Volkswagen Passat 2008 News

US owners of VW cars with diesel engines that can cheat emissions tests have already been given $500, but local owners still have no compensation.

Three weeks after the global scandal broke, Australian owners of VW diesel cars finally know if their car is affected or not.

A vote by 75 motoring journalists from 22 countries has awarded the compact prestige car the World Car of the Year award for 2015.It finished on top of a 24-car field and eventually beat the two other finalists, the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Passat.The other big prizes for 2015, Green Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year, went to the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe.The winners were announced at the New York Motor Show today at an event hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and Autoneum at the culmination of a six-month voting process.The C-Class delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.The awards are in their 11th year and previous winners include the Audi A6, BMW 3 Series, Lexus LS460 and Volkswagen Golf, Polo and Up.To be eligible for the overall World Car award, candidate cars must have become available for sale on at least two continents between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015.The WCOTY wins by Mercedes-Benz follow its victories in the Green Car contest in 2007 with the E320 Bluetec and 2012 with the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and its Luxury Car success with the S Class in 2014.“We are extremely delighted of winning the honour of World Car of the Year,” says the chairman of Daimler, Dr Dieter Zetsche.The WCOTY victory follows a similar success for the C-Class in the CarsGuide Car of the Year award.The WCOTY judging panel says: “Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminium/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.” WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015Overall winner: Mercedes-Benz C-ClassGreen Car: BMW i8Performance Car: Mercedes-AMG GTLuxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S CoupeDesign: Citroen CactusPREVIOUS WORLD COTY WINNERS:2014: Audi A32013: Volkswagen Golf2012: Volkswagen Up2011: Nissan Leaf2010: Volkswagen Polo2009: Volkswagen Golf2008: Mazda22007: Lexus LS4602006: BMW 3 Series2005: Audi A6

Volkswagen has issued a worldwide recall of 2.6 million vehicles --including more than 44,000 cars in Australia -- for possible fuel leaks, electrical faults and gearbox problems.It is the second significant recall in Australia in five months for the German car maker, which is suspected by industry observers of taking shortcuts in its bid to overtake Toyota to become the world’s biggest car maker by 2018.The recall comes as the Victorian Coroner today announced there was no evidence of a mechanical fault with a Volkswagen Golf involved in a fatal crash in Melbourne in 2011.The car was struck from behind by a truck. The coroner investigated the incident after it was alleged the car lost power suddenly, following similar complaints from other Volkswagen owners.The vehicles in the latest recall include more than 17,000 Tiguan SUVs because "a fuse may blow … thus resulting in failure of one of the two vehicle light circuits".Approximately 16,000 Volkswagen Amarok pick-ups are being recalled because "some Amarok utes with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine may be affected by leaks to the fuel pipe within the engine compartment".Furthermore, about 11,000 Volkswagens across various models equipped with the company’s controversial twin-clutch automatic "DSG" gearbox will be recalled because "electric malfunctions could occur in rare cases in the gearbox power supply if synthetic gearbox oil is used".In June 2013 Volkswagen recalled more than 25,000 cars in Australia for gearbox problems after a fortnight of unprecedented pressure from disgruntled customers, following the announcement of the Victorian Corner's investigation.The vehicles affected in the June 2013 recall were built between June 2008 and September 2011 and included the Golf hatchback, the Jetta sedan, the Polo hatchback, the Passat sedan and wagon and the Caddy van.Complaints highlighted in the lead-up to that campaign included cars that conked out or lost power suddenly, high oil use, and gearbox reliability issues.Several customers reported having their engines and/or gearboxes replaced while others complained about the  $5000 to $10,000 expense of fixing these parts once the warranty had expired.In addition to the previous recall announced in June, Volkswagen Australia also called about 2800 diesel cars back to dealerships for inspection.The company says anyone experiencing faults with their Volkswagen to contact their local Volkswagen dealer.Volkswagen Australia has set up a dedicated customer service line to answer customer queries -- 1800 504 076. 

Volkswagen is issuing recalls and advisories for about 2.6 million vehicles world-wide, including about 43,700 in Australia, for a range of three defects. The Australian vehicles include more than 16,700 Tiguan SUVs recalled for a fault that means a fuse can blow, causing one of the two vehicle light circuits to fail. About 16,000 Volkswagen Amarok utes are being recalled because of fuel pipe leaks affecting the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.The remaining 11,000 cars range across various models that have VW's twin-clutch automatic DSG gearbox, in which an electrical defect could occur if synthetic gearbox oil is used," Volkswagen says..A large proportion of the 2.6 million global recall is in China -- VW's largest market -- after a problem was found there in the same gearbox that triggered a recall earlier this year. The Chinese recall affects 750,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that use the Chinesee-built DSG gearbox there.  Vehicles on the China recall list include the Volkswagen Golf, Beetle and Passat and several Audi models.It's the second recall this year on the DSG. In June more than 25,000 Australian cars were recalled for gearbox problems after pressure from disgruntled customers. Those vehicles included the Golf hatchback, Jetta sedan, Polo hatchback, Passat sedan and wagon and the Caddy van.Volkswagen said it is recalling 800,000 (2008-11) Tiguan SUVs and 239,000 Amaroks around the world, bringing the total number of cars affected in the three safety actions to 2.6 million.While the number of vehicles is large, analysts estimated the cost of the repairs could be relatively small. Still, the fresh problems that have surfaced with the gearbox might further dent Volkswagen's reputation in China and strain its relations with its local venture partner, SAIC.The gearbox only has problems in hot and humid climates, said Volkswagen spokesman Peter Heinz Thul. In warm climates, additives in the synthetic oil can damage the electronics. VW is proposing to replace the oil with a mineral oil that has been used previously without problems, Mr. Thul said.Volkswagen issued a recall in March in China for nearly 400,000 vehicles to fix an electronic malfunction on the same DQ200 gearbox. It said the problem was resolved with a software fix.VW officials told Chinese regulatory officials about the most recent problem earlier this week, Mr. Thul said. The automaker then agreed that a recall should be issued.Volkswagen Australia is yet to determine the impact on local models for this latest recall, but will "ensure these recalls are conducted promptly and efficiently", according to Managing Director John White, and relevant owners will be notified by mail.This latest recall follows the 25,928 Volkswagen vehicles recalled in June over similar issues with DSG transmissions manufacured between 2008-11, of which 40 per cent have been rectified to date and is expected to be completed next year.Volkswagen Australia says that this progress is in line with the timeframe anticipated, and that vehicles already attended to will not be affected by this new recall as their transmission fluid will have already been replaced.The company says concerned owners should contact their local Volkswagen dealer or can call a dedicated customer service number: 1800 504 076.

What makes it special has nothing to do with its styling, even though Paris is all about fashion and flair, and everything to do with the engine.The Passat BlueMotion II was rolled out at the end of an hour-long Volkswagen Group presentation on Wednesday night which highlighted some wickedly quick and costly cars, from a Bugatti Veyron with the world's most expensive umbrella - a pop-up emergency roof for a new $2.2 million targa model - to a 200 miles-an-hour Bentley and a wickedly ugly new Lamborghini Estoque.Volkswagen also unveiled its latest Golf GTi and Audi previewed an all-new compact called the A1, but it was the BlueMotion Passat which got the big build-up for the final flourish."I can tell you, very confidently, that the Volkswagen Group is green," said company chief Dr Martin Winterkorn as he began the pitch for the Passat."We think we should be the pace-setters for sustainable mobility."With that, he called out a Passat which produces just 109 grams of CO2 for every kilometre it travels, a mark which Winterkorn called a new benchmark. It was eventually displayed alongside a new Volkswagen Golf which does even better at just 99 grams.The Passat also set up the inevitable conflict of Paris '09.On one side there are fast and flashy cars which reflect the current golden age of motoring, and on the other there are super-green cars with lean engines and the best environmental-protection technologies.Volkswagen Group managed to cover it all with its eight brands, which run from Seat and Skoda at the bottom end to Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini at the top.Winterkorn's speech was the culmination and he gave a green power presentation which highlighted the 91 cars built by VW Group which currently produce less than 140 grams/kilometre of C02, including 20 below 120, and the number of cars which already satisfy the Euro 6 emission standard which does not become law until 2014.But there was fare more interest in the exotics once the official part of the evening was over, just as it will be the supercars - including the Mercedes-Benz McLaren 722 roadster to be unveiled on Thursday - which will hog the headlines.Still, VW Group made its points with the preview night, which cost an estimated $1 million and was touted as host to 12 world previews. It was run ahead of the start of the official show press events on Thursday morning for more than 1000 guests who were shuttled to a giant warehouse, close to Charles de Gaulle airport on the outskirts of Paris, which had been specially converted for the event.The action began with the Audis as all nine group brands, including Seat of Spain and Volkswagen commercials, revealed their newest and best.But Volkswagen is still likely to have more for the show itself, as executives talked openly before the event of three concept cars for the French event and only the GTi hatch qualifies from the pre-show cavalcade. Even counting the Passat BlueMotion II that leaves at least one for Thursday and beyond . . . 

Volkswagen is presenting a brace of new models at the Australian International Motor Show, running the full range from performance to economy.Volkswagen’s sporty R line has recently been bolstered by the addition of two new models which join the Golf R32. The new Touareg R50 comes with sports parts and performance and is based on the V10 TDI turbo diesel. It’s joined by the Passat R36 which produces 220kW from its 3.6-litre V6 and becomes the fastest car in the VW range, with a stunning 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds.Another Passat will make its public debut at the Show, the Passat CC. The swoopy styled sedan offers coupe styling with the practicality of four doors. Unlike other CC models however, it doesn’t stand for Coupe Convertible, but Comfort Coupe.Due for launch in early 2009, the Passat CC will come in either front-drive diesel or all-wheel drive petrol versions paired to the six-speed DSG manu-matic gearbox.BlueMotion is a term Volkswagen is promoting as its eco-friendly models. The Polo BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion labels are attached to the most economical models in the class.BlueMotion not only refers to the automobile itself, its fuel economy and emissions, but comprehensively to the whole brand. Blue, the corporate colour of Volkswagen, stands for the elements to be protected: water and air.Motion embodies the aspect of forward, future-directed mobility. The goal is to protect Earth’s resources for future generations without compromises in driving fun.Key measures of the BlueMotion range are engine software changes, longer gear ratios, aerodynamic aids and lowered suspension as well as light alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres.Volkswagen Australia is evaluating the BlueMotion models with a view to offering this technology in the not to distant future so if you like what you see at the Motor Show, let VW know.Volkswagen also has an ace up its sleeve, or should that be a banana? The Golf GTI Pirelli will debut at the Sydney Motor Show, continuing one of VW’s longest traditions that started with the first Golf GTI Pirelli in 1983.The new MkV Golf GTI Pirelli will be the most powerful Golf GTI ever with 169kW, available in three or five door, manual or DSG. Along with a bespoke yellow hue, Pirelli’s influence is obvious not just in regard to the specific wheels designed with the Pirelli ‘P’ or the Pirelli P Zero tyres, but the unique Pirelli tread pattern featured on the seats. Pricing will be announced at the show. 

Many carmakers talk about cutting body sizes to boost efficiency, but VW is turning to the engine room. It has plans for a new family of high-efficiency engines with smaller capacities, starting with its twin-charge 1.4-litre four which boosts outputs with both a turbocharger and supercharger.The 1.4 twin-charge is fitted to the Golf GT in Australia and for 2009 it will be slotted into a version of the Jetta at the expense of the car's regular 2-litre four. Other engines will follow in everything from the baby Polo to the Passat.“We are downsizing engines as there are lots of requirements in Europe to go down in CO2 and that is easier with small engines. But we also find we can have good performance with low emissions in smaller engines,” says Volkswagen Group Australia head Jutta Dierks.“We don't start downsizing. But Volkswagen, as a manufacturer, thinks that downsizing engines is a good strategy. We can achieve these tougher CO2 requirements and achieve good economy and still have performance.”The new move on downsizing comes, ironically, as Volkswagen begins a stronger push for its high-performance R series cars in Australia. It now has a full-three model line-up with the R32Golf, R50 Touareg and the latest R36 Passat.The 2009 Jetta will pick up the TSI twin-charge engine from the Golf in a logical next step, although it will lose the GT badge from the hatch.“We want to try to get people familiar with that sort of engine,” Dierks says.“A lot of people are interested in that technology. I can think of Polo, Golf, Jetta, and it could also be Passat.”Meanwhile, the Volkswagen efficiency drive has already given it an important win over GM Holden.It has picked up a big fleet deal thanks to the diesel models in its range, beating out Holden and Peugeot to a contract with Woolworths.Peugeot revealed the outcome of the tender, which ended a 25-year run link between Woolworths and Holden.“We think it came down to the Jetta,” says Peugeot national sales manager Ken Thomas.“They had a conventional sedan and we didn't, and a lot of fleet drivers coming out of Commodores would want a conventional sedan.Volkswagen refuses to discuss the finer details of the deal, which it only says is for a “lot of cars”.“It's big for us and it's over a couple of years. The pleasure is that Golf, Jetta and Passat are all involved,” Dierks says. 

Volkswagen has unveiled a concept remote-control system that parks the car after the driver and passengers have hopped out.The Park Assist Vision concept was launched at the Hanover Fair this week in a VW Passat.How to get the car out of the tight space has not yet been resolved.Toyota and Lexus have led the way in bringing self-parking cars to the market. However, these are designed to be used in street-side parallel parks and require the driver to remain in the car and apply the brake to control the speed of the procedure, but not steer.The VW system works in perpendicular car park situations, using cameras, ultrasound sensors and satellite navigation, with no driver input.The driver only has to press the button on a remote control. Once the vehicle has automatically parked, it shuts off the engine, winds up the windows and locks the doors.This new driver assistance system is still in the trial phase of development, and a date has not yet been set for introduction of the system to series production.The only models available in Australia with self-parking functions are the Lexus 460 and the hybrid LS600h, costing $134,900 and $186,200, respectively.These technologies are expected to gradually become cheaper and filter down to more affordable models. 

It was put to use last week for the pricing of the new Impreza STi (right), which is going to put huge pressure on the new Mitsubishi Evo X with its predicted pricing in the $70,000 range.