In line with the National Recovery Plan and the latest list of permitted activities and businesses, most authorised Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia have resumed operations. However, those located in Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan are still awaiting approval to operate.
To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and employees, all the showrooms will adhere to strict Government guidelines and #SafeHands measures. These include MySejahtera registration and temperature scans, mandatory facemask usage, regular sanitisation of showrooms and display cars, and others specified in the Standard Operating Procedures.
Whether visiting the showroom or service, all visitors must follow the Standard Operating procedures which now include the requirement for full vaccination.
Must be fully vaccinated
Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed, and they should have completed no less than 14 or 28 days (depending on the vaccine taken) after receiving their vaccination. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to their visits by contacting their preferred Volkswagen dealer whether to the showroom or service centre.
“The closure of showrooms in the past months affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers,” said Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, who welcomes the government’s decision to reopen sales and manufacturing operations.
Use Volkswagen’s online channel to buy Volkswagen’s global bestseller in August and you can save extra money.
Special offers for Merdeka month
In conjunction with the reopening of showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, authorised Volkswagen dealers will be hosting a virtual showroom event on their social media channels this August 27 – 31. As part of the celebration, Volkswagen is offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline and RM7,500 on the Passat R-Line until August 31, 2021. Remember that there are additional savings as sales tax is exempted until the end of this year.
For information on the Volkswagen product range and locations of dealers in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Volkswagen has revealed another member of its all-electric ID family and this one’s a SUV coupe. The idea of a coupe-like SUV was introduced by BMW with its X6 in 2008 (although some feel the honour should go to the SsangYong Actyon of 2005) and has provided those who like coupes with something that can also double as a SUV.
Debut in concept form first
Volkswagen’s version will be the ID.5 GTX which will make its international exhibition debut next month – as a disguised concept – at the IAA Munich Motor Show. ‘GTX’ represents the Volkswagen brand’s new athleticism, continuing the tradition of the GTI, GTD and GTE models and transferring it to the world of electric mobility.
It will be the second model in the GTX line, joining the ID.4 GTX, and will give the company’s ACCELERATE strategy another boost. The goal is to increase the share of all-electric cars in Europe to 70% of Volkswagen‘s sales by 2030, on the way to becoming net carbon neutral by 2050.
Two motors for all-wheel drive
Full technical details are not available yet and for now, the company is only providing an overview. As with all the electric models, its first SUV coupe will sit on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform. It will have 2 electric motors – one on each axle – to give all-wheel drive. The motors will receive energy from a large lithium-ion battery pack between the axles. The projected range with a fully charged pack is expected to be up to 497 kms.
The sporty profile of the ID.5 GTX has short overhangs and big wheels. At the front are the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights which generate an intelligently controlled high beam. The light strip that tapers towards the Volkswagen logo has been combined with three powerful, illuminated honeycomb elements on both the driver and passenger side. They complement the signature of the low beam and convey the athletic character even while stationary.
The flat sloping A pillars positioned right near the front give the roofline an elegant flow. It stretches low over the body and tapers out in an integrated rear spoiler. At the rear, horizontal lines accentuate the width, with the light strip attracting the most attention. The LED rear lights have a 3D design that provides a visual signature for the model.
ID.6 – largest model on MEB platform
The roll-out of ID models is not sequential (by the numbers) and an ID.6 has also been revealed for the Chinese market. This is a 7-seater SUV (shown below) based on the ID. Roomzz concept. It will be the largest model using the MEB platform with an overall length of 4880 mm.
ID.6 for the Chinese market is the largest model using the MEB platform for electric vehicles.
Over the years, the Volkswagen Beetle represented many different things to many different people. It was a classic example of German ingenuity, a symbol of the counterculture movement, and a reminder that the simplest of things can sometimes be the best. It was truly a car for the people, compact, economical, reliable and durable.
The Beetle was a boom car for affordable transportation in Europe and elsewhere and, by 1952, it was sold in 46 countries. Eventually, it would be built in 14 countries, including Malaysia, and more than 21.5 million were sold before the final, modern-generation Beetle left the line at the factory in Mexico in 2019.
When the original Beetle was produced in the 1940s, who would have imagined that it would remain in the same form until 2003?
The original Beetle retained its form for many decades, becoming a familiar shape on roads all over the world. Its attributes which kept it in demand were not easily replicated and so it continued n production even after the Golf arrived as a successor in 1974.
Although it may seem that Volkswagen did not consider redesigning the original car, starting in the early 1950s, it had design proposals from time to time. There were more than 70 potential replacements, but none seemed able to match what the Volkswagen represented. Here are some of the proposals that never made it to production.
1955/56 EA47-12: Number 12 of 15 prototypes produced between 1953 and the end of 1956, the EA-47-12 was the carmaker’s first attempt at creating a more modern successor. It was the first of many Beetle replacements designed by Italian automobile designer Ghia, which is probably why it looked like the Karmann Ghia. The car was powered by a 1192 cc 4-cylinder boxer air-cooled engine with a power output of 30 bhp. In addition, it boasted a transverse link front axle, torsion bar rear suspension, and fully synchronized gearbox—unique technology for the time. The top speed was said to be 80 km/h.1955 EA48: In 1953, Volkswagen began toying with the idea of developing a car positioned below the Beetle in terms of size, performance, and price. The result was this boxy car. Some call it the first ‘City Car’, an accolade bestowed upon the British Mini because the EA48 never went into production. The EA48 was also the first prototype designed in-house without any input from Porsche. None of the components from the Beetle were carried over to the EA48; instead, engineers decided to start from scratch. The front-wheel drive car used unibody construction, a front-mounted 700 cc air-cooled, flat-twin 18 bhp engine, and a MacPherson-type front suspension.1960 EA97: It is believed that the EA97 project was abandoned while workers were preparing its assembly line, and after 200 pilot cars had been assembled by hand. The development of this rear-engine 2-door model began in 1957. It featured a more pontoon-shaped body and a 1.1-litre engine. What was the problem? “It was positioned too close to the Beetle and the Type 3,” according to the AutoMuseum Volkswagen website.1961 Type 3 Cabriolet: The Type 3 released in 1961 gave motorists a more upmarket alternative to the Beetle. This Cabriolet prototype featured a folding top and a glass rear window. Sadly, it was shelved out of fear the model would create internal competition with the Karmann Ghia convertible.1966 EA142: While developing the Type 4, which made its debut in 1968, Volkswagen experimented with various bodystyles, including this elegant EA 142. The rear engine hatchback used the same 1.7-litre engine that would appear in the production version of the Type 4.1969 EA276: This was the inspiration for the original Golf. The front-wheel drive hatchback was boxier than many of the other Beetle replacements. Though this car had the same air-cooled flat-4 engine as the Beetle, the powerplant was changed to a 4-cylinder, water-cooled inline engine before installed in the Golf 1974.1969 EA266: One of the more innovative replacement candidates was the EA266. It was developed with assistance from Porsche and a team led by Ferdinand Piech, the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, who would later become Chairman of the Volkswagen group in 1993. The mid-engine hatchback had a water-cooled 4-cylinder 1.6-litre engine mounted under the rear seat in a longitudinal configuration with the transaxle directly behind it to save space. Despite the sporty design and Porsche DNA, the EA266 never made it to showrooms and can only be seen in the museum today.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
As with other car companies these days, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has to use online media to launch its new products and today, it officially introduced the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION. Assembled locally, the 4-door fastback is priced from RM247,671 without insurance and with full sales tax exempted (until the end of 2021).
Facelifted version
The Arteon, as flagship of the Volkswagen range in Malaysia, has been in the market since 2020 and the one launched today has the cosmetic changes of the updated model that made its global debut last June. Besides the exclusivity and sportiness that the R-Line package adds, the new model also comes very extensively equipped with high-tech and premium features as standard.
These include a full-LED headlight system with Dynamic Cornering Lights while the LED 3D rear taillights have sequential turn signals. The driver’s seat has 14-way adjustment while the luxurious ambience can be personalised with a selection of 30 colours (of adjustable intensity) for ambient illumination.
New, more powerful engine
Under the bonnet, the powertrain is a new and more powerful one. While being similarly turbocharged and having a 2-litre displacement, the EA888 TSI engine in the latest Arteon produce 280 ps with 350 Nm of torque available between 1,700 and 5,600 rpm. These numbers are 70 ps and 30 Nm more than before and still flow through a 7-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission. The claimed acceleration time is 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, with fuel consumption said to be up to 13.5 kms/litre.
All-wheel drive with 4MOTION
What’s significant for the new model is that the power goes to all four wheels, instead of just those at the front. The system enabling this is 4Motion, Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system. While many people may think that AWD is only good for off-road driving, it is actually useful on the road too.
With all 4 wheels powered, traction is improved and this will be appreciated on wet or slippery roads. Acceleration can also be improved and grip during cornering is also better. Of course, the Laws of Physics still apply so having 4MOTION doesn’t mean that you can drive around a corner faster than the capability of the tyres to grip the road.
AWD systems like 4MOTION have ‘intelligence’, sending power to whichever wheel needs it at any given moment. If it senses a wheel starting to spin, the system cuts the power going to that wheel and sends more power to whichever of the other wheels can best use it. Because it all happens automatically, the driver can focus on driving.
The 4MOTION system in the Arteon R-Line is one of two versions which Volkswagen developed. In Arteon application, because the engine is mounted transversely, an electro-hydraulic Haldex coupling is used whereas the other version for models like the Touareg SUV employ a mechanical Torsen centre differential to distribute power to the front and rear wheels. This is because of the engine being installed in a longitudinal orientation.
Power delivery is on an infinitely variable basis by a multi-plate clutch. Normally, power is mainly transmitted to the front axle, which saves energy. However, in the event of an impending loss of traction, the rear axle is activated in a fraction of a second. The distribution of power to all four wheels becomes active before wheelspin occurs, rather than being reactive. A loss of traction is therefore virtually excluded. However, should any wheel slip occur, power is immediately transmitted to the wheels where it is needed. An Electronic Different Lock also helps to improve traction and reduce understeer.
Dynamic Chassis Control, which is standard, has up to 15 selectable increments which are varied using the adaptive dampers. There are also 5 different driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual) so driving preferences can be personalized.
Extensive safety features but no AEB
In the area of safety, Volkswagen has always made sure that its customers get the best possible protection and as the flagship model, the Arteon has an extensive list of safety systems to help the driver avoid accidents. These driver assistance systems include Lane Assist, Side Assist, Driver Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. There’s also a 360° Area View system which let’s the driver see all around the car not only for precise parking but also to spot hazards. The display is customisable to full or split views.
If an accident does occur, there’s a Post-Collision Braking System which prevents a second collision (if the car is propelled uncontrollably), and an Intelligent Crash Response System that activates to cut fuel supply, switch on hazard lights and unlock the doors to enable rescuers to get to the occupants.
The usual active safety systems like ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control are also present but it is rather surprising to find Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) not available. This system activates to automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not do so when a collision is likely to occur. According to VPCM’s Managing Director, Erik Winter, AEB is available for the Arteon but the system is still undergoing tests in Malaysian conditions so it is not being installed yet.
However, while AEB is not present for now, there is something called Maneuver Braking which is active from around 1.5 km/h up to 10 km/h. It is active during reversing as well as moving forward, so it is effective during parking and prevents bumping into a wall or another vehicle. The Maneuver Braking system is basically an extension of the Park Distance Control system which has been around for a long time.
Arteon drivers will also be alerted to reduced pressures in the tyres by the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Once the normal pressures are set, any significant change will be noticed so the driver will not drive too far on an under-inflated tyre and damage it.
Interior with R-Line silver trim
The spacious cabin of the Arteon with R-Line silver trim has EgoComfort seats which are handsomely sculpted and upholstered in Nappa Carbon leather. The seats are structured for comfort and reduced fatigue on long journeys and for the driver, there are up to 14 adjustment options as well as a massage function. The ambient lighting has a choice of 30 colours with adjustable intensity to match just about any mood.
The high-resolution 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit not only shows the usual information like road and engine speeds but can also have a navigation map overlaid across the instrument panel. The display is customizable with 6 views for over 30 combinations, including 2D and 3D navigation.
The 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system comes with voice and gesture control and supports wireless App-Connect to Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Besides using the touchscreen, the driver can also go handsfree and use voice commands or switches on the steering wheel.
Going with the flagship status of the model is the premium Harman Kardon sound system which has 12 speakers (11 speakers plus an additional centre one). The speaker grilles are crafted from ultra-thin 0.5 mm high-strength steel to support optimal acoustic performance. The 700W digital sound system employs a 16-channel digital amplifier with surround sound that can be enhanced by pre-determined acoustic settings – PURE, CHILL OUT, LIVE and ENERGY.
Trade-up offer
VPCM has a Trade-Up campaign for existing owners of the Touran, Cross Touran, Sharan, Passat CC and Passat (B7) who want to buy a new Volkswagen. With this campaign, owners will be able to enjoy an additional RM3,000 in trade-in value for all models currently on sale, including the all-new Arteon R-Line. While the present FMCO conditions do not allow for showroom visits, bookings for the new Arteon (as well as other models) can be made via the Volkswagen eShowroom which is always accessible from a smartphone or computer. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
These are difficult times for everyone and reducing expenses is even more important than ever before. To help those who own a Volkswagen vehicle, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has come up with a few initiatives that can save them money and give them some ‘breathing space’.
Extended payment plan with 0% interest plan
Vehicles need to be serviced periodically, even though their usage may have decreased considerably due to the restrictions of Movement Control Orders over the past year.
For those who send their vehicles to selected authorised Volkswagen dealers, there’s a flexible payment plan which allows them to spread out their bill over 6 or 12 months. Even better – no interest rate will be charged (terms and conditions apply). However, payments must be by a credit card.
20% service discount
Those who have registered for Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) will enjoy more savings. These include three 20% rebate vouchers for maintenance service at authorised Volkswagen service centres. The vouchers can be used from the fifth year of service and the following two services during the period of 3 years. Additionally, customers will enjoy 2 years of free roadside assistance under VCP (terms and conditions apply).
30% discount for repairs
Every ringgit saved is a ringgit earned, and this is the basis of VPCM’s Repair Packages offerings. There’s a 30% discount on selected Repair Packages when they repair their cars at authorised Volkswagen service centres. This is applicable for Volkswagen models older than 5 years.
The Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)
The Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP) has many benefits which will prove valuable if repair claims are necessary after an accident. If the vehicle is not more than 10 years old, there is no betterment cost for any replacement parts used. The comprehensive coverage includes various value-added services without any extra charges. Additionally, there is an agreed sum and insured value for vehicles up to 10 years old in the event of total loss.
Other VIP benefits include prioritised claim approval, windscreen replacement approval within 2 hours, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing, and assurance that repair work conducted at authorised Volkswagen Body & Paint centres are in accordance with Volkswagen repair standards and only genuine parts are used.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my for more information or to locate an authorised dealer and service facilities anywhere in Malaysia.
The new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION will soon be leaving the assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang. It is expected to be priced between RM245,000 and RM255,000 and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting pre-bookings.
Introduced to the Malaysian market last year, the Arteon is Volkswagen’s flagship with the latest enhancements, including an updated interior and exterior, new technology and a new 2-litre engine.
The redesigned front grille and bumper are more prominent and complement the full LED headlights. At the rear, new LED 3D lights with sequential indicators add character to the Arteon’s sloping fastback design. It is also the first model to carry the new Volkswagen and R logos.
The Arteon is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine which produces up to 280 ps, with 350 Nm of torque. A 7-speed wet-clutch DSG is used to deliver the power which goes to all four wheels, thanks to the Volkswagen4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Inside the Arteon R-Line 4MOTION, the cockpit area has a new steering wheel with haptic touch controls, and ErgoComfort sports seats in Nappa Carbon leather and 14-way adjustment. For the driver, a high-resolution Digital Cockpit offers convenience and the views can be easily customised.
The Discover Pro infotainment system, with a 9.2-inch colour display, comes with voice and gesture control for safer handsfree management of various functions. The system now supports both wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing favourite apps to be brought to the dashboard. Also standard is a premium Harman Kardon 700W audio system with 12 speakers strategically positioned around the cabin.
Like many modern cars, the Arteon R-Line has driver assistance systems which include Lane Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post-Collision Brake System. It even reminds the driver to take a break on long journeys. A Surround View camera provides all-round coverage with a simulated image integrated to real imagery from small cameras around the bodywork.
The Surround View display shows all sides of the Arteon, while the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (below) detects vehicles approaching from either side as the car is reversing out of a parking bay.
As with all Volkswagens sold by authorised dealers in Malaysia, the Arteon R-Line 4MOTION comes with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years warranty coverage with no mileage limit, and Roadside Assistance for the first 5 years of ownership.
What is 4MOTION?
4Motion is Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system which delivers power to the front wheels as well as the rear wheels. While many people may think that AWD is only good for off-road driving, it is actually useful on the road too.
With all 4 wheels powered, traction is improved and this will be appreciated on wet or slippery roads. Acceleration can also be improved and grip during cornering is also better. Of course, the Laws of Physics still apply so having 4MOTION doesn’t mean that you can drive around a corner faster than the capability of the tyres to grip the road.
AWD systems like 4MOTION have ‘intelligence’, sending power to whichever wheel needs it at any given moment. If it senses a wheel starting to spin, the system cuts the power going to that wheel and sends more power to whichever of the other wheels can best use it. Because it all happens automatically, the driver can focus on driving.
The 4MOTION system in the Arteon R-Line is one of two versions which Volkswagen developed. In Arteon application, because the engine is mounted transversely, an electro-hydraulic Haldex coupling is used whereas the other version for models like the Touareg SUV employ a mechanical Torsen centre differential to distribute power to the front and rear wheels. This is because of the engine being installed in a longitudinal orientation.
Power delivery is on an infinitely variable basis by a multi-plate clutch. Normally, power is mainly transmitted to the front axle, which saves energy. However, in the event of an impending loss of traction, the rear axle is activated in a fraction of a second. The distribution of power to all four wheels becomes active before wheelspin occurs, rather than being reactive. A loss of traction is therefore virtually excluded. However, should any wheel slip occur, power is immediately transmitted to the wheels where it is needed.
The bestselling van in history, with over 12 million units sold worldwide, is the Volkswagen Transporter. While the earliest version which began in 1950 was on a Beetle platform, the model later gained its own ‘T platform’ from the 1990s for a variety of versions including minibuses, pick-ups and campervans.
From T platform to MQB platform
The current generation is the T6 Transporter with its people-mover variant known as the Caravelle. With the new T7 generation, the Transporter will leave the T platform behind in what will be the creation of a new model line named Multivan, while the current T6 is likely to continue as a commercial van for some time.
A trio of vans
The new Multivan (1941 mm wide, 4973 mm long) will ride on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform which should give it more versatility. It will be a less commercially-oriented product and is likely to become a significant MPV model range as well. In fact, Volkswagen has already indicated that the Multivan will be one of three members of a multi-purpose vehicle line-up that will include the T6 Transporter and all-electric ID. Buzz.
The exterior looks of the Multivan adopt the latest design language seen on the new Golf and Polo, and also pays homage to its predecessors, dating back to the 1985 Transporter T3. The front air intakes, painted in the same colour as the vehicle, have been reduced, paying tribute to the heritage of the rear air-cooled engines of the first three generations.
The colour scheme in the press photos goes with the cubic theme of the design which has clean surfaces and large glass panels all round. Also available is a panoramic glass roof with LowE laminated safety glass to reduce incoming thermal radiation by 44%.
PHEV for the first time
Volkswagen has a large number of markets and so its powertrain choices for the Multivan will need to take into consideration the less developed countries which will still want combustion engines. At the same time, for the markets where electrification is moving forward, there is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)variant – the first time in this Volkswagen segment.
The Multivan PHEV will have a 1.4-litre TSI 150 ps petrol engine and an electric motor powered by a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output is 218 ps with instantaneous torque which will provide brisk performance. Volkswagen does not give any numbers yet other that that, with a 6-speed DSG transmission, ‘short, urban trips’ are possible on pure electric power.
The combustion engine powertrains that will be available will be two 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines – 136 ps 1.5 TSI and 204 ps 2.0 TSI – and a 150 ps 4-cylinder turbodiesel. All the engines will deliver their power through a 7-speed DSG to the front wheels.
Semi-autonomous capability
The Multivan will have a lot of new and advanced tech, with more than 34 driver assist systems. Besides the ones that provide autonomous braking, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, there is also IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist which allows semi-autonomous driving by combining the predictive Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist to make long-distance journeys safer and easier. It can be used up to 210 km/h.
Other new systems include Car2X – allowing local communication with other vehicles and the highways infrastructure in order to provide warnings of any danger ahead.
More flexible and spacious within
Inside, the new Volkswagen Multivan is more flexible and spacious than ever, with a new modular, lightweight seating system and innovative table. Seating layouts can be for 2 to 7 persons with removable seats and swivelling features.
The innovative multi-function table has been designed specially for the Multivan. Using the central track, it can be moved between any of the seating rows and also used as a centre console between the front seats. The table, which is completely removable, has adjustable height, three cupholders, and a storage bin.
The maximum cargo capacity with all rear seats removed is up to 4053 litres (depending on variant) with the longer 5173 mm version.
The new Multivan will go on sale later this year and while there will be a righthand drive version, it is hard to say whether it will be imported to Malaysia. The last time the model was sold (as the Caravelle) was in the 1990s when a small volume was assembled locally by Auto Dunia, which was then handling the Volkswagen brand.
June is here and for this new month, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has special deals for those shopping for a new Volkswagen Passat or a Tiguan Allspace Highline.
Those who make use of the eShowroom will enjoy an increase of RM1,500 savings on the Passat family and RM1,000 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline. Both the Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line comes with exclusive savings of RM5,000, on top of ongoing promotions.
For SUV fans, take advantage of eShowroom savings of RM4,500 on top of the ongoing promotion for the Tiguan Allspace Highline which can seat seven comfortably.
Those who want to enhance their Tiguan Allspace Highline with accessories can enjoy a 15% discount when purchasing the new accessories package for the Highline and R-Line variants. This special package, priced at RM6,134 (total savings of RM1,082), consists of scuff plates, aluminium pedal caps (1 set), load edge protector, rear mudflaps (1 set), running board kit and a luggage compartment liner.
Alternatively, the Tiguan R-Line accessories package is now priced at RM4,464 (savings of RM787). This package consists of load edge protector, running board kit and a luggage compartment liner. Bookings to purchase the kit and future installation appointments can be arranged by calling any authorised Volkswagen service centre.
Aftersales 0% interest payment plan
VPCM doesn’t forget its loyal and supportive customers when it has promotions. From June 1, owners can opt for financial flexibility with a 0% interest-free instalment plan when paying for service or repair work via credit card.
Available at selected authorised Volkswagen service centres, the payment plan can be spread over 6 or 12 months, depending on the selected bank. Owners are advised to check with their preferred dealer on the specific terms and conditions.
Volkswagen Service campaign extended
If you still have taken advantage of the Aftersales Service campaign, the good news is that VPCM has extended it till the June 30, 2021, so more owners can enjoy the benefits. Those who send in their vehicles for service will be get 20% off Volkswagen genuine engine oil, and those who spend a minimum of RM1,200 will receive a complimentary carcare kit that consists of wax polish, wax shampoo, glass polish, plastic care, and leather care solutions in 50 ml bottles.
Under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative, Volkswagen service centres nationwide follow strict guidelines which includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, and cashless payments with e-invoicing.
Owners are advised to book their service appointments online and select free pick-up and delivery to have their Volkswagen serviced without having to leave the comfort of their homes. Dealers operating hours are available on the website at www.volkswagen.com.my.
Fully autonomous cars are still many years away but the industry is slowly equipping some of the new models with the capability to operate autonomously, both to reduce driving fatigue as well as to improve motoring safety in general.
The upcoming Volkswagen Polo is one of the world’s first small cars that will be capable of partly automated driving. With the optional IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, the hatchback will be able to steer, brake and accelerate automatically on request. This is made possible by. Volkswagen is consolidating its systems on the road to automated driving under the IQ.DRIVE umbrella brand.
These technologies have up to now only been available in larger models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Passat, Arteon and Touareg. As a first in its class, the Polo now also permits partly automated driving across the entire speed range.
What is IQ.Drive Travel Assist?
IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist is an extremely easy-to-use system, with operation not much different from current cars where activation can be done using buttons and switches on the steering wheel. In the case of the new Polo, the multifunction steering wheel has a separate button for the smart assist system.
When activated, the car assumes partly automated lateral and longitudinal guidance. The system is based on the fusion of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and adaptive lane guidance, combining for lateral and longitudinal guidance.
ACC is already common in many cars, maintaining a safe gap with any vehicle ahead even when a cruising speed has been set. The speed will be adjusted accordingly and the set speed will be resumed once there is no vehicle ahead, as monitored by a radar.
Additional autonomy
In the Polo, there is also a predictive – forward-looking – ACC system in combination with the navigation system and dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Among other things, this will allow the vehicle to react to bends or town boundaries and reduce speed. Additionally, a camera-based Dynamic Road Sign Display helps the Polo computer to ‘know’ how fast it can travel legally.
The lane keeping system known as Lane Assist scans the area in front of the Polo using the same camera in the windscreen as the Dynamic Road Sign Display system. The camera detects the lane markings and steers correctively as soon as any unintentional movement out of the lane is detected.
If IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist is active, the predictive ACC and adaptive lane guidance work together as described. In other words, the Polo brakes, accelerates and steers automatically within the system limits. However, the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel, as they are always responsible for judging the traffic situation and controlling vehicle behaviour. The driver signals this preparedness via the capacitive surfaces of the steering wheel rim, which respond to touch.
With the manual 5-speed and 6-speed gearboxes, IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist can be used from a speed of 30 km/h to the maximum speed of 210 km/h. If the Polo is fitted with a 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG), the assist system is available from the moment the car starts moving.
With IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist and DSG, it is therefore possible to drive with assistance and thus more comfortably in stop-and-go traffic jam situations. Those who prefer to be more involved in their motoring can keep IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist switched off. However, partly automated assist systems relieve the strain on drivers, especially on long journeys.
The autonomous road ahead
Based on the industry-accepted classifications that have 6 levels (from 0 to 5), IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist meets the requirements of Level 2 partly automated driving by taking over both lateral and longitudinal guidance at the same time. Taking into account the legal situation and with respect to safety, Level 2 is considered the most suitable at this time.
For safety reasons, the driver must still continuously monitor the system. Only when this is no longer necessary does the more highly automated Level 3 start and that will be a major leap forward. Still, in Level 3, the driver must be potentially prepared to take control when necessary. Over time, the higher levels will become available, reducing driver involvement to the point where only the destination just needs to be set and the car will operate by itself from start to finish.
Autonomous vehicles will not be suitable globally for some time as it will depend on local regulations as well as the ability of the road network to allow such vehicles to operate safely. Even now, autonomous vehicles are allowed to operate only on specific sections of highways in most countries.
With the Hari Raya festive season on this month, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is having a Raya-Raya campaign as well as an Aftersales Raya campaign, both of which will save money for those buying new Volkswagens as well as those who already own one.
Volkswagen Raya-Raya Campaign
Until May 31, 2021, purchasers of selected Volkswagen models will enjoy a RM1,000 duit raya rebate. The two variants of the Passat also come with additional RM3,500 savings when customers book online via the Volkswagen eShowroom. Additionally, those who purchase a new Passat Elegance will have 1-year comprehensive insurance free of charge, while the Passat R-Line comes with a year’s supply of free petrol.
Aftersales Raya Campaign
VPCM doesn’t forget loyal customers who have joined the Volkswagen family and with the Aftersales Raya campaign, owners who send in their vehicle for service at authorised dealerships will enjoy a 20% discount on Volkswagen genuine engine oil.
During the campaign period, which runs till June 13, 2021, owners who spend a minimum of RM1,200 will receive a complimentary carcare kit that consists of wax polish, wax shampoo, glass polish, plastic care, and leather care solutions, as well as complimentary Volkswagen Raya packets (both complimentary items available while stocks last).
A new addition to the Aftersales Raya campaign is the promotion for windscreen wiper blades, important items especially with the rainy weather these days. Just as you need good lighting at night, you also need good wiping of the glass for safe motoring. Until June 30, 2021, a pair of wiper blades from authorised service centres will be offered with a 20% discount.
For motoring safety, the windscreen wipers should remove water properly so the view ahead is clear. If your wipers are not doing their job well, have them changed. Until the end of June, authorised Volkswagen dealers are offering a 20% discount for a new set.
New VIP insurance partner
VPCM has also announced a new insurance partner under the Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP). This is AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad which joins existing partners Allianz General Insurance Berhad, Etiqa General Takaful Berhad and Zurich Takaful General Insurance Berhad.
As a VIP policyholder, benefits include prioritised claim approval, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing, and assurance that repair work is conducted at authorised Volkswagen Body & Paint centres in accordance with Volkswagen repair standards with only genuine parts used. Additionally, there are no excess fees, no betterment costs and an agreed insured value for vehicles up to 10 years old. This is applicable to all Volkswagen models regardless of vehicle age.
To know more about Volkswagen products and services, or to locate authorised service centres, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
