, features a superior design, economical engines and state-of-the-art technologies. The Comfortline JOIN variant comes with aluminium sport pedals, side scuff plates, new 18” Marseille alloy wheels and VW Tint worth RM 12,000.
The Passat Comfortline is powered with a 1.8l turbocharged TSI engine, and paired with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)with sport mode to give an impressive output of 180PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,250 to 5,000rpm.
All JOIN models are also offered with VPCM’s Price Protection Scheme (PPS), which is also still applicable for Volkswagen cars registered before the 30th of November 2018 and while stocks last. All Volkswagen models come with 3-years free maintenance, 5-years manufacturer’s warranty and 5-years roadside assistance.
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)
Volkswagen has officially launched its all-new Tiguan for the Malaysian market. The new SUV is longer, wider and sits lower than its predecessor. It has adaptive LED headlights and rear tail lamps which are far more prominent than the standard ones found on the previous vehicle. Fitted as standard is the 18-inch “Kingston” alloy wheels and for convenience sake, a keyless entry system and its tailgate can be operated electronically.
Inside, the new Tiguan offers a leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, Vienna leather seat upholstery, height adjustable armrests, 12-way driver electric seat and climatronic air-conditioning. Rear passengers of the Tiguan have their own foldable tables which should come in handy especially on long trips. VW have even fitted ambient lighting on the door lining and side steps to to make it easier for occupants to exit the vehicle instead of fumbling about looking for the door handle in the dark.
Unlike before, the instrument cluster of the new Tiguan is a 12.3-inch full colour TFT display that replaces the analog style dials and meters found in its predecessor. Drivers can even change its theme with six different options that have been made available.
Seated in the centre stack is a 8-inch infotainment system that offers the usual multimedia connectivity and navigation system. For a limited time only, VW is offering its App Connect function on the higher spec Tiguan at a price of RM699, which is significantly lower than the standard RM1,099. This function will offer smartphone app accessibility for the infotainment system that is compatible with Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Mirrorlink.
Under the bonnet of the Tiguan is a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged direct injection engine that is mated to a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). It’s power is rated at 148bhp and offers 250Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm. Not that you would be eager to do this often, but the Tiguan has the ability to sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in just 8.9 seconds. This fuel sipping engine is said to deliver a fuel consumption figure of just 6.7-litres per 100km, which has helped earn it the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) certification.
Like most VWs, the Tiguan is loaded with safety tech including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System, (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and hill-hold control. For child safety, the vehicle has anti-pinch power windows and ISOFIX anchorage points for child seats.
Buyers have a choice between five different colours which are Pure White, Deep Black, Blue Tungsten Silver and Indium Grey. As of now, there are two variants of the Tiguan that are currently being offered to Malaysian car buyers – the Comfortline which is priced at RM148,990 and the higher spec Highline, priced at RM168,990. Both cars are backed by a 5-year warranty and 5 year roadside assistance service from Volkswagen.
