volkswagen singapore Archives

(Test-Drive Review)- The New Volkswagen Tiguan

By delta October 24, 2017

“A great all-rounder with distinctive styling that confidently points the way to the future; the new Tiguan sets new standards in design, comfort and functionality.”

5 Key Facts about the New Tiguan

1. With an optimised body structure and improved aerodynamics, occupants enjoy improved ride comfort and greater safety

2. The new Tiguan is packed with state-of-the-art technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking

3. The new Tiguan makes its debut with new equipment such as the Head-Up Display and Active Info Display, making it one of the most innovative compact SUVs in its class

4. Engines are now up to 24% more fuel-efficient in the Euro 6 emissions standard, with BlueMotion Technology

5. The new Tiguan is awarded the top rating of five stars by the independent European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP

Exterior

The new design language makes Tiguan more dynamic than ever.

The modular transverse matrix (MQB) gave Volkswagen designers a new platform that provided the perfect framework for this all-new SUV. The designers, led by Klaus Bischoff, had one simple ethos: less is more. This theory was the guiding factor in creating the unmistakable SUV profile of the new Tiguan.

The SUV design of the new Tiguan was completely reconfigured in this new generation, heralding a completely new design character for its SUVs. With its new vehicle architecture, the Tiguan is now longer, wider and lower, thereby enabling sportier proportions that gives it a powerful stance on the road.

Overall, the unmistakeable SUV of the new Tiguan radiates power, confidence, and control.

Interior

In perfect harmony with the expressive exterior, the interior of the Tiguan has also been fully reconfigured and it portrays a decidedly sporty and yet conscious SUV character. Space and flexibility of use is combined to give superb comfort under all road conditions, bringing together equal measures of elegance and ruggedness.

The cockpit of the Tiguan has been designed with the comfort of the driver in mind. The dash panel and the centre console form a single stylistic element, with high-quality decorative inserts and a precisely fitted frame lending a touch of class. The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel provides both form and function and feels great to the touch.

As a final flourish, a large panoramic sunroof provides plenty of light for all passengers on demand, with LED lighting integrated along both sides. Coupled with ambient lighting, this illuminates the cabin in moments of darkness, giving a welcoming feel.

The overall impression is a carefully thought-out and much more sophisticated vehicle.

The new Tiguan Driving Experience

The driving experience of the new Tiguan is out of this world.

The 220 PS model (which I drove) is extremely responsive and it picks up speed really fast (from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds). Despite it being a massive car, the new Tiguan handles very well (especially in tight corners) and has more than enough torque to overtake and change lanes.

Packed with numerous driver-friendly and passenger-friendly features, the new Tiguan is a joy to drive and it delivers both performance and comfort. Although the fuel consumption figure on paper is 7.8 L/100km; my heavy footedness raised it to 12 L/100km.

If there’s one thing that the new Tiguan doesn’t compromise on, it is safety!

With technologies that include a multi-collision brake and a proactive occupant protection system, the risk is minimised for all occupants of the vehicle in the event of collisions. The safety equipment is also completed by a network of seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver’s side.

What I Like

Active Info Display

New to the compact class is the Active Info Display, familiar from the Passat, and now with SUV-specific instruments. In combination with the display of the infotainment system, this creates a virtual, flexible human-machine interface (HMI) whose displays complement one another.

Retractable Head-Up Display

The new retractable Head-Up Display – a glass panel with laser-etched texturing is integrated into the dashboard and can be called up at the touch of a button. Relevant driver information such as driving speed, direction arrows for navigation and indicators for the driver assistance systems are projected directly onto the combiner display and thereby into the driver’s primary line of sight; thus making navigation a whole lot easier.

4MOTION Active Control

The new 4MOTION Active Control debuts on the new Tiguan, allowing drivers to experience an all-wheel drive technology like never before. The ground clearance is 11 mm higher compared to the previous generation and offers added safety in adverse weather conditions. The driving profile selector is now operated via a rotary switch, with four precisely tailored settings are available for various types of terrain and driving styles – fuel-efficient Eco mode, Normal mode day-to-day driving, Comfort mode to minimise vibrations or dynamic Sport mode. The system interacts with the hill-start assist, the hill descent assist, the Electronic Stabilisation Programme and the electronic differential lock. Depending on the selected profile, drivetrain characteristics such as accelerator response, gear shifts, engine brake, hill-start assist and locking assistance are modified.

‘Discover Pro’ Infotainment System

The ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system is found on the Tiguan R-Line 380 TSI, which is accompanied by the 400-watt ‘Dynaudio Excite Surround’ system. This consists of a digital 10-channel amplifier, subwoofer, and center speaker integrated into the cockpit, delivering top-notch audio.

Overall

The Tiguan is not a crossover between different worlds – rather, it has created its own new and authentic SUV world.

With the new Tiguan, Volkswagen redefines many aspects of the A-SUV segment, impressing with ride comfort and innovation that are on a level beyond its class.

For more information about the new Tiguan, you can visit Volkswagen Singapore Website or head down to the Volkswagen Car Showroom for a test drive today.

All-New Volkswagen Touran Comfortline 1.4 TSI (DSG) Review

By delta March 5, 2017

The Volkswagen Touran is one of the best-selling MPV and there are more than 1.9 million people who have chosen to purchase it since its debut in 2003. Last June, Volkswagen launched the all-new Volkswagen Touran and after taking it out for a weekend spin around the island; here are 4 considerations that we think would make the Volkswagen Touran a good buy.
1. Design

The Volkswagen Touran’s new powerful and precise lines pick up the reductive clarity of the previous model. The design concept was significantly further refined, and even reinvented in some cases, so as to give the vehicle a sharper look while retaining a strong underlying continuity.

The distinctive details of the Volkswagen Touran’s front section lend it a new and unmistakable depth of class; even the headlights themselves are much slimmer than those of the previous model, and have a more three-dimensional shape.

Although the new Volkswagen Touran is longer than the previous model, it is not so noticeable until you sit inside the car and realise how spacious it is. Despite having the largest cargo capacity in its class, it is able to retain its compact exterior dimensions due to an innovative design approach.

With its increased overall length and longer wheelbase, the Volkswagen Touran now appears considerably sleeker and more sportier; thanks to the long stylish side windows and precise lines.

2. Comfort & Convenience

The Volkswagen Touran’s longer wheelbase benefits passengers in the frequently used second seat row as the seats can be adjusted lengthwise. The backrest inclination can also be adjusted, with a choice of three positions. The area in front of the centre seat is also made more comfortable thanks to a very flat centre tunnel.

The newly designed fold-flat seats also improve seating ergonomics and believe it or not, the Volkswagen Touran has an interior width of 1,518 mm at elbow height in the second seat row; which makes it possible to fit three child seats next to each other, something that not many other MPVs can do. All three seats in the second row as well as the two in the third row, are equipped with ISOFIX fixtures that include top tether fixtures.

Legroom in the third row has also been improved when compared to its predecessor. Entry and exit have been optimised as well, with the second row seats now equipped with an easy entry function that allow it to slide forward with ease.

The Volkswagen Touran’s dashboard has been redesigned with a more driver-oriented layout. The upper area of the dashboard panel is made of a soft-touch material and contains a closable storage compartment. The focus of the driver’s work station both visually and ergonomically is the centre console, which slopes up towards the front. In front of the gear lever there is a storage compartment, and additional storage compartments and trays are located, among other places, on the side of the instruments and in the footwell on the passenger side (for tablet computers).

In addition to the storage areas in the dashboard, the driver and passenger also have the use of two cup holders in the centre console, a stowage area under the centre armrest, large compartments in the doors and sliding drawers under the front seats. In the Comfortline version, the Touran is also fitted with folding tables and storage pockets on the back of the front seats.

The “Pure Air Climatronic” system with 3-zone temperature control allows the driver, front and rear passengers to set their desired temperatures for maximum comfort. Its biogenic filter, unique to the MPV segment, helps maintain air quality at a consistently high level and prevents the infiltration of pollutants, fungal spores and allergens.

3. Functionality

The direct-injection turbocharged 1.4 TSI engine in the Volkswagen Touran is a completely new design. Producing 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, it delivers strong performance (0-100 km/h in only 8.9 seconds) while consuming only 5.6 L/100km of fuel in the combined driving cycle.

The new fold-flat seating system allows the three individual seats in the second row and the two individual seats in the third row to be folded down in a matter of seconds to create a perfectly level continuous floor. Utilisation of the full luggage space of up to 1,857 litres is made possible by easy-to-use lugs for folding down the backrests of the second row and third row seats and lowering the whole seats flat into the luggage compartment floor. In other words, all seats stay inside the vehicle and are simply folded flat to create space as needed. With the second seat row, it is easy to do this from the side; the third row can also be easily folded down or up, access in this case being from the luggage compartment.

Four driving modes are available at the touch of a button; Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. In Eco, the engine management and climate control are optimised for low fuel consumption.

4. Safety

Volkswagen has made advances in active and passive safety through the use of a crash-optimised body that includes high-strength steels (resulting in an increase of 25 percent in the static stiffness of the body structure). The Volkswagen Touran has seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag, a chassis with passenger car-like attributes and a range of new assistance systems that’s pioneering in this class. The assistance systems featured for the first time in the Touran include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, the Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection system, and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking.

Our Personal Take On The Volkswagen Touran

The Volkswagen Touran is a spacious vehicle with ample storage compartment and passengers will surely appreciate the added legroom and comfort especially for long road trips to Malaysia and beyond. Swift and nimble, the Volkswagen Touran is able to manoeuvre with ease during lane change and overtaking.

On hindsight though, the fuel consumption might be a concern because the average fuel consumption we managed for an entirely urban drive was about 10 km per litre.

One thing we truly appreciate about the Volkswagen Touran is the ample space that is available when the seats are folded flat because it makes running errands so much easier. In fact, we think that the Volkswagen Touran will make an excellent vehicle for commercial purposes too.

Currently priced at SGD$147,400 for the Comfortline variant; the Volkswagen Touran is definitely a car for the adventurous family. Whether it’s an outback adventure or a simple picnic in the park, the Volkswagen Touran will serve a family of 7 very well.

Head down to the Volkswagen Car Showroom at Alexandra road for a test drive now.

[Automobile Review]- The new Volkswagen Sportsvan

By delta June 19, 2016

The new Volkswagen Sportsvan was launched in October last year and recently, we had the privilege to test-drive the Highline-variant of the Sportsvan for 3 days.
At the first impression, the exterior of the Sportsvan seemed quite ordinary and there was really nothing much to rave about. I had expected the Sportsvan to be more sporty and stylish but sadly, that wasn’t quite the case because the Volkswagen design DNA (which I don’t quite fancy) features prominently in all of their vehicles; including the Sportsvan.

Having said that, I believe the Sportsvan is more targeted towards young families who are just starting out (since the car is marketed as a compact 5-seater MPV) and I will be upfront here to say that the Sportsvan will definitely not appeal to me based on its exterior but there is a common saying that looks can be very deceiving.

Will the Sportsvan offer a sporty driving experience? I was eager to find that out.

I opened the driver’s door and sat in the driver’s seat; and I must say, the style and interior of the Sportsvan is remarkably different from what its exterior has to offer. High-end and stylistically sophisticated would be the terms I will use to describe the Sportsvan’s interior.

The centre console between the seats ascends forwards near the gear knob just as in a high-class sports car, and this creates an ergonomic environment that makes the driver and front passenger forget that they are sitting in a compact MPV.

The Sportsvan is a car which focuses on maximum on-board comfort. The vehicle is already very comfortable to enter, thanks to the wide-opening doors and the elevated seats. There is also very generous space for rear seat passengers and even people measuring 1.90 metres can sit comfortably, one in front of the other.

Storage pockets and folding tables integrated in the backs of the front seats give practicality a further boost, and there are also three additional cupholders (two for standard size cups and one for narrower cups) in the rear centre armrest that folds up.

Cargo capacity is a very generous 500 litres with the rear bench seat in its standard position. When the two separately adjustable sections of the rear bench seat are moved to their front-most positions, up to 590 litres of cargo fit into the luggage compartment of the Sportsvan. With the rear folded down, a maximum storage capacity of 1,520 litres is available.

So, what do I really like most about the Sportsvan?

Well, that has got to be the driving experience.

The Sportsvan is fitted with a stop-start system as standard and its new 1.4-litre TSI engine with 125 PS produces an impressive 200 Nm of torque from only 1,400 rpm. It enables a top speed of 200 km/h and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds.

The driving experience was a sheer pleasure and the gear transition was really smooth. The speed pick-up of the Sportsvan was fast; even in the Normal driving mode and when in the Sport mode, I could feel the responsive feedback on the steering wheel when cornering. In the Eco mode, I noticed that the gears are shifted up rather promptly to reduce engine drag. As I was quite heavy footed throughout, overtaking and lane changing were a breeze and my overall fuel consumption was about 11.2 km/litre.

Overall thoughts?

The Sportsvan is definitely a car that offers power, speed, space, and comfort. I personally fancy the fun and sporty driving experience that the Sportsvan has to offer but I am still not entirely enticed because of its not so sporty exterior appearance.

If you value the practicality of a car more than its exterior appearance, you might want to consider the Sportsvan. The Volkswagen Sportsvan is currently selling at SGD$136,800 for the Highline-variant and if you would like to see the Sportsvan for yourself and have a go at it, head down to the Volkswagen Car Showroom at Alexandra Road.

For more information about the Volkswagen Sportsvan, visit Volkswagen Singapore Website.

[Automobile Test Drive Review]- Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI

By delta July 9, 2015

It has been a while since we last written an automobile post and with so many things to do in recent weeks, it was really hard to find time to write but anyway; now that we manage to squeeze out some precious time, we really want to share our review/opinion about the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI that we drove last month.
First Impression

When we went to the Volkswagen Car Showroom to pick up the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI, the blue Volkswagen Polo immediately stood out and we were very impressed with its strong racy character. When compared with its predecessor, it is pretty hard to differentiate one from the other but the facelifted Volkswagen Polo definitely looks sportier and maybe more curvy.

The crisply contoured shoulder line and protruding front end make the Volkswagen Polo appear longer without sacrificing any of its compactness.

Details such as the distinctive body-coloured exterior mirrors with integrated indicators and the roof spoiler reinforce the impression of dynamism and agility.

The design of the Volkswagen Polo’s rear end is moulded by crisp edges, clear lines, and a compact form. The rear lights, the reflectors and even the licence plate holder add some stunning touches that help to make the Volkswagen Polo a real eye-catcher from behind too.

The Driving Experience

Though the facelifted Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI is a sight to behold, it certainly does not drive like a sports car; after all, it is only propelled by a 1.2-litre engine that produces 89bhp and 160Nm of torque. Despite the unimpressive figures, the driving experience still surpassed our expectations because after all, our regular car is only a 1.1 manual Kia Picanto.

When I sat down in the driver’s seat, it was really comfortable. The headroom and legroom was adequate for me and all the controls were within reach. The interior is no doubt classy for a super minicar and I like the fact that the handbrake lever, steering wheel, and gear lever are all wrapped in leather.

The decent 280-litre boot space is also adequate for storage of baggage and shopping bags. Just so you know, with the split-folding rear seats; the storage capacity can increase up to an approximate 952 litres.

In terms of the driving performance, the Volkswagen Polo felt sturdy but because the steering is so light and the feedback from the road is little, it was quite hard for us to gauge how much grip the vehicle has when cornering. Overtaking cars may also be slightly challenging for our busy roads but if you are a defensive driver, it doesn’t really matter.

When we drove the Volkswagen Polo, the engine is rather refined and quiet. However, when we floored the accelerator all the way down, the engine sprung into beast mode and lets out a sporty roar that was quite evident from the cabin.

What really impressed me the most was the fuel economy of the Volkswagen Polo and that itself is a major plus point for car buyers. Even during extreme driving circumstances i.e. heavy traffic jams with excessive revving and waiting, we were able to achieve a decent 18KM/L; a feat that even our Kia Picanto can’t beat.

Conclusion

If we had the dough, the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI would definitely be one of our consideration for our next car once our current COE is up. But looking at the current circumstance i.e. overpriced COE and strict loan restrictions, we probably might make a switch over to riding a motorbike instead. Should you be looking for a no-frill decent hatchback that offers an effortless urban driving experience, the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI is definitely a worthy contender.

For more information about the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI, do check out Volkswagen Singapore Official Website and like Volkswagen Singapore Facebook Page.

[Test Drive Review]- The New Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI [DSG]

By delta March 26, 2015

A few weeks ago, we were given the opportunity to test drive the new Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI [DSG] and we had an enjoyable driving experience that was unlike any other cars that we drove so far.
Since 1938, the Volkswagen Beetle has always had the most recognisable automotive design in the world and it is a design that still continues to win over the hearts of people of all generations. Just so you know, there are 3 generations of Volkswagen Beetle.

Volkswagen Beetle 1^st Generation

The original Beetle is one of the three most successful cars ever, with 21.5 million first generation units sold and over the years, it has shaped people’s collective consciousness. The original Beetle wrote history as the car that moved the masses.

Volkswagen New Beetle 2^nd Generation [based on the Golf IV’s PQ34 platform]

Then the New Beetle debuted in the late 1990s. It brought with it Beetle Mania and a new automotive exuberance. The New Beetle offered a certain lifestyle, and it sold over one million units, alongside the Golf.

Volkswagen New Beetle 3^rd Generation [based on the Jetta’s PQ35 platform]

The 21st Century Beetle is the successor of the Volkswagen Beetle icon in the new era and if one were to compare the first Beetle with the latest Beetle and place them side by side, one would see that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical.

Exterior Design

The latest generation of Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, and definitely more masculine. Characterised by a clean, self-confident, and dominant sportiness; the car not only has a lower profile but is also substantially wider. The gain in length means that the roof could be extended further, the front windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the original Beetle. All of these gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.

Despite all of its individuality, some of the Beetle’s longstanding characteristics remain; these include its flared wings and the clean design of its rear lights, the shape of the bonnet, the side and door sills and its ability to integrate large wheels of up to 18 inch.

In the space where the original Beetle once had its engine, there is now a bootlid on the Beetle, which swivels upward together with the rear windscreen when it is opened, making space to provide an ample cargo capacity of 310 to 905 litres.

As on all Volkswagens, the rear lamps exhibit an unmistakable night look. And as on every Beetle and New Beetle, their basic shapes are integrated in the design of the flared rear wings. The lights themselves are fully designed in dark red, except for 2 small white areas for the turn indicator and backup lights.

Interior Design

A distinguishing feature of the contemporary Beetle is that its interior ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle could feel as if they were being chauffeured because of the bonnet that was so far forward, the latest Beetle now offers a driving experience that is a lot sportier.

Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox [Beetle box] integrated in the front facia whose lid folds upward. Another classic feature is the optional auxiliary instruments above the audio/navigation system and it displays the oil temperature, the clock with chronometer function, and boost pressure gauge.

Drivers will be able to find any of the interior details with their eyes closed. This means not only current Volkswagen owners but any drivers. And yet everything has been redesigned or rearranged. In front of the driver, 3 round instruments [the tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge] supply all of the key information. In the central speedometer there is a multifunction display.

The adjustable air vents and instruments have chrome bezels.

The New Beetle has a completely redesigned seating system, which makes a substantial contribution towards the car’s high level of comfort and unlimited touring ability. The boot now has a significantly larger capacity at 310 litres instead of 209 litres. When the standard split rear bench is folded down, cargo capacity even increases to 905 litres; and it is easy to load through the wide opening boot lid. This means that nothing aboard the Beetle keeps it from handling a long road trip. Incidentally, practical bag hooks in the walls of the boot help in both small and large everyday cargo transport tasks.

As standard, the Beetle has a very good audio system, the RCD 310 with 8 loudspeakers [4 tweeters and 4 woofers] and dual tuners.

Driving Performance

The 21st Century Beetle debuts with a suitably modern engine with direct fuel injection and turbocharging. The 1.2 TSI follows the downsizing philosophy of Volkswagen’s globally successful TSI engines and what this means is maximum power with minimum fuel consumption. The New Beetle 1.2 TSI reaches 100 km/h from a standstill after just 10.9 seconds, and if necessary it can accelerate to 180 km/h. This performance data sits in sharp contrast to its very low fuel consumption and emissions values of 5.9 L/100 km and 137 g/km CO2.

The DSG transmission is characterised by maximum economy and shifting dynamics, which have never been attained to this extent before. Even the most experienced professional drivers do not shift at nearly the speed of the DSG. More than any other automatic, the dual clutch gearbox has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and thereby emissions. Compared to a conventional automatic with torque-converter clutch, fuel efficiency gains may be as much as 20 percent.

The New Beetle is equipped with a standard ESP electronic stabilisation programme.

When it comes to the layout of the car’s running gear, Volkswagen has implemented a MacPherson-type strut suspension at the front with helical springs and telescoping dampers. At the rear, a newly developed suspension in lightweight construction supports the Beetle’s very good handling properties. In addition, the running gear also offers excellent driving stability when the car is fully loaded. Fitting into this picture is the very smooth yet precise operation of the electromechanical power steering.

In terms of safety, the New Beetle has achieved the maximum 5-star safety score from Euro NCAP.

Our Personal Opinion of the New Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI [DSG]

Over the years, the various generations of the Beetle reflected what is certainly the most recognisable. However, I have to admit that I was never a fan of the Volkswagen Beetle [2^nd Generation] because I felt that the car was extremely girly and soft. In fact, the Volkswagen Beetle [2^nd Generation] was often touted as a car for the ladies.

Having drove the New Volkswagen Beetle [3^rd Generation], I am fully convinced that this car is going to be my dream hatchback car [I’m sorry MINI Cooper]. With a design that expresses power instead of flower power, the New Volkswagen Beetle offers a very sporty drive and I really love it because it is very fuel-efficient. I would personally like it more if the New Volkswagen Beetle has a manual variant.

With a turbocharged engine, picking up speed is also a breeze for the New Volkswagen Beetle [considering the fact that it is a small car with a small engine capacity] and even when going over humps, the suspension of the car is very sturdy. If you’re the “need for speed” sort of driver, you might want to consider the New Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI version instead of the 1.2 TSI version.

Although the New Volkswagen Beetle boasts a huge boot space that can contain big luggage, I personally feel that the rear passengers [especially those who are pretty tall] will have a less comfortable journey on the road as the gap between the head and the car roof is pretty small. The other negative point about the New Volkswagen Beetle is that I found it pretty hard to gauge the front of the car especially when turning or cornering; which by the way, is a puzzle to me because I had no issues gauging the front of the car with much bigger vehicles like the Volkswagen Caddy Panel Van.

If you are looking for a car that shows emotion, offers dynamic performance, and yet a classic, you might want to consider the New Volkswagen Beetle. It is probably the car for the young urban professionals [yuppies]. The car’s styling, ergonomics, operability and quality interact to create a new and friendly car with a highly individual nature.

While planning for our wedding that is going to be taking place in less than 2 months’ time, both Jacqueline and I are faced with a tough decision over what wedding car to use. Many family members and friends suggested a luxury sedan while there were many others that suggested a luxury sports car. Though we have not fully decided over which car to choose yet, we hope to share more details soon.

For more information about the New Volkswagen Beetle, do check out Volkswagen Official Website and like Volkswagen Official Facebook Page!

Alternatively, you could also arrange for a test-drive at the Volkswagen Car Showroom at 247 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159934. The Volkswagen Car Showroom operating hours are Monday to Saturday- 8:30am to 7:00pm and Sundays & Public Holidays- 10:00am to 7:00pm.