Volkswagen Passat News

Volkswagen has come close. It is now the eighth most popular brand in Australia - from a list of 48 players - with almost 5 per cent of the market. Though the figure seems small, consider that five years ago it had 2.6 per cent of the market and that today it more than doubles the sales of the next most popular European, Mercedes-Benz, which has a 2 per cent share of the market.  Now, Volkswagen spreads its product range wider, poised soon to launch its cute, highly efficient and sub-$15,000 city car, the Up. It is to present its Passat Alltrack - an all-wheel-drive Subaru chaser - and the new-generation Beetle, while trimming its Touareg SUV range back to a diesel-only selection and preparing a new Golf for the world market. The latest product niche is a wagon that takes on Australia’s crossover darling, Subaru. At the same time, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack takes a swipe at a similar product from family owned Audi - the yet-to-be released $70,000 A4 Allroad. The Alltrack arrives 40 years after Subaru launched the all-wheel drive wagon and singularly changed the way we drive today. It is expected to cost around $49,000 - which is a one third discount on the Audi - and its turbo diesel and automatic transmission specifications take on the Subaru Outback (which is yet to launch an auto diesel) and the Volvo XC70 D5, which costs from $64,000. The Alltrack is a different kettle to the Passat V6 4Motion, a $56,000 road-going sports-oriented wagon.  In fact, it gets the same off-road package -  electronic drive traction and braking aids, a steel under body and extra 30mm ride height - as the sister Touareg and Tiguan SUVs. Except for the Passat’s extended front and rear overhang, it is as capable off the road as these two. But it is biased towards the street. Compared with the Touareg and Tiguan, it is more luxury-oriented, more comfortable and handles the bitumen with far more confidence. Driven in Austria and Switzerland at its international launch in March, the Alltrack cleverly melds off-road purpose with on-road convenience. Its external size offers excellent cabin room, a huge boot and the expected high level of versatility in an SUV. The dashboard escapes much of the all-black plastic of some VW models with contrasting colours and soft-feel plastics. Driven in mud and snow, I commented that though the all-wheel-drive system - Volkswagen calls it 4Motion - has been around for a few years, it remains simple and effective. It delivers about 10 per cent power to the rear wheels on bitumen but seeks out traction and is flexible enough to put up to 100 per cent to the rear wheels. The sole engine at its launch in Europe was the 125kW/350Nm 2-litre turbo-diesel that’s common to a string of VW, Skoda and Audi product. The box is a six-speed DSG with paddle shifts for manual operation. Tested in snow, the all-wheel drive system constantly sends power to the wheels with traction. It works very well, but enthusiastic off-road owners will find the car’s flaws are its 165mm ground clearance and its comparatively long 941mm/1120mm front/rear overhangs. The Alltrack will tow up to 2000kg and is appealing to people towing boats, horse floats and caravans.  

Taking advantage of the slow-moving car market in Europe, as well as the strength of the Australian dollar against the eurodollar, the local Volkswagen importer has further improved the value offered by the Passat. Volkswagen has almost doubled its overall sales in Australia in the past three years thanks to a very strong marketing push and managing director, Anke Koeckler, is determined to keep the ball rolling. Hence the increased value in the Passat range with, may we speculate, similar movements to follow on other vehicles in the range. During a lunchtime briefing with Ms Koeckler she said the big push in the next 12 months will be on the all-new Golf, now into its seventh generation. We have been invited to the global launch of new Golf in October this year and will be able to supply details and a full driving review immediately afterwards. But back to the Passat. Every model will now come standard with satellite navigation. The Volkswagen RNS510 system has a high-resolution touch screen display in the increasingly popular 16:9 format. It offers the choice between 2D, topographical and 3D map views. There is voice control for the sat nav, as well as telephone and radio functions. The RNS510 has a 30 Gb hard drive for storing music and navigation data and can accept inputs via a SD card slot, a single DVD drive and MP3. Another standard feature is a rear view camera that will assist by providing static and dynamic guidance lines on the satellite navigation. The convenience of powered opening and closing of the tailgate now is part of the standard equipment on all Passat station wagons. The recently added ‘Tip-to-Run’ function means the tailgate switches to automatic operation when someone tries to close it manually. Standard steering wheel gearshift paddles in both the sedan and wagon make gear choice simpler in the Volkswagen Passat V6 FSI.  The 2013 spec Passats come with the option of a Driver Assistance and Visibility Package that now incorporates the Side Assist lane change assistant which advises the driver if a vehicle is in the so-called blind spot. A warning light in the exterior mirror warns whenever a lane change would be dangerous. Despite this added equipment, valued at several thousand dollars, prices for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat remain unchanged as the Volkswagen importer is keen to lure buyers away from station wagons made by Japanese competitors. The complete 2013 Volkswagen Passat range is:               

While VW managing director Anke Koeckler plainly call 2013 the "year of the Golf"' the current Mark VI is approaching the end of production. She says the new model  to be unveiled at the Paris motor show in three weeks then driven by Carsguide  is not due here until the "second quarter of next year". Prior to that VW have the new Up city car, Alltrack edition of the Passat wagon later this year and the newest Beetle in February  all interesting, but likely marginal. Hence the value adding to these two stalwarts, with the prices remaining the same. Rear view camera and sat-nav are standard on the model year 2013 entry level Passat with an automatic tailgate on the wagon. There's an optional package including  lane change assistant, bi-xenon headlights and Lane Assist. Model year 2013 Touaregs also get better lights, bigger wheels and nicer leather. Standard across the SUV range is the Driver Fatigue System that's capable of detecting waning concentration warns recommending you take a break. But it's the Golf that inevitably commands most interest. With some 900 sales it comprises almost a third of VW's monthly volume, which is up 30 per cent so far this year. Almost uniquely among the top 20 selling passenger cars, some 50 per cent of Golfs sales come from variants price at more than $35,000  although the range starts from as low as $22,990. While the Mark VI is essentially a makeover of the previous model, which dates from 2004, Koekler promises the Mark VII represents a "double jump" in terms of technical progress being the first VW-badged product on the group’s new MQB platform. This debuted with the closely-related but traditionally much more expensive Audi A3. The iconic Golf GTI, which makes up fully a quarter of sale as much or more than most markets  follows late in 2013. Asked if VW, which has been criticised for quality issues and service costs, was retaining customers, Koekler says: "According to Roy Morgan we are number one at keeping customers in the brand. Product satisfaction is there. "We hope to sell almost 60,000 this year, which is double in three years." VW Passat: $38,990 - $57,990 VW Touareg: $62,990 - $83,990  

Now if Volkswagen could just decipher the lyrics of Blinded By The Light -- and explain the reason for Nickelback's existence -- we'll be happy. 

With its raised ride height, 4MOTION four-wheel drive and rugged body enhancements, it will take you places the standard Passat wouldn't dare.  Based on the versatile Passat Estate, the Passat Alltrack's 4MOTION four-wheel drive and raised ride height give it greater agility off-road, while body enhancements provide some protection from scrapes when covering rough terrain. These features endow Passat Alltrack with the practicality of an estate car and much of the versatility of a conventional SUV, while a high standard specification level adds more than a touch of luxury. Just one trim level is likely to be offered here - with all the bells and whistles.  There will be a choice of two drivetrains: a 2.0-litre TDI with six-speed manual gearbox and a 2.0-litre TDI  125kW with six-speed DSG transmission.  Standard equipment includes Alcantara upholstery, dual zone electronic climate control, RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation, DAB radio, MDI iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephone preparation, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system and 18-inch Canyon alloy wheels. A Driver Alert System that monitors the driver's responses to raise awareness of fatigue is also standard, as is ESP. Options include climate seats with massage function, high beam assist which automatically controls dipping of the headlights, side scan lane change assist, which monitors the vehicle's blind spot and adaptive chassis control.  City emergency braking function is also a likely option along with park assist, rear-view camera and an electrically deployed towbar. The Passat Alltrack has a generous towing capacity of 2,000 kg (braked).  

For more than four decades, the family-owned and operated G Brothers Mercedes-Benz dealership has been a Northern Beaches landmark in Sydney’s Mona Vale. Now operated by four sons of the two original brothers, John and Vic Guberina, the family has recently added the new Volvo dealership at Pittwater Rd in Narrabeen. While Dean and Mark  Guberina – who count  50 years in the business between them - are the Mercedes–Benz dealer principals. Adam & Michael Guberina – who can claim 38 years in the business combined – are the dealer principals at the Volvo franchise. “We are thrilled to now also represent Volvo Cars on the Northern Beaches,” Adam Guberina said. “The Volvo range is more dynamic than ever and there is already a good following on the Northern Beaches. We love Volvo’s commitment to safety, quality craftsmanship, beautiful design and environmental awareness.” Mr Guberina said the name had enjoyed a long history of success over the decades. “G Brothers was first started by the two brothers, John and Vic Guberina, back in 1963 in Bassett St, Mona Vale,” he said. “They initially  grew up on and then ran a tomato  farm in nearby Warriewood Valley, and always had a deep passion for automobiles -- and in particular the three-pointed star. “From humble beginnings the business has grown over the years through nothing more than hard work, family spirit and very high customer loyalty. There have been a lot of successes, but the highlights would have to be winning the NSW Regional Dealer of the Year in 1979, 1996, 2004, 2005 and 2007 – and winning Australian National Dealer of the Year in 2007. Now two sons from each side of the family now run the business on a daily basis and offer a very unique personalised and family environment." Long term clients will tell you that they are not locked away in the back office - they are hands-on out the front, greeting customers and making sure the team is a well-oiled machine. And although John and Vic officially retired years ago, they haven't been able to completely tear themselves away from the business they love. "They also still pop into the dealership every day, often bumping into old clients and enjoying seeing the family grow the business," Mr Guberino said. With that kind of enthusiasm in the bloodline, he said there was never any question that the four sons would follow in the original G Brothers’ footsteps. “It’s in the blood,” he admitted. “And with four boys and six girls growing up  as the third generation, who knows -- there may have to be G Sisters branch some time soon.”

More features will mark the second generation of Volkswagen's Passat-based four door coupe - although the Australian arm isn't yet sure just what they will be. The internationall launch of the facelifted car marks a concerted effort to reposition the car more as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe rather than as a coupe variant of the Passat sedan on which it is based. That's seen the name changed from Passat CC to just CC and the inclusion of a raft of new software-based systems, from a standard fatigue detection software to a boot-opening sensor that is activated by the keyholder waving their foot under the rear bumper and a combined side/lane warning assist. VW Australia spokeswoman Nina Willoughby says the CC will continue to be sold as a front-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbodiesel and all-paw 3.6-litre V6 but will be better value than the existing $54,990/$64,990 pricing. That should translate into more standard equipment with only minimial price rises — expect around $1500-$2000 as VW looks to hold its price edge over the Mercs and BMW's 3 Series. "We're still finalising specification — the car won't go on sale in Australia until the second quarter," she says. Using the C-Class Coupe as a benchmark, Carsguide expects VW will be looking at adaptive cruise control and as a standard feature, rather than the $2000 option on the current model. The new dynamic lighting system is another potential addition to the regular features, as is satellite navigation (now a $2300 option). VW CC lead designer Urs Rahmel admits the focus was on lifting the vehicle's prestige look rather than a radical overhaul. "It combines the functionality of a limousine with the emotional appeal of a coupe," Rahmel says. "There is more perception on a quality look, while including the new corporate look in the grille .... there is much more emphasis on horizontal lines and that helps make the car look wider than it is." In terms of dimensions, the new VW CC is just 1mm shorter than the outgoing model — all other dimensions are the same.

Echoing the design path of the Volvo XC70, Subaru Outback and Skoda Octavia Scout, the world number two manufacturer launches its Volkswagen Passat Alltrack mid-2012 as a versatile wagon that's also a competent soft-roader.VW says Alltrack is aimed at broadening the customer base of the popular Passat wagon. It's built on the all-wheel drive platform which gives it flexibility in varying road conditions.A VW spokesman said "There's no doubt there's a market for this type of vehicle. Volkswagen sees buyer interest there and just wants a bit of the action." For us, offering it with a diesel engine and DSG auto transmission gives it an edge that some rivals can't match."Alltrack made its international debut at the recent Tokyo motor show. It is based on the same AWD platform as the existing Passat 4Motion V6-engined wagon.That includes the latest Haldex AWD system now used in the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. The Passat 4Motion is designed for on-road applications with its drive system the best way of putting 220kW to the ground.In the Alltrack, the focus is on all-road applications. It is expected that the Alltrack will use a 2.0-litre, 125kW turbo-diesel engine. Pricing will be unveiled closer to the launch date but it will be cheaper than the $57,990 of the Passat 4Motion wagon and more than the existing front-drive $45,990 2.0-litre diesel version.Volkswagen may be keen to match it up against the Subaru Outback diesel (from $40,990 as a manual only) and its own Skoda Octavia Scout diesel auto that costs from $39,990. The Volvo XC70 diesel auto is from $63,450.

Trending towards the crossover design of the Volvo XC70, Subaru Outback and Skoda Octavia Scout, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack arrives here mid-2012 as a versatile wagon that's also a competent soft-roader. Volkswagen Australia spokesman Karl Gehling says it's aimed at broadening the customer base of the popular Passat wagon. "It's built on the all-wheel drive platform which gives it flexibility in varying road conditions," he says. "There's no doubt there's a market for this type of vehicle. Volkswagen sees buyer interest there and just wants a bit of the action. "For us, offering it with a diesel engine and DSG auto transmission gives it an edge that some rivals can't match." The Alltrack debuts at this week's Tokyo motor show and will get to Australia around the middle of next year. It is based on the same AWD platform as the existing Passat 4Motion V6-engined wagon. That includes the latest Haldex AWD system now used in the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. "The Passat 4Motion is designed for on-road applications," Mr Gehling says. "It's the best way of putting 220kW to the ground. In the Alltrack, the focus is on all-road applications." It is expected that the Alltrack will use the 2-litre 125kW turbo-diesel engine. Pricing will be unveiled closer to the launch date but it will be cheaper than the $57,990 of the Passat 4Motion wagon and more than the existing front-drive $45,990 2-litre diesel version.Volkswagen may be keen to match it up against the Subaru Outback diesel (from $40,990 as a manual only) and its own Skoda Octavia Scout diesel auto that costs from $39,990. The Volvo XC70 diesel auto is from $63,450. Mr Gehling says Volkswagen's cross-over pair - the CrossPolo and CrossGolf - were not being considered for Australia. Despite their high stance and off-road intentions, they are simply standard front-drive models with a raised suspension.