Passat Alltrack

Forestry tracks, tracks that head down to the river or tracks that lead beyond the paddock gate to the water trough have a pleasurable sense of daring and adventure that make exploring them in a crossover vehicle all the more appealing. No, they’re not the sort of tracks you’d care to take your Corolla or Camry wagon down, but they are the sort you’d love to take a new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack down.

Brand new and looking the goods, the Passat Alltrack wagon offers the driver a special Offroad Function which includes technology like Hill Descent Assist, ABSplus, an adaptation of Volkswagen’s ESP system for off-roading and a function that adjusts the accelerator pedal setting. Certainly, the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack won’t go where the Touareg models can go, but the added pleasure of taking the picnic beyond the side of the road is what the Passat Alltrack is all about. Very much in the same vein as a Subaru Legacy Outback or Forester, the Passat Alltrack is a safe and sure-footed vehicle for both on the tarmac and on unsealed surfaces.

Volkswagen’s 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system gives excellent, predictable traction on all surfaces and in all conditions, while the vehicle has had a 30 mm increase in the ride height over the standard Passat wagon. The answer to why I’d choose the Passat Alltrack isn’t just found in its AWD capabilities but in what lies under the wagon’s bonnet.

A sweet engine is one that has plenty of power and torque on hand, but in using the grunt remains highly economical. The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack comes with the advanced 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine that has a maximum power of 125kW at 4200rpm. For quick passing, the engine’s low down torque (350 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm) and swanking top-end power results in smooth powerful performance across the range. Run through the six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), the power is dialled up instantly on demand. Boasting a “Coasting Function”, the DSG unit links nicely with the engine’s power to combine punchy acceleration with cruisey, economic high speed travel.

Then there’s the Start/Stop engine technology which has the capacity to cut the engine at lights to add to the Passat Alltrack’s superior fuel economy. A brilliant combined fuel economy of 5.8 litres/100km can be expected, which is quite amazing for such a big, roomy car.

On the inside, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has a heap of practical luggage space in the form of a 60:40 split-folding rear seat luggage compartment area, plenty of clever storage compartments throughout the cabin, and plenty of leg and head room in all of the seats. Definitely a nice environment to spend a day’s travelling in, the Alltrack wagon has plenty to offer the traveller: gorgeous seats, an electric driver's seat, leather trim, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, satellite navigation, a 30-gigabyte hard drive, a colour touchscreen and rain-sensing wipers. For those who like to take the scariness out of parking your car in a tight space, then the reversing camera and parking sensors (front and rear) will be much appreciated. Nice looking 17-inch alloy wheels, high-end audio, eight airbags, a fatigue-detection system, tyre-pressure sensors, ABS, EBD and ESC all come as standard items. A five-star crash test result for the earlier Passat wagon will give you peace of mind in the new Alltrack wagon.

Directly matching the Subaru Outback, the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is a classy alternative that’s worth your time investigating.

The current new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack models include the:

· Passat Alltrack 2.0L TDI

For any more information on the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Golf Cabriolet

At the time of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet review, we’re hitting the summer months again. Hot summer days can be enjoyed with the top down, cruising the beach. Stylish lines give the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet an appeal that will see this model parked up in the manager’s car parking spots. In nine seconds, the roof lining folds quickly away to create a very special Golf environment that is luxurious, and comfortable. Careful wind management ensures that, with the roof down, the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet remains serene and enjoyable at normal road speeds.

There is plenty of get-up-and-go for what is a refined looking cabriolet. Underneath the smooth Golf lines lies a powerful 1.4-litre petrol engine that boasts twin turbochargers. The 118 kW output is sensational given the small capacity engine, while the 240 Nm of torque impresses as well. It’s little wonder, then, that the Golf Cabriolet feels very responsive and willing to stretch its legs, given half a chance.

Two transmissions are available. I like the six-speed manual gearbox - maybe because I’m a control freak and love the way the TSI engine can be worked over. The matching of the manual gearbox to the engine power is pretty near perfect, and it’s enjoyable the way the gearbox snatches the gears with little time delay and a confident movement. The other alternative is the seven-speed DSG unit that feels very at home dawdling around town or dashing around intercity roads.

The compromise between comfort and sportiness is exceptionally accurate, meaning that the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet has a refined ride that doesn’t lose its rag once the fast corners come. Combined with the punchy engine performance, the car is a swift machine that brings out the smiles for all the driving enthusiasts.

Ease off the foot pedal, just a little, and you begin to appreciate the look of the snazzy golf Cabriolet interior design. Flowing dash lines, gorgeous refined materials and textures, combined with all the latest technology and colours do give the Golf Cabriolet the edge in interior satisfaction. Silver lined switchgear and instrumentation, easy touch buttons and beautifully comfortable seats give the big tick for that classy look and ergonomic pleasure.

There are plenty of on-board items that’ll have you thinking: what does this button do? Bluetooth communications, a multifunction display, satellite navigation, a rear-view camera, electrically adjustable front leather seats, a crystal clear sound system and cruise control start to give you the idea that this car was made to be enjoyed.

It’s always important to stay at the front when it comes to safety features in a car. With the new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet you have an active roll-over protection system working to keep you safe. ESP, ASR, ABS, Brake Assist, EDL, EBC and EBD all commune to provide a safe drive whatever the conditions. And, there are plenty of airbags about the cabin, too.

Elegant from the outset, the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet shares the same horizontal front grille, elegant headlight design and daytime driving lights as the rest of the Golf models do. Features like the upper grille with its chrome highlights and integrated front fog lights give the refined Golf appearance focal points for your eyes to rest on and appreciate.

It only takes a few seconds for the roof to fold away, and it only takes a few seconds for you to start to soak in the pleasurable new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet experience.

The current Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet model is the:

· Golf Cabriolet 118TSI

For any more information on the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Up

When you’re coasting past the lake, watching swans and enjoying the sun glistening off the water, you could well think that life’s pretty good. Add to this the pleasure of driving the new Volkswagen Up and the experience has just gone up another notch or two. It would be easy to flick this new model from Volkswagen off as just another small car amidst a myriad of other small hatches travelling our roads. From a distance, the small Volkswagen Up does look a lot like many other Japanese smalls, but get a little closer and the sun shines brightly off this new car’s bonnet.

The new Volkswagen Up has a lot to like about it. Yes, it’s small. In fact, the overall length of the car is only 3540 mm long, but it’s what Volkswagen has been able to build into the Up’s small dimensions that impresses. If anyone knows how to find volume inside a small space, it will be Volkswagen. They’ve been doing it for years. Setting the engine precisely over the front axle and tucking it back into the engine bay means that the interior room is maximised. A nice tall roofline creates an expansive feel whether you sit in the front or rear seats, and the seating for four tall adults is amazingly comfortable. Three or five door options of the Volkswagen Up are available. Split-folding rear seats have been carefully designed for creating the most space whilst remaining comfortable to sit in. A dinky feature of the new Volkswagen Up is the variable-height luggage floor, which means that you can store your luggage in an organised fashion. And with the rear seats up, there is a useful 251 litres.

As I’ve come to expect, and like, about Volkswagen cars is their ability to use materials inside the cabin that look and feel nice. Cloth trim seats are tactile and pleasant to the touch. The design work across the Up’s dash has been cleverly worked out for excellent ergonomics and aesthetic appeal, while all the standard luxury items like air conditioning, electric windows and a trip computer are standard. One of the worthy mentions is the laser-based emergency braking system. I wouldn’t recommend gazing at the swans on the lake too much; however, the Volkswagen Up is available with the very Smart City Emergency Brake system that is active at vehicle speeds from 5-30km/h. It monitors the area ahead of the car and uses the brakes if it detects a hazard. Have you ever been rear-ended or have you had the misfortune of rear-ending another car at the lights? Systems like this seek to avoid these types of collisions, and will apply the brakes if a potential impact is detected.

Take the Volkswagen Up for a run, and the ride quality is excellent. A zesty 55 kW petrol-fed motor does the business, and the car is well capable of stretching its legs on the open road. Economy is a feature of the 1.0-litre engine with Bluemotion technology. You can expect an average fuel consumption of around 4.2 litres/100 km – an impressive result. There is the 1.0-litre engine option without the Bluemotion stop/start technology, and the resulting fuel consumption still sits well below 5 litres/100 km. A manual or ASG transmission is available, both of which perform their duties with distinction.

All Volkswagen Up models come with a comprehensive safety list which has aided the Up getting five stars in ANCAP safety tests.

You’ll find a local VW dealer in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, so back-up servicing is never an issue

The current Volkswagen Up models include the:

· Up (manual)

· Up (ASG)

· Up Bluemotion (manual)

For any more information on the Volkswagen Up or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Scirocco R

Taking to the road in a Volkswagen Scirocco R is always going to be a fine experience. The letter R gives it away. Maybe the R could stand for Racy or Rocket because the Turbo 4-cylinder engine is a blissful flyer.

What are the cars that the new Volkswagen Scirocco R has to compete with? Actually, you might even find that within VW, the Golf R is a Scirocco R rival. Until you realize that the Scirocco R is 125 kg lighter than the Golf R, and that it feels sharper and quicker on the road, do you note that the two-door Scirocco R is actually very quick. I love the low profile styling and the aerodynamic lines. A Volvo C30 T5 R-Design is always going to be a striking rival. In the same mould as the Scirocco R, the smallest Volvo looks the goods. For out and out pace, the more powerful VW engine wins here. How about a Renault Megane? I’ll leave the decision to you because both cars feel as quick on any given day. And I know that some of you are going to like the bolder Megane styling. For me, I’ll take the Scirocco R.

Volkswagen, for years, has been an excellent finisher. When you step inside the impeccable Scirocco R interior you find that the textures and materials are as good as they look. Fit and finish is of a premium level, and it’s these sorts of things which last the test of time. The Volkswagen Scirocco R is beautiful inside and out. Triangular door handles, a black gloss detailing on the centre console, ‘Silver Lane’ decorative trim for the instrument panel surrounds and distinctive aluminium pedals really provide you with a cabin that provides the perfect blend of class and flare. Aluminium door sills, ‘R’ logos on the steering wheel and front head restraints, and a chrome-plated gear knob with DSG lettering etched into the top of the DSG model never lets you forget that the driving power within is fully pumped.

Your favourite driving position is easily found with the electronic driver seat. You are seated in the Scirocco R seats, not on. The Scirocco R’s performance potential means that the addition of strong side bolsters for fast cornering and ergonomic perfection means that the driving experience can be enjoyed for hours-on-end. The Volkswagen Scirocco R is a true coupe with four individual seats, including open rear head restraints. ‘Kylami’ black cloth with accents of ‘San Remo’ grey microfibre and finished with contrasting grey stitching makes the seats look an awesome package, indeed.

At the heart of the sculptured dash is a 6.5-inch touch screen that boasts multi-function entertainment. A six-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary input are standard, as well as Bluetooth phone connectivity. An optional upgrade will get you the Satellite Navigation System with the high resolution touch screen display. This package is 3D and offers voice control for the telephone, navigation and radio functions. The system also includes an integrated 30GB hard drive for music and navigation data storage, SD card slot and single DVD drive for audio/ MP3 playback. Now that’s technologically savvy!

To really make the journey full of smiles, you can sit back and relax in all your favourite music via the Dynaudio Excite premium audio system. This system boasts 300 Watts, a digital amplifier and eight speakers. Save a few pennies and the standard audio system should be grunty enough.

Under the elegant Volkswagen Scirocco R lies a potent Turbo 4 engine that puts out a very responsive 188 kW of energy. Freely accessible at any time, the motor is willing and strong and can fizz along effortlessly. With 330 Nm of torque on tap, performance is very sharp. In fact, your sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h can be completed in six seconds flat. A six-speed DSG and manual six-speed gearbox are the two ways of linking the power to the front wheels. Accurate steering and thrilling road holding make the Volkswagen Scirocco R one of the best FWD cars money can buy.

Priced under 50k, the Volkswagen Scirocco R is a mean buy! You’ll love the gorgeous looks and relish the sporty drive.

The current Volkswagen Scirocco R models include the:

· Scirocco R (manual)

· Scirocco R (DSG)

For any more information on the Volkswagen Scirocco R models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Golf Wagon

Good station wagons aren’t always easy to find. These are the wagons that are special, and especially affordable. It’s nice to see that the brand new Volkswagen Golf Wagon meets the favoured criteria.

First of all, you need space to make it work. Inside the Smart interior of the Volkswagen Golf Wagon, there are all sorts of handy places to store nick-nacks and luggage for the journey from A to B. This clever design work has meant that the spacious cabin in a Golf Wagon feels roomy for any tall adult. While out the back end, there is ample luggage space for suitcases, golf bags and the like. Able to carry lots of stuff, and tall people, the Volkswagen Golf Wagon performs its job very well. It is a real wagon. Inside, you can carry plenty of cargo for the holiday away, rubbish to the dump or all the cricket team’s gear for Saturday’s big game. Even with the rear seats up, the luggage space equates to a big 500 litres. Fold the seats flat (easy to do with a flick of the handle) and you’ve got yourself a huge 1495 litres of cargo space. Also a handy feature is the way the rear seat can fold into a 60/40 position - great for those long things you need to slide inside, every now and then.

When one looks to buy themself a new wagon, because they need the space and practicality, a number of people think let’s get the big Falcon or the Commodore to do the business. You don’t always have to go this big. What the Lexus wagon, the Accord wagon and Volkswagen Golf Wagon have over the big wagons from Ford, Holden and Mitsubishi is that they are a lot more frugal on fuel. A few less litres of luggage space in the back equates to a whole heap less litres of fuel at the pumps. And where the Volkswagen Golf has it over all other station wagons is in the engine bay. The Golf Wagon has some of the most fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines in the business.

The Volkswagen Golf Wagon range offers two diesel and two petrol models offering low fuel consumption and lively performance. Let’s start off with the Volkswagen Golf Wagon 90TSI Trendline. Housing the refined 1.4 litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, you are not going to be left short of grunt. With a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox, optimum use of the 200 Nm at between 1500-4000 rpm can be accessed. Between 1500 rpm and 4000 rpm is where this little engine loves to sing all day long. Want an extra squirt of power, then flick the gear down a cog and the engine easily finds its maximum power of 90 kW which sits between 5000-5500 rpm - now you have your passing manoeuvre done and dusted. Enjoyable direct handling makes this a nice Golf Wagon to own and drive. Though considered the base model, you’ll still find comfortable, Smart cloth seats, plenty of electrics, a decent stereo, six airbags, ESP, ASR, ABS, Brake Assist, EDL, EBD, HAS and wonderful interior craftsmanship.

Next in the line-up is the Volkswagen Golf Wagon 77TDI Trendline. You have under the hood a little beauty of an engine that is just so frugal and responsive. This is the sort of powerplant that makes the Golf Wagon such a class leader. The unit has been engineered as a very clean-burning TDI engine with diesel particulate filter control. Boasting a 1.6-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine, you find the maximum power of 77 kW at 4400rpm very accessible. However, with such strong torque low down in the engine revs (250Nm at between 1500-2500 rpm), and a slick seven-speed DSG gearbox, this is an engine that can pull from any gear no sweat, at all. Again you find six airbags, ESP, ASR, ABS, Brake Assist, EDL, EBD, HAS and top workmanship in the interior. VW know how to make a cabin classy and tactile.

With a few more bells and whistles, the Golf Wagon 118TSI Comfortline looks very sporty. This is backed up by housing a 1.4-litre TSI twin turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet. You’ll find the maximum power of 118 kW at 5900 rpm fun to put through its paces. A healthy maximum torque of 240 Nm at between 1750-4500 rpm, and a seven-speed DSG gearbox, and this is a sweet little performer. All the top safety features, as mentioned above, ensure you are well looked after, and an optional Sport package sets this off as a stylish wagon. A great ride and handling package makes it a smooth refined performer.

Finally, at the top of the Volkswagen Golf Wagon range is the 103TDI Comfortline. Comfortline means “nice to travel in”, and the well-groomed performance doesn’t have to cost the earth at the petrol pump. The 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine is exceptionally sporty, with 103 kW at its peak, and 320 Nm of torque available over a flat torque curve. Linked to a six-speed DSG gearbox, and with all the active safety kit (as mentioned above), this is a wagon you’re going to enjoy driving long distances day in, day out. The Optional Sport package is worth the few extra dollars spent.

Make your day, and drive the Golf way. You’ll see why it is such a popular choice in Europe.

The current model series includes the:

· Golf Wagon 90TSI Trendline

· Golf Wagon 77TDI Trendline

· Golf Wagon 118TSI Comfortline

· Golf Wagon 103TDI Comfortline

For anymore information on the Volkswagen Golf Wagon, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI

What does a Jetta look like, and how does she go? Read on to find out how the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI is more than just a fashionable sedan on four wheels.

The bulldog is a friendly beast that, though is delightfully docile, can provide quite a bite if provoked. The gentleman-like appearance of Volkswagen’s latest Jetta is welcoming and handsome, however there is quite a punch lying in wait under the bonnet if the driving enthusiast goes hunting for it. I like this drive. The Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI is right up there with the best of the mid-sized diesel picks.

The Volkswagen Jetta comes with three diesel options. There is the 77 TDI model that has a 1.6 TD engine, the 103 TDI which has a base two-litre TD engine, and then there is the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI which has the high performance two-litre turbo-diesel motor offering a lot of verve and dynamism. Fuel efficiency is not lacking in the swift Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI, but there is noticeably more power at the ready.

Open the throttle out on the motorway and the high advancened TDI engine packs on the pace with seemingly very little effort at all. You may not have guessed, but the 125 in the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI model name stands for the 125 kW available at 4200 rpm. And where the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI engine holds off all the other models for useable power is in the torque department. The 350 Nm of torque is available from as low as 1750 - 2500 rpm, and is fed via a six-speed DSG gearbox to the front wheels in slick fashion. Evidently, the performance of the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI is very brisk, and highly capable of getting you to the next board room meeting well on time. Always ready to pounce, the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI can complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in a sprightly 8.5 seconds. And in true, traditional Volkswagen style, the performance is blended with some of the most economical sports driving you will find anywhere on the globe. You can expect a 5.9 litres/100 km return to be the norm for a combined city and country run.

Volkswagen’s cutting-edge TDI engines have diesel particulate filters and the most up-to-date Common Rail technology that injects precise amounts of fuel at exceedingly high pressure. The result is a cleaner burning engine with exceptional fuel economy, impressive torque and gripping performance.

Take a Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI out to the twisty roads, and you will find that the road holding is explicitly capable. The level grip and balanced feel to the car’s progress is of exceptional quality. A true driver’s car; and with the usable point to point strengths of a performing diesel engine the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI can cover the ground remarkably quickly in effortless silence.

Enter the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI cabin environment, and the vibes offer high sophistication and simple elegance; a paradigm perhaps, but sophisticated because all the necessary high technology is there – and the car does all this with satisfying aplomb; and simple because the clear, readable ergonomic design of the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI is beautiful. Nice trim and tactile materials make spending time in the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI a very pleasant experience. Seating is fantastic, and the upholstery work on the Sports alcantara / cloth combination seat upholstery is first rate. Leather seats are optional, but I think I like the cloth seats better! A matter of opinion, I guess.

The Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI is a well equipped car and boasts premium luxury throughout. Blue tooth communications is optional, while the all important premium safety features are not. The Volkswagen Jetta 125 TD is a very solidly built car that has excellent safety records. A five-star rating in the Euro NCAP tests for the Golf models back this up. The Jetta is a Golf with a boot. Or better described: a sedan Golf. Equipped with all the important high end-safety features the Golf scored a near perfect 16 out of 16.

Enquire today, particularly if you want a practical, classy, efficient sports diesel sedan - without spending the earth to buy one.

The current model series includes the:

• Jetta 125 TDI

For anymore information on the Volkswagen Jetta 125 TDI, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Passat R36

Can a station wagon with a sports heritage exist without having some macho name and styling that looks ostentatious and vulgar? Can a sporty stationwagon have some elegance and sophistication as well as power and performance? Yes, it can, as the Volkswagen Passat R36 proves.

The Volkswagen Passat R36 does not just come in wagon form but also has a luxury sedan incarnation. Not that the wagon variant is any less luxurious. Apart from the extra luggage space at the rear of the wagon variant, there is very little to choose between the Volkswagen Passat R36 wagon and the Volkswagen Passat R36 sedan. Whichever one you select, both of them have been engineered to be what the VW team claim to be the fastest Passat ever.

Well, there is one small point of difference between the wagon and the sedan variants. While all models of Volkswagen Passat R36 share the powerful 3.6 litre V6 FSI direct injection petrol engine and the six-speed direct shift gearing system, the sedan variant is a shade swifter than the wagon, as it can do the 0–100 km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds as opposed to the wagon’s 5.8 seconds. The engine gives out 220 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque, and both have the same fuel consumption (10.7 l/100 km), so it must be that little extra bit of weight at the back that makes that 0.2 seconds of difference, which is less than a heartbeat’s difference.

While the VW Passat R36 has an AWD drivetrain, which certainly makes for better on-road grip and handling, you are unlikely to take this machine off road. This is because the Volkswagen Passat R36, unlike lesser versions of Passat, has the racing-bred sports suspension that makes the elegantly styled R-36 sit low to the ground on its 18” alloy wheels, merely hinting at the power and performance on offer. The overall styling of the Volkswagen Passat R36 is sophisticated and smooth, with only subtle hints of power in the little details, such as the roof spoiler (discreetly placed behind the roof rails) and the matte chrome grille with the R36 badge. This subtle styling is continued on the inside, with the three-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel proudly sporting the R36 emblem and tasteful aluminium inserts.

With any car this powerful, safety is paramount, and the Volkswagen Passat R36 managed to earn the full five stars in the rigorous Euro-NCAP safety test, as this flagship model should. However, many of the safety features come into play in non-emergency situations. Take the bi-xenon headlights with dynamic or static cornering (as you need). Not only do these aid visibility from the driver’s point of view, but they also look impressive when viewed from outside. Or take the front seats. Yes, these are 12-way adjustable sports seats in the front, with electrically adjustable bolster support and a three-way memory function for the driver, but they also incorporate safety-optimised height adjustable head restraints that are very, very comfortable, and, of course, the force limited and pretensioned front seat belts with a warning system if they are not fastened. In the rear seats –which are upholstered with a combination of San Remo microfibre and Vienna leather – you will also find head restraints and three-point seatbelts, with the outer rear safety belts being pretensioned. The active safety features, such as the anti-slip regulation and the ESP give the Passat R36 excellent on-road manners as well as allowing for extra grip in a sticky – or, rather a “stickless” situation. And the ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist are also likely to be appreciated on a daily basis to rein in the terrific power of the VW Passat R36. The rain-sensing windscreen wipers and the auto-dimming function of the rear view mirror are not only handy, but they also add to the safety. The same can be said of the front and rear parking distance sensors.

The only safety features inside the Volkswagen Passat R-36 that will not be seen every day are the front, side and curtain airbags, and the rigid safety shell and the side intrusion beams – although these features do form and intrinsic part of the body styling and combine the safety and toughness inside the tailored lines of the silhouette.

Other interior features that are likely to be appreciated inside the Volkswagen Passat R36 are the sounds and the ambience. Specifically, these come in the form of a dual-zone electronic climate control with a dust and pollen filter, as well as an air quality sensor with an automatic recirculation function that activates when it detects an unacceptable level of fumes, etc. in the cabin air. The sounds are taken care of with the Passat R36’s 250 W amplifier with 10 speakers that allow whatever’s playing – up to 6 CDs or MP3s, or else what’s being fed through the front console auxiliary jack – to be heard with maximum clarity. The driver can easily and safely switch between tracks via the steering-wheel mounted controls, and can see what’s playing thanks to the 6.5” touch-screen display system.

Naturally, other convenience features are taken care of, with the Volkswagen Passat R36’s cabin having multiple storage compartments tucked handily all around, including an umbrella compartment in the driver’s door, four cupholders (two in the front, two in the back) and two front bottle holders, plus power windows, a 12-volt in the luggage compartment, illuminated vanity mirrors for both driver and front passenger, and many more.

In summary, the Volkswagen Passat R36 manages to combine the practicality of a family-sized wagon or sedan with the pure driving pleasure of sports motoring.

The current model series includes the:

• Volkswagen Passat R36 sedan
• Volkswagen Passat R36 wagon

For any more information on the Volkswagen Passat R36, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Passat Wagon

Model Update

If you like wagons, then the brand new Volkswagen Passat Wagon range are brilliant as load carriers, luxurious as people movers and sporty for the driving enthusiast.

The new design still retains the qualities of the outgoing model: room, tremendous build quality and punchy performance.

The very best features make this a lovely wagon to own. Things like comfortable seats, sound ergonomics, an automated tailgate opener, LED daytime running lights, an intelligent DSG transmission, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, a driver fatigue detection system and a brand new RCD510 audio system.

You are going to like this one, so do check it out.

Take the new Volkswagen Passat Wagon out for a spin, and the level of composure, refinement and luxury is quite breathtaking. Even the Volkswagen Passat 1.8TSI Wagon is nicely equipped with all the essential equipment to make your journey an enjoyable and memorable experience. When you step inside the Passat Wagon the soft leather, chrome highlights, comfortable seats and ample storage areas are made with quality workmanship, and are practical in their design. One thing that is evident about Volkswagen vehicles is that they are made so well and thus shine with quality. The tiniest of details is completed and finished with the highest levels of craftsmanship.

Driver fatigue is dangerous and the Volkswagen Passat Wagon has an intuitive system that is designed to alert the driver when the level of driver responsiveness indicates fatigue. When driver fatigue is detected the system alerts them with a warning sound and recommends that you take a break. Speaking of keeping your trip safe – the Passat Wagon is equipped with the latest active and passive safety features.

Would the Volkswagen Passat Wagon rate for being a rugged and reliable “Mum’s Taxi”? What should any serious Mum’s Taxi have? Does the Volkswagen Passat Wagon have what it takes?

Mum’s Taxi should be able to carry four or more children plus the driver, and all should be able to see out the window. It should have enough room so that children don’t spend the entire journey hitting each other (much) or playing “Let’s Squash the Middle Passenger Each Time We Corner”. Mum’s Taxi should have enough luggage space to hold all sporting equipment used by the household on a permanent basis and still have room left over for the shopping and/or the dog. This space should be able to be increased on demand to cope with long loads such as Christmas trees if needed. The driver’s seat and the steering wheel should be adjustable, so if Dad (who’s 6’2”) takes his turn doing the school/sports/shops run, he won’t have to try to fit into Mum’s driving position (and she’s 5’4”). The car should be cool enough so that a teenager learning to drive doesn’t cringe with shame when spotted behind the wheel. Being seen with parents teaching you to drive is bad enough. Coolness applies to looks, sounds and gadgets. And lastly, the ideal Mum’s Taxi should be a safe car, especially if the teenager is learning to drive in it.

So how does the new Volkswagen Passat Wagon rate?

Seating and visibility: The Volkswagen Passat Wagon seats five very comfortably, indeed. So the likelihood of children elbowing each other accidentally is kept to a minimum. The rear armrest also helps separate warring parties, if needed. Big windows are spacious – and electrically controlled – allowing everyone, even the passenger in the middle of the back seat, to get a good view of their surroundings. And from the driver’s perspective, this visibility is improved by dusk-sensing halogen headlights and the optional front and rear sensors. These sensors let you know about stray bikes and dogs lurking in the driveway where you can’t see them. Also, on the topic of visibility and windows, a sunroof with a blind is available as an option. A handy child booster seat is an optional extra.

Luggage space: The VW Passat Wagon has over 1700-litres of space ready to use when the seats fold flat – and still remains a very generous and handy space for when the back seats are upright. On top of this, the Passat Wagon has a number of storage compartments tucked around the cabin – including an umbrella compartment with drainage in the driver’s door and even a roof compartment. Roof rails also come as a standard fitting – so that Christmas trees can go on the roof if needed (hint: put the trunk end facing forward to stop the branches getting damaged in transit and to reduce drag).

Adjustable driving position: Yes, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon has a driver’s seat that is electronically adjustable six or more ways, and the headrests are also height adjustable.

Coolness factor: The brand new Volkswagen Passat Wagon has classy styling, as you would expect from any well-built German car. The colour range available for the Passat Wagon range seems to be inspired by natural materials, with metallic and pearlescent paint forming the mainstay of the choices. The chrome trim on the Passat’s exterior contrasts nicely with the pearlescent black paint, and blends well with the various silvery options. The overall stance of the Volkswagen Passat Wagon is angular and dynamic, with a slight hint towards the toughness of an SUV in its lines. On the inside, the coolness continues with a CD and MP3-compatible sound system boasting eight speakers and a touch-screen display. Dual zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and three auxiliary jacks around the cabin make it a high-end, high-tech wagon.

On the safety front, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon has no less than eight airbags as part of its passive safety system, and these back up the tough body cell compartment that is cushioned by the carefully-designed crumple zones. This is the Passat Wagon’s last line of defence after the Anti-Slip Regulation, the ABS brakes with EBD and the ESP package – standard features on all Volkswagen Passat Wagon variants – have done their part to keep you and your family safe.

Engines? You’ve got a few choices here. First on the list comes the Volkswagen Passat Wagon 125TDI Highline Wagon. This one is a clean-burning CRD diesel that gives 125 kW of power and a juicy 350 Nm of torque for towing the caravan. Stop/Start technology maximises the vehicle’s fuel economy whether in the town or out in the straights.

Next comes the Volkswagen Passat Wagon 118TSI Wagon. Petrol fed, this model is popping out 118 kW of power. The engine always feels athletic and flexible.

Finally, the very stylish Passat V6 FSI Highline Wagon is a beautiful car to drive and has enough torque to hold its own against the diesels (350 Nm) but passes them in the power stakes with 220 kW. The V6FSI has a higher level of coolness (to use the teenage definition), with more inside speakers, a lowered sports suspension, 12-way adjustable seats, a roof spoiler and a whole lot more.

Ladies and gentlemen, one of the hottest hot contenders for Mum’s Taxi of the Year Award: The Volkswagen Passat Wagon.

The current model series includes the:

· Volkswagen Passat 125TDI Wagon

· Volkswagen Passat 118TSI Wagon

· Volkswagen Passat V6 FSI Highline Wagon

For any more information on the Volkswagen Passat Wagon, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of VW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Golf 118 TSI Comfortline

consumption (and cut your fuel bills down to size), you can either buy a bicycle or you can look out for a car that is abstemious in its fuel consumption – a wowser at the bowser, so to speak. However, fuel consumption is the only thing you want to cut down on. You don’t really want to have to sacrifice style, comfort or practicality in order to pinch a few pennies. And this is where the VW Golf 118 TSI Comfortline comes in.

First up, you’ll need to know what the fuel economy stats in the VW Golf 118 TSI Comfortline are, so here goes: 6.5 litres per 100 km on average, which drops to 6.2 litres per 100 km if you take the seven-speed DSG transmission option (the manual’s got six gears, incidentally). But fuel economy doesn’t mean something slow and boring that has all the glamour and power of a second-hand mobility scooter. The direct injection fuel system added to the twin charging means that the VW Golf 118 TSI Comfortline can pump out a maximum of 118kW of power and 240 Nm of torque, which is decent enough in most people’s books and is more than enough for most driving situations outside the race track, which includes towing a trailer or caravan. Not bad for a mid- to a large sized hatchback.

And, of course, the 118 TSI Comfortline has all the VW Golf features such as the combination of a compact and well-styled body with generous seats (kind of like my great-aunt) and a five-star ANCAP safety rating. But what makes the Comfortline unique is its interior finish (plus a few tell-tale exterior touches, such as the chrome on the radiator and the 16-inch wheels). These interior features include dual zone climate control, rain sensing windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear vision mirror, automatic headlights with a cunning coming/leaving home function and a three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel. All the dials, screens (such as the information display for the radio/CD audio system) and buttons are tastefully laid out within easy reach of the driver... and the front passenger can also get to the dual zone climate control and the CD player without any trouble.

Like all versions of the new Volkswagen Golf, the 118 TSI Comfort Line has been engineered to be easy to drive and quiet. This means that everything is designed to reduce vibrations and extra noise. Take the example of the windscreen: it’s big, it allows for lots of visibility and it’s engineered to minimise that wind noise (and, incidentally, reduce the fuel consumption – that noise is caused by friction-causing drag).

Safety inside the VW Golf 118 TSI Comfortline is superb. The way that the Comfortline won its 5-star ANCAP rating is through a combination of an active-safety ESP system that incorporates ABS brakes, and ASR (anti-slip regulation) traction control, plus the passive safety features that include a super-tough protective body cell, seven airbags (including a knee bag for the driver) and whiplash-reducing headrests and seat design. And the VW Golf 118 TSI Comfortline adds in Volkswagen’s CISS (Crash Impact Sound Sensor), which “hears” the sounds associated with an impending crash (as well as sensing deceleration) and starts to get the seatbelt pretensioners and the airbags ready to go. However, the CISS is not a sissy, and can tell the difference between you braking and swerving to avoid the neighbour’s idiot cat and you banging on the brakes to avoid a major collision.

And those who choose to can upgrade their VW Golf 118 TSI Comfort-line by selecting the Sport Package that includes sports seats, sports suspension and 17 inch wheels. The Volkswagen Golf handles well around the corners with just the basic Comfortline package – this is enhanced even further by the sports suspension in this optional package.

The current model series includes the:

• VW Golf 118 TSI Comfortline

For any more information on the VW Golf 118 TSI Comfortline, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests 

Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI

It was tough not to ogle my friends Touareg R5 TDI. But it was the sheer size, finish and presence of the Touareg that got me hooked!

Exterior additions of chrome against shiny black metallic paint; huge, sporty sliver alloys, massive exhaust pipes and a large imposing chrome grille make for a very agreeable blend of Volkswagen design. This is a very large vehicle that makes a Patrol look tame.

Inside the SUV is impeccable build quality and magnificent, classy style. The leather seats are sumptuous, and the dash is elegantly designed with wood trim, leather and chrome finishing. Lots of soft blue lighting gives the Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI a contemporary feel. These nice touches, and a black centre panel creates a classy environment that all passengers will enjoy and be impressed by. Features like steering wheel audio controls, climate control, electric seats, a sunroof and premium sounds make the trip in the Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI all that more relaxing and enjoyable.

Traction off-road is exceptional. Any tough terrain can be tamed and just about any slope can be conquered. I guess most peoples will never experience the full off-road potential but it ic a nice thought to know that its all there if the need arose. Adventure holidays are a breeze, camping trips enjoyable and going to watch a game of footy couldn’t be more agreeable. A Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI is as much at home on Sydney’s glitzy streets too. You have all the style and status that you could dream of when owning the suave VW Touareg R5 TDI. The vehicle is very nice to drive, and sensationally surefooted. Superior vision is backed up by parking sensors to make the power-assisted Touareg easy to glide around a city’s car parks. A comfortable ride whatever the road surface might be is part and parcel of the very fine Volkswagen package.

Plenty of squirt can be applied to the accelerator, and the resulting performance is exciting. Under the hood of the Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI is a highly efficient 2.5 litre 128 kW 5-cylinder diesel engine that delivers an incredible 400Nm of torque at a mere 2250 rpm. The smooth and extremely fuel efficient operation is via a superior six-speed Tiptronic transmission. With this effortless power, pulling the boat, caravan, or horsefloat is no hard task.

Safety features are aplenty in the Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI. And the solid nature of the rigid safety shell ensures that premium levels of safety will be upheld. Five star safety results ENCAP crash testing makes for pleasant reading.

Desiring the best stops at the Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI.

The current model series includes the:

• Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI

For any more information on the Volkswagen Touareg R5 TDI, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen GTi

Volkswagen’s wonderful GTi has pace and response few cars can match. And linked to exceptional roadholding, these features are only the beginning of what this hot car has to offer!

Any driving enthusiast will be left with a smile after piloting the racy Volkswagen GTi. The blend of roadholding, engine response and sheer driving pleasure is delightful. The engine specs are well worth a look to wet the appetite. Equipped with a 2.0 litre, four cylinder, 16 valve, DOHC, FSI direct injected, turbo charged power plant, the GTI generates an imposing list of stats: 147kW at 5100 rpm, and 280 Nm concentrated where it counts - between 1800 - 5000rpm. 0 - 100 in 6.9 seconds. All of which translate into pure GTI driving excitement.

Glance inside the Volkswagen GTi and the sporty overtones are all there in Germany’s most excellent trend. The Golf GTI combines space, styling, technology and character to create an irresistible interior that oozes comfort and luxury. A controlled use of brushed aluminium highlighting crates a fantastic contrast to the sports signature leather seats.

Handling is exceptional. The Volkswagen GTi hugs the road and flies round tight corners like a bullmastiff chasing a tomcat. Acceleration is free and invigorating, and the speed can be piled on in an aggressive and authoritarian manner.

Quick cars need the backing of quality safety features, and Volkswagen have ensured the Golf GTi has what it takes in this area as well. The small hatch is equipped with a full compliment of active and passive safety features. The very best of Electronic Stabiliity Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking, Brake assist and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution make sure that reining in the stellar racing qualities are kept in check superbly. Seven airbags, which even includes a driver’s knee airbag, provide excellent protection for driver and passengers.

The car has nice clean lines and it sits squattly down on spoked 17-inch rims. The sports tuned suspension keeps the Golf GTi low to the ground and at the ready to tackle the most demanding drive you are capable of throwing its way. The Golf exterior is curvaceous and aerodynamic and the headlights are elegant and aggressive. The Bently-like grille gives the Volkswagen an imposing on-road presence that when seen in the rear-vision mirror is like being chased by a Rottweiler. Of course the twin chrome exhaust pipes finish off the neatly tucked rearend of the GTi nicely and provide a visual statement of the GTi’s full potential.

You can of course load your racy Volkswagen GTi with very high-end luxury items if you so desire. Satellite Navigation, Blue Tooth communications are available.

Talk to Private Fleet today and drive Volkswagen quality.

The current model series includes the:

• Volkswagen GTi

For any more information on the Volkswagen GTi, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

back to Volkswagen

Volkswagen Amarok

It’s been worth the wait. Volkswagen’s new ute, the Amarok, is here. The Volkswagen Amarok is a special beast that is built tough and ready for work, and it’s finally made it to the shores of Australia and has been met considerable demand from Aussies looking for a great looking, tough-as-nails ute that's great to drive and easy on the wallet with attractive prices.

Unlike the Touareg, the Volkswagen Amarok takes its name from the other climatic extreme: “amarok” means “wolf” in one Inuit (Eskimo) language/dialect. By a very lucky coincidence, this sounds like ama rocas, which is the Spanish for “loves rocks” – a great name for a tough 4x4 truck. (Incidentally, it’s a pity that Fiat didn’t do the “let’s see what it means in another language” test when it named the old Nova: no va is Spanish for “it doesn’t go.”). This double meaning probably wasn’t hard to find: the Volkswagen Amarok will be built not in Germany but in VW’s South American plant in Argentina, where the Volkswagen Amarok will first hit the roads.

As the wolfish name suggests, this 4x4 from Volkswagen is designed to be tough and capable in the wilderness, able to go the distance in any terrain and any weather. Glancing over the lines and build quality, and it is evident that it has been put together as well as any Hilux or Navara equivalent – if not better. Practicality is in the forefront of the VW designer's minds, so it is good to see that the new Volkswagen Amarok is a roomy dual-cab ute with the ground clearance and big paws (like a real flesh and blood wolf) that looks more than able to handle the rough stuff off road. It sits on the road with a muscular stance and big, chunky styling. Equipped with ABS, ESP, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, the 4Motion AWD system is as capable as they come for doing the business offroad. You can opt for the switchable AWD version that can run between 2WD and 4WD at the touch of a button.

The load deck of the Volkswagen Amarok offers plenty of space to chuck fence posts, tools, hay bales and the like for the net job on the list. A single cab variant is planned for some stage in the future – but the dual cab’s 2.52 m² load area looks roomy enough to carry a decent load, and it’s tough enough to take whatever you choose to pop into it. Take a look in the drop down tailgate, and you’ll find a cleverly stashed toolkit can be placed inside the storage compartment. Fog lights and body coloured door handles complete the styling package. The VW Amarok looks tough, yet you can see elegant glimpses of the Scirocco and the Golf inside the big ute’s detailing. I rate this as the best ute design on the market, perhaps, equal with the tough looking Nissan Navara.

The dash seems to be vaguely retro-styled with round dials and knobs all within easy view and reach of the driver – all tying in nicely with the Volkswagen logo planted plumb centre of the steering wheel. After reviewing the full specs of the Volkswagen Amarok include cup holders, dinky storage compartments about the cabin, flip up back seat pads for more storage space, a nice audio system and a payload of 1147 kg. Comfortable seats, electric windows, air conditioning and all your usual luxury items are all there. High-end features can be added as options. Seated inside the Amarok’s interior, and you quickly notice the quality of the fit and finish. This is the best ute interior you’ll find, at present.

The bush-bashing VW Amarok is to be powered by a very efficient bi-turbo, TDI diesel-donk. The four-cylinder, direct injection engine is 2.0 litres in capacity and boasts plenty of power, a maximum of 120 kW at 4000 rpm, to be exact. Towing is a breeze with 400 Nm available from between 1500 and 2000 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox is nicely linked to the engine’s power, and the big Amarok has been designed to lead the pack for efficiency and for emissions. You can expect a combined fuel economy figure of around 7.9 litres/100 km and a figure of 208 g/km of CO₂ emissions.

The Amarok marks Volkswagen’s entry into the ute market, and it looks like it will be a worthy competitor for this market segment. Farmers, hunters, commercial operators and those with even the slightest bit of wilderness in their blood will find the Volkswagen Amarok to be a very decent choice indeed. So, if you liked this VW Amarok review, why not be one of the first to get your hands on the all new Volkswagen Amarok!

The current model series includes the:

· Amarok Highline

For any more information on the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok, or for that matter a car other than a VW, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Scirocco

Have you ever heard the final movement of The Four Seasons: Summer by Vivaldi? You probably have, as this is one of the more popular pieces of Classical (OK, Baroque for the pedantic) music. This piece is a musical interpretation of the sirocco, a fierce, hot wind that often sweeps across the Mediterranean during the “Dog Days” of summer heat. This wind has inspired not only this musical masterpiece but also the VW Sirocco, a sports coupe from Volkswagen

Now, a sports coupe should be fast, and if the Volkswagen Sirocco wants to live up to its impressive name, it should be fast. And hot. And exhilarating. Does the Volkswagen Scirocco deliver on its name and live up to the smooth bodyshape? Well, judge for yourself. The Volkswagen Sirocco comes powered with either a 1.4 litre 118 kW engine with 240 Nm of torque available at quite a wide range of low revs (1500–4500 rpm) and a top speed of 218 km/h; or else a 2.0 litre 147 kW that flies off from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds (automatic version) thanks to 280 Nm of torque in the 1700–5000 rpm range, then on to the top speed of 233 km/h (don’t do this on the open road – keep this sort of pace for where you can do it legally). The 118 kW Volkswagen Sirocco does the 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.0 seconds, just so you can compare the two models. Both engines come coupled with automatic transmission: the 1.4 litre is harnessed to a 7-speed auto, while the 2.0 litre joins forces with a 6-speed tiptronic gear system for extra exhilaration.

The Volkswagen Scirocco looks like it can do all this, too. This three-door hatch’s body sits low, looking poised for action and stable at the same time. The twin headlights look focussed and keen, an impression that is mirrored by the fog lights below. The lines are clean, aerodynamic and unruffled – the Volkswagen Sirocco even looks good from a bird’s-eye view. The twin chrome exhausts at the rear are just one of the tiny touches of smooth Euro class – exactly what you would expect from a VW.

The styling doesn’t stop on the outside, as you can imagine. The lower-priced 1.4 litre is well-appointed, with features like the climate control, the multi-function display and cupholders distributed for easy access around the dashboard – and don’t forget the leather sports-styled steering wheel. Cruise control, a cooled glove box and an eight-speaker CD/radio system with auxiliary input jack complete the Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4’s interior features. The 2.0 litre Volkswagen Scirocco adds in the paddle shifters for the tiptronic transmission and rear park assist, plus upgrading the sound system to a 6-CD stacker. Either model of Volkswagen Sirocco seats four, with the rear seats able to be folded flat.

All VWs handle well, and the Volkswagen Scirocco is no exception. Both models have a hill control function, plus an ESP package that includes driver steering recommendation, brake assist, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR) and ABS brakes. This coupe likes being on the road and wants to stay on it! Front, side and curtain airbags complete the safety picture. The handling can be improved even further with the optional chassis control package.

The current model series includes the:

• Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4
• Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0

For any more information on the Volkswagen Scirocco, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Golf 90TSI

What rocks in the all new Volkswagen Golf stable? The sexy body lines and angular appearance make the Volkswagen Golf 90TSI quite a racy base model for a start. At first glance you’ll recognise the familiar shape that has guaranteed the Golf’s iconic stature, however the sharper angles highlight a lower-sitting, slightly wider new Volkswagen Golf.

Sit yourself inside the supportive driver’s seat, and you will find the elegant dash design simple and very ergonomic. You will be looking through a specially laminated windscreen that reduces external noises. The fit and finish of the new Golf interior is nothing short of superb, and climb into the rear and leg room is a class leader. Plenty of goodies are inside the Volkswagen Golf 90TSI version. Perhaps the nicest item is the RCD310 audio system that has an auxiliary audio input socket for MP3 compatibility. Also, an illuminated, chilled and lockable glove box is a feature that will be enjoyed by all thirsty Golf occupants on a hot summer’s day. The convenient 60-40 split/folding rear seat and numerous storage spaces make the Golf a very practical family vehicle.

Jump back into the driver’s seat again and fire up Volkswagen’s direct injection petrol technology. This is quite some engine. It might be the base model, but the addition of turbo-technology has created a smooth 1.4 litre, 90 kW engine that packs a 200 Nm torque punch. The torquey power delivery is particularly evident when passing slower vehicles. And you'll say the the ability of the 1.4 litre engine to run a 0-100 km/h time of just 9.5 seconds is quite astounding.

What’s she like to drive? Well, the engine is linked to either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed DSG transmission. The result is a delightfully brisk drive that has plenty of life and brisk acceleration. Sweeping through corners and applying the engine torque to the road for power-down time is great fun. The agile chassis copes very well with road undulations and hangs on tightly in fast cornering. The Volkswagen Golf 90TSI Trendline travels 100 kilometres on just 6.4 litres of petrol. When you drive with the DSG transmission the fuel consumption drops to an average of 6.2 litres/100 km.

The brand new Golf is a vehicle that has been designed with safety as a priority. In rigorous Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash rating tests,

the Golf achieved a maximum five- star safety rating.

Take the Volkswagen Golf 90TSI for a drive, and discover one of the motoring world’s little gems.

The current model series includes:

• Volkswagen Golf 90TSI Trendline

For any more information on the Volkswagen Golf 90TSI, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Tiguan

Competing with the likes of a BMW X3, Honda’s CRV and Mazda CX7 is Volkswagen’s brilliant Tiguan. Prestigious style and build quality keep it looking hot from all angles.

On board are plenty of the most up-to-date, high-tech features. You’ll experience things like premium leather seats, heated seats, a seven-speed direct-shift gearbox, Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive, Electronic Stabilisation Program, ABS with Brake Assist, and even a satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone kit - if you like these sort of things.

The engines are real gems, providing all the everyday power you need – and then some. If you are on the look out for what is arguably the best SUV on the market, then do take a look at the Tiguan models. All the boxes are ticked!

Australia’s beaches are a great place to head to in the middle of summer’s hottest temperatures. Whiling away the midday hours lying on the golden sands, and frequenting the surf when the waves are high is the quintessential Aussie summer! What better way to get there than in Volkswagen’s very sexy Tiguan.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a super vehicle to drive, and it has to be rated as one of the best compact SUV machines on the market. Slipping into the Tiguan’s cabin is like grabbing a stay overnight in a five star motel instead of the local backpackers. The seats in the VW Tiguan are inspirational and the quality of fit and finish simply stunning. This is something of a phenomenon that one has come to expect from one of the world’s best. Space is in abundance, so leg and head room is very good - even for the tall adult. Using only high quality materials in its sporty design, the new Volkswagen Tiguan’s spacious cabin is supremely elegant, and the blissful experience of cabin style and excellent ergonomic design create the ultimate in refinement for all occupants. The seats are upholstered in a stylish hard-wearing fabric so that they will continue to look great for many years ahead. The Tiguan’s clever interior design has created a high level of storage space scattered in very practical, and well thought out, cabin areas. There are even hidden compartments in the roof console and doors, as well as beneath the front seats in the 147TSI. In the rear, comfort remains at the highest level. The rear seats split-fold in a 60:40 ratio, and they will individually slide and recline. The already generous boot space expands to a massive volume of 1510 litres when the seats are folded. Comfort and convenience surround you we found during our VW Tiguan review. There is an eight-speaker audio system that is MP3-compatible. You will enjoy the handy AUX-in socket for external multimedia sources. Like cinema seating, the rear seats are slightly higher for a better view outside to make the trip fly by. Leather upholstery is optional, and makes the already elegant Volkswagen Tiguan cabin very special indeed. The Tiguan also boasts practical features like a multi-function leather steering wheel, a Multi-Function Display ‘Plus’ and a height-adjustable front centre armrest that contains a storage box.

When you review under the very muscly bonnet lines lies plenty of grunt from all engine variants. The petrol powered 125TSI applies the power via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic option. Crisp engine response makes light work of any hills and any quick passing manoeuvres. The 2.0 litre engine pumps out 125 kW of power and remains very fuel efficient for a solidly built SUV. Hop inside the 103TDI model and 103 kW of power is at the ready. For the driving enthusiasts among you, the 2.0 litre diesel posts a time of 10.9 seconds for the 0-100 km/h dash. The Tiguan 103TDI also offers the motorist a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. Flagshipping the range is the very impressive 147TSI. This motor is a gem, and spins very quickly through the entire rev range. Linked to a six-speed automatic progress can be kept very nicely in the top torque range.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a joy to drive on any road surface, and it always remains very composed. The fine ride and handling package makes the VW Tiguan easy to poke along twisting roads at pace.

For premium safety, sound AWD drive-trains, standout quality and refinement this is a highly recommended compact SUV. Whether you’re looking to transport friends, kids, luggage or almost anything else off to the best beaches in the world you’ll find the Tiguan rewards you with all the freedom and style you need. Hope you enjoyed this Volkswagen Tiguan review!

The current model series includes the:

• Volkswagen Tiguan 125TSI
• Volkswagen Tiguan 103TDI
• Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI

For any more information on the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy

Volkswagen Touareg

Model Update

Inside the new Volkswagen Touareg is a stunning cabin offering lavish trimmings and materials.

Superbly comfortable and roomy, the electric seats adjust to the perfect position for both front occupants. Awash in the very best comfort and safety enhancements, the Touareg V6 TDI and V6 FSI offer a six-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, dust and pollen filters with air quality sensors, front, side and curtain airbags, parking distance sensors, cruise control, automatic headlights and many other convenient luxuries.

A potent performer on the tarmac, both the Touaregs manage to sprint to 100 km/h in a little over eight seconds. Superior 4x4 technology also means that this is a premium luxury SUV that can take you well off the beaten track. The diesel version is a sensible choice with plenty of smooth, torquey performance and frugal efficiency.

The Volkswagen Touareg is a flagship off-roading machines the world over. Highly capable and superbly built, the Touareg is a class act.

Take a moment to sit inside a Volkswagen Touareg, and your first impressions will be cosseted and caressed. This occurs because the designers of the very accomplished Touareg have developed a sensationally comfortable and well equipped interior. Once you’ve appreciated the superb Touareg cabin you may have the sudden urge to purchase one of these very fine German crafted machine. Dual-zone automatic climate control with air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering with audio controls, heated adjustable front seats, split folding rear seats, power windows and locks, keyless entry, a sunroof, AM/FM/CD audio systems, a trip computer, a universal garage door opener and automatic headlamps are only a drop in the ocean of what is actually offered in this “mighty fine” all-terrain machine. A lot of options and upgrades are available for the buyer. Satellite navigation, LCD screens in the rear, and rear controlled audio systems are some of the very tasty features available. And, without getting too carried away, be sure to check out the sumptuous leather multi-adjustable powered seats.

Safety features on any Volkswagen Touareg come from off the top shelf only. These features include Anti-slip Regulation, automatic hazard lights, daytime running lamps, electronic brake pressure distribution, turning signals on the outside mirrors and driver and passenger front and side airbags to name but a few. The body shell is extremely strong.

The stocky well accented lines make it look not only tough, but elegant as well. The exterior is smooth and very polished, most certainly giving the Touareg the X-factor in eye-catching pulling power. Certainly onlooker’s eyes seem to be captured like a moth to a flame when this sexy big machine passes by.

Take the wheel of any Touareg model, and you will enjoy the vehicle’s remarkable comfort and roadholding behaviour. The usefully supportive seats are one of the key factors in this; the other jewel in the Touareg’s crown is the taut roadholding which is very accurate through tight twisting bends. Many other 4X4 rivals make a fuss about undulations in the road ahead. Not so with the Touareg. You’ll find that the suspension is void of any lurching when large bumps in the road are hit at speed. You’ll get a real kick out of the big VW’s commandingly high driving position. Driving becomes very relaxed when you can see such a long way ahead without having to peer round the traffic in front.

The Volkswagen Touareg offers a number of engine choices in its line-up. A 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine produces a silent, yet surging, 206 kW. In this guise, progress is very refined and smooth. Even the base model boasts oodles of power and torque. Perhaps the best engine in the range might be the 3.0 V6 TDI. This engine packs plenty of refined grunt when required, yet the fuel consumption remains very well controlled. Two versions of the very powerful 5.0 V10 TDI motor are available. The R50 model tops the power stakes with a very healthy 258 kW at the ready. A collosal 850 Nm of torque twists the massive rubber found on the 21 inch Omany-t alloy wheels. Honestly, this amount of power puts the heat on the tarmac – no probs. The R50 model completes the 0-100 km/h dash in just 6.7 seconds. Each engine is interconnected with a sublime six-speed automatic transmission. Combine any of the above power plants with Volkswagen’s 4X motion four-wheel-drive system, air adjustable suspension and a locking differential, and you have one serious off-road adventurer. This is definitely not your ordinary Volkswagen!

The Touareg has a superbly roomy and beautifully put-together interior which has a general air of refinement and purpose. And even today this quality is exceptional among vehicles situated in the high-end luxury class.

Make sure the Touareg sits at the top of your pre-purchase drives. The big VW simply will not disappoint.

The current model series includes:

• Volkswagen Touareg 2.5 R5 TDI
• Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI
• Volkswagen Touareg 5.0 V10 TDI
• Volkswagen Touareg R50 5.0 V10 TDI
• Volkswagen Touareg 3.6 V6 FSI

For anymore information on the Volkswagen Touareg, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Polo

It’s World Car of the Year for 2010, so you just can’t argue! The Volkswagen Polo excels in every field. Performance in every model is responsive. Interior room and comfort is right at the top of its class. And then there is safety. The Polo is one of the safest small cars on the road.

Volkswagen have made the new Polo wider and longer, and so the feeling inside the cabin is one of spaciousness. The body-shell has been reinforced, and there is also an updated safety system. These improvements have succeeded in gaining the Volkswagen Polo a five-star ANCAP rating.

The Volkswagen Polo is an extremely rewarding small car to drive.

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on the motorway. Please be careful!"

"Hell," said Herman. "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"

One thing is for sure, the sturdy little Volkswagen Polo will do its best to protect all its occupants in the event of a nasty accident. However no car can totally eliminate human mistakes. The Smart little Volkswagen Polo has all the safety features you could wish for in a small car package. For some time now, the excellent Polo has lead the way in small car safety, and at Volkswagen, safety is always a fundamental part of every vehicle’s design. Inside the Polo, you’ll find an extremely rigid body that has front, side and rear impact protection, with front and rear crumple zones around the strong passenger safety cell. The driver and passenger seats are protected by front and front side airbags. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and an Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution system (EBD) for optimum breaking efficiency are exceptional items. And other safety features in the 2011 Volkswagen Polo includes features like the electronic stability program, front fog lights, a rear parking sensor, a rain sensor, ABS Anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags and power assisted steering that is speed sensitive. It is this level of high quality safety that keeps the Polo at the top of its game.

Economical and superbly dependable, the little Volkswagen is a sprightly drive. There are many options and configurations to choose from, and Volkswagen has designed the car to be adaptable to just about everyone’s tastes and requirements. All models are sure to please. The Trendline model has a great little 1.4 litre, 4 cylinder, inline, petrol engine. Always happy to push on, this engine has 63 kW of peak power to play with at 5000 rpm. The 77TSI Comfortline model boasts the 1.2 litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. This model was voted the best city car of 2010, and with 77 kW at 5000 rpm you can see why. The 66TDI Comfortline feels gutsy, and a maximum power of 66 kW at 4200 rpm and a torque figure of 230 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm makes it effortlessly smooth to drive. Flexibility is also a hallmark of the TDI engine, and the very flat torque curve gives strong delivery in the low to mid range. Also, you’ll find the manual TDI will return 4.7 litres/100 km, while the DSG model returns a combined fuel economy figure of 4.6 litres/100 km.

The pocket rocket in the bunch is most definitely the GTI Polo model. A very impressive 132 kW powers the little Volkswagen Polo GTi, and with this feisty power you have the potential to really fly. In around eight seconds you will hit 100 km/h from a standstill start. Handling is superb, and lots of smiles are guaranteed!

None of the VW Polos will make a big hole in your wallet. Even the GTi has an average fuel economy figure well under 8 litres/100 km. As you would expect, the diesel takes the fuel economy figure honours, with well under 5.0 litres/100 km slurped. Fuel running costs are kept low, and with the seemingly continual rise in fuel prices it is nice to know that VW are doing their bit to fight the price rise trend.

Grippy FWD chassis make for a great handling package for the lightweight Polo, and all are zippy to drive. Polos hold the road very nicely, and they seem to soak the bumps up much like a bigger car does. The five-speed manual is friendly to use and shifts through the gears quickly. There is also a pleasant six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG gearbox, as well. We’re spoilt for choice, really.

The cockpit of a Volkswagen Polo is special, and it has been designed around the driver ensuring everything is within comfortable reach, like the height and reach adjustable steering wheel, and the instrumentation. All models are equipped with air conditioning and a top of the range audio system which is MP3 compatible. Four speakers are standard, though you can have more if you desire. You can also get a whole host of options like cruise control, a sunroof, a CD auto changer, a multifunction computer and a leather steering wheel.

If you need economy in a roomy small car, then the very well made Volkswagen Polo needs to be on your list of potential buys. The car looks classy, and the drive is first rate. Definitely one to enjoy.

The current model series includes the:

· Polo Trendline

· Polo Comfortline petrol

· Polo Comfortline TDI

· Polo GTI

For anymore information on the Volkswagen Polo, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

Volkswagen Passat

Model Update

An unmistakably special design gives the all new Volkswagen Passat Sedan a sensational new body. Made with distinction, all the vibes around a Volkswagen Passat Sedan are good. It’s big, roomy and very comfortable.

Under the Passat Sedan’s skin is plenty of up-to-the-minute technology in the form of dual-zone climate control, heated seats, an optical parking system, cruise control, accident avoidance systems, traction control and the excellent DSG transmissions. These are the sorts of things that give the new Volkswagen Passat Sedan that prestigious appeal.

Of course, the Highline models mean the best in luxury, however there are still a number of options to make your Passat Sedan your unique machine. You could add Nappa leather seats and the premium high output audio system. Perhaps the Bluetooth communications might be the way ahead for you.

Definitely, the Volkswagen Passat is a great drive and the powerful engines give plenty of driving appeal.

Roomy and sophisticated, comfortable and powerful – I could wax a lyrical to describe the superb design that the all new Volkswagen Passat Sedan offers you. The new exterior lines appear slightly more boxy in their shape - mainly because of the nice high waistline and the larger, more upright headlight design. Notable space is available inside the Passat Sedan’s cabin. Excellent head and shoulder room inside the Volkswagen Passat’s interior complement the spacious boot. These two features make the car an excellent family tourer.

In Australia, the Volkswagen Passat is offered as a 4-door sedan or a 5-door wagon, and its sleek smooth lines make it a vehicle that will turn heads wherever you care to drive. The latest Volkswagen Passat incorporates Germany's engineering prowess that bristles from every nook and cranny.

Three engines are available. A 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine is a turbocharged unit that puts out a lusty 118kW between 4500 and 6200 rpm. Get the engine up past 4500 rpm and the Volkswagen Passat can really move. Leisurely touring can is relaxed, particularly as low down power is superb. A maximum of 250 Nm of torque is at the ready between 1500 and 4500 rpm. You’re linked to a seven-speed DSG transmission which provides smooth acceleration at all times. On the road, the Volkswagen Passat Sedan 1.8 TSI holds its own well and has the right level of comfort and sportiness to satisfy most drivers. Having the active safety systems: ESP, ASR, ABS, Brake Assist, EDL, EBD mean that the Passat works with the road to provide the highest levels of grip and control.

Using the latest in common rail diesel technology, the Volkswagen Passat 2.0-litre TDI is exceptionally powerful and efficient. Volkswagen have equipped the 2.0 TDI Sedan with Start/Stop technology, thus maximising the vehicles fuel economy at all times in the city and through the country. You’ll find the 125 kW is plenty punchy, while the maximum torque of 350 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm is superb. You can load up the kids and the luggage, and head out to your holiday home at the beach. The 2.0 TDI can manage loads with all this accessible pulling power. Diesel torque and a six-speed DSG gearbox make for smooth touring. Again, active safety features include ESP, ASR, ABS, Brake Assist, EDL and EBD. A combined fuel economy figure of just 5.7 litres/100 km is a gentle sipping that makes sure that the fill-ups at the bowsers are few and far between. Its performance is impressive.

This brings us to the sportiest performer in the Volkswagen Passat Sedan line-up. The mighty, smooth power delivery comes from a 220 kW 3.6-litre V6. With FSI direct injection technology, the punch is telling when you fully unleash the engine’s potential. Volkswagen have tuned the engine to provide a maximum torque of 350 Nm between 2400 and 5300 rpm. A six-speed DSG gearbox and a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system delivers premium levels of grip for the four-door sedan. Equipped with ESP, ASR, ABS, Brake Assist, EDL and EBD, you can really push the limits if you want to. This is an AWD model that really kicks butt! The 0-100 km/h time of around 5.5 seconds testifies to the engines huge performance potential.

Endowed with European handling, the fluent Volkswagen Passat Sedan is balanced and grippy. The owner of a Passat will enjoy the satisfaction that comes from owning a true driver’s car that is ready to perform reliably and effortlessly.

Inside, there is room for five occupants to sit in supportive and luxurious comfort because the cabin offers very good leg and head room. Occupants are guaranteed maximum comfort with the dual air-conditioned climate control system that keeps both the front and rear occupants happy and comes with an air filter. The heated front seats boast either a six or eight-way adjustable power memory, and there are adjustable headrests in the front and rear seats. An optional sunroof, a refrigerated glove box, ample dash storage, and an awesome AM/FM audio system with either an in-dash mounted six-disc CD changer or a glove box mounted six-CD changer are all part of this very complete package. Depending on the audio system, you can get Sirius or XM satellite radio with eight speakers and an amplifier. The classy Passat Sedan also comes standard with cruise control, powered door locks, powered windows, electric mirrors, a Homelink wireless control system, extra power outlets, a telescoping and tilting steering column, and 60/40 split rear seats.

Volkswagen Passat safety includes Anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, front driver and passenger airbags that have side and overhead airbags, and the rear passengers are kept safe with side airbags too. There is a security system with a panic alarm and an ignition disabler.

The Volkswagen Passat Sedan is one very striking, and distinctive, vehicle to look at. Each model is comfortable and very satisfying to own and drive. The V6 engines are rapid and lush, but all Passats are dynamic, hugely refined and roomy. Take a look for yourself and you won't be disappointed.

The current model series includes the:

· Passat 118TSI Sedan

· Passat 125TDI Highline Sedan

· Passat V6FSI Highline Sedan

For anymore information on the Volkswagen Passat Sedan, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volkswagen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!