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Contents VOLUME 16 – NUMBER 7 DECEMBER 2015
08 News 30 M odified car 44 M odified car Emissions update, Walter 287 bhp 3.2 V6-engined 330 bhp MTM-tuned Polo WRC de Silva retires, Developments Mk 2 GTI in USA, New T6 Gen 6 47 Motorsport 37 C lassic VW BTCC finale at Brands Hatch 17 Motorsport 1976 1200 Beetle at Breeze VW WRC Rally Spain 53 M odified cars 40r Moto sport Dave Garnsworthy’s Mk 7 GTI 22 Road t est VW drivers win in European Passat Estate GT 2.0 Bi-TDI Rallycross Championship 58e pEOpl ’s cars (240 PS) 7-speed DSG 4Motion and Global Rallycross Richard Gooding’s 6N2 Polo GTI
08 17 22
37 40 42
47 53 58
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk Published in the UK by AutoMetrix Publications, Campion House, 1 Greenfield Road, Westoning, Beds, MK45 5JD T: 01525 750 500 E: [email protected]
04 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Contents DEC.indd 2 09/11/2015 09:15 F irst word The controversy over the VW diesel emissions deceit rumbles DIGITAL EDITION on, as it’s almost certain to do for some time to come, but with some additional fuel thrown on to the fire recently with the latest ALSO AVAILABLE revelation that there are also some discrepancies, as yet to be fully sbee we site for Details: explained, in CO2 figures for some of Volkswagen Group’s models. volkswagendrivermag.co.uk I’m not going to even begin to defend or excuse any of the obvious irregularities that have been going on at Volkswagen AG, but I also can’t help thinking that the whole issue has been blown up out of all proportion and that there are all sorts of alternative agendas involved. Just about everyone from rival manufacturers to ambulance-chasing claims companies seem to be jumping on the bandwagon to make capital out of it. To listen to some commentators, you’d almost think that the Volkswagen Group is single-handedly 62 Letters responsible for every kind of atmospheric pollution up to and including global warming and the hole in the ozone layer. 66 pRODUCts & Services Compared with all the other issues going on the world; widespread poverty, famine and 72 Latest prices listed war, the migrant crisis and airliners being blown out of the skies, not to mention impending natural disasters, supervolcanoes, tsunamis and asteroid strikes, Volkswagen’s indiscretions 74 Road test index with emissions testing are but the least of our global worries. 75 On the Market It’s almost a shame that Volkswagen management is just so apologetic about it, instead of saying something like ‘Sorry about that – some of our guys fiddled a few figures, but no-one 77 Rival marques died..!’ And that’s a very good point, because although there are undoubtedly long-term health 78 specialist index issues associated with NOx emissions, the immediate effects don’t compare with the indisputable dangers of airbags not going off, ignition switches cutting out, brakes failing and cars catching 79 Classified ads fire or not meeting European crash test regulations, all of which have been swept under the 82 Next montH carpet by other manufacturers in recent times. There’s also a lot of hypocrisy along the lines of ‘If I knew that they were so eco-unfriendly I’d never have bought a Volkswagen!’ I do not believe for one moment that anyone but the most ardent of eco-warriors would have seriously considered the CO2 figures as a factor when choosing to buy a Volkswagen in the first place, let alone NOx. Maybe someone should conduct a roadside survey and stop thousands of motorists to 30 ask them what the official mpg figures are for their car, what the actual mpg figures are for their car and what CO2 emissions are quoted for their car, without looking it up, and see what proportion have even a clue about any of them, let alone what NOx means. I’ve even had to correct a couple of motoring journalists who’ve written about nitrous oxide; it would be almost laughable, if that wasn’t such a pun. Indeed, I’ll also be interested to see, when the technical solutions are finally revealed and ready for implementation, just what proportion of those owners affected actually take up the offer to have the remedial action carried out. I can almost see the tumbleweed rolling across the workshop floor…
Just as we were busy preparing this issue for press, time was taken out for a trip over to the Shakespeare County Raceway for a management meeting to plan for next year’s GTI International and the dates have been fixed for July 9-10, slightly later than normal. It would seem, though, that ‘great minds think alike’ and someone else has also targeted 44 a track-based event for that same weekend, which isn’t exactly ideal for either parties. Never mind, though, as we’ve clashed with the British F1 Grand Prix before and it doesn’t seem to have done too much harm. Next year will also see the 40th anniversary of the Golf GTI, so we’ll certainly have something to celebrate! NEIL BIRKITT
Editor Neil Birkitt Contributors [email protected] Peter Carrick, Nick Carter, Robert Couldwell, Design & Production Ian Fermor Drive By Shooters, Chris Eyre, Pete Frost, [email protected] Richard Gooding Advertising Gemma Munn Telephone: 01525 750 504 For enquiries about trade advertising [email protected] i or marketing, either in the magazine 62 Subscriptions/Website Sally Appleby or at our events, please contact our new Telephone: 01525 750 500 Sales and Marketing Manager, Gemma Munn, [email protected] on 01525 750 504, or send an e-mail to: Accounts Evette McKee [email protected] Telephone: 01525 750 503
Published by AutoMetrix Publications, Campion House, 1 Greenfield Road,W estoning, Bedfordshire. MK45 5JD. Tel: 01525 750 500 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autometrix.co.uk Printed in the UK by Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers. www.magprint.co.uk Worldwide distribution by Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT www.seymour.co.uk Standard subscription rates (exclusive of any offers). UK annual: £50.00, Europe: £60, Rest of world: £70
volkswagen driver is a monthly publication about Volkswagen vehicles. It is completely independent of the manufacturers and importers of these cars and the views which are expressed may not necessarily be the views of the manufacturers or importers. N EXT ISSUE Although every effor t is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the material published in volkswagen driver, AutoMetrix Publications and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or ON SALE: advertisers. Copyright for all materials published in this magazine remains with AutoMetrix Publica tions and its agents. All rights of WEDNESDAY DEC 16 translation and reproduction reserved. ©2015 AutoMetrix Publications. ISSN No. 1470 3785
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 05
Contents DEC.indd 3 09/11/2015 09:16 Project1_Layout 1 12/03/2013 15:03 Page 1 Untitled-3 1 09/10/2015 14:47 NEWS – volkswagen DIESEL emissions
On a mission... Following on from our initial overview article, published in the November issue, the fallout and response to the VW emissions scandal rumbles on, as indeed it almost certainly will for some months and even years to come…
We left the story at the end of September ‘The Department for when Volkswagen here in the UK announced its action plan to correct the emissions Transport confirmed characteristics of certain diesel vehicles, that it won’t be issuing a with the option for concerned owners to check the status of their vehicles using mandatory recall for cars a self-serve process on the Volkswagen affected by Volkswagen’s website, by keying in their VIN numbers, On October 12, Paul Willis, Managing Director with similar arrangements for the other emissions scandal of Volkswagen Group UK Ltd., appeared in front brands in the group. of the Transport Select Committee – a cross-party body made up of 11 MPs – to answer questions With the DVLA releasing addresses of over the diesel emissions scandal, defending the the owners of affected vehicles, Volkswagen The Volkswagen Group will recall a speed of the company’s response and apologising UK was also writing to individual owners, total of approximately 8.5 million vehicles ‘sincerely and unreservedly’ to customers. with details of a process to get their vehicles in Europe (EU28 markets), including some Mr. Willis conceded that there was ‘some risk’ corrected in the near future. In the meantime, 2.4 million vehicles in Germany, according that the target of completing all the remedial work Volkswagen stressed that all affected vehicles to KBA. Outside the EU28, each individual by the end of next year would be missed, with some are technically safe and roadworthy and country will clarify in detail which emissions 400,000 cars needing changes to their fuel injection systems as well as having the software removed, remain fully legal for road use, with no classes of the EA 189 engine are in fact although he was unable to give a detailed technical implications for road tax or insurance cover. affected. explanation at that stage. He insisted that engineers At that time, the specific numbers of Here in the UK, the Department for were under orders to ensure that the fuel efficiency EU5 EA189 vehicles in the UK affected per Transport confirmed that it won’t be issuing of the cars involved was not reduced as a result of brand were as follows: Volkswagen Passenger a mandatory recall for cars affected by the changes. Cars: 508,276, Audi: 393,450, SEAT: 76,773, Volkswagen’s emissions scandal, making Asked why cars continued being sold – more ŠKODA: 131,569 and Volkswagen Commercial it clear that ‘this is VW’s position and VW’s than 4,000 after the scandal first broke in the US according to committee chair Louise Ellman – Vehicles: 79,838 – a total of 1,189,906. Clearly, problem, although we will continue to put Mr Willis said it was 1,079 after it became clear that requires a massive administrative pressure on VW to make sure this happens Europe was affected, but he halted sales within process, although it’s by no means certain as quickly as possible so that customers in hours of confirming which particular models were just how many of those customers will be the UK can have these problems fixed. In the affected and could not have acted any faster, saying concerned enough about the issue to take past few weeks the Transport Secretary has that he received those details on September 30, up the offer of any modifications that might spoken to the German Transport Minister eight days after it emerged that Europe was affected be necessary to resolve the issue. about the actions of Volkswagen, and has and two days after he told the Government that sales would stop when they could. been reassured that the German authorities ‘The reason for that is the complexity of the number On October 15, Volkswagen welcomed are working closely with VW.’ of cars involved. There are 60 different models, there the decision by the Federal Motor Transport In the UK, a recall is defined as ‘an action are five different brands, there are three different Authority (KBA) to implement a timetable taken when a defect is identified which engines and two different transmissions. I found the and plan of measures by issuing a recall, meets the definition of a safety defect which VIN numbers out precisely at 9.00 am and at 1.30 pm, a decision which gave customers clarity could result in serious injury’. The remedial once I had clarified it with the computer systems, with regard to the continued unrestricted action involved in the VW emissions case is I stopped selling the cars voluntarily.’ use of the vehicles. not a safety recall.
08 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Emissions.indd 2 06/11/2015 20:25 Work on developing the technical solutions detailed in the plan of measures is currently ‘ After thorough proceeding at full speed, with the expectation that remedial action on the vehicles would begin in January 2016 – at no cost to customers. For some models, the technical solutions examination it is now are expected to involve hardware measures, possibly including new fuel injectors, as well confirmed that no as the software upgrades but clearly these need to be developed for each affected series and each affected model year, with the measures first approved by the responsible authorities. software constituting Volkswagen again stressed that the current successor generation of EU6 EA 288 diesel an improper defeat engines (in use since 2012) is not affected, nor were the V6 and V8 TDI engines or any of the petrol engines. On October 23 the following statement was issued: ‘After thorough device as defined examination it is now confirmed that no software constituting an improper defeat device in law is installed in as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5-engines.B efore, Volkswagen vehicles with EA 288 Group has confirmed that new EU6-compliant vehicles offered within the European Union fulfill all legal requirements and environmental standards’. EU5-engines...’
Clearly the cost implications of the 800,000 vehicles from the Volkswagen Group Those are the facts, as we understand technical measures, and any costs arising could be affected. An initial estimate puts them, at the time this issue was being out of legal actions will have a huge financial the economic risks at approximately two proofed ready for press on Friday November 6, impact and on October 28 Volkswagen’s billion euros. The Board of Management 2015. You can find additional comment on financial statement included the passage: of Volkswagen AG will immediately start a the emissions situation in Peter Carrick’s ‘On ‘Because of charges related to the irreg- dialogue with the responsible type approval the Market’ column on page 75 of this issue. ularities in the software used for certain agencies regarding the consequences of We also welcome readers’ comments, diesel engines, we expect 2015 operating these findings. This should lead to a reliable observations or additional information profit for both the Group and the Passenger assessment of the legal, and the subsequent on the emissions issue, for publication Cars Business Area to be down significantly economic consequences of this not yet fully or otherwise. Feel free to write to us at year-on-year. We expect an operating return explained issue. [email protected] III on sales before special items of between Under the ongoing review of all processes 5.5 and 6.5 per cent for the Group’s operating and workflows in connection with diesel profit; this will amount to between 6.0 engines, it was established that the CO2 and 7.0 per cent in the Passenger Cars levels and thus the fuel consumption figures REVIEW Business Area’. for some models were set too low during the After carrying out independent road tests, it was drawn to the attention of the American CO2 certification process. The majority of the emissions authorities (EPA and CARB) that the A further twist to the tale came on vehicles concerned have diesel engines. nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission values of certain November 3, when The United States vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen, Skoda, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Matthias Müller, the recently appointed SEAT and Audi were significantly different informed Volkswagen AG that vehicles with CEO of Volkswagen AG, said: ‘From the very to the emission values recorded to pass the V6 TDI engines had a software function start I have pushed hard for the relentless official testing. which had not been adequately described and comprehensive clarification of events. It was subsequently revealed that electronic in the application process. Volkswagen AG We will stop at nothing and nobody. This is a software had been installed in the engine responded by emphasising that no software painful process, but it is our only alternative. management systems of some diesel vehicles has been installed in the 3.0-litre V6 diesel For us, the only thing that counts is the fitted with EA 189 engines which meant that, only power units to alter emissions characteristics truth. That is the basis for the fundamental when the vehicles were being tested, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were reduced in order to in a forbidden manner, and promised to realignment that Volkswagen needs. The pass the test. co-operate fully with the EPA to clarify this Board of Management of Volkswagen AG The Volkswagen Group’s investigations are matter in its entirety. deeply regrets this situation and wishes ongoing into how and why the software was That same day an official release stated to underscore its determination to system- installed in the affected vehicles. that ‘The Volkswagen Group is moving atically continue along the present path The emissions issue only affects cars fitted forward with the clarification of the of clarification and transparency.’ with EA 189 series 3- and 4-cylinder diesel diesel issue: during the course of internal In co-operation with the responsible engines with displacement of 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 investigations irregularities were found authorities, Volkswagen will do everything litres. You can confirm whether your car is one of those affected by checking your car’s VIN in the when determining type approval CO2 levels. in its power to clarify the further course of Based on present knowledge, around action as quickly as possible and ensure the self-serve procedure on the relevant Volkswagen Group website. If your car is affected, then you correct CO2 classification for the vehicles will be contacted directly as soon as possible, if affected. Again the safety of the vehicles is you have not already been contacted. ‘ Volkswagen AG in no way compromised. Petrol engines are not affected because the responded by Up until this point, the issue with exhaust treatment systems for diesel and petrol emissions has clearly been confined to the engines are completely different. Neither is the emphasising that no NOx emissions of the previous generation latest generation of EU6 diesel engines affected. software has been of diesel engines, but a telling comment in Since those cars that have the affected the official statement that ‘The majority of software have been approved by an independent installed in the 3.0-litre the vehicles concerned have diesel engines’ approval authority, they are still legally allowed to be driven on the roads and the car remains suggests that this related problem with CO2 V6 diesel power units technically safe and roadworthy. A car’s NOx will also affect some petrol engines, with emissions levels are not tested as part of its MoT reports suggesting that cars powered by to alter emissions test, and there is no reason why car insurance characteristics in a the 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine would be affected by this issue, whether the car with Cylinder On Demand technology receives the technical solution or not. forbidden manner...’ were involved.
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 09
Emissions.indd 3 06/11/2015 20:25 NEWS
‘Walter de Silva epitomises creativity and the Italian sense of beauty and style on the one hand and thoroughness, a systematic approach and discipline on the other.’ Matthias Müller, CEO Volkswagen AG
Walter de Silva retires...
WALTER MARIA DE SILVA, Head of Group Acknowledging de Silva’s definitive for the design of the Audi A5. He received Design, will retire with effect from the end achievements for Volkswagen, Müller said: the ‘Compasso d’Oro’ (Golden Compass), of November, although he will continue ‘Walter de Silva succeeded in establishing a one of the most prestigious design awards his links with the Group in an advisory design culture and methodology across all in Italy, in 2011. An international expert capacity. Group brands that is unique in our industry. panel described Walter de Silva as the He was born in Lecco (Italy) on February At the same time, he was the driving force ‘undisputed main protagonist of Italian 27, 1951 (so is now aged 64) and joined the in preserving a high degree of creative design’ and awarded him the prize for a Volkswagen Group 17 years ago when he autonomy for the brands and their design career spanning over 40 years. became Head of the SEAT Design Centre departments.’ De Silva began his professional career in 1998. The outstanding vehicles created by at the Fiat Design Centre in Turin in 1972. In 2002, he was put in charge of design de Silva include the Alfa 156 (1997) and He joined Studio R. Bonetto in Milan in for the Audi brand group, including Audi, 147 (2001), the Volkswagen up! the Polo and 1975. De Silva was Head of the Industrial Lamborghini and SEAT, where his new the Golf 6 and 7, the Audi R8 and the Audi A5, Design and Automobiles Area at the design language with Audi was epitomised about which de Silva said that it was ‘the Instituto Idea in Turin from 1979 to 1986. by the sixth generation of the Audi A6 and most beautiful car’ he had ever designed. After a short stint working for ‘Trussardi Audi A5 Coupé. Walter de Silva received numerous Design Milano’, he switched to Alfa Romeo He was then appointed Head of Group design awards for his work, including in 1986, where he was Head of Design Design at Volkswagen AG in February 2007, the ‘Design Prize of the Federal Republic until 1998 and he established a new design with the main focus of his work as design of Germany 2010’, the highest official philosophy for the brand with the Alfa chief to establish and nurture a common distinction awarded for design in Germany, Romeo 156 (1997). III design culture across all brands, while also allowing each brand to retain a high degree of creative autonomy. The CEO of Volkswagen AG, Matthias Müller, paid tribute to Walter de Silva’s work with these words: ‘Walter de Silva epitomises creativity and the Italian sense of beauty and style on the one hand and thoroughness, a systematic approach and discipline on the other.’
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News.indd 3 06/11/2015 20:21 NEWS
Volkswagen Group’s five-point plan for the future
On October 28, Matthias Müller, Chairman commitment and social responsibility in MÜLLER AGREES of the Board of Management of Volkswagen the Volkswagen Group must be retained. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AG, announced five key steps to realign However, he believes that changes are the Group: necessary in how Volkswagen communicates IN CHINA ‘We have to look beyond the current and how it handles its mistakes. ‘We need On October 29, Volkswagen AG and situation and create the conditions for a culture of openness and co-operation.’ leading Chinese bank Industrial & Volkswagen’s successful further development,’ Müller also called on everybody at Volkswagen Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) said Müller, while presenting a five-point to display more courage, greater creativity signed a memorandum of understanding plan that he intends to use so that Volkswagen and a more entrepreneurial spirit in their (MoU) in Beijing setting out a long-term remains one of the world’s leading automobile dealings with one another. strategic partnership. manufacturers in the future. Müller is n The Volkswagen CEO announced that In the presence of Chinese Premier confident that ‘Volkswagen will emerge from the fifth priority will be to transform the Li Keqiang and German Chancellor the current situation stronger than before’. Group’s Strategy 2018 into a Strategy 2025. Dr. Angela Merkel, Matthias Müller, the CEO ‘Many people outside of Volkswagen, but of Volkswagen AG, said: ‘We are convinced n The Volkswagen CEO explained that also some of us, did not understand that that this co-operation not only benefits our his top priority is to support the customers our Strategy 2018 is about much more than own two organisations throughout the affected by the diesel emissions issue, production numbers. A lot of things were world, but will also add value for our ‘Our customers are at the core of everything subordinated to the desire to be ‘Faster, Higher, customers, suppliers and dealers.’ Under that our 600,000 employees worldwide Larger’, especially return on sales.’ According to the MoU, ICBC will provide Volkswagen AG do’. According to Müller, Volkswagen is Müller, the point is not to sell 100,000 more with a wide range of banking services in working intensively to develop effective or fewer vehicles than a major competitor. China and globally. technical solutions. In contact with the Instead, the real issue is qualitative growth. Müller was accompanying Chancellor Kraftfahrtbundesamt (KBA – German Federal Müller announced that the cornerstones Angela Merkel on her trip to China and in Motor Transport Authority) the implemen- of the Group’s Strategy 2025 will be developed the course of the visit he also held discussions tation is set to begin in January 2016. over the coming months, and that it would with leading figures from the fields of n Müller’s second priority is to be unveiled mid-way through next year. III politics and society. III systematically drive forward and complete the investigation into what happened. ‘We must uncover the truth and learn from Developments in the USA it,’ he said, adding that Volkswagen is being The Volkswagen Group has reaffirmed its planned investments at the Chattanooga location and in the production of an all-new SUV for the American market. extremely thorough in its analysis. For The company wants to invest US$600 million in the State of Tennessee alone and to create an this purpose, audit firm Deloitte has been additional 2,000 jobs in the USA. Production of the new midsize SUV in Chattanooga is scheduled engaged in addition to the steps already to commence at the end of 2016. announced. According to Müller, those Michael Horn, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said: ‘This clear commitment responsible for what has happened must to the Chattanooga location confirms our engagement in North America and our confidence in the face severe consequences. local team. More than ever, we must and will focus on the specific wishes of our U.S. customers n Müller’s third priority is to introduce so that we can offer them vehicles that are not only convincing, but also inspirational. Step by step, new structures in the Volkswagen Group. that is how we want to win back trust in the Volkswagen brand. The United States of America is still ‘The key point is that Group management one of Volkswagen’s most important markets.’ will be decentralised to a greater extent in Apart from investment in the production of the new vehicle, which is based on the CrossBlue the future’, he said, with more independence study that was first shown at the Detroit Show in 2013, a National Research & Development and for the brands and regions. Müller stated Planning Center is currently being built at the Chattanooga site. The centre will be responsible for that the Board of Management will focus steering projects for the North American market, with the objective of creating vehicles to meet on addressing cross-brand strategies, consumers’ changing wishes and expectations even faster and more efficiently, by getting closer leveraging synergies and ensuring that to the customer. Group resources are used effectively. ‘We A further 50,000 square metres is currently being added to existing space at the site to cater for will review in detail our current portfolio the logistics of producing the new midsize SUV for North America. Production of the new vehicle of more than 300 models and examine the will be integrated in the existing factory structures. contribution that each one makes to our Volkswagen has already invested more than US$ one billion in its Tennessee plant to date. Over earnings.’ 2,400 employees currently work at the plant which saw the 500,000th US Passat roll off the assembly line in the summer. n As his fourth priority, Müller is driving A further element in the Volkswagen brand’s North America strategy is a three-row version of the forward a realignment of the Group’s culture new Tiguan, which is scheduled to start leaving the assembly line at the plant in Puebla, Mexico and management behavior. He noted that in 2017. III the pursuit of perfection, the employees’
12 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
News.indd 4 06/11/2015 20:21 News.indd 5 06/11/2015 20:21 NEWS Caravelle Generation Six
V olkswAGEN Commercial Vehicles has launched a special edition of the short- ‘The bespoke Cherry red and Candy white exterior wheelbase T6 Caravelle people carrier, colour scheme is inspired by the two-tone paint featuring design touches which pay tribute finishes from Volkswagen’s iconic T1 and T2 to its iconic roots. The Caravelle Generation Six special Camper vans of the 1960s...’ edition comes with a bespoke Cherry red and Candy white exterior colour scheme inspired by the two-tone paint finishes from Volkswagen’s iconic T1 and T2 Camper vans of the 1960s. It also has special edition 18-inch ‘DISC’ alloy wheels as standard, along with LED headlights and tail lights, front fog lights with cornering function, chrome detailing around the grille, folding and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, privacy glass in all rear windows and ‘Generation Six’ badging on the B-pillar. Inside, the heated front seats are trimmed in exclusive Alcantara and leather, with textile floor mats in Moonrock and Titanium black. The leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel gives access to many of the decorative trim in ‘Dark silver brushed’ and monitoring the rear three-quarter blind spot, vehicle’s convenience and safety features, a decorative insert across the dashboard to front and rear parking sensors, Automatic including the standard Adaptive Cruise Control match the two-tone exterior. Post-Collision Braking and AppConnect, for (ACC) including Front Assist, and the new The Generation Six is available with a access to the apps from your phone on the Discover Media infotainment / navigation choice of two power outputs, 150 PS and 204 PS, touchscreen in the Caravelle. system which also has DAB and Bluetooth both using the new EU6 2.0-litre TDI engine, in Available to order now in Volkswagen as standard. It also has 3-zone Climatronic conjunction with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Van Centres and costing £52,051 for the 150 PS air-conditioning as standard It also comes with a range of technology 2.0 TDI and £54,547 for the 204 PS 2.0 TDI (both The Generation Six also features a step features as standard, including Dynamic prices are RRP OTR incl. VAT) the first vehicles illumination with ‘Generation Six’ lettering, Chassis Control (DCC), Side Scan for will start to arrive in the UK this month. III
14 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
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16.indd 2 07/11/2015 21:51 motorsport – FIA WRC RALLY SPAIN
To finish first, first you have to finish: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia led Rally Spain, almost but not quite to the very end…
Volkswagen faced a unique challenge past two years, and have been successful in when it lined up with the Polo R WRC at Spain. This year, we are obviously hoping to RALLY SPAIN the Rally Spain (October 22-25). The 12th make it a hat-trick of wins. It will certainly A sequence of asphalt and gravel surfaces and penultimate round of this season’s FIA be exciting.’ over three subsequent days of rallying was World Rally Championship is the only one Speaking ahead of the Rally Spain, not the only challenge: the 51st staging of the Rally Spain featured a total of 23 special on the WRC calendar at which the drivers Sébastien Ogier commented: ‘When I think stages – seven more than in 2014 – with go up against the clock on both asphalt and of the Rally Spain, the success we have enjoyed 331.25 km against the clock, many of them gravel, although Sébastien Ogier and Julien for the last two years obviously springs to new with the crews having to write new Ingrassia have already proven to be experts mind – you simply don’t forget memories pace notes for 51 per cent of the route. in this field, having wrapped up their like that in a hurry. However, it will be far As last year, the 3.2-km ‘Barcelona’ special second World Championship title here last from easy. Over half of the special stages at stage held on Thursday evening at Montjuïc, year, following similar success in 2013. the Rally Spain are new, so we are all starting the site of the International Exposition in Second place in the Volkswagen 1-2 in from scratch. Then there’s also the added 1929 and the 1992 Summer Olympics, opened both years went to Jari-Matti Latvala and challenge of the different surfaces on the the Rally Spain on the narrow route in the Miikka Anttila, currently second in the World three days of the rally. Although we’ve already Catalonian metropolis. Championship and buoyed by their recent won the World Championship, it goes without In contrast, Friday featured the first of the victory on Corsica which saw them extend saying that we will still be pushing hard. dusty gravel stages, covered with a fine layer their advantage in the overall standings over Everyone in the team gives 100 per cent of gravel, more of which will be swept off the the third VW duo of Andreas Mikkelsen and and we are all hungry to win.’ road with every World Rally Car that passes. Ola Fløene to 34 points. Latvala and Anttila Thursday evening’s free practice Typical of such challenges is the ‘Terra Alta’ only had to retain at least 28 points of their shakedown saw Ogier and Ingrassia as the special stage, with its five changes of surface lead from Mikkelsen and Fløene to guarantee fastest pair in a Polo R WRC, clocking the and central asphalt section. At 35.68 km, it is that they would end the season as runners- second-fastest time overall, with Latvala also the longest stage at the Rally Spain. up in the overall standings. and Anttila sixth and Mikkelsen and Fløene After giving the World Rally Cars a ‘The Rally Spain is unique. We must in seventh place. However, the 2.97-km complete overhaul to switch to their asphalt set-up, the teams then faced a total 199.45 km ensure the Polo is ideally set up for both circuit near the Service Park in Salou wasn’t against the clock on Saturday and Sunday. gravel and asphalt,’ said Volkswagen particularly representative of the kind of Parts of last year’s ‘Riudecanyes’ stage were Motorsport Director Jost Capito. ‘Not only challenges the teams would face over the this time tackled in the opposite direction must the driver and co-driver be able to adapt course of the rally. on ‘Duesaigües’. The second running of this well to the changing conditions, but it also Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport stage also forms the final Power Stage, on puts the entire team to the test – particularly Director summed it up: ‘Today’s Shakedown which extra points towards the Drivers’ and the mechanics. We’ve done a good job of was a mixture of gravel and asphalt surfaces Co-Drivers’ Championship are up for grabs. switching from gravel to asphalt for the – although it was not a typical Rally Spain
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Rally Spain.indd 1 06/11/2015 16:21 Volkswagen played a perfect game of Sébastien Ogier was clearly happy with patience on Day 1, and after 131.8 of a total the day’s work: ‘I am really pleased with our 331.25 km against the clock came away with performance today. The long day, with eight a promising 1-2, with Ogier and Ingrassia in consecutive gravel stages without an interim the lead, just four seconds ahead of Latvala service, was a real challenge that we mastered and Anttila, with Mikkelsen and Fløene in perfectly. In the afternoon, in particular, sixth, 37.4 seconds off the lead. Julien and I still had really good tyres on the The key factor on the first of the three final 35-km stage, which is probably what days of rallying was how the drivers looked made the difference. With the switch to asphalt, after their tyres. On both the morning and a totally new rally starts tomorrow. The car stage. It served more as a final performance afternoon loops, three short stages were has a much firmer set-up and reacts more test for the cars today, as well as a warm- followed by the longest stage of the rally: directly when braking and steering. The roads up for the drivers, to ensure they’re in rally ‘Terra Alta’ is 35.68 km long, of which about here are very wide, like being on a circuit, and mode for tonight’s opening stage. We are 27 are on gravel and roughly 8 on asphalt. choosing the right line will be crucial.’ happy. All the systems are running perfectly The Volkswagen drivers set a relatively Jost Capito:‘Tactics played a major role and the entire team is ready for the Rally moderate pace on the short stages, upping today, and our drivers did an excellent job Spain…’ their game on the ‘monster’ stage with in this regard. It was important to look The Rally Spain proper opened in particularly fast split times on the short after the tyres and pace oneself on the long Barcelona on Thursday evening with the asphalt section. This allowed Ogier and special stage. Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti spectacular short (3.20-km) asphalt sprint Latvala to climb from sixth and seventh to Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen showed stage at the foot of Montjuïc, the site of the first and second place on the morning loop. that with the fastest three times at the end 1992 Summer Olympics, past the world- They were then embroiled in a fascinating of the day. It will be fascinating to see how famous German Pavilion, over a stepped battle with Ott Tänak/Raigo Mõlder (M-Sport- the rally develops on asphalt, as it takes on section and across the famous Plaça de Carles Ford), Dani Sordo/Marc Martí (Hyundai) and a completely different character, but we are Buïgas. Roared on by thousands of spectators, Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson (Citroën). very happy so far.’ Ogier and Ingrassia were fastest in their Polo R WRC, with Mikkelsen and Fløene third, and Latvala and Anttila seventh. ‘Tactics played a major role Sébastien Ogier declared it ‘A really good start for us, against a truly fantastic today, and our drivers did an backdrop. We had a very clean drive on the excellent job in this regard. opening stage in Barcelona, and I am very happy with the time. However, the rally It was important to look after really gets going tomorrow, and we will the tyres and pace oneself have to be at our best if we are to come out on top again. As always, that is our goal.’ on the long special stage...’
At the Rally Spain, the i mechanics play an even more important part than usual. During the 75-minute service on Friday evening – the longest of the season – they have to convert the Polo R WRC from its gravel configuration to the asphalt set-up. Per car, the mechanics must swap 13 modules, consisting of 1,348 individual parts – that’s a total of 4,044 individual components, some pre-assembled, on the three Polo R WRCs. These include the complete chassis geometry, 18-inch wheels instead of the 15-inch rims usually used on gravel – including bigger brake discs, as well as the damper/shock units, gearbox and pedals.
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Rally Spain.indd 2 06/11/2015 16:21 JARI-MATTI LATVALA JOST CAPITO ‘When you look at the way the rally panned ‘What an unbelievable finale. What a thrilling out, I think we can be very happy with the rally. First and foremost: congratulations to result. Right from the word go today, an Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene, who were exciting battle for second place developed rewarded with victory today. Everyone is with my team-mate Andreas Mikkelsen. With absolutely delighted for them both. The fact six tyres, I had opted for the safer strategy, that we are able to celebrate this first today while Andreas went for the more aggressive is down to a second piece of good news: strategy with five. Anyway, my advantage Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are ANDREAS MIKKELSEN had just about disappeared by the end of the well after their crash. It cost them an all-but ‘We have waited so long and worked so morning although I did eventually finish a certain win, but I’m sure they’ll get over hard for this moment. When it finally arrived, rather fortunate second after Sébastien Ogier that. Jari-Matti and Miikka put absolutely we could hardly believe it: we have won our crashed out. Congratulations to Andreas and everything into this rally again, but were first World Championship rally! I am overjoyed, Ola on their maiden win in the WRC.’ just beaten by Andreas and Ola.’ but don’t think it has fully sunk in yet. We gave it our all on the Power Stage, and finally came up with the perfect stage at this rally. That would certainly have been enough for second place, but the victory is obviously the icing on the cake. It is a shame for Seb and Julien, but the most important thing is that they were not hurt in the crash. It has been an incredible weekend for us, which we will certainly celebrate in style today.’
After switching from gravel to asphalt, stages are fantastic, incredible fun, and I’m and Latvala decided by just 3.1 seconds. Day 2 of Rally Spain was held on stages akin coping better with the new Michelin tyres A puncture cost Latvala roughly 10 seconds to driving on a racetrack, with all eight stage than I did with the previous version – the on the 20th of the 23 special stages but, just wins taken by Polo R WRC – five to Ogier, Polo is reacting perfectly to any movement one stage later, Mikkelsen dropped several three to Latvala – finishing with a 1-2-3 for of the steering wheel. It is like being on a seconds after spinning his car. Going into Ogier, Latvala and Mikkelsen, with Ogier and racetrack, except that we don’t have any run- the closing Power Stage, the experienced Ingrassia a full 54.0 seconds ahead of a three- off zones. That gets the adrenalin pumping a Finn trailed the young Norwegian by just way battle for second place between Latvala/ bit. I knew I’d have to put my foot down from 1.4 seconds. Anttila, Mikkelsen/Fløene and Sordo/Martí the word go to keep Jari-Matti at bay. When Meanwhile, Ogier and Ingrassia appeared (Hyundai). he suffered his puncture, which led to us to have wrapped up their eighth win of the Before the battle with Mikkelsen having a larger lead, we were able to take a season, until a single mistake made while developed into such a thriller, a captivating few less risks.’ attempting to secure Power Stage victory struggle for the lead had lit up the Rally Jost Capito: ‘All three Volkswagen drivers number 26 dashed any hopes of claiming the Spain, until a flat tyre on the 12th of 23 special performed well today. With eight wins from 32nd victory of their career shortly before stages brought the duel between Ogier and eight stages, we only had one slight blemish the end of the rally. On the final stage, the Latvala to a premature end. Latvala suffered today with Jari-Matti Latvala’s puncture, three-time world champions strayed from a puncture while cutting a right-hander, which he suffered after taking a few too the racing line and touched a crash barrier, losing almost a minute as a result, but he many risks. However, even that cloud has a severely damaging their car and forced a battled his way back into second place, where silver lining: we are now treated to a thrilling retirement. The pair was given the all-clear he found himself embroiled in another all- battle for second place, with one of those in following a routine medical check. Volkswagen duel – this time with team-mate contention being Andreas Mikkelsen, who Sébastien Ogier explained what had Andreas Mikkelsen. climbed a lot of places today. At the moment, happened: ‘I was too fast in a long left- Latvala and Anttila were just 2.9 seconds it may look as though Sébastien Ogier is hander and went a little too wide on the exit. ahead of team-mates Mikkelsen and Fløene disappearing into the distance, but you can We made contact with the crash barrier, in third place, although a puncture also cost never be certain of anything in the World which knocked us slightly off line, the wheel them a lot of time at one point. However, the Rally Championship...’ caught on a post holding the crash barriers two Volkswagen duos would have a challenge Those words proved all too true, as Day 3 and was ripped right off – and it was all over. from Dani Sordo and Marc Martí (Hyundai) saw a dramatic turn of fortune, ending with We went to hospital for a thorough check – when they tackled Sunday’s final 76.4 km – a maiden WRC victory for Mikkelsen and just to be certain. Happily, everything is OK. the Spaniards trailing Mikkelsen and Fløene Floene after Ogier and Ingrassia were forced Unfortunately, this mistake cost us the win. by just 4.5 seconds and still within striking to retire while leading shortly before the end. However, I am very pleased for Andreas and distance of a podium position. The final day in Spain was a rally Ola, who fully deserve their first win in the Sébastien Ogier: ‘Another fantastic day for duel, ‘mano a mano’, right through to the World Rally Championship.’ Julien and me at the Rally Spain. The asphalt finish, with the battle between Mikkelsen Mikkelsen and Floene clinched victory in
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Rally Spain.indd 3 06/11/2015 16:21 FIA WRC RALLY SPAIN FINAL RESULTS 1 andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene, Volkswagen 3h 21m 04.8s 2 Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila, Volkswagen + 3.1s 3 Dani Sordo/Marc Martí, Hyundai + 21.2s 4 Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson, Citroën + 1m 06.3s 5 Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle, Citroën + 1m 08.2s 6 Hayden Paddon/John Kennard, Hyundai + 1m 23.3s 7 Martin Prokop/Jan Tománek, Ford + 4m 14.2s 8 Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul, Hyundai + 8m 01.9s 9 Pontus Tidemand/Emil Axelsson, Škoda + 10m 18.0s 10 Robert Kubica/Maciej Szczepaniak, Ford + 12m 15.0s the dying seconds on the closing Power Stage, for winning both the final rally and the winning the final stage to finish 3.1 seconds Power Stage. DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP (PTS) ahead of Latvala and Anttila, after benefitting One thing is now certain, that three 1 sébastien Ogier 238 from the mistake by Ogier and Ingrassia. Volkswagen drivers will top the WRC at 2 Jari-Matti Latvala 180 After 12 podiums with the Polo R WRC, the end of 2015. 3 Andreas Mikkelsen 154 Mikkelsen and Fløene took the first win in Reigning champions Sébastien Ogier 4 Mads Østberg 110 their career – on their 64th appearance at the and Julien Ingrassia have defended their 5 Kris Meeke 94 pinnacle of rallying. This was victory number titles while Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka 6 Thierry Neuville 90 11 of the season for the Polo R WRC, and the Anttila are currently second in the World 7 Elfyn Evans 81 33rd since the car made its debut in January Championship, with Andreas Mikkelsen 8 Dani Sordo 75 2013. and Ola Fløene third overall. III 9 Hayden Paddon 74 The closing Power Stage went to 10 Ott Tänak 63 Mikkelsen and Fløene for the first time The final round, Wales Rally GB (November this season, and the second time ever. They 12-15), takes place after this issue cleared for MNFRS’ CHAMPIONSHIP (PTS) completed the 12 km just 1.7 seconds faster press. We’ll be bringing you a full report in 1 Volkswagen Motorsport 387 than their Volkswagen team-mates Latvala the next issue. 2 Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT 206 and Anttila, who picked up two extra points. 3 Hyundai Motorsport 202 As such, the battle between them to finish FIA WRC RALLY SPAIN 4 M-Sport 173 runner-up in the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ POWER STAGE RESULTS 5 Volkswagen Motorsport II 116 Championship will be decided at the Wales 1 Mikkelsen/Fløene, Volkswagen 7m 51.9s 6 Hyundai Motorsport N 67 Rally GB. Mikkelsen and Fløene in third place 2 Latvala/Anttila, Volkswagen + 1.7s 7 Jipocar Czech National Team 51 trail Latvala and Anttila in second by just 26 3 Meeke/Nagle, Citroën + 5.2s 8 FWRT 9 points, with a maximum 28 points on offer Comment Tyres and tyre tactics won Rally Spain for Motorsport management to carry two spare very much aware that events conspired to bring Volkswagen Motorsport, but definitely not in tarmac tyres to guard against punctures, while him this victory, whereas perhaps in Sweden the way they anticipated! Reunited with the Mikkelsen only carried one spare. An intriguing earlier this year, he was closer to a win on three Rally Australia Polo R WRCs, and with situation which suggested Volkswagen were sheer pace, before himself falling off the road tyre allocations bearing down on all teams, a tactically covering two bases but also hinted on the last stage. Now his challenge becomes moderate pace was set in the morning of Day 1 they could take a chance either way on Mikkelsen. to win on pace alone. by the Volkswagens, followed by a big ‘psyche That chance being a lighter car with no safety Irrespective, it has been all quite entertaining. up’ for time gains on the 22-mile Terra Alta net, else not expecting him to prevail against the The result has mixed things up, gained Mikkelsen stage. Sebastien Ogier and Jarri Matti Latvala, others at the finish – all depending on how you his first win and, with Ogier’s World title secure line astern in p1 and p2, all largely to plan then read into it! If Mikkelsen indeed had a technical as well as the Manufacturer’s title safely home at the end of Day 1. and psychological advantage, he then pressed in Hannover, there were no real Volkswagen What shuffled the olkswagenV pack on Day 2 it home by winning four of the final six stages, losers in Catalunya in the grand scheme! While was Jarri Matti Latvala’s misfortune. Air in the while Ogier cruised around awaiting a big push the rest struggle to stop these VW rockets, it hydraulic system from the overnight gravel to on the Power Stage. does absolutely no harm to have Ogier make tarmac set-up change lost the Finn time. Latvala It was not to be. Ogier fouled up, clearly what is his only real mistake all year. took a chance on Stage 12 as he tried to recover, believing that sustained dominance is part of Could this event be Mikkelsen’s turning incurring a puncture which lost him a further the psychological game to crush his opposition. point? Difficult to say. Latvala still plays second 53 seconds. This reset the bar, dropped Latvala With nothing to gain he still went for the final string to Ogier but Mikkelsen is unquestionably out of the battle with Ogier and into a battle Power Stage win, clattering the barriers and getting quicker. with Andreas Mikkelsen, languishing in sixth on slipping from hero to zero as he (in his own Meanwhile, testing has been continuing Friday, unable to commit with the Polo WRC as words) ‘I went for it and I lost it’. once again with the 2017-specification Polo R he’d like. Mikkelsen was the obscure tyre strategy WRC test car. Former World Champion Marcus While Ogier got on at the front with the serene beneficiary when it mattered most, with Gronholm has recently driven the car again driving job to which we’re all accustomed, a incremental weight gain perhaps helping him in France, now converted to tarmac spec. lengthy second-place battle then raged between stay ahead of Latvala on the last uphill stage. Will Volkswagen Motorsport ever rest on their Mikkelsen, Latvala and Hyundai’s Dani Sordo. Not bad for a driver who was in the lower laurels? That’s one thing that appears definite: In a further twist on the final day, both Ogier reaches of the top 10, early on in the event. not at all. and Latvala were ordered by Volkswagen Mikkelsen will cherish this first win but was Chris Eyre
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Rally Spain.indd 4 06/11/2015 16:21
ROAD TEST
Passat Estate GT 2.0 Bi-TDI DSG 4Motion
Short of the R-Line, First shown at the Paris Motor Show The wheelbase is 79 mm longer at in October 2014, the latest Passat made its 2791 mm and while it’s actually slightly this is about as much appearance here in the UK in January 2015, shorter (at 4767 mm long, both the Saloon and Passat as you can buy with our first drive report published in the Estate are two millimetres shorter than the March issue and we’ve previously tested previous model) with the Estate also 39 mm for your money, with the Passat Saloon GT 2.0 TDI with 190 PS lower at 1477 mm, and 12 mm wider, thanks to substantial performance, and 6-speed DSG, in our May 2015 issue. the longer wheelbase improved use of interior This is the eighth-generation of the Passat. space provides more legroom, headroom and total traction and Based on the latest MQB platform engineering load capacity. The boot space of the Saloon is excellent handling strategy that also benefits the Mk 7 Golf, up by 21 litres to 586 litres and the carrying it is completely new in terms of its design, capacity of the Estate has improved by 47 along with good fuel technologies and engines and although it litres, to 650 litres for the boot area with seats provides more interior space the new Passat up, expanding to 1780 litres (+49 litres) with economy and a very is hardly any larger while also weighing less the rear seats fully folded. high specification… than its predecessor. Despite its dimensional advantages, the new construction techniques mean that it is as much as 85 kg lighter than before and ‘Despite its dimensional in conjunction with a range of more efficient advantages, the new engines the fuel economy figures have been improved by up to 14 per cent. construction techniques For the time being, only diesel engines mean that it is as much are available in the UK; all are the new EA288 series, EU6 compliant and ranging in power as 85 kg lighter than from a 120 PS 1.6 TDI, through two 2.0-litre TDI units with 150 or 190 PS, to the range-topping before and fuel economy 2.0-litre bi-turbo with 240 PS, 7-speed DSG has been improved...’ gearbox and 4MOTION four-wheel drive, as tested here.
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Passat 4mo.indd 2 06/11/2015 17:33 There’s also an all-wheel drive Alltrack The GT, as tested here, also comes with perpendicular spaces as well as parallel version of the Estate, a frugal BlueMotion heated Alcantara seats, three-zone climate parking. It also includes a world-first Trailer with a 1.6 TDI engine, claimed to return 78 mpg control and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, Assist system, which provides assistance and a plug-in hybrid GTE version with both while the range-topping R-Line adds a host when reversing a vehicle with a trailer a 1.4 TSI petrol engine and an electric motor of bespoke design features and has LED attached – without any modification or providing a maximum system output of 218 PS headlights as standard. adaptation of the trailer. and range of up to 1,000 km (621 miles). New technologies offered as options Safety systems include Side Assist Five trim levels are offered: S, SE, SE on the new Passat include the optional with Rear Traffic Alert; Traffic Jam Assist Business, GT and R-Line, all with a high level Active Info Display, which replaces the which aids stop-and-go driving in traffic; of standard features. SE and above come with instrument cluster with a fully configurable Emergency Assist, which can halt a vehicle features like Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise interactive 12.3-inch TFT display and a head- if the driver is incapacitated; the latest Front Control, Pre-Crash system, Driver Profile up display; the latest Modular Infotainment Assist system with City Emergency Braking, Selection, Ergo Comfort seats and front and System, including Car-Net Guide and Inform; as well as predictive pedestrian protection. rear parking sensors, while the SE Business, a further-developed 360-degree Area View The best-selling model is the 150 PS 2.0 TDI aimed at fleet drivers, adds Discover Navigation. function; and the latest generation of with manual gearbox in SE and SE Business Park Assist which includes the option for trims, with over 80 per cent expected to be the car to park itself forwards into sold into the fleet market, with slightly more Estates (51 per cent) than saloons sold here in the UK.
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Passat 4mo.indd 3 06/11/2015 17:33 So, admittedly, this high-powered 240 PS The big advantage of this engine and This 240 PS 2.0 Bi-TDI unit is the most 2.0 Bi-TDI in Estate form isn’t likely to be the drivetrain combination is its impressive powerful four-cylinder direct-injection turbo- most prevalent model, but it provide a highly performance, tractability and fuel economy. diesel engine ever offered by Volkswagen, desirable combination of features, with very As with all of the EA288 range, it incorporates with a specific output of 120 PS per litre of high performance and excellent fuel economy, the turbochargers and the intercooler displacement. With the crankcase, crank- plus the handling and traction to match, integrated with the induction manifold as shaft, connecting rods and pistons all uprated along with both refinement and practicality well as a complex exhaust gas recirculation and a high-performance cylinder head also to help justify its substantial £36,175 price tag. system with emissions control provided utilised, with piezo injectors capable of In fact, this test car had quite a few optional by an oxidation catalytic converter and pressures of up to 2,500 bar, it uses a compact extras, more of which later, to bump the diesel particulate filter (DPF), with nitrogen bi-turbo module with a high-pressure and price up to £42,060. oxides reduced by means of an SCR system a low-pressure turbocharger in series to (selective catalytic reduction) using the provide boost levels of up to 3.8 bar. AdBlue reducing agent. Maximum power of 240 PS (176 kW) is Optimised to reduce internal friction, developed at a modest 4000 rpm, with a with an oil pump with two pressure levels prodigious maximum torque of 500 Nm and volumetric flow control, separate (360 lb.ft) produced between 1750 and 2500 cooling circuits for the cylinder head and rpm. Nominally, it is almost as powerful but the crankcase, with a water pump that can considerably more torquey than the 250 PS be deactivated, the new TDI engines warm 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine that was used up faster, with benefits for performance, in previous generations of Passat and its i SCR catalytic converter emissions and fuel-efficiency. With high performance is in the same league, with An important component of the emissions torque output, they’re also very refined and an official 0-62 mph acceleration time of control system on this 240 PS TDI model smooth-running, with the 2.0-litre engines 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph (and the 190 PS 2.0 TDI) is the SCR (selective having two balancer shafts to reduce free (150 mph for the Saloon). catalytic reduction) catalytic converter. inertial forces. Check out our comparative performance In combination with the oxidation catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter (DPF), the SCR system is mounted close to the ‘This 240 PS 2.0-litre engine for quick warm-up and reaction. The specially coated SCR catalytic Bi-TDI unit is the converter converts the nitrogen oxides most powerful (NOx) in the exhaust gas into nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O), with the conversion aided four-cylinder direct- (catalysed) by the injection of synthetically produced AdBlue. This is carried in a 13-litre injection turbo-diesel tank and has to be topped up every 9,000 km engine ever offered (approx. 5,600 miles) through the filler point adjacent to the fuel filler cap. by Volkswagen’
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Passat 4mo.indd 4 06/11/2015 17:33 ‘Despite the high power output and huge performance potential, the fuel economy of this 2.0 Bi-TDI is very impressive...’
chart and you’ll see that its power to weight Despite the high power output and huge suspension at the front along with a four-link ratio is identical, but with the extra torque performance potential, the fuel economy independent rear suspension, with gas-filled it beats the 3.2 V6 hands down in all the of this 2.0 Bi-TDI is very impressive. As well shock absorbers and tubular front and rear performance increments; we recorded a best as its basic thermal efficiency, the new model anti-roll bars. The 240 PS 2.0 Bi-TDI also comes 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds and got to 80 benefits from BlueMotion Technology (BMT) with both the XDS electronic differential lock mph almost half a second faster, with the with stop/start and battery regeneration, and DCC Dynamic Chassis Control (adaptive in-gear times also significantly quicker. with the DSG also providing coasting on the damping) as standard; both are usually extra- The latest Gen 5 Haldex controlled over-run when using the Efficiency mode. cost options on the other models. 4Motion all-wheel drive system and The official test figures for combined usage XDS, which shouldn’t be confused 7-speed DSG transmission certainly play are 53.2 mpg for the Saloon and 52.3 for with the special front diff used on the Golf their part here, with perfectly controlled the Estate, with CO2 emissions of 139 and GTI, uses selective modulation of the ABS traction to put the power down cleanly 140 g/km respectively. braking system to apply a vectoring effect and seamless shifts up through the ratios, Of course, we didn’t achieve quite that to improve the handling; during fast although in normal use the engine feels level of efficiency, but an overall average cornering it slows down the wheels on the very refined, civilised and tractable. Indeed, figure of 45.6 mpg and an economy driving inside of the bend, aiding the steering and anyone expecting it to feel gutsy and urgent, figure of 56.1 mpg are very acceptable indeed improving agility. straining at the leash like an aggressive for a car with this level of performance. We With DCC the ride height is reduced by animal, will be rather disappointed. It is only don’t yet have enough long-term experience 10 mm lower while the system itself offers when it is deliberately and fully extended with cars that have the SCR system, but the three settings for the dampers according that this engine delivers its full performance AdBlue tank is claimed to be good for over to the driving modes selected on the Driver and even then it does it in such a fuss-free 5,000 miles before needing to be topped up. Profile Selection (DPS) system. Even in the manner that it is easily controlled and reined The dynamic performance – handling Normal setting the system is adaptive, with in. There is, of course, not a hint of wheelspin and braking – of the new Passat is also at the dampers continually readjusting to or torque steer, just an effortless surge of a very high level. The MQB platform uses suit the prevalent driving style, but selecting acceleration. the latest generation strut-type coil-spring Comfort or Sport settings either softens or
‘An overall average figure of 45.6 mpg and an economy driving figure of 56.1 mpg are very acceptable indeed for a car with this level of performance...’
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Passat 4mo.indd 5 06/11/2015 17:34 ‘The carrying capacity of the Estate has improved by 47 litres, to 650 litres with seats up...’
firms up the damping accordingly, while in but it is also eminently suited for towing. aids – ABS, Brake Assist (BAS) and EBD the Individual setting the damping can be In fact, as reported in our August 2015 issue, (electronic brake pressure distibution) as adjusted separately from the other parameters this test model was the very car that was well as an electronic parking brake (EPB). such as accelerator response and steering entered by Volkswagen in this year’s Towcar Mounted on the centre console on the left- weight. awards, winning the 1700-1899 kg class and hand side, away from the driver, this is not Standard wheels and tyres on the 2.0 pipped to the overall title only by its more just a parking brake but also a very powerful Bi-TDI are 8J x18-inch alloys, a five-paired cost-effective sibling the 2.0 TDI (150 PS) SE emergency brake, best not fiddled with 10-spoke style called Oxford Anthracite, Business with 6-speed DSG. while on the move. Auto hold and hill hold fitted with 235/45 R18 tyres – in this case Not only does it have a braked towing functions are standard, useful in heavy stop- Continental’s ContiSportContact5 – and it capacity on a 12 per cent incline of up to start traffic and for pulling away on slopes. also comes equipped with a full-sized alloy 2200 kg, but this example was also fitted The Passat GT also has keyless start. spare wheel and conventional tyre, stored with the £875 optional swivelling towbar Provided the keys are in the car, even in your under the boot floor; somewhat ironic with electric release, operated by a switch own pocket, you simply use the push button given that these tyres are self-sealing and inside the load bay, alongside the rear seat on the centre console to start and stop the that so many models these days only come release, and as well as a trailer stabilisation engine. It’s a good idea, though, to keep the with a puncture repair kit. A real ‘belt and function in the ESP it also had the Trailer keys in a regular spot or you’ll find yourself braces’ job, our test car also came with the Assist function that automatically controls rummaging around for them when leaving £135 option of an electronic tyre pressure the steering when reversing with a trailer. the car; or, even worse, forget to switch off monitoring system that shows actual tyre Clearly capable of towing and carrying and leave the car running. pressures on each corner in real time on heavy loads, up to the total permitted vehicle Inside, the GT has features like Alcantara a graphic display on the touchscreen. weight of 2310 kg, the Passat GT also comes centre sections and leather bolsters for the In conjunction with the obvious with an equally powerful braking system, ergoComfort front seats, with electrical advantage of the all-wheel drive system, with 340 mm vented front discs and 310 mm adjustment on the driver’s side, although the 240 PS Bi-TDI not only provides excellent vented rears. Powerful and progressive, it our test car came with the £680 Nappa performance and handling as a driver’s car comes with all the usual electronic braking leather upholstery pack which also provides
26 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Passat 4mo.indd 6 06/11/2015 17:34 sound-insulating safety glass on the front integrated voice control, 8.0-inch colour more pages than our road-test feature. side and rear windows. touchscreen for the nav, along with DVD, There’s just one decision to make, though, The GT’s seats are heated as standard, CD and DAB radio functions. It also has the before putting your money down on a GT 2.0 while the test car also came with the optional Mirrorlink provision, so that specific apps Bi-TDI and that is that you can also enjoy the (£135) heated steering wheel, welcome on on an Android smartphone can be mirrored benefits of ample performance along with cold mornings, as well as the £150 heated on the touchscreen display. Also included TDI fuel economy and four-wheel drive with windscreen. This is a mixed blessing, great in this package are online upgrades for the the Passat Alltrack, also based on the Estate, for clearing frost but the fine elements in the nav software for three years. which comes with the 190 PS 2.0 TDI engine screen do tend to scatter the light on bright The infotainment system of this test car and 6-speed DSG at just £33,935. You’ll need to sunny days and when driving at night and was also enhanced with the £885 ‘Dynaudio have a careful look at the spec sheet, because this can be rather distracting. Confidence’ soundpack, with its 10-channel there are a few features, like the DCC, which With the GT, the dash and door panels digital amplifier, 700 watt output and 10 the Alltrack lists as options rather than feature brushed aluminium inserts, with speakers. The list goes on, with the test car standard, but that price differential allows Piano black decorative inserts on the centre also featuring LED premium headlights with plenty of room for manoeuvre. console, as well as leather trim for the three- LED daytime running lights, curve lighting On the other hand, if only the very best spoke multifunction steering wheel and the and headlight washers (£1,205). Even the will do, then the 2.0 Bi-TDI is also available gearknob and gearshift gaiter. Indium grey metallic paintwork on our test with the R-Line specification which provides Equipment levels are high, with three- car was an option, costing £540. a whole host of special styling features, as zone climate control, ambient lighting and There are plenty of other expensive options, well as the LED headlights as standard. Beyond a colour multifunction display, along with but we doubt that anyone will ever find the that, there is only the new A4 Avant with a Bluetooth and audio connections, and the GT time to read up on them all, let alone make 3.0 V6 TDI and quattro drivetrain to compare comes with the Discover Navigation system full use of them, even if you can afford it. with the performance of this potent Passat. III with 6.5-inch colour touchscreen as standard. In any case, the standard specification is The test car had been upgraded to the quite high enough to cater for most everyday Prices
(£815) Discover Navigation Pro system with requirements, and the brochure has a lot Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI (184 PS) 4MOTION 6-speed manual £30,595 Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI (150 PS) SCR BMT 4MOTION 6-speed manual £30,855 Passat Estate GT 2.0 TDI (190 PS) SCR BMT ‘There are plenty of other 6-speed auto DSG £31,045 expensive options, but we Passat Estate R-Line 2.0 TDI (190 PS) BMT 6-speed auto DSG £32,040 doubt that anyone will Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI (190 PS) SCR BMT 4MOTION 6-speed auto DSG £33,935 ever find the time to read Passat Saloon GT 2.0 BiTDI (240 PS) SCR BMT 4MOTION up on them all, let alone 7-speed auto DSG £34,625 Passat Estate GT 2.0 BiTDI (240 PS) SCR BMT 4MOTION make use of them all, 7-speed auto DSG £36,175 Passat Estate R-Line 2.0 BiTDI (240 PS) SCR BMT 4MOTION even if you can afford it...’ 7-speed auto DSG £37,170
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Passat 4mo.indd 7 06/11/2015 17:34 2 3 4 1
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1: Clock 7: Audio/Navigation 2: Tachometer 8: ‘Phone controls 3: Driver Information 9: Audio controls 12 4: Speedometer 10: Climate control 5: Temp gauge 10: Start/Stop button 6: Fuel gauge 12: Electronic p/brake
Other references New Passat, unveiled August 2014 p08-09 New Passat, first drive Dec 2014 p17-20 New Passat, first UK drive March 2015 p22-25 Road test: Passat GT 2.0 TDI (190 PS) Saloon May 2015 p18-25 Passat wins Towcar Awards August 2015 p25-27 Passat Alltrack Oct 2015 p06-07
For back issues, visit www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk or call 01525 750 500
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Passat 4mo.indd 8 06/11/2015 17:34 Facts and figures: Passat Estate GT 2.0 Bi-TDI SCR 4Motion
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS Overall length/width/height (inches) 187.8/82.1/58.2 Overall length/width/height (mm) 4767/2083*/1477 Wheelbase 109.9 in, 2791 mm Track, front/rear 62.4/61.5 in, 1584/1568 mm Turning circle 38.4 ft, 11.7 m Unladen weight 3825 lb, 1735 kg Total permitted weight 5092 lb, 2310 kg Permitted trailer load; with brakes 4850 lb, 2200 kg Permitted trailer load; without brakes 1653 lb, 750 kg Luggage capacity, seat up/folded 650/1780 litres Wheels and tyres 8.0J x 18 alloys 235/45 R18 * Inc. door mirrors
ENGINE / FUEL ECONOMY / ACCELERATION Engine specification Acceleration figures Displacement 1968 cc Maximum speed 147 mph, 236 kph Configuration In-line ‘Maximum power of 0–50 mph 4.7 sec Cylinders 4 0–60 mph 6.2 sec Bore and stroke 81.0 x 95.5 mm 240 PS (176 kW) is 0–70 mph 8.3 sec Power output 240 PS (176 kW) @ 4000 rpm developed at a modest 0–80 mph 10.5 sec Maximum torque 369 lb.ft. (500 Nm) @ 1750-2500 rpm 30–50 mph (3rd gear) 2.4 sec Valves per cylinder 2 inlet, 2 exhaust 4000 rpm, with a 30–50 mph (4th gear) – 50–70 mph (3rd gear) 3.6 sec Fuel consumption prodigious maximum 50–70 mph (4th gear) – Overall test value 45.6 mpg, 6.2 l/100km 50–70 mph (5th gear) – Economical driving 56.1 mpg, 5.0 l/100km torque of 500 Nm 50–70 mph (6th gear) – Urban cycle 43.5 mpg, 6.5 l/100km (360 lb.ft) produced Extra urban cycle 60.1 mpg, 4.7 l/100km Total 52.3 mpg, 5.4 l/100km between 1750 and Acceleration figures recorded using VI Monitor. For more information visit the website at: Fuel required Diesel www.vi-performance.com Fuel tank capacity 14.5 gallons, 66 litres 2500 rpm...’ CO2 emission 140 UK insurance group 28E PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS Passat Estate Passat Saloon Passat Saloon Passat Sport T5 Caravelle GT 2.0 Bi-TDI GT 2.0 TDI SEL 2.0 TDI V6 4MOTION Executive ‘Nominally, it is SCR 4MOTION 6-speed DSG 6-speed DSG 6-speed DSG 2.0 Bi-TDI 7-speed DSG DSG almost as powerful Displacement, cc 1968 1968 1968 3169 1968 Power output, PS/kW 240/176 190/140 170/125 250/184 180/132 but considerably @ rpm 4000 3500-4000 4200 6250 4000 more torquey Maximum torque, lb.ft./Nm 369/500 295/400 258/350 236/320 295/400 @ rpm 1750-2500 1750-3000 1800 3200 1500-2000 than the 250 PS Maximum speed, mph/kph 147/236 146/235 138/223 153/246 119/191 0–50 mph, sec 4.7 6.5 5.9 5.0 8.4 3.2-litre V6 petrol 0–60 mph, sec 6.2 8.4 7.9 6.6 11.4 engine that was 0–70 mph, sec 8.3 10.9 10.3 8.6 14.5 0–80 mph, sec 10.5 13.9 13.2 10.9 19.5 used in previous 30–50 mph (third gear), sec 2.4 3.4 3.5 2.9 4.8 30–50 mph (fourth gear), sec – – – – – generations of 50–70 mph (third gear), sec 3.6 4.5 4.5 4.3 7.3 50-70 mph (fourth gear) sec – – – – – Passat...’ 50–70 mph (fifth gear), sec – – – – – 50–70 mph (sixth gear), sec – – – – – To read any of the other tests Overall fuel consumption, mpg / l /100 km 45.6/6.2 48.9/5.7 42.3/6.6 27.9/10.1 34.6/8.2 i mentioned in the comparison Unladen weight, lb/kg 3825/1735 3415/1549 3260/1478 3984/1807 5240/2377 chart, back issues can be ordered Power/weight ratio, PS per ton /PS per tonne 140/138 124/122 117/115 140/138 77/75 securely from our website www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk Test publication date Dec ’15 May ‘15 Dec ’07 Sept ’06 Feb ‘11
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Passat 4mo.indd 9 06/11/2015 17:34 PEOPLE’S CARS – DARREN KENDALL’S V6-ENGINED MK 2 GTI V6 appeal! Once an avid Ford fan, Darren Kendall shares with us his long history of VW ownership, culminating in his current 3.2 V6-engined Mk 2 GTI...
My car journey began in 1991, but had there’s just something about the way they look. should have held out for a 3-door version but it nothing to do with VWs at that time. A silver I knew from that moment I would own one... was such a nice example I couldn’t walk away. Mk 3 Escort 1.3L was a good start to the one day. Unfortunately, they also held their price I went everywhere in that car, holidays were a motoring world and I thoroughly enjoyed the very well so I ended up buying an Astra GTE 16V breeze and it never missed a beat. I always had freedom it gave me as a youngster. I loved it and had some fun with it but ultimately ruined my car cleaning kit in the boot to keep the dark and my girlfriend (now wife) had a yellow it with an overly-firm Bilstein suspension kit. blue paintwork looking its best and loved going Mk 3 Escort too – she looked such a cool After shattering my spine for about a to some VW shows. I really got the bug and chick in that car! year I purchased my first Mk 2 Golf, a 4-door 16V. I changed the exhaust but resisted doing My love of performance cars began in It felt a tad slow after the Astra GTE 16V, but I was anything to the suspension as it handled 1993, with a Peuguot 309 GTI, a truly great car so happy to own the car I’d fallen in love with on so sweetly it didn’t need it. in its own right – the difference in performance that test drive with my mate. The build quality I look back now and don’t quite know why, was simply breathtaking, it went round corners was bulletproof, the doors shut with such a solid but after two and half years of GTI ownership I as if on rails and had a lovely engine note. clunk, and after putting a high-lift cam in it went to Cambridge for a haircut and came home I absolutely loved that car and it gave me a real drove a lot nicer too. I also fitted Borbet C alloys, with an Astra GSI 16V! I’d always quite liked the appetite and passion for performance cars. which look cool even today. I knew I probably look of them, but I soon realised I was missing About two years later, a lad called Kelvin Boyle joined our bakery team at Haverhill. He owned a Mk 2 Golf GTI in Helios blue, took me for a ride one day and I loved the way the rev counter whipped round when we were racing up the hill into town. The square boxy styling, the square dashboard and the golf ball gearknob were all just so cool. It even sounded cool when he disarmed the Clifford alarm – not a high- pitched chirp but an understated bloop! I had discovered Mk 2 Golfs and my love for them remains undiminished to this day –
30 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Darren Mk 2b.indd 2 06/11/2015 14:58 ‘It is the love of the Mk 4 R32 and the Corrado VR6 that gave me a lot of the inspiration for the bright blue ‘Mk 2 3.2 V6’ that I own today… the sweet chassis of my Mk 2 Golf and so it had buy a new car. It’s a special experience to be the and then come back down – very embarrassing to go! And it had to go quickly, after I’d had a first person to drive that car and to get the exact in petrol stations as I looked like a boy racer! test drive in a Corrado VR6 in Midnight blue! spec that you want. Sure, you have to be careful Then the glovebox wouldn’t stay shut and the If there’s one car I wish I could have kept which car you buy and for how long you keep it, leather seats started to stretch on the bases it’s the VR6 as it combined the Mk 2 handling due to depreciation, but it’s a memory that stays and I soon regretted ticking that option box. with a stunning engine noise. I lowered the car with you for ever. During my ownership of the R32 I purchased on Koni suspension, fitted BBS RC alloys, a The R32 was beautiful, with the blue paint my second Mk 2 Golf GTI, as I wanted a little Supersprint exhaust and then Nik Saran Racing gleaming in the sun on collection day. I slotted runaround and a car to play with. I travelled in London supercharged it – wow, what a stunning myself into the leather seats and had a very down to Fakenham and bought a lovely H-reg result! I had a few ‘squeaky bum’ moments on careful 25-minute drive home. I was very happy GTI 8V, a 3-door in Royal blue. It was so nice wet roundabouts, but the car was amazing. This to be back with the VW brand, but the car felt to have another Mk 2 – I loved the boxy shape was in 1999 and I wish I could have afforded quite slow in comparison – the accelerator was compared to newer cars and the 8-valve was to keep it. very sensitive and initially felt quick, but out on a lot easier to live with around town than the After a few years flirting with an Impreza the open road it made all the noise but lacked the 16V. I must have polished this car so much I’m RB5 and a Tommi Makkinan EVO 6 in beautiful acceleration. Also the boom from the exhaust at surprised it had any paint left on it! black with white wheels, I purchased a Mk 4 Golf 3500 rpm was annoying and tiresome on longer I kept it for about three years and was R32 and it is the love of the Mk 4 R32 and the journeys. never totally sure I’d done the right thing selling Corrado VR6 that gave me a lot of the inspiration A trip to AmD for a Milltek cat-back resonated it. I had always wanted a bright blue metallic for the bright blue ‘Mk 2 3.2 V6’ that I own today… exhaust and re-map produced a very pleasing Mk 2 Golf as I had been to lots of VW shows and I had been keeping a close eye on the 275 bhp and a truly gorgeous exhaust note. The I’d always been in love with that colour, so much upcoming Mk 4 R32 and after seeing it at the car now had real personality and I loved its multi- so that my good friend Kirk was getting fed up motor show I placed my order with the local VW talented character – the engine was so flexible of hearing me moaning that I couldn’t find a dealer. It had to be in the deep blue pearl colour you could be lazy and cruise around in fifth gear decent one! and most definitely a 3-door. The wait seemed and waft along on the torquey delivery. There are cars that you look back on and very long and frustrating, as this was my first I was slightly irritated when it had to go think ‘Why did I buy that?!’ After owning the brand-new car. I truly believe that everyone, back for an accelerator pedal fault as when it R32 for about 15 months I changed it for a Nissan at some point in their lives, if possible, should was started up the revs would go to the red line 350Z, a brand-new one at that! I think I was concerned about losing too much money on the Golf and when I was offered just £1500 less than I purchased it for I decided to change. Looking back, with hindsight, I should have kept the R32. Where the Golf was an allround package, the Nissan was a two-seater car that was a love affair for about a year! After moving house, to free up some funds I down-traded to a Mk 4 Golf GTI 1.8T Anniversary, a 3-door model in silver. It was OK but for a special edition model it didn’t seem to be put together as well as my girlfriend’s standard
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www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 31 ‘While loving my Mk 5 GTI to bits, I still found myself constantly looking for that elusive bright blue metallic Mk 2 Golf...’
Indigo blue Mk 4 GTI 1.8T 150. When she decided The best thing I ever did with the GTI was the smaller 14-inch alloys and it had the scrape to change to a Mini, I sold the Anni and bought going to BBR GTI (Morego at the time) in Brackley to deal with, but the overall condition was her Mk 4 GTI. I enjoyed this car as it was solid for a re-map and Milltek cat-back exhaust to good. The owner put the car up on the ramps and comfortable and with an AmD re-map to take the power to 250 bhp and a lot more torque, for me to view it underneath and it all looked 195 bhp it went well too. transforming the car into a truly wonderful very clean. After a quick test drive a deal was I was very happy with the GTI but I never fun fast car to drive. I didn’t ever want for soon agreed and I left a cheque and waited for it fooled myself into thinking it was a true GTI. It more power as on B-roads you could still fully to clear before collection, which gave me some just wasn’t and I accepted that until October 2008 deploy the power and torque and hang on for an time to sort out insurance and a plan of action when I changed it for a stunning Mk 5 Golf GTI. exhilarating drive. The standard suspension was for the scrape to be taken care of. I had actually been to test drive another Mk 4 a great blend between comfort and performance Although it was in very good condition, R32 as I’d missed that sonorous beautiful engine and the 18-inch Monzas were both beautiful the paintwork had various blemishes and note, but there was a nagging doubt in my mind to look at and easy to clean. I really connected scratches on a few of the panels. I knew I about going back to what I’d already had. A case with this car. The tartan interior was great, no wanted to keep it for a long time, so I decided to of rose-tinted glasses I think! more frozen bum moments in winter, or burns drop it off to Greg Howell at Southam Bodies for KM57 OYO was a 3-door Mk 5 GTI in Shadow in summer! After the leather in the Mk 4 R32 I the necessary repairs and a new coat of paint. blue metallic and it looked amazing. Literally, am not a fan of VW leather seats as the quality I could have done a minor repair on the scrape I walked around the car once and I knew I had seems lacking and durability is not good. but with cars this age the new paint can look out done the right thing. It was an ex-demo with While loving my Mk 5 GTI to bits, I still found of place and I would still be unhappy with the only 3,500 miles on the clock. The Mk 5 really myself constantly looking for that elusive bright other imperfections. Once the call came through was the GTI back to its best. This car was an blue metallic Mk 2 Golf. Patience is a virtue and I was down to collect it like a shot. She looked outstanding all-rounder, you could exploit all in September 2011 I saw advertised just what I so pretty and, needless to say, it was a nervous of the power on a B-road and the chassis was had always wanted... drive home with the newly-painted car! so playful and fun that it knocked spots off the I was trawling through the car sales ads on Mk 4 R32. I still missed the V6 engine note but Pistonheads, AutoTrader and Edition 38 websites the GTI was a massive leap forward in terms when one Sunday evening I came across an ad of dynamics. for this lovely bright blue metallic Mk 2 GTI 8V. ‘One Sunday evening It was a one-owner car and exactly what I was looking for. It had a small scrape on the rear I came across an ad for this quarter where it had been scuffed on the owner’s lovely bright blue metallic garage but otherwise looked very clean. The car was in Southport and I remember thinking Mk 2 GTI 8V. It was a one- that’s too far to go and that someone was going to get a right nice car there! After stewing for a owner car and exactly what bit, I thought why can’t it be me…?! I managed to get someone to drive me up on I was looking for. It had a the Monday morning so I rang and explained small scrape on the rear that I was travelling from afar and could he give me first refusal on the car, which thankfully he quarter but otherwise agreed to. I arrived at the seller’s premises and instantly loved the look of the car. OK, so it had looked very clean...’
32 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Darren Mk 2b.indd 4 06/11/2015 14:58 ‘The two cars that I’d really fallen in love with were the Corrado VR6 and the Mk 4 R32 so the decision was an obvious one – I wanted to give the Mk 2 some real character and I knew the 3.2 V6 would tick that box...’
I was so happy to finally have found the car feel disappointed about how slow it was! My next big decision was what engine to that I’d wanted for such a long time. I enjoyed I always like to put my own stamp or go for, but there were really only two to choose driving my new pride and joy, listening to my personality onto a car and I had Koni suspension from, the 3.2 V6 or the K04 2.0 TFSI from the old tapes as it had the original stereo – it all and a set of Willwood 4-pot brakes put on. For Edition 30 GTI. I already have a lovely white added to the ‘retro’ experience, but I soon found a while I was very happy with the results but Edition 30 Golf GTI and while I love the car for myself disliking the 14-inch wheels and ‘balloon’ it wasn’t long before I decided to enlarge the its all-round ability, the engine noise is a bit tyres. I loved the BBS RZ design, so I set about engine to a 2.0-litre 8-valve for more bhp and dull and uninspiring. The two cars that I’d really finding a set of 15-inch wheels in the same style torque. However, as time went on, I soon found fallen in love with were the Corrado VR6 and the and after many hours on eBay I found a brand- myself wanting more… Mk 4 R32 so the decision was an obvious one – new set for sale at GPC near Luton. It was a It became clear that to get the performance I wanted to give the Mk 2 some real character funny place, down a dirt track in the country- I was looking for I’d need to do an engine swap. and I knew the 3.2 V6 would tick that box, but side, but their hangar was like an Alladin’s cave This is a tough decision to make, as it meant who should I entrust to complete the work… with all manner of parts, and my new boxed sacrificing some originality but I’d already I talked to many people and did a lot wheels. I was very happy! painted the car and tinkered with various other of research and as a long-time reader of The trade-off with owning an older car these bits anyway so I decided to go for it. There are Volkswagen Driver mag I was always impressed days is that you don’t realise how far car tech- always plenty of people offering their views, but with the work coming out of JBS Auto Designs nology has moved on in terms of build quality it’s down to you as the owner to make your own in Chesterfield.After a lengthy chat to James and engine technology. You tend to forget about mind up and not do what you feel others want. Silverstone the car was booked in as he was the interior rattles and creaks, as it all adds to I didn’t buy the car as a financial investment, very honest about what would need to be done the charm of these cars, but I couldn’t help but but to enjoy it and smile every time I drove it. and his passion for their work was obvious. ➔
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 33
Darren Mk 2b.indd 5 06/11/2015 14:58 Volkswagen Driver
I was happy to leave the car with JBS for the height that would be useable every day. At my conversion, so it was a relaxed train journey age I can’t be doing with slammed cars that ‘Kent cams, VVT Attack home from Chesterfield. scrape over manhole covers – utter madness! calibration and Custom- When you’re entrusting a company to carry The 3.2 V6 engine is, without doubt, one out a project like this it is so important to give of the nicest sounding engines there is, so I Code software meant them a clear vision of what you want. It sounds wanted to fully enjoy the soundtrack without obvious, but if you don’t it will cost you dear in the car being boomy for longer motorway a very healthy 287 bhp the long run – having to change things costs trips. I also wanted a standard design tailpipe money! as I hate big backbox designs, so we decided on – I was a happy boy!’ My young daughter Danielle loves the Mk 2 a custom-made stainless-steel exhaust which and enjoys trips out and being picked up from is a masterpiece – it looks totally standard but school in it. In fact she told me off last week sounds amazing under acceleration. This meant that a very healthy 287 bhp was when it was sunny and I wasn’t in the Mk 2 to I was very up front from the start that recorded on the dyno – I was a happy boy! pick her up (I wouldn’t mind, but she’s only four I’d be happy with the standard 3.2 V6 and had When I first booked the car in, James said and a half!), so I didn’t want hard suspension no plans to turbo or supercharge it later on. they had a modified 6-speedgearbox that would and a car so noisy it makes your ears bleed. With this in mind, an induction kit was bolted work very well with the new engine. We spoke I had a lengthy chat with JBS head engineer on which is standard Mk 5 R32 fitment and at length about the 5-speed gearbox from the Kevin Baston about my vision and we decided some Kent cams were fitted as they work Corrado VR6 but they were really only meant to use KW coilovers to help set the car up for very well with the VVT Attack calibration and to cope with 190 bhp, and they weren’t brilliant the new engine weight and achieve a nice ride Custom-Code engine management software. back in the day. Also, they are quite old now,
34 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Darren Mk 2b.indd 6 06/11/2015 14:58 so I was happy to be using the 6-speeder. I think twice, as you’ll end up hating the cheap, harsh ‘The GTI is 25 years old, so one of the hardest things to work out was how feel and then have to buy the more expensive to get the Mk 3 rev counter working – quite a few choice anyway, so it works out more costly in still gets used with respect’ hours were spent scratching heads! the long run. Having since spoken to another owner of The engine has such a broad range of a Mk 2 with the 3.2 V6 he confirmed that the torque that I can drive through villages in sixth pleasurable car to drive, as it grips the road so car ran out of puff in fifth gear, but with the gear doing 25-30 mph, but press the accelerator well. All the negative people that go on about the 6-speeder motorway cruising is an absolute and it picks up so quickly. You really can be lazy engine being too heavy need to drive a converted pleasure. and just waft around in high gears if you please, car. The GTI is 25 years old, so still gets used with On the day of collection James took me for but through the gears – wow! Due to the cams a lot of respect, but what this car is all about is the a spirited test drive, which certainly surprised and VVT Attack the rev-counter whips round character that it now has due to the conversion. an Audi S3 owner! The car sounded amazing, and you’re picking off another gear very quickly. It’s understated and subtle and looks just like but was so civilised just cruising around too. The Mk 4 R32 never felt that quick, it made a lot a clean standard Mk 2. The KW suspension is a revelation – never has of noise but didn’t translate that into pull and I love the way the car has turned out and the phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ seemed speed, but the 3.2 V6 engine turns the Mk 2 into JBS really listened to my wish list and delivered. more appropriate! My advice to anyone is if you a very rapid car indeed! They understood that I didn’t want loud and brash can’t afford a top suspension set-up, then wait The joy of this conversion is that all the and have built a stunning car. All I need now is and save until you can. If you buy cheap you buy key elements combine to produce a very useable, some more sunny days to enjoy driving it! III
‘The joy of this conversion is that all the key Extra + photo elements combine to produce a very useable, content on iPad pleasurable car to drive...’ edition!
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 35
Darren Mk 2b.indd 7 06/11/2015 14:58 Volkswagen Driver
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66 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
36.indd 2 09/11/2015 09:41 classic vws – 1976 1200 beetle
Breeze Beetle PHOTOS: NEIL BIRKITT
Now, there are plenty of old Beetles out It’s been a long time – nearly 40 years, in fact and about still; some are original and very – since we saw a 1200 Beetle in a busy VW shabby, a very few are very well preserved because they’ve never really been used, some showroom, until we headed down to Breeze are expensively and fully restored to almost exceptional standard – in some cases to a Volkswagen in Poole, on ‘Back to the Future far higher quality than they ever were made in the factory – and many are modified and day’… Neil Birkitt reports customised to some degree. But what is really special is to find an It was purely coincidence, of course, but Audi Car and Volkswagen Driver, started off original car, still in standard specification, there was something of an element of time as the VWOC Club Newsletter called Beetling. that has never had any significant restoration, travel in the air as I headed south to Poole in Personally, I learned to drive in my dad’s but is still in very good condition despite having Dorset on Tuesday October 21 – Chris Evans on 1967 1300 Beetle, way back in 1977, and then seen a useful service life, and even better if there Radio 2 was promoting ‘Back to the Future’ tinkered about with it for the next eight years, is an extensive documented history from day 1. day, and pride of place in Breeze Volkswagen’s as well as restoring and racing many other And that is what we have here… Tower Park showroom had been allocated to a examples before finally getting involved with This 1200 Beetle has covered over 60,000 1976 1200 Beetle that almost looked as if it had more modern machinery like Audi 80 Sports miles and has had just two owners from new, been in a time warp for nearly 40 years… and Mk 3 GTI 16Vs. But only a few years ago did who were neighbours. It is in extremely good We don’t often cover the classic air-cooled I sell my last Beetle, a 1967 1500. So, it was with condition, not quite concours or fully show- VWs in the pages of Volkswagen Driver; not a certain degree of intrigue and delight, not to worthy but for a car which has never been because we aren’t interested – far from it – but mention a great deal of nostalgia, that I accepted substantially restored or specially prepared, because there are already several magazines an invitation from Breeze Volkswagen to view apart from some mechanical re-commissioning specialising in the classic cars, and we usually this very special ’76 1200. and a thorough clean and valeting, it is in have our hands full featuring all the new exceptional original condition. models. Andy Garrett, used vehicle buyer at Breeze But, like me, there must be many regular ‘For a car which has never Volkswagen, told me: ‘We were all very excited readers old enough to have fond memories of been substantially restored when we saw the car. It’s in remarkable the original air-cooled models as a significant condition with a fabulous heritage and was part of their motoring careers. Our late or specially prepared, it obviously cherished by its owners. It has been publisher, Paul Harris, also began his motoring is in exceptional original locked away in a garage for the last 14 years life with Beetles, and his original title from the and structurally is in fabulous condition. Its last Sixties, which eventually spawned Volkswagen condition...’ owner sadly passed away and his son-in-law
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Breeze Bug.indd 1 06/11/2015 15:21 ‘ A talking point, among all the New Beetles that surround it...’
brought it to Breeze Volkswagen on a trailer, And, of course, the road test must have been blades, although it did need a new steering as it hadn’t been started for many years. The a very unusual experience because even a late damper and some brake cylinders along the way. brakes were seized on, all the old fuel lines were Seventies Beetle sounds and feels very much like The service book is stamped up all the way up perished and the tank was rusty inside, but our a classic car, compared with the sophisticated to the late Eighties, at which point the mileage workshop team soon took care of all that’. handling and performance of a new model. is recorded as 47,735 although clearly there was I was able to have a chat with Richard Ireson, The documents which came with the Beetle a hiatus here, with the speedo changed at some the Master Technician who’d taken on the task are very extensive indeed, and include the point because it now shows 2048.5. of re-commissioning the Beetle and he explained original service record and handbook stamped But, if it wasn’t for the service record, what had been done. Both the front and rear by Volkswagen, old tax discs, MoT certificates no-one would doubt that as the genuine mileage drum bakes were overhauled and new cylinders and a whole host of various bills and receipts. because the general condition is exceptional and hoses fitted, all the fuel lines were changed, It even has the original receipt for the deposit for an original unrestored car. I had plenty of the carburettor was cleaned out and the rusty of £50 made out by F.C. Purser Ltd of Old time for a good look around the car and was fuel tank was replaced and fitted with a new Kent Road in south-east London, as well as astounded at its condition, considering that it filler cap. Along with many other serviceable the finance agreement to cover the original is nearly 40 years old and has covered over items including a new set of plugs, points and purchase price of £2060.26. 60,000 miles. Apart from a few small stone chips distributor cap, it then started with the first The first owner, from June 17 1976, was on the front of the bonnet and some tarnish on turn of the key!’ Mr. William Martin King, aged 62 when he the chromework around the rear side windows Fortunately for the Beetle, Richard is one of bought it, then living at Shortlands in Kent, there is very little wrong with it at all. the more senior technicians who actually knew although clearly he subsequently moved down Showroom lights aren’t the best way to how to deal with traditional technology like to Lime Road, Dorchester in Dorset, with later view paintwork, but there is evidence of some contact breaker points and rocker clearances, references showing that most of the servicing non-original paint on the front of the nearside because the vast majority of the work in throughout the years was carried out by front wing and a small touch-up on the passenger modern VW dealerships is very high-tech and Loders Garage of Dorchester. door, but apart from that the orange paintwork involves computer diagnosis and guided fault- Looking through the various invoices, it’s all seems to be original and in very good finding much more often than feeler gauges. mostly routine stuff like oil changes and wiper condition. Even the rubber sealing strips around the bonnet and engine lid apertures are all in very good condition with no sign of rust. Possibly the only undesirable aspect is the set of 165-15 tyres that is fitted, clearly a budget brand that I’d never heard of, called Woosung, but searching through the invoices it seem that they were fitted on May 22, 2000 by Express Fit in London Road Dorchester, for the princely sum of £117 all inclusive of valves, fitting and balancing. Even now, they look almost brand-new, with all the tiny bobbles still intact, but we wouldn’t want to drive too far on any budget tyres, let alone 15-year-old ones, and anyone buying this Beetle would want to get it rolling on a new set of appropriate tyres. Inside, the door shuts are all good, the headlining all sound and although the cloth- fronted seat covers are fine the inner stuffing
38 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Breeze Bug.indd 2 06/11/2015 15:21 ➔
has clearly gone brittle and crunchy. Oh, and Indeed, this is one of those lovely old What happens from here on is anyone’s the glovebox lid was rather reluctant to stay cars that is not only a real classic, but also guess; it would be nice to see the Beetle remain shut, but that probably just needs some in good original condition and with a huge on display in the showroom as a talking point, adjustment to the rotary catch. amount of history, if not perhaps perfectly among all the New Beetles that surround it, but Much of the paperwork is now mounted complete. You wouldn’t even want to change showrooms are not museums – their purpose is inside a glass display and so I couldn’t examine its tiny imperfections – the small stone chips to sell cars. Andy Garrett tells me that they’d had it all closely, but the last MoT that was visible and slightly tarnished window chrome etc – a classic Porsche enthusiast showing interest is dated May 26, 2000 and the tax disc in the because they are representative of its history in it, and talking about a figure around £10,000. windscreen expired at the end of November 2001, and originality. That’s actually the very number I’d hazarded with the second owner a Mr. Anthony Barzilay, a guess at earlier in the day when discussing who lived in the same road in Dorchester the Beetle with Breeze Volkswagen Marketing recorded as registered keeper from May 18, Executive Laura Cook and Louise Williams, the 2001 – all consistent with it having been stood Account Manager for Liz Lean PR, the company garaged for the last 14 years. that looks after Breeze Volkswagen and who Marion Barzilay, wife of Anthony Barzilay, first brought the Beetle to our attention. the late owner, said: ‘My earliest memories Suffice it to say that you’d have to travel of the car were hearing from the first owners a very long way and / or wait a very long while about their wonderful European trips in it and to find another Beetle quite like this, and you’d showing us their detailed journal enjoying the have to spend a lot more than that on a full Volkswagen lifestyle. The bright orange Beetle restoration of a typical late Seventies Beetle. featured in many of their photos alongside Certainly, this long-time Beetle enthusiast popular tourist attractions. The car has been left the Breeze Volkswagen showroom sorely a big part of our lives – if only it could talk!’ wishing I had £10,000 to spare. III
Contact Breeze Volkswagen Yarrow Road, Tower Park Poole, Dorset, BH12 4QY Tel: 01202 713 000 www.breeze-volkswagen.co.uk www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 39 motorsport – RALLYCROSS OF ITALY
The Italian job! Volkswagen driver Tommy Rusta won the final round to take the title in the FIA European Rallycross Championship in Italy, while Johan Kristoffersson placed second in the penultimate round of the World Rallycross Championship…
Tommy Rusta, driving the Volkswagen Polo third in Italy to end the season in third place The same venue also saw Johan RX Supercar, run by Marklund Motorsport overall with 86 points. Kristoffersson finish an excellent second and HTB Racing, won the final round of the Rustad, who won three of the five rounds at the 12th and penultimate round of season, at the Rallycross of Italy event at the in this season’s European Championship, the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Franciacorta International Circuit (October finished with 135 points and a lead of 18 The Swede from Volkswagen Team 16-18) to claim the title in the FIA European points over runner-up Jérôme Grosset-Janin Sweden was only beaten by Andreas Rallycross Championship. (Peugeot, 117). Bakkerud (Ford). Even a puncture in heat 2 could not stop him. Said Rusta, ‘I was so motivated. I got a puncture in the second heat, so that lost us some places on day 1, but I qualified top at the Intermediate, won the semi-final and the final. Today was really perfect. I’ve been watching rallycross on TV since I was about 10 years old and I always dreamed this would happen – it’s a dream come true,’ grinned the Norwegian. Rustad’s compatriot Ole Christian Veiby, from Volkswagen Team Sweden, finished
40 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Rally X.indd 2 06/11/2015 15:53 Kristoffersson spoke of his desire to take drivers: Toomas ‘Topi’ Heikkinen of Finland who arrived to see the conclusion of a win at the final round in Argentina next and Per-Gunnar ‘P-G’ Andersson of Sweden, the penultimate round of the World month: ‘I’m really pleased with second, but who went out in the early stages in the Polo Championship and took the opportunity for sure, I would have liked to have won RX Supercar. to meet with a number of teams and today. I’ve been on the podium for the last EKS driver Anton Marklund finished drivers, FIA staff and representatives from three events – the car has been working fourth in Italy, the Swede securing his best IMG in order to discuss the growth of the fantastic so hopefully we can continue our result of 2015 in his Audi S1 EKS RX quattro. championship, and what is in store for recent run of form for the final round next Kristoffersson (228 points) remains third the future. He also presented Italy RX month,’ explained the Swede. overall, 25 points behind second-placed winner Bakkerud with his trophy on the Kristoffersson’s team-mate Tord Linnerud Timmy Hansen (Peugeot, 253). Heikkinen podium. from Norway reached the semi-final in (128) is eighth, Andersson (70) 12th and The final round of the 2015 FIA World the second Polo R WRX, but finished fifth Linnerud (49) 14th. Rallycross Championship will take place in and failed to qualify for the final. Luck also One of the most enthusiastic spectators the all-new location of Rosario in Argentina deserted the two Marklund Motorsport at Franciacorta was FIA President Jean Todt, over the weekend of November 27-29. III
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 41
Rally X.indd 3 06/11/2015 15:53 motorsport – red bull GLOBAL RALLYCROSS (GRC)
Red leader Scott Speed of the USA, driving the 560 hp 4WD GRC Beetle, is the new champion of the Red Bull Global Rallycross series…
A podium finish in the final race of the The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Team like to say a big thank you to our drivers season in Las Vegas, held on Wednesday and our technicians in Germany worked Scott Speed and Tanner Foust. They have November 4, parallel to the prestigious perfectly together. had a great season and pushed each other to SEMA Show for automobile tuning ‘It is always a very close affair in Global outstanding performances. Congratulations, and motorsport, was sufficient to earn Rallycross, and the races are fiercely- in particular, to Scott on his thoroughly ex-Formula One driver Speed the title competitive, which makes us all the happier deserved Driver title.’ at the wheel of the VW Beetle GRC. to have won the title. I would obviously also ‘I am absolutely delighted with this title. Speed followed a victory in the heats with It is an indescribable feeling,’ said Speed a win in the semi-final, before starting the after the final. ‘The Beetle GRC is a fantastic final from pole position. He then produced a car. I would like to thank everyone at the measured race – heavy rainfall had produced Volkswagen Andretti team. This success extremely slippery conditions on the circuit, would not have been possible without their almost like an ice rink – to finish third in outstanding effort. It has been a long season, the final. Volkswagen ended its first season and we were always confident that the Beetle with the Beetle GRC in second place in the is a natural born winner. We worked hard to Manufacturer Championship. come through the tricky period at the start of ‘Winning the title at the first attempt the season, and came away with the title.’ in the first full Red Bull Global Rallycross Speed’s team-mate, fellow American season with the Beetle is a fantastic success Tanner Foust, dropped back through the for Volkswagen,’ said VW Motorsport Director field following a collision in the final, Jost Capito. ‘The Beetle showed what it was eventually crossing the finish line in ninth capable of, particularly in the second half of place and ultimately finishing third in the the season. It boasts an impressive record. championship. III
42 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
GRC.indd 2 06/11/2015 14:19 ‘Speed and Foust made it onto the podium 13 times Beetle GRC, this season, climbing onto the top step as winners the car to beat The VW Beetle developed into a force to on five occasions...’ be reckoned with for the opposition in its first full GRC Season. The 560 hp, four-wheel drive Beetle, sent into action by Volkswagen of America and developed in Germany by Volkswagen Motorsport, was the car to beat in the second half of the season. Its record is an impressive one: Speed and Foust made it onto the podium 13 times this season, climbing onto the top step as winners on five occasions. The penultimate round of the season, a double-header in Barbados, saw Speed and Foust ensure that only they could be crowned champion – the only question still to be answered at the legendary ‘Strip’ in Las Vegas was which of the two Volkswagen drivers would win the title!
GRC This year’s Global Rallycross champion- ship featured 12 rounds – in Fort Lauderdale, Daytona, New River, auto city Detroit, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Barbados and Las Vegas. One of the highlights of the season was undoubtedly the GRC’s outing in Barbados, the penultimate round of the season – one of four challenging double-headers, with two races on one weekend – against the picturesque backdrop of the South Seas. The GRC races are always packed with action and a real draw for spectators – the compact races are followed closely and the subject of much discussion, particularly on social networks. The circuits consist of a combination of asphalt and gravel with spectacular jumps, which often see cars airborne for over 30 metres – exciting and spectacular races are the order of the day in the GRC!
The GRC season – the races, the winners 31.05.15 Fort Lauderdale – Winner: Ken Block (Ford) 20.06.15 Daytona I – Winner: Tanner Foust (Volkswagen) 21.06.15 Daytona II – Winner: Sebastian Eriksson (Ford) 05.07.15 New River – Winner: Ken Block (Ford) 25.07.15 Detroit I – Winner: Ken Block (Ford) 26.07.15 Detroit II – Winner: Patrik Sandell (Ford) 15.08.15 Washington D.C. – Winner: Nelson Piquet Jr. (Ford) 12.09.15 Los Angeles I – Winner: Scott Speed (Volkswagen) 13.09.15 Los Angeles II – Winner: Scott Speed (Volkswagen) ‘Winning the title at the first attempt in the first 03.10.15 Barbados I – Winner: Tanner Foust (Volkswagen) full Red Bull Global Rallycross season with the 04.10.15 Barbados II – Winner: Tanner Foust (Volkswagen) 04.11.15 Las Vegas – Winner: Joni Wiman (Ford) Beetle is a fantastic success for Volkswagen...’
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 43
GRC.indd 3 06/11/2015 14:19 MODIFIED CARS – MTM TUNED POLO WRC PHOTOS: IAN KUAH
Too much of a good thing!
Ian Kuah recalls testing the MTM tuned Polo WRC and finding it to be quite a handful, rather too much of a handful in fact…
In 1887, when Lord Acton penned the this Polo was way out of its depth with even reined in by electronic traction control. famous words, ‘Power tends to corrupt, the standard level of power and torque. In While this all looked promising on and absolute power corrupts absolutely,’ fact torque rather than horsepower was the paper, the reality was that torque steer, poor he could not have imagined that 129 years root of all evil here, and I say this with some traction and rather dull steering plagued its later they would be used to describe the authority, having tested dozens of tuned Golf driving dynamics, so the 6R Polo GTI was not handling foibles of a machine that was GTIs from the first three generations that never a patch on its big brother Golf GTI as a drivers’ originally invented by Karl Benz just two had any problems deploying up to 200 hp car. The latest 1.8 TSI example has been much years before in 1885. from their naturally-aspirated engines. improved by some careful suspension tuning I speak as I find, and while the 230 hp As an entrée to this conclusion, the latest but it still has its limitations. limited edition Polo R WRC homologation (6C) Polo GTI has a turbocharged 1.8-litre TSI But let’s cast our minds back to the special appeared to be a great package on engine developing 190 PS and 320 Nm, while VW Polo R WRC, an über-Polo with the 222 hp paper, the reality was quite different, and its predecessor, one rung down the and 350 Nm EA888 engine from the 2.0-litre it turned out to be one of the most cynical performance ladder from the Polo WRC, was turbocharged Golf GTI, driving the front marketing department creations I have the turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. come across in years. TSI engine that made 180 hp and 250 Nm of Ostensibly a factory-built ‘Frankenstein With front-wheel drive and its 20th torque, with its power delivered to the tarmac engine transplant special’ of the kind some century technology torsion beam rear axle, through a standard 7-speed DSG gearbox, and tuners are wont to build in moments of eye-
44 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
MTM Polo WRC.indd 2 06/11/2015 15:15 ‘So, who on earth would want even more power for their Polo WRC? ‘
bulging madness, it arrived as a LHD-only, 2,500 limited edition, costing an eye-watering 33,900 euros in Germany. With just the front wheels to do the heavy lifting, the only way such a car can be remotely pleasant to drive is if it has a limited slip differential and a sophisticated independent rear axle. You only have to look at the latest Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS 265 to see how it should be done. But the Polo WRC was writing cheques its chassis couldn’t cash, and driving it I felt the steering wheel writhing in my hands even when accelerating firmly in third gear on a straight road in the dry. downpipe, middle and rear silencer to Other MTM additions were the set of In slippery conditions, the car was reduce backpressure and give the MTM car 8.0J x 18-inch Nardo alloys with 215/40 ZR18 downright unpleasant, and it was all too the more purposeful exhaust note that the Michelin Super Sport tyres, KW Variant 3 easily possible to be faster and more relaxed original lacked. coil-over suspension with ride height, bump on a twisty road in a normal mid-range Polo. While the Polo R WRC had electronic and rebound adjustment, and a set of 330 x 32 If there was ever a case for a VW to have traction control, it couldn’t compare with the mm vented discs on the front. 4Motion all-wheel drive, this was it. Haldex-controlled unit in the Golf GTI PP and In isolation, this engine is a tremendously So, who on earth would want even more it doesn’t convincingly curb the tendency of effective power unit with good throttle power for their Polo WRC? ‘Apparently some the driven wheels to walk all over the road response, and power and torque everywhere. customers want an even more extreme under the onslaught of this engine’s robust But in this application it was an engine experience, and the EA888 Golf GTI motor is slab of torque. looking for a car. Mechanical LSD or very easy to tune just with an ECU re-map,’ As an attempt at taming the beast, not, the uprated chassis was completely said MTM boss, Roland Mayer. MTM substituted the electronics for their overwhelmed in its battle to send power and MTM’s remap boosted the output of the mechanical LSD, an expensive option at 3,600 torque to the tarmac cleanly. 2.0 TFSI engine to 330 hp at 6340 rpm with euros. In theory at least, this should aid Even on the fly, accelerating from say 420 Nm of torque between 3250 and 4600rpm. traction off the line and help get a handle 100 kph in third gear on a dry road, you felt The conversion also included a new exhaust on the inherent torque steer. the steering tugging in your hands, the nose
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 45
MTM Polo WRC.indd 3 06/11/2015 15:15 ‘Purely as an intellectual exercise, it would be interesting to try a Polo R WRC with just the LSD and MTM chassis mods...’
of the car veering strongly away from the the old adage that you cannot make a silk It is no surprise to learn that VW have straight ahead. purse out of a sow’s ear. considered the production of a 250 hp Polo R Despite the LSD and suspension Purely as an intellectual exercise, it would 4Motion. The irony is that this car will likely modifications, the 5.5 seconds the road car be interesting to try a Polo R WRC with just be a regular production model sold for a lot took to reach 100 kph is indicative of the the LSD and MTM chassis mods, to see if less hard cash than the Polo R WRC homolo- struggle the front wheels had in deploying they can contain the grunt of the unmodified gation special. As such, it sounds much more the engine’s power and torque. engine, although I suspect the results would like the perfect platform for an MTM pocket If you do the maths, a car of this power not show a huge improvement. rocket. III and weight with 4WD should reach 100 kph in around 4.2 seconds, and the 1.3 sec extra lost through poor traction is an eternity. At the other end of the performance scale, top speed is 262 kph, which is irrelevant anywhere except in Germany. VW Motorsport’s Polo R WRC rally car has a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine making 315 hp and 425 Nm of torque. But, quite apart from its world-class drivers, this 1200 kg weapon has four-wheel drive, which gives it the handling and grip it needs to best the competition on special stages. It is also short geared for rapid acceleration to its 200 kph Vmax, and digs in and rockets to 100 kph in just 3.9 seconds. In the end, the standard Polo R WRC homologation special was a bridge too far for its mere front-wheel-drive chassis. The fact that the MTM car should have been faster but still suffered from massive torque steer despite its uprated chassis and LSD is no indictment of MTM, but simply proof of
46 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
MTM Polo WRC.indd 4 06/11/2015 15:15 motorsport – DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Three out of four...
Brands Hatch saw Team BMR RCIB Insurance finish a fantastic first season in the BTCC by taking all titles but the driver’s championship…
The final rounds (28, 29 and 30) of the Morgan was the only real threat in third place, Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship a further 20 points down on Jason. on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit over Last time out at Silverstone, Team BMR the weekend of October 10-11 marked the had provisionally won the Independent Teams biggest day in the history of Team BMR RCIB Championship (teams not backed by a manu- Insurance, with the potential for all four facturer) from WiX Racing, after it emerged championship titles… that mathematically they couldn’t be beaten This year’s BTCC had seen 10 different drivers on points going into the final round. picking up race wins during the 27 races so far, So, with one championship already with the Team BMR RCIB Insurance duo of Jason in the bag, the team headed back to Kent, Plato and Colin Turkington winning a third of where the season started in March, right up them and placed second and third in the overall there in the title hunt in what was only their Following his accident at Silverstone, driver’s championship. third year at the pinnacle of the UK’s British doctors ruled out any hope that BMR team Honda’s Gordon Shedden was at the top of Tin Top Racing. boss Warren Scott might compete in the final the table with a 23-point lead over Jason and a The opening free practice session saw rounds at Brands Hatch, with Alain Menu further 9-point margin to Colin. Also in the title Adam Morgan setting the fastest lap before drafted in to take his place. Warren said hunt were Honda’s Matt Neal, along with MG’s being sidelined with an electrical glitch, while ‘Alain is the natural choice to replace me Andrew Jordan in fifth, some 64 points adrift. Alain Menu cut a frustrated figure in the and I am very grateful to him for stepping in’. But, with 67 points available over the weekend, pitlane throughout the duration as his VW CC Since driving with Team BMR in 2014, anything can happen in the BTCC! endured power steering issues. Alain has been an integral part of the team It had been a truly remarkable year for Jason Plato ended the session in second place, this year working as mentor to Warren, Team BMR RCIB Insurance, with one of the ahead of Mat Jackson, with Colin Turkington knows the car inside out and has attended highlights coming at Snetterton when they fourth, ahead of Jack Goff and Andy Priaulx. all of the team briefings at the BTCC rounds. achieved a 1-2-3 podium lock-out with Colin Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan were next up, Alain said ‘I am grateful to Warren and Turkington, Árón Smith and Jason Plato. All in ahead of Árón Smith, while championship leader Team BMR for asking me to make a come- all, the drivers and their RCIB Insurance backed Gordon Shedden finished the session in 10th. back in the BTCC at Brands Hatch. The Volkswagen CCs had excelled, with a staggering Free practice 2 then saw Colin Turkington circumstances are unfortunate and it’s going 22 podiums, along with three pole positions. topping both team-mate Jason Plato and to be a big challenge to be competitive, as Team BMR were leading the Team Champion- Gordon Shedden, after leading the way for I haven’t driven for a year, but I am excited ship as they headed for Brands Hatch, with a 55- much of the running, his 1.31.302s lap time just to be back’. point lead over the Honda-backed manufacturer a tenth shy of Jason Plato’s qualifying lap record team, but there were still 111 points available so from 2013. Plato and Shedden could barely be took ninth ahead of Alain Menu, who completed that could also go right down to the wire in the separated, with Plato getting the upper hand the top-10, despite missing FP1 with a power final race. this time by just 0.001s although Shedden steering problem. While Menu would be hoping There was also the Independent Drivers’ aborted at least one other flying lap which to get his own results, he’d also be on hand to Championship (for drivers not backed by a was set to be on a similar pace. help his team-mates where possible and with manufacturer) that Colin had topped for many Andy Priaulx clocked fourth ahead of Jack Plato and Turkington looking to close in on months, ahead of Jason by 26 points, and with Goff and Andrew Jordan, while Tom Ingram championship leader Shedden, Menu might well 60 points still available WiX Racing’s Adam pipped Mat Jackson to seventh. Honda’s Matt Neal play an important role during the weekend... ➔
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 47
BTCC DEC.indd 1 06/11/2015 17:28 Smith’s VW and Morgan’s Mercedes held station throughout the race to complete the podium positions...’
In final qualifying, Mat Jackson blitzed the Brands Hatch GP qualifying lap record on his way to a third consecutive BTCC pole position, with Árón Smith and WIX Racing’s Adam Morgan second and third. Team BMR RCIB Insurance’s VWs initially held a 1-2-3, but Turkington and Plato eventually had to settle for fifth and sixth. Jason made a last attempt to move further up the order but ran wide at Graham Hill Bend on his final tour. Despite Turkington and Plato’s frustrations at not being able to qualify ahead of Shedden, all three would line up together on the grid for the opening race. Such has been the rate of development within the BTCC that the top 12 drivers dipped under the previous qualifying lap record and a final day of no-holds- barred racing looked assured, with Plato and Turkington needing to overcome a significant Race 1 saw Team BMR RCIB Insurance’s Colin same turn. A quick clean-up operation followed points deficit to Shedden over the course of Turkington and Jason Plato make minor inroads and, critically for Shedden, his team-mate Matt Sunday’s triple header. into Gordon Shedden’s points advantage, as Neal had squeezed by Andy Priaulx to protect The Drivers’ Championship standings saw Motorbase’s Mat Jackson claimed victory. The Shedden from any further attacks to minimise Shedden (325 points) holding an advantage over front-running trio of Jackson’s Ford Focus, Árón the points damage to both Turkington and Plato. Plato (302), while Turkington (293), Neal (288) Smith’s VW and Adam Morgan’s Mercedes held Shedden was now leading the Drivers’ and Jordan (261) ensured that the title would station throughout the race to complete the standings by 22 points from Plato, with be fought out between five former champions. podium positions, but it was all eyes on the Turkington a further seven points in arrears. With 66 points on offer it was all still to play for championship battle behind them… Neal remained in contention while MG’s Andrew and the BTCC, as ever, looked likely to provide The action kicked off as soon as the lights Jordan dropped out of the title fight after his 19th plenty of thrills and spills before this year’s went out as Turkington surged down the inside place finish. champion was crowned. of Shedden’s Honda Civic Type R into Paddock Critically, both Plato and Turkington would Honda held a commanding lead in the Hill Bend to take fourth. Plato immediately tried again start the second race ahead of Shedden, Manufacturers’ order, while Team BMR RCIB to follow suit, with the title protagonists making with the trio lining up in eighth, ninth and 12th Insurance was close to securing both the Teams’ minor contact at Druids. Another touch followed respectively. Jackson was again on pole, with and Independent Teams’ titles, with Turkington at Surtees and Plato was through and up into Smith completing the front row positions. topping the Independent Drivers’ table. fifth position. Assessing his chances before race 1, Jason A safety car period followed as Dave Race 1 Results Plato said: ‘I am getting pretty much all I can Newsham’s Chevrolet went straight on at 1 Mat Jackson, Motorbase Performance out of the car. We can’t compete with Mat and Hawthorns, while Jake Hill’s Audi S3 tagged Alex Ford Focus ST 1:31.387 Árón when they’re not carrying any weight, Martin’s Ford into the barrier on the exit of the 2 Árón Smith, Team BMR RCIB Insurance so we’re about where we should be. Gordon VW CC +0.715s needs to have some bad luck tomorrow, like 3 Adam Morgan, WIX Racing we’ve had in the past, because he has too Mercedes-Benz A-Class +1.889 much of a buffer. You never know, though – 4 Colin Turkington, Team BMR RCIB Insurance VW CC +3.920 I got a puncture here earlier in the season 5 Jason Plato, Team BMR RCIB Insurance with one lap to go and that can happen to VW CC +5.696 anyone, so let’s just see how it goes...’ 6 Gordon Shedden, Honda Yuasa Racing Colin Turkington said: ‘I am pleased with Honda Civic Type R +7.260 that performance. I gave it 110 per cent and 7 Matt Neal, Honda Yuasa Racing I was right on the limit, but it’s just so hard Honda Civic Type R +7.783 on a circuit like this to get the perfect lap. I feel 8 Andy Priaulx, Team IHG Rewards Club we got pretty close and we’re in the mix for BMW 125i M Sport +8.213 tomorrow. You’d always like to be higher, but 9 Josh Cook, Power Maxed Racing Chevrolet Cruze +8.631 we have to be happy with that. It’s not critical 10 Rob Collard, JCT600 Racing with GardX to get by Gordon Shedden in Race 1 but we BMW 125i M Sport +8.963 need to make up 32 points over the course DNF Alain Menu, Team BMR RCIB Insurance 12 laps of the day – the sooner we do that the better.’
48 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
BTCC DEC.indd 2 06/11/2015 17:28 Race 2 Results 1 Mat Jackson, Motorbase Performance Ford Focus ST 1:31.982 2 Tom Ingram, Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Avensis +0.350 3 Adam Morgan, WIX Racing Mercedes-Benz A-Class +1.460 4 Dave Newsham, Power Maxed Racing Chevrolet Cruze +2.904 5 Jack Goff, MG 888 Racing MG6 GT +3.278 6 Jason Plato, Team BMR RCIB Insurance VW CC +3.588 7 Matt Neal, Honda Yuasa Racing Honda Civic Type R +10.954 8 Árón Smith, Team BMR RCIB Insurance Plato was next up, having fought his VW CC +12.344 9 Andy Priaulx, Team IHG Rewards Club way up from eighth on the grid...’ BMW 125i M Sport +12.849 10 Rob Collard, JCT600 Racing with GardX PHOTOS: DRIVE BY SHOOTERS & BTCC MEDIA BMW 125i M Sport +13.100 15 Alain Menu, Team BMR RCIB Insurance VW CC +21.415 DNF Colin Turkington, Team BMR RCIB Insurance 1 lap
R ace 2 ensured that the championship title ‘I am really pleased with that,’ said Plato. let his Team BMR RCIB Insurance team-mate would come down to the final race of the season ‘We’ve had a pretty good day so far. Matt Neal through, although perhaps not as soon as he after Jason Plato cut into Gordon Shedden’s and I have a great history and I guess we’re might have done. In a statement later released previously healthy points advantage and Matt assured of some more action. Game on!’ by the team, Smith apologised for not doing Neal and Colin Turkington joined Andrew Jordan The race itself saw Mat Jackson’s ballast- more to assist his team-mate. in slipping out of title contention. It would be laden Ford Focus claiming its second victory of Neal’s Honda relegated Smith down to a duel between Plato and Shedden in the final the day, with Adam Morgan and Tom Ingram eighth, in the final of several fantastic moves contest to decide the destiny of the most coveted squabbling for second. Ingram’s Toyota eventually from the Civic Type R man, with the BMWs prize in British motorsport. won the battle with Morgan’s Mercedes while of Andy Priaulx and Rob Collard rounding out To add to one of the most dramatic ever fourth place was decided when Dave Newsham’s the top 10, having also both been passed by finishes to a BTCC season it would be Matt Neal Chevrolet scythed down the inside of MG Triple the charging Neal. starting the final race from pole position, along- Eight’s Jack Goff at Paddock Hill Bend. side Plato, while Shedden was way down in 19th. Plato was next up in the finishing order, Race 3 saw Honda Yuasa Racing’s Gordon The Scotsman still held a 12-point lead in the having fought his way up from eighth on Shedden crowned the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Drivers’ standings but Plato had a race win and the grid. One of those places was eventually Touring Car Champion after producing a potential 22 points in his sights! relinquished by Árón Smith who moved over to a sensational drive in the final race of a dramatic season. It was a contest that saw title rival Jason Plato surge into a commanding lead after Matt Neal’s Honda slid wide at Paddock Hill Bend on the opening tour, which meant Shedden had to finish in at least sixth position to claim the championship trophy. The odds seemed stacked against him, starting the race down in a lowly 19th place, but the Honda Civic Type R driver went on a relentless attack that proved fruitful after 18 laps of nerve-racking action played out in front of a record 42,000 crowd. Three safety car periods curtailed Plato’s getaway in the early stages, and also gave Shedden the chance to close in on his next target. Plato’s team-mate Alain Menu did everything he could to hold up Shedden’s charge as the pair touched on a number of occasions but a puncture for Menu’s VW CC unleashed the Scotsman, who then made pass after pass in what was undoubtedly one of the drives of his career. ➔
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BTCC DEC.indd 3 06/11/2015 17:28 ‘It was close but no cigar. It’s been a great year for us, but we’ve been dogged with some bad luck to he honest, but that’s the way it goes...’
Shedden dismissed Sam Tordoff’s BMW to a lot to me. Obviously you’re always gunning make it into the top 10, before carving his way for the main prize, and I did my very best to BTCC Drivers by Andrew Jordan’s MG and Andy Priaulx’s BMW defend my title this year. My back was against championship (points) 1 gordon Shedden Honda Yuasa Racing 348 on lap 10. Next up was Árón Smith’s VW, with the wall but I can be proud I gave it 100 per cent 2 Jason Plato Team BMR RCIB Insurance 344 the Irishman looking to assist Plato but as the effort; it’s all you can ask. For sure it’s been a 3 Matt Neal Honda Yuasa Racing 317 duo approached Clearways on lap 12 the VW ran great season for Team BMR – we’ve come away 4 Colin Turkington Team BMR RCIB Insurance 310 slightly wide on the exit of the corner and they with a lot of trophies, and Jason came very close 5 Andrew Jordan MG Triple Eight Racing 274 ran side-by-side across the line, with the roar to winning the title, so in year one it was a really 6 Sam Tordoff Team JCT600 with GardX 270 from the crowd almost deafening as Shedden top effort, we can all be proud. It always goes to 7 Adam Morgan WIX Racing 267 slipped through, now needing one more place the wire – nobody gets this championship easily, 8 Andy Priaulx Team IHG Rewards Club 247 to clinch the championship. that’s why we all love it.’ 9 Jack Goff MG Triple Eight Racing 233 That move came one tour later as Rob Collard’s Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director, said: ‘What 10 Rob Collard Team JCT600 with GardX 226 11 Árón Smith Team BMR RCIB Insurance 209 BMW proved defenceless against Shedden’s more could you ask for? It just goes to show that 22 Warren Scott Team BMR RCIB Insurance 23 ballast-free Honda, and he took another place in the BTCC, it’s never over until it’s over. No-one from Adam Morgan’s Mercedes on the run disputes that Shedden is an incredibly deserving TEAMS StanDINGS up to Druids before becoming embroiled with champion but everyone in this pit lane is a 1 Team BMR RCIB Insurance 733 Jack Goff’s MG. Matt Neal eased his team-mate’s winner; they have all done an incredible job 2 Honda Yuasa Racing 657 concern by handing him fourth place and on this season.’ III 3 MG Triple Eight Racing 518 the final lap Shedden eventually settled on his 4 Team JCT600 with GardX 470 position. The 2016 campaign will begin at the Season 5 WIX Racing 267 Plato’s flawless display deserved victory as Launch on March 22 before the series gets 6 Team IHG Rewards Club 246 he crossed the line well ahead of Mat Jackson’s under-way back at Brands Hatch (Indy circuit) 7 Motorbase Performance 223 Ford Focus and MG Triple Eight Racing’s Goff. over the weekend of April 2-3. See www.btcc.net 8 Power Maxed Racing 209 While his 94th BTCC triumph extended his 9 Speedworks Motorsport 183 incredible victory record, it was unable to bring 10 Exocet AlcoSense 152 him his third title, but few could argue with IN DEpenDENT DRIVERS Shedden’s performance and he was deservedly Race 3 Results STANDINGS crowned as the new 2015 BTCC champion. 1 Jason Plato, Team BMR RCIB Insurance Shedden celebrated as he won the Drivers’ 1 Colin Turkington Team BMR RCIB Insurance 411 VW CC 31:47.185 2 Jason Plato Team BMR RCIB Insurance 403 championship by just four points from Plato, 2 Mat Jackson, Motorbase Performance 3 Adam Morgan WIX Racing 386 with Neal beating Turkington to third in the Ford Focus ST +3.536s 4 Árón Smith Team BMR RCIB Insurance 320 standings. There was some joy for outgoing 3 Jack Goff, MG Triple Eight Racing 5 Tom Ingram Speedworks Motorsport 291 champion Turkington, however, as he claimed MG6 GT +8.954s 6 Rob Austin Exocet AlcoSense 242 the Independent Drivers’ championship, while 4 Gordon Shedden, Honda Yuasa Racing 7 Josh Cook Power Maxed Racing 238 Team BMR RCIB Insurance took Teams’ and Honda Civic Type R +9.086s 8 Mat Jackson Motorbase Performance 229 Independents’ Team honours. 5 Matt Neal, Honda Yuasa Racing 9 Aiden Moffat Laser Tools Racing 197 Jason Plato said: ‘It was close but no cigar. Honda Civic Type R +9.564s 10 Dave Newsham Power Maxed Racing 194 6 Adam Morgan, WIX Racing It’s been a great year for us, but we’ve been Mercedes-Benz A-Class +10.079s dogged with some bad luck to he honest, but IN DEpenDENT TEAMS STANDINGS 7 Rob Collard, JCT600 Racing with GardX that’s the way it goes. I understand defeat as BMW 125i M Sport +10.289 1 Team BMR RCIB Insurance 543 well as victory. I’m pleased with our performance 8 Andrew Jordan MG888 Racing MG6 GT +10.492 2 WIX Racing 427 this weekend, and I’m pleased with my engineers 9 Árón Smith Team BMR RCIB Insurance 3 Power Maxed Racing 357 – we’ve managed to make it a potentially cham- VW CC +10.978 4 Speedworks Motorsport 345 pionship-winning car. I’m signed for another 10 Andy Priaulx Team IHG Rewards club 5 Exocet AlcoSense 334 6 Eurotech Racing 284 two years with Team BMR and we have quite a BMW 125i M Sport +11.220 7 Laser Tools Racing 259 few things in the pipeline – you’ll have to wait 12 Colin Turkington Team BMR RCIB Insurance VW CC +15.479 8 Motorbase Performance 254 and see but there’s some exciting stuff ahead.’ 21 Alain Menu Team BMR RCIB Insurance 9 AmDTuning.com 150 Colin Turkington said: ‘It’s the fifth time I’ve VW CC +25.902 10 Handy Motorsport 149 picked up the Independents’ trophy and it means
50 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
BTCC DEC.indd 4 06/11/2015 17:28 AmD Tuning v15_VW.qxp_Layout 1 27/04/2015 14:47 Page 1
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Inters teaser.indd 1 09/11/2015 09:43 MODIFIED CARS – DAVE GARNSWORTHY’S MK 7 GTI PHOTOS: NEIL BIRKITT
Transformer!
Not content with converting Transporters Forget the rather pedestrian and sedentary image associated with motorcaravans; Dave into motorcaravans, Dave Garnsworthy of himself is a long-time petrolhead with a huge history of performance cars – indeed, a few Vanworx took this standard five-door GTI and years ago he competed in the Volkswagen Racing Cup with the race-prepared Caddy transformed it into a 350 hp high-performer… van that had previously been campaigned by former VW Commercial Vehicles bosses In a recent issue of Volkswagen Driver, occasionally take the car out on track then Peter Wyhinny and Simon Elliott. we were asked for some advice by a reader the Performance pack is an absolute ‘must’. Most recently, Dave has been running who wanted to know whether the £980 It wasn’t long before we’d heard back that around in this modified Mk 7 GTI and we side- Performance pack option for the Mk 7 GTI he’d ordered the Performance pack… tracked him on return from his fast lapping was a worthwhile upgrade. But, what happens if you’re an sessions at the VW-Audi track day at Castle As objective as always, we outlined its enthusiastic driver and – for whatever Combe in August, to take a closer look… benefits and although the meagre extra 10 PS reason – you’ve ended up with a Mk 7 GTI Dave originally bought the car from is really neither here nor there, the bigger without the Performance pack, or maybe GTI World in Edinburgh. That’s a long, long brakes and the special traction-enhancing you’re just someone who likes to re-engineer way from Dave’s base in Portland, Dorset, front differential provide significant dynamic their car to personal tastes, so why pay for but the deal must have made the trip worth- advantages. expensive factory-fitted options that will while and the return journey provided a good The gist of it was that if you’re an end up being replaced by aftermarket long initiation drive: ‘Dean picked me up ordinary day-to-day driver then the standard solutions anyway? from the airport and then I drove it back GTI will satisfy all your road-going needs. That sounds just like Dave Garnsworthy, the same day’. If you’re an enthusiastic pilot who enjoys the MD of VW motorcaravan conversion Dave tells us that ‘The panoramic glass driving with a bit of verve, and might specialist Vanworx, based down in Dorset. roof is amazing and this summer was open
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DAve G GTI.indd 1 06/11/2015 14:41 PHOTO: JIM GAISFORD
more often than not’, but the GTI is really rather than stretching the budget to one of much more about performance than posing: the expensive aftermarket big-brake kits. ‘I really wanted the Performance pack, but A Stage 1 Revo software upgrade, this car didn’t have it so I decided to talk flashed through the ODB-II port leaving the to some of the contacts that we’ve built factory ECU intact, then tweaked up the up in the tuning industry, with regard to power output to around 320 hp, along with aftermarket upgrades’. increased torque throughout the rev range. without the benefit of the traction-enhancing With the able assistance of Vanworx Dave hasn’t definitively tested the car on a electronic diff that is the most substantial technical manager Dan Gillam, the first job dyno, but Revo’s own testing has produced part of the Performance pack option. It may was to upgrade the brakes with a set of Golf R figures – which are generally considered be referred to as a differential but it is actually stoppers that had been rescued from a rear- realistic and reliable – of between 313 and an electronically-controlled multi-plate ended car; presumably they’d pulled the Golf R 333 hp (up from 220) and torque up from Haldex-type coupling fitted to the front axle up a bit too quickly for the car following too 258 lb.ft (350 Nm) to between 434 and 488 lb.ft. between the differential cage and the right- closely behind! (434 – 488 Nm) That’s a very substantial hand driveshaft (see our technical article in Standard front brakes on the non-PP GTI improvement in power, instantly putting the November 2013 issue). are 312 mm x 25 mm, perfectly adequate for the GTI up in the same sort of league as the Anything is possible, but it was bit too normal road use, but the Performance pack Golf R, if not above. much to expect Dan to retrofit the complex uses the same larger 340 mm x 30 mm discs All very well, but the Golf R has the traction Performance pack ‘diff’ especially when there that are fitted to the Golf R. That’s a 300 hp advantages of four-wheel drive when it comes was a much more practical alternative in car capable of well over 150 mph, and so they to putting its power down; Dave’s GTI was the shape of a Quaife ATB (automatic torque proved to be a very cost-effective upgrade, only front-wheel drive and this one was biasing) diff.
54 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
DAve G GTI.indd 2 06/11/2015 14:41 Extra + photo content on iPad edition!
A direct replacement for the standard Next on the agenda was a trip to suggestions of a ‘full-house’ race quality factory-fitted ‘open’ differential, the Quaife Milton Keynes to revisit his old friends at coilover kit were dismissed, but a simple ATB uses a system of helical gears to auto- Volkswagen Racing: ‘Matt Walker at VWR set of VWR lowering springs were fitted in matically bias the torque across the axle to really sorted me out with some choice bits, conjunction with the original dampers, the wheel with the most grip, greatly reducing in particular the VWR R600 intake system. reducing the ride height by 30 mm and slip and wheelspin and resulting in less This is a great bit of kit as it integrates so firming up the suspension sufficiently: understeer. Once fitted, Dave’s verdict on well into the engine bay and allows the ‘The difference of these alone was amazing, the benefit of the Quaife diff was short and engine to suck in way more air than the sharpening the handling so much!’ simple: ‘Amazing!’ standard intake. VWR also supplied the The rolling stock was then polished Sensibly enough, while Dan had the Milltek Sport cat-back exhaust and I have off with a set of 8.0 x 18-inch Borbet LV5 gearbox out of the car to install the Quaife added the Milltek ceramic tips to this as I multi-spoke alloy wheels, fitted with Dunlop diff, he also took the opportunity to fit an wanted the car to be as black as possible’. Sportmaxx RT tyres, size 225/40 R18, although uprated Sachs clutch. He’d already suspected Handling upgrades were next on the Dave was running a set of Bridgestone that Dave wouldn’t be satisfied with ‘only’ list of priorities. Dave didn’t want to risk Potenza S001 when we saw him at the 320 hp for long… compromising the ride quality, and so track day. ➔
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DAve G GTI.indd 3 06/11/2015 14:41 Specification 5-door Mk 7 Golf GTI Engine: Revo Stage 2 upgrade to 350 hp / 500 Nm torque. VWR R600 air intake, Wagner Tuning competition intercooler, Revo/Scorpion de-cat downpipe, VWR / Milltek Sport exhaust system.
Transmission: Sachs uprated clutch and Quaife ATB torque biasing diff. ‘Dave has covered over 8,000 Running gear: Mk 7 Golf R (340 mm x 30mm) front brakes, Borbet LV5 8.0 x 18-inch wheels miles in the modified Mk 7 with 225/40 R18 Dunlop SP Sport RT tyres, GTI, including a couple of VWR lowering springs.
track sessions, without any Infotainment / audio upgrades serious technical issues...’ Kenwood Garmin navigation upgrade for the Composition media unit, Audison amp behind Dan’s premonitions had proved to be the glovebox and Rainbow front speakers. true and it wasn’t long before Dave was looking at a second phase of tuning for even more power and performance. This time a contacts Revo Stage 2 software upgrade was combined Borbet Wheels with a Wagner intercooler and a de-cat Tel: 01634 914 400 downpipe, pumping up the power output www.borbet.co.uk to around 350 hp with over 500 Nm torque. It was now plenty fast enough, but also a bit GTI World too noisy… ‘This was way too loud and we Tel: 0131 278 3178 www.gtiworld.co.uk have since added a muffler to what was otherwise a straight-through exhaust system!’ Revo Technik Inside, Dave has added the Kenwood Tel: 01327 301 901 Garmin navigation upgrade for the standard www.revotechnik.com integrated Composition media entertainment RT Quaife unit, but as the car didn’t have Dynaudio a couple of track sessions, without any Tel: 01732 741 144 they’ve also sound-deadened the doors, added serious technical issues. But it is also time www.quaife.co.uk an Audison amp behind the glovebox and to move on and, due to a change in family fittted Rainbow speakers in the front: circumstances, the car is now for sale – Vanworx – Leisure Vehicle Specialists Ltd ‘It really needs to be heard to be appreciated, check out the price and contact details in Tel: 01273 454 613 as the quality and detail of the sound is our classified ads pages if you’re interested. www.vanworx.co.uk amazing!’ It’s probably a lot cheaper than buying a Volkswagen Racing Since he bought it, Dave has covered brand-new GTI with the Performance pack, Tel: 08456 80 50 77 over 8,000 miles in the modified Mk 7 GTI, and it’ll certainly be cheaper than making www.volkswagenracing.co.uk much of it at very high speed, including all these modifications yourself. III
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VOLKSWAGEN DRIVERS
Richard Gooding, Chelmsford, Essex 2001 6N2 Polo GTI
I’ve been a Polo obsessive ever since Mk 1 as the Polo celebrates its 40th birthday A last-of-the-line Polo Coupé GT, my grandparents gave me their Manila this year I would have kept it) and a Mk 2 registered in early 1994, it featured many green 1978 Polo N when I turned 17, to Coupé S with rare Zender body kit replaced optional extras. Fitted with front fog lights, use for brushing up my pre-test driving that car two years later. Even though the tinted glass, heated washer jets and head- skills. I’d inherited my Iove of Beetles and engine was standard, the Zender coupé was lamp washers, only the alloy wheel, split- foreign cars from my dad and, although it something special, as very few Polos wore folding rear seat and sliding steel sunroof was 13 years old at the time, that little VW the same body kit. With striking looks helped boxes had been left unticked. Although based hatchback put me on a road from which by the five-spoke Wolfrace alloy wheels, it on the same chassis, with its fuel-injection I still haven’t deviated in the intervening was a head-turner in the truest sense of the and servo-assisted brakes it immediately felt 25 years. But, as yet, I have never owned word and I only sold that when the mileage different to the Coupé S. I knew I had to have that elusive Beetle... pushed past 152,000. it after missing out on the first time I saw The Mk 1 Polo was perfect for this young I didn’t think I’d find a car to like as much it, due to my financial situation at the time. driver. Fleet-footed and with light controls, as that Coupé S, but then a face-lifted Mk ‘2F’ That car and I were to have a 13-year I loved the shape and I now think it one of Polo entered my life when I worked at a local relationship and L307 JTM was very highly the prettiest of the 1970s small hatchbacks. AutoTrader office. Spotted in a Norfolk issue thought of. Through my involvement with It felt substantial, yet the large glass area of the magazine, it turned out to be the very the VW Polo Register and subsequently and nimble handling made it a doddle to same car I had lusted after several years PoloDriver.com, its profile became a little place on the road. Yes, the 895 cc engine could before, when for sale at a local VW retailer. higher and it became associated with me. feel underpowered at times, but obviously ‘We’ went everywhere together and over not enough to discourage me from taking it the course of that decade-and-a-third, we to the British Volkswagen Festival (BVF) in covered almost 130,000 miles together. I sold Malvern from Lowestoft, the most easterly it when the odometer read around 160,000 town in Great Britain. I did the near 500-mile miles and it started to feel a little old for round-trip journey in a day: something I wouldn’t dream of now. Increasing age does ‘A last-of-the-line Polo teach you a few useful lessons about your limitations and safety. Coupé GT, registered in A 1985 base model hatchback replaced the early 1994, it featured Mk 1 when its floor started to rust heavily (though if I’d realised the significance of the many optional extras...’
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Rich Gooding.indd 2 06/11/2015 16:51
‘The 125 PS 1.6-litre 16-valve engine gives the 1084 kg car good performance (VW quoted 8.7 seconds to 62 mph from rest when new), and it pulls strongly in fifth gear...’
everyday use: when I’d bought it at 49,000 career was built on. This time around, I’m a part-time motoring writer who miles and five years old, it was the lowest- though, there was a little more fun thrown is fortunate to have a press car from one mileage and newest car I had ever owned. into the mix. of the manufacturer’s fleet parked outside Just like the GT, the car which replaced The plan was to keep the car standard, the house most weeks, but I always look it held a place on my Polo ‘wish list’ when it as not only are numbers dwindling (only forward to getting back behind the wheel was new. Browsing the internet one Saturday 3,393 were imported by Volkswagen UK of the GTI after a spell out of it. The high level morning, I realised I could actually afford a from 2000-2002), but I was edging up to my of standard equipment was class-leading at 6N2 Mk ‘3F’ Polo GTI, and I went and looked 40th birthday when I bought the car and so the time it was built and made sure that the at a local one for sale. It was by no means had already trodden the well-worn lowered 6N2 Polo GTI appealed to VW enthusiasts the absolute cleanest example but with only suspension/crashy ride path. Something who also enjoyed their toys. 66,000 recorded miles, the silver three-door with a bit of sparkle, yet comfortable and When I first bought the car, I was a was one of the lowest mileage cars advertised. dependable was called for and that’s largely freelance sub-editor for a handful of the After a brief test drive, a deal was struck. what Y464 has delivered over the intervening UK’s high-profile consumer car magazine £2,400 bought a lot of used Polo back in four years and 50,000 miles. titles and would drive from my home in September 2011: specification highlights included xenon headlamps (the 1999-2001 Polo GTI was the first small car to be fitted with them as standard), front fog lights, 125 PS 1.6 16V engine, ABS and climate control. All were niceties with which the 2F GT just couldn’t compete, thanks to its dated design. I’d also considered a similar vintage Audi A2 and Renaultsport Clio 172 during the buying process. However, part of the GTI’s appeal were its natty looks afforded in no small part by its 15-inch BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels and Reflex silver paintwork, and the fact that, deep down, underneath the glitzy party outfit, it was still a Polo. Yes, it would never be the sharpest driving tool in standard form against more established and focused competition (like that Clio 172), but it offered other long-held Polo virtues that had served me well in the past and which my driving
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Rich Gooding.indd 3 06/11/2015 16:51
Essex to Peterborough – a 175-mile round trip Problems seem to have been few and far when the 6N2 GTI was new and mine was – sometimes five days a week. Although the between, some more costly to put right than remedied at the time. long commutes were only made during the others. A common issue with 6N2 Polo A failed driver’s electric window was summer months, the GTI never complained. GTIs is the gearbox, which was reportedly replaced not long after I bought the car, It’s at home on fast A-roads and motorways, too weak for the engine’s power back in and along with the air-conditioning pump, and settles into a soothing rhythm when 2000. Many cars have had replacement or was the most expensive item I’ve had to cruising. In fact, I’m still in awe of its refurbished units fitted, but as far as I am put right. Other ailments have included capability to whisk me home at the end aware Y464 is still on its original ’box. Fingers a failed boot microswitch, a broken water of a work day (or after a late night out) in crossed it stays that way: it’s not the most temperature sensor, a loose exhaust hanger, unflappable, fast comfort. positive unit (occasionally just downright a replacement driver’s side door mirror Sadly, it’s not a car you’d necessarily recalcitrant) and is arguably the worst part (after an over-zealous driver knocked and choose for a high-speed back road blast – the of the car. A pedal box recall was carried out destroyed it), a leaking headlight washer steering is just too light for full-on cornering pipe, as well as a power-draining alternator. antics – but it serves up enough fun to be ‘A common issue with A 14-year-old car and my perfectionist enjoyable. The 125 PS 1.6-litre 16-valve engine tendencies meant that some tidying up was gives the 1084 kg car good performance (VW 6N2 Polo GTIs is the inevitable. New interior door grab handles quoted 8.7 seconds to 62 mph from rest when gearbox, which was have replaced the old peeling plastic ones, new), and it pulls strongly in fifth gear. An while genuine front and rear 6N2 Polo GTI engine growl just the right side of sporty reportedly too weak mudflaps were tracked down on eBay. accompanies accelerative bursts, while wind for the engine’s power New ‘GTI’ badges have been fitted front and and road noise is comparable with more rear, while most of the outer rims of those modern machinery. back in 2000...’ gorgeous two-part BBS alloys have been refurbished due my kerbing of them when I first got the car, due to this being my first with power steering! While there are still some bodywork tidy-up jobs which need doing, the car is used as a ‘daily driver’ so is more than presentable enough as it is. If I made it perfect, I’d be even more worried than I am now about it collecting any more blemishes in daily life. A bit of patina is always good, no? An accomplished performer, the 6N2 Polo GTI started the whole full-scale production Polo GTI ball rolling (a 3000-unit limited run of 120 PS cars were released in 1998 based on the third-generation pre-facelift Polo 6N, see panel) and now, as then, numbers sold are less than four per cent of total Polo sales. This particular example has found its way into my affections rather quickly and just like the Coupé GT before it, may stay around for quite a while. Unlike that car, though, the high level of equipment is more suited for modern driving. As it hails from the millennium, it offers much improved safety kit, too. Being lucky enough to be loaned brand-new cars is an eye-opener, though: it costs around £200
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Rich Gooding.indd 4 06/11/2015 16:51
6N2 POLO GTI – THE FIRST DOWNSIZED HOT HATCH FROM WOLFSBURG Volkswagen said it was ‘democratising luxury’ back in the early 2000s and even now the 6N2 Polo GTI feels like it is a high-specification and well-built small car. Costing £13,995 when new, buyers were treated to a 1.6 16V engine, a 0-62 mph time of 8.7 seconds, smart looks, big car options, all manner of safety systems and the optional addition of an electronic differential lock to help harness the 125 PS which powered the front wheels. Launched in the autumn of 1999, the for me to tax the GTI due to its relatively high sum has been spent on maintenance and 6N2 Polo GTI followed a 1998 trial run of emissions, whereas a bigger executive saloon servicing since, it still seems like good value, 3000 Polo GTIs based on the 6N Polo. Only can be tax-free in 2015. Such is progress! especially as Y464 provides fast and enjoyable available in Germany, the 6N Polo GTI like the However, the price I paid four years ago fun and is a well-loved and respected 6N2, featured a 1.6 16V engine, this time with seemed a small one to pay for the amount companion. It has ferried me to car events 120 PS. The later 6N2 (a face-lifted version of of car on offer. Even though around half that all over the southern part of the country the 6N) used the same wheels and a further and even taken to the track. We’re pretty development of the specially-designed Our original road test of the Polo GTI inseparable and I don’t think I’d have it engine. featured in the very first issue of Volkswagen any other way... III Alongside the 6N2, a GTI version of the Driver, back in June 2000 (pages 6-11) and Lupo was sold from the 2002 model year. we also ran a model history feature in the Visit www.polodriver.com/category/our-cars- Although it featured the same engine, a October 2003 issue (pages 51-55). 2001-polo-gti for all the latest updates on 6-speed gearbox meant it was more durable Richard’s 2001 Polo GTI. than the Polo’s. More enthusiastically received in the motoring press, values are higher than the same-era 6N2 Polo GTI on the used market. Then, as now, the 6N2 Polo GTI made up a very small percentage of overall Polo sales: the small VW hatchback has seemingly always worked better as a high-spec small car rather than a fast one. This is reflected in the relatively low sales of production Polo GTIs which have subsequently followed.
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Rich Gooding.indd 5 06/11/2015 16:51 LETTERS
VWs in the blood too
I read with interest, in the October issue, the article written by Andy Jones of Kinver. I’ve never met the guy, but unbeknown to him I live about four miles from him in Brierley Hill. We’re probably of a similar age group and car history. I was baptised into the VW family by my dad. He had a split-window Beetle, back in 1968, with semaphore indicators and all the other interesting bits. 1969 saw us have a new VW Fastback 1600, now that was a motor! Then in 1972, I went with him to Holloway Service Station, Wednesbury to collect a shows. VW Action was the one to be seen at 4Motion Sport Estate, and I still have it after brand spanking new Westfalia Bay-window and I always remember starting out early, 8 years. It has been re-mapped to 190 bhp – Caravanette. He kept this for a good few setting up camp, and having the time of what a lovely car it is, it loves snow and ice years, until I learnt to drive, in fact. our lives, well 1982 style anyway. Me and and is great fun to drive. I was hooked: My first car was an Elm the lads always went there, year in year Lastly, after closing our business and selling green 1302S Beetle, I loved it until I came out, wherever it was held. Biggest interest our trusty Mercedes Vito, I wanted something across a limited edition 1303S Big Beetle in to me personally was the quickest Beetle to tinker with and I came across a Mk 4 Golf Moss green, with tan cloth seats and curved engine removal; us lot thought we could do V6 4Motion with 75,000 on the clock, full VW screen. Eventually I sold it for £1500 more it quicker, but never got around to making service history and only two owners. than I paid for it! a challenge. It’s quite interesting to see that But what an oddball it is. OK, you can Next up was one of the first right-hand- the interest still remains strong, especially perhaps get better handling cars of this type drive Golf GTIs brought into the UK, 4-speed, in the older cars, and that some of today’s and era, like a Boxster, but the V6 would do with no glove box lid so when you gave it the generation have taken it to a new level the business. It’s an unassuming vehicle; not beans all the stuff went on the floor or on the All too soon, marriage, mortgage and kids many people know about them, especially if seat! I kept that for a while until the 5-speed took the interest away; although we always you are outside the VW fraternity, and I quite GTI was introduced. Now that was a fantastic ran VWs, my interest waned slightly. I’ve like this. car. In my eyes there will only be one GTI, had some nice cars over the years, one in I’m not sure how many are left on the and that is the Mk 1. particular was a Bora Highline TDI 130, all road; there are two local to me, but from During my ownership of all these cars, singing and dancing, to my mind a much what I’ve seen they are a bit rough. I’ve checked also some not mentioned by the way, myself underrated car. By this time my interest on the Internet site that keeps a record of these and a group of mates always did the VW was stirred when I came across a B6 Passat and it tells me that there are 3,000 knocking around, but I’m not sure that is correct. Mine has 86,000 on the clock – I’ve done 10,000 in it since I bought it. I do about 80 miles a week, to and from work, and it costs about £20 a week. I can’t complain about fuel consumption because I knew what I was buying, so it’s not a problem for me. I drive it pretty sensibly most of the time, but on the odd occasion I’ll give it the beans and I love that ‘Vee-six’ noise it makes. The Golf is in very good nick, although it took some serious effort to get it to this stage; by no means is it perfect, but for a 13-year-old car you wouldn’t expect it to be. It’s all original bodywork, no major knocks and bangs, but the previous owner lived in London where it was knocked a little on the one side by other motorists opening their car doors onto it, but nothing too serious.
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Tech DEC.indd 2 06/11/2015 14:13 Write to us at: Volkswagen Driver, Campion House, 1 Greenfield Road, Westoning, Bedfordshire MK45 5JD Email us at: [email protected] ‘This Scirocco GT II was purchased in August 1992 when it was certified by Volkswagen UK as being the last but one Scirocco officially imported into the UK. The very last one was retained by Volkswagen at the time...’
For the benefit of more recent readers, this Scirocco GT II was purchased in August 1992 when it was certified by Volkswagen UK as being the last but one Scirocco officially imported into the UK. The very last one was retained by Volkswagen at the time. Ironically, given the current emphasis on originality of classic cars, the car was the subject of many modifications, including badge upgrades, BBS RD alloy wheels, Recaro seats, electric mirrors, suspension and brake upgrades as well as several different steering wheels and audio upgrades. We’ve provided Paul with copies of the various original articles that were published in Volkswagen Audi Car between August 1993 and April 1997, when it was sold with 35,000 miles on the clock, and it will be great to see the car fully restored to its former glory at some time in the future.
Mechanically, it’s in perfect condition, as Project Penultima? it came with a full and detailed VW service history, which is one reason why I jumped Ymou ight be interested to know that ‘As a long-time user of at it. The interior is like brand-new, the seats I have just recently purchased the VW Volkswagens, I am now having been covered for ages, so they show Scirocco ‘Penultima’. In 1993, Volkswagen no signs of wear. Audi Car magazine made this second on my second Golf Plus...’ My plans are to have a full paint-job from last right-hand-drive Scirocco into when funds allow, and have the wheels the Penultima, with several featured Plus point refurbished. I’ve no plans to have it lowered modifications. or stiffened, or beef up the engine, as I like I just wondered if you know of anyone I was most interested in the road test things the way they were intended. It would who might be interested in catching up of the Golf SV in the recent edition. As a fit in with others on the Show ’n’ Shine with this car again. I know that it has long-time user of Volkswagens (since 1964, scene, but only as what the Americans call been missing for some while, as it was with three original Beetles, two Mk 1 Golfs a ‘survivor car’. Now there’s a thought. in storage for over 10 years. Have you any and a succession of most Mks of Golfs Whatever age you are there’s something record of what magazines the car was through the years) I am now on my second of interest to you, especially with VW. I’m featured in – I have a few, but not all. I have Golf Plus. This I find to be ideal from our more of a purist, as I prefer to see the cars been working on getting the car back to how point of view, as it is easy of access for the as they were intended but that’s not to say it was in the magazine – I have just sourced older person, has excellent adjustability of I don’t admire the way some of the cars a set of the same BBS wheels as the magazine the seats (including the foldability of the are modified, as long as they are done to originally fitted, so that the car corresponds back seat to enable trips to the council tip the highest standard. Like Andy says, his with the magazine pictures that I have. with garden waste!) friends wonder what the fuss is all about, Paul Shimmon, Woodbridge, Suffolk It is the most comfortable car I have ever but if they don’t know now they’ll never owned, is lovely to drive, is most tractable, know, not worth trying to explain the n Thanks for getting in touch. We have and although only a 1.6 TDI it has ample reasons, it’s in the blood and a way of life… had several contacts over the years from power; in a nutshell, from our point of view, Anyway, I’m looking forward to subsequent owners of the Scirocco ‘Penultima’ it is the ideal car. the next issue of Volkswagen Driver, as which was originally purchased by Paul It does, however, have one serious flaw, I only just started reading it again, as Harris, the Publisher and Editor of Volkswagen it has quite the worst tyre noise of any car the last VW magazine I bought was Safer Audi Car magazine, in 1992 and it was featured that I have ever driven, being shod with Motoring, dating way back – where have in several articles over the following years. Bridgestone Turanza ER300 205/55 R16s. the years gone? Unfortunately, Paul Harris is no longer with When the car was new, I complained to the John Dearn, Brierley Hill us, having passed away in July this year. dealer, the importer, and the manufacturer, ➔
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Tech DEC.indd 3 06/11/2015 14:13 LETTERS Write to us at: Volkswagen Driver, Campion House, 1 Greenfield Road, Westoning, Bedfordshire MK45 5JD Email us at: [email protected]
‘When the Golf SV was announced as being available here, I visited the local dealer to have a look at it. I told the receptionist the purpose of my visit but she seemed unsure about the car model and directed me to the Van Centre! ‘
all to no avail. The car has only done 21,000 it will be ‘grounded’ by emissions problems, understand why I wasn’t having similar miles and, after a little more wear, the tyres who knows?! troubles, and he eventually exchanged it will be replaced with something quieter. It Speaking of which, I got onto VW UK’s for a petrol model. is a pity, as I have no complaint about grip, website, which confirms that my car will be All this seems to indicate that the DPF is traction or wearability, but they seem hard subject to recall, which throws up a deluge not fitted to my car, or it simply has the guilty and unyielding. of questions. Although it is said to be fitted technology, which when corrected will Volkswagen never in the past fitted this with a DPF, ever since having the car, probably lead me to a great deal of disappoint- make of tyre, and I question whether they I have never yet seen a glimmer from the ment with regard to performance, fuel ever trialled them on this model. Looking DPF warning light, even though some weeks consumption, and resale value – we shall see! at the roads in Germany, and even some we have done an awful lot of town motoring. Having visited Wolfsburg three times of Volkswagen’s test surfaces, I have seen When I bought it, I was doing at least one, – the first time in 1954 while in the RAF, nothing to compare with some of the recent weekly, 100 miles per week motorway trip, and twice with the AutoMetrix factory tours resurfacing materials in the UK – at 60 to 70 plus a lot of other running. Otherwise, I would – and seen the ambience and work and mph, it is impossible to hear the car radio! have bought a petrol car, but I have run diesels business ethic that prevails there, not to When the Golf SV was announced as since 1980, and like their characteristics. mention the sheer quality, I simply cannot being available here, I visited the local dealer A friend of mine in the Potteries owned get my head around the fact that such a to have a look at it. I told the receptionist a diesel Vauxhall and was constantly plagued thing could have happened. the purpose of my visit but she seemed by his DPF warning light. He could not Roger Lycett-Smith unsure about the car model and directed me to the Van Centre! (maybe you mentioned Sportsvan? - Ed.) When eventually I got to look at the car, it was clear that it is larger in every dimension (except perhaps height) than the Golf Plus. I am one of those old-fashioned people, who always garages his car at night, for a variety of reasons, as we have had vandalism, badges stolen, mirrors and wipers broken; indeed, in another part of the city, some students actually danced on the roof of a lady’s car! On a frosty morning, I can drive straight off, and lastly I like to leave the handbrake off when parked for any length of time. Looking at the figures, it is clear that the SV simply will not fit in my garage, unless I ditch my workbench, and various other Like father, like son… items. The current trend that makes each In your photo-report on this year’s Busfest I noticed that you used a photo of a couple new Mk of a particular model larger than its of chaps stood next to their T4 Transporter. They are friends of mine – father and son, predecessor is not understood; there’s ample John and Daniel Bennett, with their newly painted ex-AA van. John is also a current AA room in the Golf Plus, even for large persons. engineer and I believe that this was his old AA van. Daniel is an apprentice mechanic – Volkswagen has certainly lost a future sale like father like son – both live and work in the Plymouth area and both really enjoyed and it now becomes a question as to which the weekend at Busfest. Richard Searles, Plymouth wears out first, the Plus, or me? Or perhaps
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Tech DEC.indd 4 06/11/2015 14:13 Life before the Golf 7R? Well, I bought my very first VW, a 1962 Beetle, in 1986 and the whole air-cooled VW ‘scene’ was a massive part of my life for a good six or seven years. In 1992, I bought my first GTI, a Mk 2 16V, but I have always had old air-cooleds in the background. I still attend the Cal-look drag days, and was one of the founding members of the ‘JG54 Greenhearts’ VW club. My current ’60 rag-top has been off the road for the last couple of years while I’ve been slowly refreshing the 2.3-litre twin IDA motor, but I eventually finished it at Christmas and it is now running strongly. I’ve also owned a Golf Rallye, a couple of early (pre-’73) 911s and an Audi RS 2 for 8 years and 100,000 miles. My daily driver before the current Golf 7R was an ’07 RS 4 Avant – a lovely car, but in January 2014 I started looking for a replacement… At the time there hadn’t been many reviews (Innsbruck), down through Italy, then back across ‘I’ve just hit 10,000 miles and I’m of the Golf R in the press, just a few videos of to Monaco and the south of France, before heading still very happy with my 7R...’ the press driving the R around on a frozen lake back via the Route Napoleon. Surprisingly, I did somewhere. But I’ve always been impressed get a lot of thumbs-up from people and was stirring fix from my other cars. If it was my with the quicker Golfs and started researching even chased by one of those ‘car snapper’ guys in only car, then I would need the involvement of specifications. A 5-door is a ‘must’ for me, and Monaco to take a picture – quite funny for such a manual ’box. One thing is for sure, I wouldn’t I prefer the looks of a larger wheel, so I added a ‘normal’ car. have covered ground so quickly on the Route the 19-inch Pretorias. I also spec’d the DCC I have seen 150 mph a few times (erm, Napoleaon in a manual, as the paddles were and would highly recommend this option as in Germany obviously...) but this car is most ideal in that scenario. ‘Comfort’ mode helps to make our pot-holed impressive when accelerating from a standing The only downsides of the Golf 7R, for those roads bearable. I also thought I’d give DSG a try, start. I’m almost ashamed to say that I haven’t with an OCD nature, are the Piano black dash but was prepared to change the car again after used the launch control once, but it’s plenty panels that shows up dust, and the number of a few months if I didn’t get on with it. Colour- quick enough from the lights even in normal water traps when cleaning the car. wise, I chose Limestone grey as 90 per cent of the DSG mode. In fact, it’s the first ‘normal’ car I’ve I hate the phrase ‘it ticks boxes’ but the Golf R early cars were blue and I wanted to be different. had that’s as quick off the line as my Beetle…( ! ) is very good at doing the everyday shopping trips I really like the colour, as it changes in the light, and yes, that includes the V8 RS 4. The Golf R and school runs, but it is also great for a cross- and helps with the overall ‘Q-car’ nature. is a perfect blend of power to weight, very well country blast or track day. My local dealer couldn’t match the prices I’d balanced, and provides massive confidence After 10,000 miles the long-term average been quoted further afield, so I found myself in when ‘pushing-on’ was 28 mpg and I’m still very happy with my 7R. South Wales at the end of May to pick up my R. The DSG ’box is fantastic, very clever. I There have been no real issues (apart from the After a thorough inspection, looking for the usually leave it in D around town, but use the slightly loose rear ‘aero spoiler’ where it follows dreaded paint swirls, I was happy to find the paddles the rest of the time. The S setting is a the sides of the rear window), and I still find car in perfect condition. I did take it easy for the bit full-on, as it holds the revs to the red line, myself just ‘going for a drive’ occasionally. I don’t first 1200 miles, gradually using more of the rev but is good for the odd occasion when you are currently plan any upgrades, but I’ll never say range after 600 and 800 miles etc. pulling out of a busy junction or joining a large never… What’s next? I might have a look at the Run-in was completed just in time for our roundabout when you don’t want the car to new RS 3, but it will have to be very good to family Summer tour which took us to Stuttgart change-up too soon. There is a part of me that make me change! for the Porsche museum, Austria Mountains misses a manual ’box, but I can get my cog- Steve Mortimer, Bournemouth
Golf charity event Edinburgh and Inverness, it was great to see bids in the auction and everyone who bought the efforts they put in to support the charity. raffles. A special thanks to Inverallochy Golf My family would be very grateful for a The winning team D. MacLennan, K. Coyle, Club and all concerned, from the bar staff to mention on behalf of MND Scotland and M. Coyle and A. Buchan scored a very good the greenkeeping staff, for their continued help GTI World in the pages of Volkswagen Driver 65 – 8 = 57, second was J. Souter, K. Batty, J. and support. The feedback from the players magazine. We (Douglas, Martin and Philip Wiseman & M. Alexander scoring 63 – 4.7 = on the course’s condition was encouraging. Hastie) lost our mum, Joan Hastie, to MND 58.3. In third place, I. Wallace, I. Barbour, J. Thanks also to a few of their main (Motor Neurone Disease) in December 2013 Stephen & W. Thomson scoring 62 – 3.6 = 58.4. sponsors: Nevada Bob’s (Aberdeen), GTI and we wanted to pay back the support we We’d also like to thank all who placed World (Edinburgh), Audi (Aberdeen) and had from MND Scotland, raising funds for Gray & Adams; their generosity has been MND Scotland by holding a golf event. From overwhelming and we’re very grateful for just with a few mates going for a round of their continued support. golf, it snowballed into a full-blown golf Thanks also to Matthew West for his event at Inverallochy Golf Club with 200 entertaining commentary and for making golfers attending on September 20, 2014, sure the auction ran well in the evening. raising the fantastic amount of £20,500. The total raised this year is £15,000, which We were on again this year, on September will all go directly to MND Scotland. The 12, with 180 golfers turning up despite very Hastie family hopes to see many competitors blustery and wet weather, to make it a massive back again next year, also hoping for some success by raising £15,000. We were over- better weather! whelmed by this success and the family would Doug Hastie, Fraserburgh like to thank all competitors for their support. Doug Hastie’s Mk 7 Golf GTI was featured in our With entrants from as far as Glasgow, July 2015 edition (annual GTI Special issue).
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Tech DEC.indd 5 06/11/2015 14:13 PRODUCTS & SERVICES Please mention Volkswagen Driver when contacting any of the companies appearing in these pages
Eibach Pro-Alignment replacement pinch bolts A recent addition to the Eibach UK Pro-Alignment catalogue is this new Audi compatible pinch bolt. This replacement upper control arm ball-joint pinch bolt has been developed as it was found that, more often than not, when removing or replacing the upper control arms, the original pinch bolt was badly corroded, seized in place and had to be cut, drilled or pressed out. This 12.9 grade bolt and nut replacement, which has had a 720- hour salt spray coating applied to help avoid any future corrosion problems, is a direct replacement part for the original pinch bolt and comes with a 1-year warranty. MOMO Win-2 ‘Winter Season’ alloys Part number In Germany, as well as some other countries, it’s a legal 5.21040K, it is requirement to fitWinter tyres and it’s not a bad idea for our suitable for the fickle British climate either. Now you can have style all through B5 Passat (1996 to the year too because Momo has released a range of alloy wheels 2005) and 2004 to specially designed for the Winter season, and there’s no reason 2006 Phaeton, as why you shouldn’t run them in Summer too. well as Audi A4, The MOMO Win-2 features a 10-spoke design with broad, flat A5, A6, A7 and A8, spokes and a slightly dished centre section for easy cleaning and at a recommended to help car wash brushes reach as much of the wheel as possible. retail price of just Retailing at £97.99 incl. VAT each for the 5.5 x 14-inch, £118.99 £9.34 + VAT per incl. VAT each for the 6.5 x 15-inch and £135.00 incl. VAT for the 7 pair. For more x 17-inch size rim, the Win-2 is available in a durable gloss silver information, visit finish in 4- or 5-stud pattern. www.eibach.com For more details contact Brown & Geeson Ltd. on 01268 764 411 or call 01455 or visit www.momo-uk.co.uk 285 851.
Goodridge Performance fuel line kit for Mk 2 GTI 16V K-Jet Goodridge has an enviable record in supplying the industry’s greatest supercar manufacturers and race teams. That said, as the world’s leading expert in fluid-transfer technology, the long established British firm is also always looking to develop parts for more attainable tuner cars, as well as classics needing a little upgrade or enhancement. The latest release is for the much-loved Mk 2 Golf GTI 16V, to replace the troublesome factory-fitted fuel lines that feed the K-Jet unit as these can become brittle and crack with age. As the original parts are no longer available from VW, the only previous solution has been a secondhand set from a breakers or to have a set custom-fabricated by a specialist, which can be expensive and often with unpredictable quality outcomes. Goodridge has now produced a hand-finished set of motorsport quality lines that fit like the OEM originals, but have been designed to last. Made from the same high quality materials, as demanded by Goodridge’s blue chip clients like Nissan’s WEC team, Ford’s factory M-Sport division and Aston Martin’s GT3 team, it’s fair to say that these K-Jet lines will be more than ‘fit for purpose’ Goodridge can offer these fuel hoses in a variety of colours, if required, anything from racing red to classic black, priced at £164.95 inc. VAT. For more information and to find a local distributor e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.goodridge.com
WINNERS Note that our competition to win a Halfords Winners of our recent competition to win one of two pairs of 200-piece socket and ratchet set, worth £150 tickets to the Chirk Castle Rallyfest at Wales Rally GB were Paul (previously priced at £300) is still open until Crough of Bristol (owner of a VW Up!) and Dean Stanton from 12.00 noon November 27. Llanharry (owner of a Mk 5 Golf TDI and 2.5 TDI Transporter). You can find full details in the products Winners of the two Kielder Impact wrenches, promoted as and services pages of the November a competition prize in the October issues of Volkswagen Driver issue of Volkswagen Driver or its sister and Audi Driver were Eric Curate of London W11 (owner of a Mk 3 title Audi Driver, or on at the website GTI 16V) and Ben Gunn from Yeovil (owner of a B5 Audi S4). at www.autometrix.co.uk
66 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
P&S - DEC.indd 2 06/11/2015 17:14 n’t Do : delay e g Cn lo datsi noon 12.00 27/11/15
WIN a set of Dunlop Winter Sport 5 tyres! F orEVER forward with the Dunlop Winter Sport 5! D UNLOP, a leading high-performance tyre Compared to its predecessor, the tyre brand, has announced the launch of a new delivers a 5 per cent improvement in wet tyre, the Winter Sport 5, that offers excellent braking, a 16 per cent improvement in ice grip and performance to combat a variety of braking, a 15 per cent improvement in rolling winter surfaces, including wet, icy and snow- resistance and a 4 per cent improvement in covered roads. snow acceleration. The Winter Sport 5 is the fifth tyre in an ‘With heavy rain and other extreme award-winning Dunlop Winter Sport range weather becoming more common in Europe, and it builds on the success of its predecessors, excellent grip is essential for driving in winter,’ particularly the dynamic Winter Sport 4D. said Tony Ward, Dunlop Marketing Manager. ‘We are pleased to offer a tyre that grips the Cobra JumPack CPP 8000 The tyre was designed to help consumers continue to navigate unforeseen winter roads road in winter weather and offers the peak Cobra Electronics EMEA, a leading designer and conditions, including black ice, slush, performance that our consumers have come and marketer of award-winning automotive, icy patches, melting snow and puddles. to expect from our tyres. Regardless of the mobile and consumer electronics, has To deliver on this need, more than 400 winter conditions, the Winter Sport 5 provides redesigned its successful JumPack to be even R&D specialists spent 24 months researching, our ambitious and active consumer with a thinner and more compact than before, while developing and testing on three different tyre that suits a fast-paced lifestyle,’ said still offering enough power to jump-start a car continents to create the next tyre in the Dunlop Ward. and / or charge multiple devices. Winter Sport range. Innovations include an Dunlop is the official tyre partner of AMG Its new slim-line design houses a 6000 mAh increased number of tyre blocks, which offer Driving Academy, and they work together Lithium-Cobalt battery that holds a charge for enhanced performance on snow-covered roads to test high-performance tyres under tough longer and with its 360 amp peak current the and angled centre sipes, which provide superb and demanding conditions. The new tyre is Cobra JumPack CPP 8000 is claimed to be lateral grip on slippery surfaces. Additionally, available in 43 sizes: SD/195 to 255; AR/40 to 65; capable of jump-starting most cars many times the amplified depth of the grooves defends RD/15-inch to 19-inch. It is designed to meet on just one charge, using the jumper cables against aquaplaning, and optimised construc- all kinds of winter tyre requirements and is included with the kit. tion and weight distribution improves fuel marked by the Alpine emblem, the three-peak Its 2.4 amp USB port also provides for rapid efficiency. mountain with a snowflake. charging of portable devices, including mobile phones, tablets and digital cameras. It also WIN A SET OF DUNLOP WINTER SPORT 5 TYRES: incorporates a small built-in LED flashlight that The new Winter Sport 5 tyre is available to buy at Dunlop approved tyre dealers now, but the is adequate for most illumination purposes. best news is that readers of Volkswagen Driver magazine now have the chance to win a set Just 142 mm (5.6 in) x 76.2 mm (3 in) x 19.05 in our simple to enter competition draw. Just answer the following simple question: mm (0.75 in) and weighing just 300 gm (10.58 oz) it is smaller than other traditional jump-starters, What percentage improvement in ice braking does the new Dunlop Winter Sport 5 offer: certainly compact enough to fit neatly into most 1. 15 per cent 2. 16 per cent 3. 4 per cent glove compartments or door pockets, although E-mail your entry to us at [email protected] entitled ‘Dunlop Winter Sport 5 comp’, or it is probably best kept in its carry case which send it by post to our office address, including your full name and postal address, telephone is 250 mm (< 10 in) x 190 mm (7.5 in) x 60 mm number(s) and exact details of your car (make/model/year) + your exact tyre size (eg 205/55- (< 2.5 in). 16) or you can enter online at www.autometrix.co.uk The closing date is 12.00 noon on Friday The CPP8000 is recharged (3 hours) with November 27, 2015. the supplied 13.8V DC vehicle charger from a typical in-car power socket, or (15 hours) using The prize is a set of four Dunlop Winter Sport 5 tyres, as described above, up to the value of £500 RRP. The winner will be the first the supplied micro USB to standard USB cable correct entry drawn when the competition closes at 12.00 noon on Friday November 27, 2015 and they will be notified by e-mail that same day. The competition is open to UK entrants only. No purchase necessary. Only one entry per person is allowed. Note that these connected to a 5V, 1A USB source, laptop or tyres must be fitted by a Goodyear Dunlop approved fitting centre, by arrangement, with all standard fitting costs (fitment, balance output AC adapter (not included). and disposal) included in the prize value. This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. If tyres cannot be provided Priced at £79.99, with a one-year manufacturer from the Dunlop portfolio an alternative tyre from the Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Ltd Portfolio will be investigated/provided. There is no cash alternative. AutoMetrix Publications takes no responsibility beyond promoting this competition. No cash alternative or warranty, the new Cobra JumPack CPP8000 adjustment is available and no additional costs will be covered. This Prize Draw is open to UK residents only (aged 17 or over) but can be purchased from the website at is not open to employees of the promoter and their families or anyone professionally associated with this prize draw. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. www.cobraelectronics.co.uk
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 67
P&S - DEC.indd 3 06/11/2015 17:14 PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Ny ew Good ear UltraGrip Ler as Tools Performance tyre ultrasonic cleaner Goodyear has recently announced the This new ultrasonic cleaner from Laser Tools (Part No. 6164) is larger than most, its launch of a new high-performance winter generous 13-litre fluid tank capacity enabling the cleaning of automotive components tyre, the UltraGrip Performance Gen-1, such as dismantled carburettors, brake parts etc. which offers excellent grip and handling to Ultrasonic cleaning is a thorough, fast and safe way of cleaning small and difficult to navigate a range of winter conditions from clean parts by using high-frequency sound waves in the liquid solution to create millions snow to slush and ice. of tiny bubbles which expand and collapse rapidly, the energy released creating an intense The UltraGrip Performance builds on scrubbing action. Equally as effective on unseen small crevices and blind holes as on visible 44 years of innovation and 60 million UltraGrip surfaces, the dirt is loosened and removed from any surface that the liquid touches. This tyres already sold. It boasts improved siping action is referred to as ‘acoustic cavitation’ and occurs thousands of time per second to with an interlocking system, an evolved quickly produce clean parts. tread pattern and a high number of block The ultrasonic cleaner will work with ordinary distilled water as the cleaning medium, activators to provide excellent grip and although the company recommends their Cleaning Fluid (Part No. 6289), which will aid the high handling performance in all winter removal of stubborn dirt or soiling and even tarnish, rust and carbon from most metals. conditions. Suitable for the professional workshop, the Laser Tools Ultrasonic Cleaner is available Hydrodynamic grooves improve aqua- now from Laser Tools stockists. More details from www.lasertools.co.uk planing and slush resistance on wet and slushy roads and a squarer footprint shape with uniform pressure distribution provides improved performance on dry and icy roads throughout the tyre’s life. A tread wear indicator allows the driver to change tyres at the correct change interval and consequently to maintain high tyre performance in all winter driving conditions. Most importantly, the new tyres offer a 3 per cent shorter braking distance on snow as compared to leading competitors. ‘We are pleased to build on the Goodyear UltraGrip family with another winter tyre that prioritises safety. We are committed Goodridge Performance stainless-steel brake to providing excellent grip on wet, ice and line kit for Mk 7 GTI and Golf R snow with performance for safe driving and braking regardless of the winter weather Goodridge has developed a stainless-steel braided brake line kit for the Mk 7 GTI and R models. conditions ahead. We are especially proud This kit is claimed to offer superior resistance to abrasion and corrosion, unrivalled braking of the shortest braking distance, as we efficiency through greater reliability, and a firm feel through the brake pedal. know that’s of utmost importance to our With a choice of 10 different colourways, Goodridge also offers owners the opportunity to improve consumer,’ said Kate Rock, PR Manager for both the performance and the appearance of their brake lines. Goodyear. No universal fittings are employed in the stainless-steel braided brake line kits, as all components The line-up of the UltraGrip Performance are designed and manufactured to suit individual applications and every brake line is pressure tested Gen-1 features 38 passenger tyres, targeting after assembly for absolute confidence in its performance. mid-size and big vehicles, in a range of sizes: Priced at £79.80 inc VAT, Goodridge brake lines are TÜV, DOT, ADR and ISO approved. For more SD/195 to 255; AR/40 to 65; RD/15-inch to 19-inch. information, application guides and to find a local distributor e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.goodyear.com the wesbite at www.goodridge.com
68 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
P&S - DEC.indd 4 06/11/2015 17:14 Please mention Volkswagen Driver when contacting any of the companies appearing in these pages
New Osram fog light range OSRAM has recently added new coloured styling lights to its LEDriving fog light range, designed to improve visibility as the wide beam angle ensures a large field of vision so that drivers can identify hazards earlier and see better in poor weather conditions such as mist, fog and snow. The re-launch of the overall range means that the Osram LEDriving fog family now fits a wider variety of vehicles, all giving an even, bright white light (6000K), and all are road-legal with ECE certification. The LEDriving fog lights can be used as upgrade replacements for a large number of conventional round halogen fog lights with a diameter of 90 mm. For Volkswagen, Nissan, Infiniti and Toyota cars there are additional mounting brackets available for all fog light types. The lights are compatible with hybrid cars and vehicles with automatic stop-start technology. With LEDriving FOG PL, Osram is for the first time offering a combined daytime running light (DRL) and fog light which will New Continental Tyres website enhance the styling of the car, even when the lights are not in use, with a choice of five colours: Silver, Gold, Blue, Pink or Orange – CONTINENTAL TYRES has given its Tyre Division website at either to match the car’s finish or provide a neat contrast. While still www.continental-tyres.co.uk a complete makeover and aligned emitting a powerful bright white light with its Xenon like projector the re-launched version with global sights. lens, the LED technology has a low energy consumption, compared to ‘Increasingly, our customers are turning to the Internet for conventional higher voltage fog lights. Available at an RRP of £189.99 information about our tyres,’ explains Stephan Meier who heads up inc. VAT, LEDriving FOG PL is easy to install and suitable for 12V systems. eBusiness EMEA at Continental. ‘With our new-look website we are The multifunctional LEDriving FOG DRL, a famous all-rounder aiming to offer visitors even more targeted and rapid access to the and excellent performer in the LEDriving FOG family also combines information they want, providing them – for example – with better a daytime running light (DRL) and fog light in a single unit using and faster online advice on selecting the right Continental tyres for a reflector lens. Like the FOG PL and F1, it is equipped with high their needs.’ quality, high-performance LED technology that provides homogenous One key feature of the new website is the tyre and dealer search distribution of light with no visible LED points. LEDriving FOG DRL has function, but the new navigation and content concept also caters to an impact-resistant lens and is the same shape and diameter as the other user groups, such as the dealers themselves, who can make LEDriving FOG PL. With a RRP of £349.99 incl. VAT it is suitable for both use of features including a new download area, and journalists, by 12V and 24V systems. providing photo galleries and embedded videos. The LEDriving F1 is purely an LED fog light and can replace most In addition, Continental has opted for a responsive design standard 90 mm fog lights or can be used as an upgrade for vehicles with an all-new colour scheme and the revamped site has been with halogen fog lights. Installation is simple and it enters the market optimised for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. at a RRP of £99.99 inc. VAT The integration of numerous large-format photos and videos The LEDriving FOG range is available from Osram approved partners, has boosted the entertainment value of a visit to the Continental details of which can be found at www.nightbreakerunlimited.co.uk/ website significantly. At the same time, visitors to the site can foglights Additional information can be found at www.osram.com access information from all parts of the Tyre Division. Along with product content on car, truck, specialty, bicycle, and motorbike Running until November 27, 2015 Osram UK is promoting a Twitter tyres, Continental also offers a wide range of background competition to win a LEDriving FOG PL kit, as well as weekly prizes information on the value proposition of premium Continental tyres of an Osram LEDGuardian Road Flare. For more information, search and the technologies that this leading tyre manufacturer deploys. @OsramUK The launch of the UK site sits alongside the new global Tyre Division website, marking the first step in the worldwide makeover of Continental’s online presence in the tyre sector. ‘In the next few weeks we will be rolling out the new-style content and design in some 50 countries in Europe, Asia, and America,’ Wallenwein adds. The Tyre Division’s new German website, which went live on September 15 at www.continental-reifen.de currently highlights the brand-new super sports tyre, the SportContact 6, which was officially launched at an event for international journalists and dealers at the Bilster Berg Drive Resort at the end of August (as featured in the October issue of sister title Audi Driver).
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P&S - DEC.indd 5 06/11/2015 17:14 PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Toyo Tires Nanoenergy3 ‘Eco’ tyre TOYO TIRES has recently added the new NanoEnergy 3 to its NanoEnergy range for the compact and mid-range car sector. As with all preceding NanoEnergy models, the latest incarnation of these popular tyres is claimed to guarantee safety, durability, fuel savings and efficiency, precisely what the eco- tyre market demands. The third incarnation of the NanoEnergy family benefits from an Wingamm VW T6 Micros improved tyre construction and a new Wingamm UK displayed the new VW T6 Micros on its stand at polymer in the tread compound, providing The Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC (October 13-18). a longer tyre life over its forebears, The Micros is a stylish and luxurious Volkswagen-based combined with better wet performance and motorhome, using the short-wheelbase VW T6 chassis. At 5.3 lower fuel consumption than its predecessor. metres long it is still as compact as a Campervan, but using the An all-new tread compound features an increased silica percentage and T32 chassis to provide a generous 600 kg payload, and with a gross an innovative low rolling resistance grip polymer improves wet grip along vehicle weight of 3200 kg, it is light enough to be driven by anyone with reduced fuel consumption. The rubber mix also features an enhanced with a full UK driving licence. active polymer, with improved filler dispersion, to provide a good balance of wear life and low rolling resistance. Scoring a B-C rolling resistance Wingamm motorhomes are famous for their distinctive and rating and C wet-handling rating, this latest tyre performs well above its aerodynamic, one-piece fibreglass monocoque bodies which are reasonable price point. strong, easy to repair, well insulated and 100 per cent waterproof. The attractive case design has also received a full re-think, with wide, With high quality, modern interiors designed with plenty of straight grooves using Toyo’s silent wall technology to offer an enhanced Italian style, the Micros features a side kitchen, rear corner bath- aquaplaning resistance combined with reduced noise emissions – just 69 room with shower and Thetford cassette toilet, plus the convenience dB, making it one of Toyo’s quietest family car tyres. of Wingamm’s longitudinal (manual) pull-down double bed, while The NanoEnergy range has already been adopted as an OEM application the side dinette makes another double bed, giving a total of four by Mazda, with the latest Mazda 3 equipped with the 205/60 R16 92V berths with four belted travel seats. NanoEnergy R38 tyre, while the aftermarket range spans a plethora of sizes The Micros is powered by the 150 PS Euro 6 2.0 TDI engine with from 155/80 R13 through to 195/65 R15 in a wide variety of load and speed BlueMotion Technology, while the 204 PS engine, DSG transmission indexes. and 4Motion all-wheel drive is also available, as are options such For more information on the Nanoenergy range, visit www.toyo.co.uk/ as a 120W solar panel, a choice of interior décor and upholstery, tire/pattern/nanoenergy-3 and if metallic paint is specified, the fibreglass body is painted to match. The Micros is available from £58,800 and will remain a fairly rare sight as only 24 are destined for the UK next year, with six already confirmed for delivery for March 2016, although ‘The Wingamm Experience’ provides the opportunity to try a Micros, or a selection of other Wingamm motorhomes, thanks to a rental fleet operated by its sister company, Aston Leisure. The rental cost is refunded if anyone Exclusive tail lights for T3 subsequently orders one. This set of tail lights for the T3 Transporter (1979 to 1992) in a For more information, stylish red and white design is made exclusively by WERK34. contact Wingamm UK on With the ECE- and EC-approval no TÜV certification or registration 0800 255 0012, send an e-mail to is required. The exclusive taillights are sold at WERK34 as a set for [email protected] visit the the price of € 99.00. website at: www.wingamm.com Contact Volkswarenhaus Heussner & Stauber Gmbh & Co. KG, or arrange to visit its showroom Hannoversche Str. 41 D-34355 Staufenberg, Germany. Tel: +49-5543- at Nine Mile Burn, Edinburgh. 94110 e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.werk34.de
Tyre test winners Nokian’s Weatherproof all-weather tyre and Nokian’s WR SUV 3 winter tyre recently won the Auto Zeitung and the Off Road tyre tests, with the test-winning Nokian Weatherproof achieving the best performance on snow and in the wet in the all-season tyre test 2015 of German car magazine Auto Zeitung. The Nokian All-Weather tyre achieved the best score in the noise test. The Nokian Weatherproof also came out on top in the all-season tyre test by German TV channel VOX, while the Nokian WR SUV 3 was an outstanding winner in German Off Road 4x4 magazine’s winter tyre test 2015. Nokian Tyres, the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer, has altogether achieved over 25 test wins so far in winter tyre comparison tests in Central Europe, Nordic countries and in Russia. Visit the website at www.nokiantyres.com
70 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
P&S - DEC.indd 6 06/11/2015 17:14 When only the best service will do... at an affordable cost, with people you can trust! BUMPER TOP PAINT PROTECTORS APPLICATIONSOVER 500
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Part No: Model Part No: Model RBP229 BEETLE 2 2.2003>8. 2005 RBP495 PASSAT VARIANT B7 11.2010>10.2014 (NOT CONVERTIBLE) RBP820• PASSAT VARIANT B8 11.2014> RBP263 BEETLE 2 9. 2005>9.2011 RBP606 PASSAT VARIANT ALLTRACK 4X4 (NOT CONVERTIBLE) 10.2010>12.2014 INTERS 2015 RBP220 CADDY/MAXI 5.2004>5.2015 RBP488 PASSAT CC 4 5.2008>1.2012 (BLACK BUMPERS) RBP710 CC 4 2.2012> RBP280 CADDY/MAXI 5.2004>5.2015 RBP227 POLO MK IV 3/5 2003>5.2009 (PAINTED BUMPERS) RBP357 POLO MK V 3/5 6.2009>3.2014 RBP848• CADDY/MAXI 6.2015> RBP759 POLO MK VI 3/5 4.2014> LIMITED (BLACK & PAINTED BUMPERS) RBP496 SCIROCCO 3 8.2008>3.2014 RBP219 CRAFTER (BLACK ONLY) RBP779 SCIROCCO 3 4.2014> RBP318 EOS 2 5.2006>12.2010 RBP232 SHARAN 3.2000>8.2010 RBP514 EOS 2 1.2011> RBP487 SHARAN 9.2010> RBP230 FOX 3 6.2005> RBP234 T4 EDITION RBP233 GOLF MK IV 3/5 9.1997>8.2003 RBP221 T5 CARAVELLE/MULTIVAN RBP222 GOLF MK V 3/5 9.2003>9.2008 4.2003>5.2012 (PAINTED BUMPERS) LAST RBP223 GOLF MK V VARIANT 6.2007>5.2009 RBP281 T5 CARAVELLE/MULTIVAN T-SHIRT RBP224 GOLF PLUS MK V 1.2005>2.2009 4.2003>5.2012 (BLACK BUMPERS) FEW RBP317 GOLF MK VI 3/5 10.2008>10.2012 RBP576 T5 CARAVELLE/MULTIVAN LEFT! RBP444 GOLF MK VI PLUS 3.2009>1.2012 6.2012>8.2015 (PAINTED BUMPERS) RBP443 GOLF MK VI VARIANT 6.2009>5.2013 RBP577 T5 CARAVELLE/MULTIVAN RBP588 GOLF MK VII 3/5 11.2012> 6.2012>8.2015 (BLACK BUMPERS) RBP776 GOLF MK VII 3/5 11.2012> RIBBED RBP736 T5 CARAVELLE/MULTIVAN 6.2012>8.2015 RBP617 GOLF MK VII VARIANT 6.2013> RIBBED (PAINTED BUMPERS) RBP750 GOLF MK VII SV/SPORT VAN 5.2014> RBP737 T5 CARAVELLE/MULTIVAN 6.2012>8.2015 RBP777 GOLF MK VII SV/SPORT VAN 5.2014> RIBBED (BLACK BUMPERS) RIBBED RBP850• T6 CARAVELLE/COMBI/MULTIVAN/ RBP545 GOLF CABRIOLET 2 6.2011> TRANSPORTER 9.2015> RBP231 JETTA 4 9.2005>12.2010 (BLACK & PAINTED BUMPERS) RBP522 JETTA 4 (European Model) RBP851• T6 CARAVELLE/COMBI/MULTIVAN/ 1.2011>9.2014 TRANSPORTER 9.2015> RIBBED RBP594 JETTA 4 (USA/Canada Model) (BLACK & PAINTED BUMPERS) 1.2011>9.2014 RBP445 TIGUAN 4X4 11.2007> RBP391 PASSAT B5 4 2000>2.2005 RBP741 TIGUAN 4X4 11.2007> RBP225 PASSAT B6 4 3.2005>9.2010 (WITH FACTORY FITTED TOW HOOK) RBP494 PASSAT B7 4 10.2010>10.2014 RBP228 TOURAN 3.2003>7.2010 RBP819• PASSAT B8 4 11.2014> RBP486 TOURAN 8.2010>8.2015 £10.00 RBP340 PASSAT VARIANT B5 98>9.2005 RBP395 TOUAREG 4X4 >3.2010 RBP226 PASSAT VARIANT B6 10.2005>10.2010 RBP556 UP 3/5 11.2011>
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71.indd 1 07/11/2015 22:02 prices Prices quoted are Volkswagen UK’s current on-the-road retail prices, which include delivery to retailer, number plates, VAT at 20%, road fund licence and vehicle first registration fee. Please confirm accuracy of these prices at: www.volkswagen.co.uk
up! Match 5-door 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 7-speed DSG £22,370 Take up! 1.0 3-door 60 PS 5-speed manual £8,870 Match 3-door 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £21,305 Northampton Take up! 1.0 5-door 60 PS 5-speed manual £9,245 Match 5-door 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £21,960 Move up! 1.0 3-door 60 PS 5-speed manual £9,925 Match 5-door 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-door 7-speed DSG £23,375 Volkswagen Move up! 1.0 5-door 60 PS 5-speed manual £10,300 Match 3-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £22,670 Move up! 1.0 3-door 60 PS 5-speed auto ASG £10,520 Match 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £23,325 Ferris Row, Riverside Retail Park, Move up! 1.0 5-door 60 PS 5-speed auto ASG £10,895 Match 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £24,740 Northampton NN3 9HX Move up! 1.0 3-door 60 PS BMT 5-speed manual £10,285 Match BlueMotion 3-door 1.0 TSI BMT 115 PS 6-spd man £19,740 Move up! 1.0 5-door 60 PS BMT 5-speed manual £10,660 Match BlueMotion 5-door 1.0 TSI BMT 115 PS 6-spd man £20,395 Tel: 01604 321 600 High up! 1.0 3-door 75 PS 5-speed manual £11,500 Match BlueMotion 5-door 1.0 TSI BMT 115 PS 7-spd DSG £21,810 Fax: 01604 321 611 High up! 1.0 5-door 75 PS 5-speed manual £11,875 GT 3-door 1.4 TSI ACT BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £23,615 www.myvolkswagen.co.uk High up! 1.0 3-door 75 PS 5 speed auto ASG £12,095 GT 5-door 1.4 TSI ACT BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,270 High up! 1.0 5-door 75 PS 5-speed auto ASG £12,470 GT 5-door 1.4 TSI ACT BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £25,685 High up! 1.0 3-door 75 PS BMT 5-speed manual £11,860 GT 3-door 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £22,755 Kettering High up! 1.0 5-door 75 PS BMT 5-speed manual £12,235 GT 5-door 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £23,410 Street up! 3-door 1.0 75 PS 5-speed manual £12,110 GT 5-door 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £24,825 Volkswagen Street up! 5-door 1.0 75 PS 5-speed manual £12,485 GT 3-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,120 Club up! 3-door 1.0 75 PS 5-speed manual £12,110 GT 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,775 Club up! 5-door 1.0 75 PS 5-speed manual £12,485 GT 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £26,190 Lamport Close, Venture Park, Kettering, Rock up! 1.0 3-door 75 PS 5-speed manual £13,580 Golf R-line 3-door 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,610 Northamptonshire NN15 6XY e-up! 5-door E-motor 82 PS Single-speed gearbox £24,795 Golf R-line 5-door 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,265 Tel: 01536 431 600 POLO Golf R-line 5-door 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £26,680 Golf R-line 3-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,115 Fax: 01536 431 611 S 3-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-spd manual £11,300 Golf R-line 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,770 www.myvolkswagen.co.uk S 5-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-spd manual £11,930 Golf R-line 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £27,185 S A/C 3-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-speed manual £12,020 GTD 3-door 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed manual £26,935 S A/C 5-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-speed manual £12,650 GTD 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed manual £27,590 SE 3-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-speed manual £12,635 Leicester GTD 3-door 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed DSG £28,350 SE 5-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-speed manual £13,265 GTD 5-door 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed DSG £29,005 SE 3-door 1.0 MPI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £13,160 Volkswagen GTI 3-door 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed manual £27,500 SE 5-door 1.0 MPI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £13,790 SE 3-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £13,780 GTI 5-door 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed manual £28,155 St. Margarets Way, Leicester LE1 3EA SE 5-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £14,410 GTI 3-door 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed DSG £28,915 SE 3-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 7-speed DSG £15,155 GTI 5-door 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed DSG £29,570 Tel: 0116 214 8800 SE 5-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 7-speed DSG £15,785 R 3-door 2.0 TSI BMT 4Motion 300 PS 6-speed manual £30,820 Fax: 0116 214 8811 SE 3-door 1.4 TDI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £14,845 R 5-door 2.0 TSI BMT 4Motion 300 PS 6-speed manual £31,475 www.myvolkswagen.co.uk SE 5-door 1.4 TDI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £15,475 R 3-door 2.0 TSI BMT 4Motion 300 PS 6-speed DSG £32,235 SE Design 3-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-speed manual £13,735 R 5-door 2.0 TSI BMT 4Motion 300 PS 6-speed DSG £32,890 SE Design 5-door 1.0 MPI BMT 60 PS 5-speed manual £14,365 GTE 5-door 1.4 TSI + E motor 204 PS 6-speed DSG £33,035 SE Design 3-door 1.0 MPI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £14,260 GTE Nav 5-door 1.4 TSI + E motor 204 PS 6-speed DSG £35,520 The Van Centre SE Design 5-door 1.0 MPI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £14,890 e-Golf 5-door E motor 115 PS Single-speed gearbox £31,325 SE Design 3-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £14,880 (Leicester) SE Design 5-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £15,510 GOLF CABRIOLET SE Design 3-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 7-speed DSG £16,255 S 1.2 TSI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £22,540 SE Design 5-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 7-speed DSG £16,885 S 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £23,300 St. Margarets Way, Leicester LE1 3EA SE Design 3-door 1.4 TSI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £15,945 S 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 7-speed DSG £24,715 SE Design 5-door 1.4 TSI BMT 75 PS 5-speed manual £16,575 S 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £24,305 Tel: 0116 214 8888 SEL 3-door 1.2 TSI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £16,310 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £24,350 Fax: 0116 214 8890 SEL 5-door 1.2 TSI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £16,940 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 7-speed DSG £25,765 www.myvolkswagen.co.uk SEL 3-door 1.2 TSI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £17,685 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £25,355 SEL 5-door 1.2 TSI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £18,315 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £26,720 SEL 3-door 1.4 TDI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £16,820 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £28,135 SEL 5-door 1.4 TDI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £17,450 GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £27,405 Parkway R-Line 3-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £16,230 GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £28,820 R-Line 5-door 1.2 TSI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £16,860 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £27,910 Volkswagen R-Line 3-door 1.0 TSI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £16,960 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £29,325 R-Line 5-door 1.0 TSI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £17,590 GTI 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed DSG £32,470 Locomotive Way, Pride Park, R-Line 3-door 1.0 TSI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £18,335 Derby DE24 8PU R-Line 5-door 1.0 TSI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £18,965 GOLF ESTATE R-Line 3-door 1.4 TDI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £17,470 S 1.2 TSI BMT 85 PS 5-speed manual £18,945 Tel: 01332 268 800 R-Line 5-door 1.4 TDI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £18,100 S 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £20,715 Fax: 01332 268 811 BlueMotion 3-door 1.0 TSI BMT 95 PS 5-speed manual £14,780 S 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 7-speed DSG £22,130 www.myvolkswagen.co.uk BlueMotion 5-door 1.0 TSI BMT 95 PS 5-speed manual £15,410 S 1.6 TDI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £20,765 BlueGT 3-door 1.4 TSI ACT BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £17,910 S 1.6 TDI BMT 105 PS 5-speed manual £21,720 BlueGT 5-door 1.4 TSI ACT BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £18,540 BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 110 PS 6-speed manual £22,785 Vertu BlueGT 3-door 1.4 TSI ACT BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £19,285 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £21,650 BlueGT 5-door 1.4 TSI ACT BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £19,915 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 7-speed DSG £23,065 Volkswagen Polo GTI 3-door 1.8 TSI BMT 192 PS 6-speed manual £18,900 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 105 PS 5-speed manual £22,655 Polo GTI 5-door 1.8 TSI BMT 192 PS 6-speed manual £19,530 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 105 PS 7-speed DSG £24,070 Group Polo GTI 3-door 1.8 TSI BMT 192 PS 7-speed DSG £20,145 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,020 Polo GTI 5-door 1.8 TSI BMT 192 PS 7-speed DSG £20,775 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £25,435 Boston, Lincoln, Nottingham North, SE BlueMotion 1.0 TSI 115 PS 6-speed manual £20,940 Nottingham South, Mansfield GOLF 7 SE BlueMotion 1.0 TSI 115 PS 7-speed DSG £22,365 S 3-door 1.2 TSI 85 PS 5-speed manual £17,595 Tel: 03452 669 957 GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,965 S 5-door 1.2 TSI 85 PS 5-speed manual £18,250 [email protected] GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £26,380 S 3-door 1.4 TSI 125 PS 6-speed manual £19,365 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,470 S 5-door 1.4 TSI 125 PS 6-speed manual £20,020 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £26,885 S 5-door 1.4 TSI 125 PS 7-speed DSG £21,435 Golf Alltrack 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 4Motion 6-speed manual £26,790 Advertise your dealership S 3-door 1.6 TDI 110 PS 5-speed manual £20,370 Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 4Motion 6-speed manual £28,155 S 5-door 1.6 TDI 110 PS 5-speed manual £21,025 Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 4Motion 6-speed DSG £30,595 Call Gemma Munn for more details BlueMotion 3-door 1.6 TDI 110 PS 5-speed manual £21,435 Golf Estate GTD 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed manual £28,285 BlueMotion 5-door 1.6 TDI 110 PS 5-speed manual £22,090 Tel: 01525 750 504 Golf Estate GTD 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed DSG £29,700 Match 3-door 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £20,300 E-mail: [email protected] Golf Estate R 2.0 TSI BMT 300 PS 4Motion 6-speed DSG £33,585 Match 5-door 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 5-door 6-speed manual £20,955
72 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
DEC prices.indd 2 07/11/2015 21:20 Updated with effect from 02/09/2015 For information on the extensive range of VW commercial vehicles, log on at www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
GOLF SV R-line 2.0 TSI BMT 180 PS 6-speed manual £26,695 Match 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 2WD 6-speed manual £25,520 R-line 2.0 TSI BMT 180 PS 6-speed DSG £28,195 Match 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 4Motion 6-speed manual £27,290 S 1.2 TSI BMT 85 PS 5-spd manual £19,205 R-line 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £27,375 Match 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 4Motion 7-speed DSG £28,815 S 1.2 TSI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £20,215 R-line 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £28,875 Match 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 184 PS 4Motion 7-speed DSG £29,820 S 1.2 TSI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £21,630 R-line 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed manual £28,375 S 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £20,975 R-line 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed DSG £29,875 TOURAN S 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 7-speed DSG £22,390 S 1.2 TSI 110 PS 6-speed manual £22,240 R 2.0 TSI BMT 280 PS 6-speed manual £32,580 S 1.6 TDI BMT 90 PS 5-speed manual £21,025 S 1.6 TDI 110 PS 6-speed manual £22,840 R 2.0 TSI BMT 280 PS 6-speed DSG £34,080 S 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £21,980 S 1.6 TDI 110 PS 7-speed DSG £25,140 S 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £23,395 PASSAT SALOON SE 1.2 TSI 110 PS 6-speed manual £23,630 BlueMotion 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £23,285 SE 1.6 TDI 110 PS 6-speed manual £25,230 S 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £22,320 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £21,910 SE 1.6 TDI 110 PS 7-speed DSG £26,530 S 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £23,920 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 7-speed DSG £23,325 SE 2.0 TDI 150 PS 6-speed manual £26,730 S 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £23,445 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 6-speed manual £22,915 SE 2.0 TDI 150 PS 6-speed DSG £28,030 S 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £25,045 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £24,330 SE Family 1.2 TSI 110 PS 6-speed manual £25,115 BlueMotion 1.6 TDI BMT SCR 120 PS 6-speed manual £23,200 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,280 SE Family 1.6 TDI 110 PS 6-speed manual £26,715 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £23,460 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £25,695 SE Family 1.6 TDI 110 PS 7-speed DSG £28,015 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £25,060 SE Family 2.0 TDI 150 PS 6-speed manual £28,215 SE BlueMotion 1.0 TSI BMT 115 PS 6-speed manual £21,200 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,585 SE Family 2.0 TDI 150 PS 6-speed DSG £29,515 SE BlueMotion 1.0 TSI BMT 115 PS 7-speed DSG £22,615 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £26,185 SEL 1.4 TSI 150 PS 6-speed manual £26,745 GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,370 SE Business 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £24,115 SEL 1.4 TSI 150 PS 7-speed DSG £27,915 GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £26,785 SE Business 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £25,715 SEL 2.0 TDI 150 PS 6-speed manual £28,215 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,875 SE Business 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,240 SEL 2.0 TDI 150 PS 6-speed DSG £29,515 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £27,290 SE Business 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £26,840 SEL 2.0 TDI 190 PS 6-speed DSG £30,510 BEETLE GT 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £25,420 SHARAN GT 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £27,020 Beetle 1.2 TSI BMT 105 PS 6-speed manual £16,275 S 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,500 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £26,545 Beetle 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £18,100 S 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £26,890 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £28,145 Design 1.2 TSI BMT 105 PS 6-speed manual £18,670 S 2.0 TDI BMT 115 PS 6-speed manual £26,065 GT 2.0 TDI BMT SCR 190 PS 6-speed manual £27,895 Design 1.2 TSI BMT 105 PS 7-speed DSG £20,130 S 2.0 TDI BMT 140 PS 6-speed manual £26,815 GT 2.0 TDI BMT SCR 190 PS 6-speed DSG £29,495 Design 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £20,705 S 2.0 TDI BMT 140 PS 6-speed DSG £28,150 GT 2.0 BiTDI BMT SCR 4MOTION 240 PS 6 speed DSG £34,625 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £20,475 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £27,810 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £27,540 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £21,935 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £29,200 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £29,140 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £21,175 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 140 PS 6-speed manual £29,125 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 190 PS 6-speed manual £28,890 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £22,780 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 140 PS 6-speed DSG £30,460 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 190 PS 6-speed DSG £30,490 Sport 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £22,525 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 177 PS 6-speed manual £30,730 Sport 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed manual £23,755 R-Line 2.0 BiTDI SCR BMT 4motion 240 PS 7-speed DSG £35,620 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 177 PS 6-speed DSG £32,065 Sport 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed DSG £25,270 Sport 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £22,995 PASSAT ESTATE TOUAREG Sport 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £24,600 S 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £23,870 SE 3.0 TDI SCR BMT 204 PS 8-speed automatic £43,605 S 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £25,470 SE 3.0 TDI SCR BMT 262 PS 8-speed automatic £45,405 BEETLE CABRIOLET S 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,995 Escape 3.0 TDI SCR BMT 262 PS TDI 8-speed automatic £45,605 Beetle 1.2 TSI BMT 105 PS 6-speed manual £19,230 S 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £26,595 R-Line 3.0 TDI SCR BMT 204 PS 8-speed automatic £46,605 Beetle 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £21,040 BlueMotion 1.6 TDI BMT SCR 120 PS 6-speed manual £24,750 R-Line 3.0 TDI SCR BMT 262 PS 8-speed automatic £48,406 Design 1.2 TSI BMT 105 PS 6-speed manual £21,625 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £25,010 Design 1.2 TSI BMT 105 PS 7-speed DSG £23,070 SE 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £26,610 PHAETON Design 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £23,515 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £26,135 SWB 3.0 V6 TDI 245 PS 4Motion 6-speed auto Tiptronic £55,555 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £23,415 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6 speed DSG £27,735 LWB 3.0 V6 TDI 245 PS 4Motion 6-speed auto Tiptronic £58,115 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £24,875 SE Business 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £25,665 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £24,245 SE Business 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £27,265 Design 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £25,605 SE Business 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £26,790 Sport 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,115 SE Business 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £28,390 Sport 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed manual £26,345 GT 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 6-speed manual £26,970 Sport 2.0 TSI BMT 220 PS 6-speed DSG £27,860 GT 1.6 TDI BMT 120 PS 7-speed DSG £28,570 Sport 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,845 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £28,095 Sport 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £27,205 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £29,695 GT 2.0 TDI BMT SCR 190 PS 6-speed manual £29,445 JETTA GT 2.0 TDI BMT SCR 190 PS 6-speed DSG £31,045 S 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £18,895 GT 2.0 BiTDI SCR BMT 4MOTION 240 PS 6-speed DSG £36,175 S 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £20,175 Alltrack 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 4MOTION 150 PS 6-speed man £30,855 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £20,225 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £20,930 Alltrack 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 4MOTION 190 PS 6-speed DSG £33,935 SE 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £22,355 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £29,090 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £21,505 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £30,690 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £22,930 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 190 PS 6-speed manual £30,440 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £22,505 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 190 PS 6-speed DSG £32,040 SE 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £23,930 R-Line 2.0 BiTDI SCR BMT 4MOTION 240 PS 7-speed DSG £37,170 GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £21,795 GT 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £23,220 CC GT 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 5-speed manual £22,370 CC 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,135 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 110 PS 7-speed DSG £23,795 CC 1.4 TSI BMT 150 PS 7-speed DSG £26,480 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £23,370 CC 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £26,995 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £24,795 CC 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £28,345 SCIROCCO GT 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £28,575 GT 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £29,925 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £20,735 Road tests GT 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 184 PS 6-speed manual £30,600 2.0 TSI BMT 180 PS 6-speed manual £22,790 GT 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 184 PS 6-speed DSG £31,950 A detailed index of the wide range 2.0 TSI BMT 180 PS 6-speed DSG £24,275 R-Line 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £29,225 of comprehensive road tests which 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £23,455 R-Line 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £30,575 we have published can be found on 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £24,955 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed manual £31,250 OUR WEBSITE at: GT 1.4 TSI BMT 125 PS 6-speed manual £22,585 R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed DSG £32,600 GT 2.0 TSI BMT 180 PS 6-speed manual £24,640 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk GT 2.0 TSI BMT 180 PS 6-speed DSG £26,125 TIGUAN GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed manual £25,305 S 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 110 PS 2WD 6-speed manual £22,975 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 150 PS 6-speed DSG £26,805 S 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 2WD 6-speed manual £23,525 Volkswagen GT 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed manual £26,305 S 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 4Motion 6-speed manual £25,295 GT 2.0 TDI BMT 184 PS 6-speed DSG £27,805 S 2.0 TDI SCR BMT 150 PS 4Motion 7-speed DSG £26,790 Driver
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 73
DEC prices.indd 3 07/11/2015 21:20 Road test index Since it was launched in June 2000, a great many road tests have secondhand example, or for anyone who already has one of these been featured in the pages of Volkswagen Driver, providing a wealth of cars and just wants more information about it. information about many modern Volkswagen models. Comprising at least five or six pages each, including full model details, A great many other road tests and features are listed online at specifications, driving impressions, technical details and performance www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk and you can order back issues figures, they provide an ideal reference for anyone buying a new or online or call us on 01525 750 500.
Back issues* cost £3.00 each Plus postage and packing: UK: £1.50 per issue Europe: £2.25 per issue Rest of World: £2.75 per issue up! Mk 5 Golf GTI Pirelli Edition Dec 2008 p8-13 MK 6 PASSAT up! white Oct 2012 p15-21 Mk 5 Golf R32 DSG Feb 2006 p10-16 Passat BlueMotion 2 (TDI) Oct 2009 p25-29 Mk 5 R32 6-spd manual Jul 2006 p15-21 Passat 2.0 TDI SE (140 PS) Sep 2005 p14-19 LUPO Mk 5 Golf Estate 1.9 TDI (105 PS) Nov 2007 p15-20 Passat 2.0 TDI SEL DSG (170 PS) Dec 2007 p11-16 Lupo 1.0E (50 PS Oct 2001 p39-43 Passat 1.8 TSI SE (160 PS) Sep 2008 p12-17 Lupo S (75 PS 1.4) Jul 2001 p7-11 MK 6 GOLF Passat R Line 1.8 TSI (160 PS) Apr 2010 p18-23 Lupo Sport TDI PD (75 PS) Dec 2000 p7-11 Mk 6 Golf S 1.2 TSI (105 PS) Nov 2011 p43-49 Passat 2.0 TFSI SEL (200 PS) Jun 2006 p12-17 Lupo Sport TDI PD (75 PS) Apr 2003 p37-41 Mk 6 Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI Oct 2010 p17-22 Passat V6 4Motion Sport (250 PS) Sep 2006 p21-26 Lupo Sport 16V (100 PS 1.4) Aug 2003 p34-39 Mk 6 Golf GT TSI DSG (160 PS) Jun 2009 p10-15 Passat R36 Saloon (300 PS) Feb 2009 p10-15 Lupo GTI (5-spd) Apr 2001 p7-11 Mk 6 Golf GTD (170 PS TDI) Sep 2009 p11-16 Passat Estate 1.9 TDI SE (105 PS) May 2006 p30-35 Lupo GTI (6-spd) Nov 2002 p35-39 Mk 6 Golf GTI DSG Aug 2009 p11-16 Mk 6 Golf GTI 6-spd manual Oct 2009 p11-16 Passat Estate BlueMotion (105 PS) Dec 2008 p32-37 FOX Mk 6 Golf GTI Edition 35 Mar 2012 p19-25 MK 7 PASSAT Fox 1.2 (55 PS) Nov 2006 p18-23 Mk 6 Golf R 2-dr manual Jan 2013 p17-23 Passat Saloon SE 1.6 TDI BMT Apr 2011 p23-29 Urban Fox 1.4 (75 PS) Mar 2008 p13-17 Golf Cabriolet 1.6 TDI Jan 2012 p15-21 Passat Saloon Executive 2.0 TDI Jan 2015 p29-35 POLO Golf Cabriolet GTI Oct 2013 p17-23 Passat Estate BlueMotion 1.6 TDI Apr 2012 p23-29 Polo 1.0E (50 PS) Apr 2001 p35-39 Golf Cabriolet R DSG Feb 2014 p33-39 Passat Estate 2.0 TDI SE BMT DSG May 2011 p33-39 Polo 1.4 SE (75 PS) Feb 2001 p35-39 MK 7 GOLF Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI (140 PS) Dec 2012 p23-29 Polo S SDI (64 PS) Oct 2000 p37-41 Mar 2015 p26-33 Mk 7 Golf SE 1.6 TDI MK 8 PASSAT Polo FSI (86 PS) Feb 2003 p37-41 May 2013 p17-23 Mk 7 Golf GT 1.4 TSI ACT Passat 2.0 TDI BMT SCR (190) DSG May 2015 p18-25 Polo 1.4 TDI (75 PS) Nov 2000 p33-37 Mk 7 Golf GT 2.0 TDI DSG Mar 2015 p26-33 Polo 1.4 TDI (ABT 95 PS) Oct 2001 p25-28 Passat Estate GT 2.0 Bi-TDI 4Motion DSG Dec 2015 p22-29 Mk 7 Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI April 2013 p43-49 Polo 16V (100 PS 1.4) Sep 2001 p35-39 Jan 2014 p19-25 Mk 7 Golf GTD 6-spd DSG CC Polo GTI (125 PS 1.6 16V) Jun 2000 p6-11 Dec 2013 p14-21 Mk 7 Golf GTI Performance Pack Passat CC 2.0 TDI (140 PS) Jan 2009 p8-13 Polo S 1.2 (55 PS) Dec 2002 p41-45 May 2014 p16-23 Mk 7 Golf R DSG CC 2.0 TDI BMT Sept 2012 p21-27 Polo SE 1.2 (65 PS) Jul 2002 p7-11 Aug 2015 p15-23 Mk 7 Golf GTE CC 2.0 TDI (177 PS) BMT DSG Aug 2014 p15-21 Polo Sport 1.4 TDI (75 PS) Oct 2002 p7-11 Polo Sport TDI PD (100 PS) Jan 2003 p7-11 MK 7 GOLF ESTATE EOS Polo Sport 1.4 16V (100 PS) Dec 2003 p22-27 Mk 7 Golf Estate SE 1.4 TSI Nov 2014 p38-45 Eos SE 1.4 TSI (160 PS) Sept 2010 p31-36 Polo GT (TDI 130) Dec 2004 p26-31 Mk 7 Golf Estate SE 1.6 TDI DSG Nov 2014 p38-45 Eos 2.0 TDI (140 PS) Jan 2007 p22-27 Polo Dune 1.2 (65 PS) Jan 2005 p22-27 Eos 2.0 TFSI DSG (200 PS) April 2008 p13-18 Polo Saloon SE 1.6 (100 PS) Jul 2001 p43-47 GOLF PLUS Eos 3.2 V6 DSG (250 PS) May 2007 p11-15 Polo Estate 1.9 TDI (90 PS) Mar 2001 p37-41 Golf Plus 1.9 TDI SE (105 PS) Nov 2005 p32-37 Polo 1.4S TDI (80 PS) Dec 2005 p28-33 Golf Plus BlueMotion (105 PS) Apr 2009 p23-27 SHARAN Polo BlueMotion 2 (80 PS TDI) Jan 2008 p17-22 Golf Plus Sport TSI (140 PS) Jun 2007 p22-27 Sharan 2.0 SE (115 PS) Aug 2000 p38-42 Polo Sport TDI (130 PS) Apr 2006 p12-17 Sharan SE 1.9 TDI PD 4Mo (115 PS) Apr 2002 p7-11 Polo GTI (150 PS 1.8T) Jul 2006 p28-33 JETTA Sharan 1.9 TDI PD (130 PS) Mar 2004 p34-39 Aug 2006 p56-61 Jetta 2.0 TDI SE (140 PS) Sharan Sport 2.0 TDI (140 PS) Dec 2006 p20-25 Feb 2008 p17-22 NEW POLO (Mk 5) Jetta TSI (140 PS) Sharan Sport 1.8T (150 PS) Nov 2000 p7-11 May 2009 p24-29 New Polo 1.2 S (60 PS) Feb 2012 p17-23 Jetta TDI DPF (170 PS) Sharan Carat V6 Auto (204 PS) Jan 2002 p47-51 New Polo 1.2 SE (70 PS) Dec 2009 p12-17 New Sharan SE 2.0 TDI DSG Apr 2013 p30-35 Polo R-Line Style A/C 1.2 60 PS Feb 2014 p15-21 NEW JETTA New Jetta SE 1.6 TDI BMT Sep 2011 p21-27 New Polo BlueMotion 1.2 TDI (75 PS) Dec 2010 p19-24 TOURAN New Jetta Sport 2.0 TDI Dec 2011 p21-27 New Polo GTI 1.4 TSI DSG Mar 2011 p17-23 Touran SE 1.9 TDI (100 PS) Jan 2004 p36-41 New Polo GTI 1.8 TSI Manual Sep 2015 p36-43 SCIROCCO Touran Sport 2.0 TDI (136 PS) May 2004 p14-19 New Polo BlueGT 1.4 TSI ACT Jun 2013 p23-29 Scirocco 1.4 TSI (160 PS) Aug 2009 p43-47 Touran Sport 2.0 TDI (DSG) Nov 2004 p16-21 Nov 2008 p20-25 Touran SE TSI (140 PS) Aug 2007 p47-51 MK 4 GOLF Scirocco GT 2.0 TSI (200 PS) Scirocco GT 2.0 TSI (210 PS) Oct 2011 p17-23 New Touran S 1.6 TDI BMT Jun 2011 p45-51 Mk 4 Golf SE 1.6 Mar 2001 p7-11 Scirocco GT BMT TDI (140) 6-spd man Feb 2013 p17-23 Feb 2004 p10-15 Mk 4 Golf Match 1.6 Scirocco GT 2.0 TDI (170) DSG Feb 2010 p16-21 TIGUAN Mk 4 Golf TDI PD 100 Jun 2002 p37-41 Scirocco GT 2.0 DSG (ABT 240 PS) Nov 2009 p26-31 Tiguan 2.0 TDI (140 PS) May 2008 p11-17 Mk 4 Golf Match (100 PS TDI) Jul 2003 p44-47 Scirocco R DSG Jun 2010 Jun 2010 Tiguan S 2.0 TDI BMT June 2012 p23-29 Mk 4 Golf GT TDI PD (115 PS) Jan 2001 p33-37 Scirocco R Manual Nov 2010 p19-24 Tiguan Match 2.0 TDI BMT Oct 2014 p17-23 Mk 4 Golf TDI PD 130 Feb 2003 p19-23 Tiguan SE 1.4 TSI (150 PS) Mar 2009 p32-37 NEW SCIROCCO Mk 4 Golf TDI PD 150 Mar 2002 p31-35 Jan 2011 p17-23 Scirocco GT 2.0 TDI BMT (150) DSG Feb 2015 p15-21 Tiguan SE 2.0 TDI (170 PS) Mk 4 Golf TDI (ABT 175 PS) Nov 2002 p7-11 Mar 2010 p16-21 Scirocco R-line 2.0 TSI (220 PS) DSG Jun 2015 p16-23 Tiguan R Line 2.0 TSI (200 PS) Mk 4 Golf GTI 2.0 (115 PS) Dec 2001 p7-11 Mk 4 Golf GTI 1.8T (150 PS) Jun 2001 p7-11 NEW BEETLE TOUAREG Mk 4 Golf GTI Anniversary 1.8T Dec 2002 p17-21 Beetle 1.6 (101 PS) Feb 2001 p7-11 Touareg 3.2 V6 Tiptronic Nov 2003 p18-23 Mk 4 Golf GTI Anniversary TDI 150 Apr 2003 p7-11 Beetle Luna 1.6 (102 PS) Mar 2006 p22-27 Touareg 2.5 TDI Tiptronic Feb 2005 p30-35 Mk 4 Golf GTI 1.8T (ABT 215 PS) Feb 2001 p23-26 Beetle 1.9 TDI (100 PS) Oct 2003 p14-19 Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Sport (225 PS) Oct 2005 p51-55 Mk 4 Golf GTI 1.8T (180 PS 6-spd) Jun 2003 p6-11 Beetle 2.0 (115 PS) Jul 2000 p6-11 Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Tiptronic (225 PS) Oct 2007 p17-22 Mk 4 Golf V5 (170 PS) May 2001 p37-41 Beetle 1.8T (150 PS) Mar 2002 p7-11 Touareg Altitude 3.0 V6 TDI (245 PS) Mar 2013 p48-53 Mk 4 Golf V6 4Motion Sep 2000 p6-10 Beetle V5 (170 PS) May 2002 p7-11 Touareg 4.2 V8 TDI Jan 2012 p31-37 Mk 4 Golf R32 Sep 2003 p14-19 Beetle V5 Sport Edition (170 PS) Aug 2003 p6-11 Touareg 5.0 V10 TDI (313 PS) Jan 2010 p18-23 Touareg Hybrid V6 TSI May 2011 p19-25 Mk 4 Golf Cabriolet 2.0 Aug 2000 p6-11 Beetle Cabriolet Dark Flint (TDI 100) Aug 2005 p30-35 Mk 4 Golf Cabriolet 2.0 Aug 2002 p7-11 Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 Jul 2003 p6-11 PHAETON Mk 4 Golf Estate 1.8T Sep 2001 p7-11 Beetle Cabriolet 1.8T Sep 2007 p11-16 Phaeton 3.0 TDI LWB (239 PS) Jun 2009 p23-27 Phaeton 3.2 V6 (241 PS) Aug 2004 p19-23 BORA BEETLE Bora Sport TDI PD (115 PS) Aug 2001 p7-11 Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI & 6.0 W12 Oct 2006 p16-21 Beetle Design 1.4 TSI (160 PS) Oct 2012 p45-51 Phaeton 6.0 W12 (420 PS) Jan 2004 p6-11 Bora TDI PD (130 PS) Feb 2002 p7-11 Beetle Design 2.0 TDI (140 PS) Mar 2013 p17-23 Bora Sport TDI PD (150 PS) Jan 2003 p31-35 New Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI Jun 2011 p25-27 Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TSI (200 PS) Jan 2014 p43-49 New Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI LWB Apr 2013 p48-53 Bora Sport 1.8T (150 PS) Oct 2001 p7-11 Beetle GSR 2.0 TSI Jun 2014 p21-27 Bora ST (180 PS 1.8T) May 2003 p43-47 CADDY Bora V6 4Motion Jan 2001 p7-11 MK 5 PASSAT Caddy Maxi Life 2.0 TDI (140 PS) Sep 2008 p47-51 Passat Trendline (100 PS 1.9 TDI) Apr 2005 p28-33 Caddy Edition 30 2.0 TDI DSG Aug 2013 p47-51 MK 5 GOLF Passat TDI PD 130 (5-spd) May 2001 p7-11 Mk 5 Golf 1.6 SE FSI Oct 2004 p20-25 Passat Sport TDI PD 130 (6-spd) Apr 2002 p35-39 AMAROK Mk 5 Golf GT TDI (100 PS) May 2005 p32-37 Passat 2.0E (115 PS) Aug 2001 p35-39 Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI (122 PS) May 2012 p33-39 Mk 5 Golf BlueMotion (105 PS 1.9) Jun 2008 p27-32 Passat SE 2.0 (130 PS) Mar 2003 p29-33 Amarok edition 2.0 BiTDI auto Nov 2013 p27-33 Mk 5 Golf GT TDI (140 PS 2.0) Jun 2004 p16-21 Passat SE 20V (150 PS) Jul 2000 p38-43 Mk 5 Golf GT TDI (140 PS 2.0) 4Mo Jul 2005 p14-19 Passat Sport 1.8T (150 PS) Dec 2001 p38-43 T4 Mk 5 Golf GT TDI 170 PS DPF Apr 2007 p10-15 Passat 2.5 V6 TDI (150 PS) May 2002 p37-41 T4 Caravelle 2.5 TDI Variant (102 PS) Feb 2002 p31-35 Mk 5 Golf GT FSI (150 PS 2.0) Feb 2005 p16-21 Passat 2.5 V6 TDI auto (163 PS) Feb 2004 p24-29 T4 Multivan V6 (204 PS) Oct 2002 p31-35 Mk 5 Golf GT FSI (150 PS 2.0) 4Mo Jan 2006 p28-32 Passat 4.0 W8 automatic Sep 2002 p9-13 Mk 5 Golf GT DSG (170 PS TSI) Feb 2007 p10-15 Passat 4.0 W8 manual Mar 2003 p17-21 T5 Mk 5 GTI DSG Mar 2005 p10-17 T5 Caravelle 2.5 TDI (130 PS) Jul 2004 p32-37 May 2003 p7-11 Mk 5 GTI 6-spd manual Jun 2005 p18-23 Passat Estate Sport TDI PD 4Mo (130 PS) T5 Caravelle Executive 2.5 TDI (174 PS) Oct 2008 p20-25 Oct 2000 p7-11 Mk 5 Golf GTI Edition 30 (DSG) Mar 2007 p10-15 Passat Estate V6 TDI (150 PS) T5 Caravelle Executive 2.0 BiTDI DSG Feb 2011 p19-25 Nov 2001 p37-41 Mk 5 Golf GTI Edition 30 (manual) Jul 2007 p18-23 Passat Estate V6 4Motion (193 PS) T5 Caravelle Business 2.0 BiTDI DSG Nov 2012 p17-23
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RT index DEC.indd 2 07/11/2015 21:31 ‘True Volkswagen enthusiasts will be likely to give the company the benefit of the doubt over this issue, as it performs so brilliantly in many areas of build quality and reliability...’
PETER CARRICK On the market
HOW MUCH OF A ‘SCANDAL’ is the emissions fiasco? Massive, according to the media. Costly for Volkswagen, too. Unfortunately, the deal blew up in the USA, where anyone will sue for anything, if there’s a chance of getting some free cash. Here in the UK, where folks are a bit more reserved over such matters – despite the American influence rubbing off on us – reaction on the street has been generally fairly mild, considering the fuss that has been made in the press. That hasn’t stopped the moneymakers from trying to get a piece of the action, like they did with PPI claims et al. One website, set up to deal with ‘car emission claims’, is boldly proclaiming “Attention all VW owners – you may be entitled to compensation”. If an less polluting it will be. The economy figures always seasonal and other effects to take estimated 11 million vehicles worldwide are and engine performance figures are hardly in into account. Only diesel cars are affected implicated, built between 2008 and 2015, it ruins, as millions of people continue to enjoy by the ‘scandal’, but perversely, petrol- doesn’t need a huge brain to see the potential the performance and amazing economy of engined VW Group product sales could also for claims companies to make a swift killing their Volkswagen Group diesel vehicles every be blighted. Some reports suggest that VW while this is a hot potato, many grabbing 25 single day. Group sales are down 8 per cent year on year, per cent or more of the amount they ‘recover’ As my MoT tester said to me recently, even but this may be short-lived. New-generation on behalf of their clients. And, human nature allowing for the defeat devices, emissions engines will comply with extremely stringent being what it is, an offer of money for nothing from the more recent Volkswagen Group new regulations. And the Volkswagen Group, is going to be taken up by a lot of people. diesel engines are always so low, that they I predict, will not be the only ones who have Another firm of ‘car emissions lawyers’ barely register on his gas analyser. This has been fudging the figures to comply with has a website that tells those folks who have been borne out by the test results I’ve seen on tough emissions targets. been so badly duped that (and I quote) the many VW Group cars that I’ve had MoT’d It’s surely the case that other manu- “We live in an age where the harm to over decades – including petrol ones, it has facturers have been ‘at it’ as well. Honda, the environment from human pollution to be said. Over the last 10 years, I’ve driven Mazda, Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz have is worsening, but there is plenty we can mega-miles in various GT TDI Golfs, and have already been implicated in the NOx emissions do to stop it. Companies like Volkswagen always been astounded by the potential of issue, and others are sure to come out of the have a responsibility to help protect our getting over 70 mpg on occasion, while still woodwork, as they get investigated in detail. environment. The news of the defeat devices enjoying respectable performance and very Research conducted by ADAC, the largest being fitted in to vehicles to cheat emissions relaxed low-rev motorway cruising. automobile club in Europe, showed that results is unprecedented. Our Car Emission This has been my experience with all some of the diesel cars produced by Renault, Lawyers are investigating the eligibility for VW Group diesel models for many years, Nissan, Hyundai, Citroen, Fiat, Volvo and Jeep owners of Volkswagen vehicles, including even including the little Lupo TDI Sport emit over 10 times more NOx than the levels their subsidiaries, for making compensation. and, of course, the amazing 90 mpg Lupo revealed by current EU tests. Volkswagen’s This is a serious breach of consumer 3-litre. Fuel economy has always been at the crime was in being the first to get caught! confidence. We know that emissions and fuel forefront of VW Group product development, So, once the true scale of this really starts to economy are at the forefront of the car buyers’ and their commitment to environmental emerge, and it becomes clear just how many mind, and the impressive performance issues in many areas of car production has other manufacturers have been using similar statistics that Volkswagen have been been very high-profile for decades. ‘defeat’ technology, VW Group sales should boasting are now in ruins. People who Used Volkswagen diesel models still stabilise once again. have been cheated by the defeat devices seem to be in high demand, and command The reality is that Volkswagen Group fitted in their vehicle may be entitled to premium prices over their petrol-powered shares have slumped by up to 40 per cent, compensation.” counterparts, purely because they live up to at the last count – mainly because the I take exception to this, purely because their reputation for being reliable and giving markets are scared about the effect that it is so hypocritical. Putting money into owners the performance and economy that paying out large amounts in compensation people’s pockets through such claims will they have come to expect. Brand loyalty also to individuals and governments will have not reduce global pollution, and I would plays a big part here, and true Volkswagen on the Group’s profits. Recent revelations argue that the statement that ‘Volkswagen’s enthusiasts will be likely to give the company that Carbon Dioxide emissions may have performance statistics…are now in ruins’ the benefit of the doubt over this issue, as been ‘tweaked’, as well as the original furore is ridiculous. Volkswagen have always it performs so brilliantly in many areas of about NOx emissions, has not helped the been at the forefront of producing the most build quality and reliability. Group’s fortunes. economical diesel engines on the market, It’s too soon to get any meaningful data In the end, it all seems to be about the and surely, the less fuel that a car uses, the about the effect on new car sales, as there are money, rather than pollution… III
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76.indd 2 07/11/2015 22:05 ‘The Passat is just so socially acceptable, beautifully built, better if anything than the BMW, it is quiet, comfortable and so practical with reasonable running costs...’
ROBERT COULDWELL Rival marques
You might think that BMW executives consumption it’s the other way around, As it is, there will be nothing between would be rubbing their hands with glee the Passat claiming 53.3 mpg and 139 grams them, particularly as the Volkswagen as the Volkswagen Group suffers from the of CO2 against the BMW’s 51.4 and 145. Group has much more experience of four- ‘defeat software’ scandal. This is not the The Passat’s looks are contemporary wheel drive technology. case according to a friend, a BMW senior but classic and will surely age better than I have always loved driving rear-wheel manager, who says Volkswagen’s problems the BMW. As far as equipment levels are drive BMWs for their sweet, fluid and reflect on the whole industry and diesel in concerned, both cars, unlike German cars responsive dry-road handling but I have particular, which represents 50 per cent of of old, are extremely well equipped and have never wanted to own one unless it was BMW Group sales and is also important to every possible gadget with most required a 1930s 328 or a 1950s 507. Unfortunately, them in the USA. actions automated. BMWs seem to be bought for the badge and It was hard to find a competitor for The Passat is some 124 mm or 5-inches do attract aggressive drivers which is a the Passat Estate GT 2.0 Bi-TDI DSG 4Motion longer than the BMW, as well as an inch wider problem now besetting Audi, since it became tested elsewhere in this issue. Direct and this does give more leg and shoulder such a success. On the other hand the Passat competitors to Volkswagen are other semi- room inside. The Passat is a true 5-seater, is just so socially acceptable, not imposing premium brands, Volvo, Mazda, Honda, and the BMW really only suitable for four. its image on the owner. It is beautifully built, possibly Toyota. Volvo offers nothing suitable, The BMW’s strapline – ‘Ultimate Driving better if anything than the BMW, it is quiet, Mazda’s very worthy 6 has neither four- Machine’ is accurate when applied to its rear- comfortable and so practical with reasonable wheel drive nor an engine above 175 PS, the drive models, in the wet anyway, and if this running costs. If I won the lottery it would Honda Accord is no longer marketed in this was a comparison between two-wheel drive probably be my choice, once I had bought country and the Toyota Avensis is just cars, the BMW would be the clear winner. the BMW 328 and 507… III no match for the Passat. Going downmarket, there is a four-wheel drive Mondeo Estate but it only has 180 PS so to find a match you have to look further upmarket. There is Audi, of course, but their cars are well covered in Audi Driver, which leaves Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Mercedes offers no four-wheel drive E Class option in the UK, which just leaves the BMW 330d xDrive M Sport which is both four-wheel drive and offers similar power output. It would seem that with more than 30 per cent of British Audi sales being quattro, BMW has realised it has similar potential and is starting to offer that option. The BMW costs over £5,000 more than the Passat, which BMW would justify on ‘badge appeal’ but trade guide CAP Monitor’s depreciation figures would suggest otherwise as it shows the Passat at three years and Passat Estate GT 2.0 BMW 330d Touring 60,000 miles retaining more of its value Bi-TDI DSG 4MOTION xDrive M Sport than the BMW, perhaps because it does OTR Price £34,625 £40,230 not carry the BMW baggage – it is just so Engine capacity 4 cyl, 1968 cc 6 cyl, 2993 cc classless, like its smaller sister, the Golf. Max power 240 PS /177 kW 258 PS/190 kW Max torque 369 lb.ft / 500 Nm 413 lb.ft./560 Nm The BMW offers a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder 0-62 mph 6.3 sec 5.4 sec engine with an extra 18 PS of power and Top speed 147 mph /236 kph 155 mph/250 kph more importantly, 60 Nm more torque which Fuel consumption (combined) 52.3 mpg, 5.4 l/100 km 51.4 mpg, 5.5 l/100 km means 62 mph comes up in 5.4 instead of 6.3 Fuel capacity 14.5 gallons / 66 litres 12.5 gallons /57 litres and it has a (limited) top speed of 155 mph CO2 140 g/km 145 g/km against 149. Across country, on give and take Unladen weight 3817 lb/1735 kg 3707 lb/1685 kg Length/width/height (mm) 4767/1832/1477 4633/1811/1462 roads there would be nothing in it. On fuel
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Sister DEC.indd 1 06/11/2015 15:19 Specialist Index
ABT UK MDM Technik Ltd The Engine Shop Ltd Unit 17, Avant Business Centre, 23 Denbigh Road, Units 2B & 2C Westfield Farm, Medmenham, Unit A2 Darenth Works, Ray Lamb Way, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, MK1 1DT Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2TA Erith, Kent, DA8 2SP T 01322 350 022 T 0845 370 3228 E [email protected] T 01491 412 416 E [email protected] E [email protected] W www.abtsportsline.co.uk W www.mdmtechnik.co.uk W www.theengineshop.info Official importer of ABT bodystyling and wheels Audi, VW and Bentley specialists. Revo, Specialist supplier of rebuilt VW and Audi Milltek and Forge agents engines and gearboxes
AP Automotive Unit 14, Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Milltek Sport Tutts of Dorking Unit 7, Curtis Road Ind Est, Dorking, Telford TF1 5JD. T 01952 794 024 Unit 7-8 Victoria Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8AN 01332 227 280 [email protected] Surrey, RH4 1EJ T 01306 885 178 E [email protected] T E www.millteksport.com E [email protected] W www.apautomotive.com w www.tuttsofdorking.co.uk AP Automotive provides VAG performance tuning Manufacturers of Volkswagen performance W exhaust systems and catalysts Family owned and run business established in 1960 and maintenance services by Audi/VW-trained technicians, plus performance tuning and parts, with only genuine parts used for servicing. Motormods Unit 20 Limited Gotherington Cross Garage, Evesham Road, 20 Coalbrookdale Road, Ineson, Wirral, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Cheshire, CH64 3UG T 0151 336 6888 Dialynx Performance GL52 8SA T (01242) 679 222 W www.unit20.org Unit 3, Bagbury Park, Lydiard Millicent, E [email protected] W www.motormods.co.uk VW Group performance specialist offering Swindon,Wiltshire, SN5 3LW T 01793 772 245 Specialising in OE and retro-fit accessories, service, repair and performance upgrades E [email protected] W www.dialynx.co.uk multimedia and satnav etc. We’ve been installing Ur-quattro specialist. Servicing, development car accessories since 1978, so we like to think and engineering for VAG performance models we know our stuff! Volkspares Branches at Croydon, Harrow, Sydenham and Leytonstone. T 0208 683 7442 Hall54 quattro-tech W www.volkspares.co.uk 13 -15 Barrack Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9ZR Unit 10C, Harding Way, St. Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WR The UK’s leading VW and Air Cooled T: 01483 301578 E: [email protected] T 01480 464 869 E [email protected] Spares Specialist. W: www.hall54.co.uk W www.quattro-tech.co.uk Keeping your Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda Independent Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda the way the manufacturer intended. Quality, value specialist, offering a wide range of top-quality Volkswizard and care in the heart of Guildford. cost-effective diagnostic, maintenance and repair Units 1-2, Hollywood Motor Park services for vehicles of all ages. 6 Dark Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham, B47 5BN T 01564 330 495 HazzyDayz Ltd E [email protected] Unit 5, Sharose Court, Hicks Road, Markyate Richter Sport W www.volkswizard.co.uk Hertfordshire, AL3 8JH T 01582 840 984 Unit 17, Avant Business Centre, 23 Denbigh Road, Buyer of VW Group vehicles E [email protected] W www.hazzydayz.com Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, MK1 1DT Genuine Volkswagen & Audi professional retrofits, T 0845 370 3227 E [email protected] UK callout service available W www.richtersport.co.uk VRT VAG retrofit specialists based in Milton Keynes 856 Plymouth Road, Slough Trading Est, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4LP JKM Motor Services Ltd T 01753 655 271 E [email protected] Bolde Close, Copnor, Portsmouth, Russell Automotive Centre W www.vrtonline.co.uk Hampshire, PO3 5RD T 02392 639 933 Unit 15 Kingsbury Trading Estate, Barningham Service and repairs, DPF removal, remapping, E [email protected] W www.jkm.org.uk Way, Church Lane, London, NW9 8AU Jetex exhausts, performance tuning Independent specialists for Volkswagen, T 0208 2000 995 E [email protected] Audi, SEAT & Skoda W www.rac-london.co.uk Multi award-winning service from London’s leading Audi/VW specialist Marshall’s Industrial Ltd Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9DG 01491 834 666 [email protected] Satnav Systems (UK) Ltd T E Unit G, Argent Court, 175 Hook Rise South, Promote your business details in W www.mi-uk.com/products/vcds/ Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 7NL T 0808 222 0000 our ‘Specialist Directory’ in the Genuine Ross-Tech diagnostic tools at E [email protected] W ww.satnavsystems.com competitive prices. pages of both Volkswagen Driver VW & Audi OEM retrofit specialists and Audi Driver magazines and on our websites. Mastertechs Diagnostics Ltd Star Performance Ltd Unit 18, Liongate Enterprise Park, 80 Morden Unit 1D Frances Ind Park, Dysart, Kirkcaldy, To be included, please contact Road, Surrey, CR4 4NY Fife, KY1 2XZ T 01592 655 595 Gemma Munn. T: 0208 648 6688 E [email protected] E: [email protected] W www.starperformance.co.uk Tel: 01525 750 504 Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Skoda specialist. Branch VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda independent servicing now open in Chessington, T: 0208 391 0963 centre. Air-con and 4 wheel alignment centre. Email: [email protected]
78 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Spec_ind_DEC VW.indd 2 07/11/2015 21:32
CLASSIFIED ADS copy deadline for JANUARY issue – 3pm MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Road tax – Note that, under the new rules, effective since October 1, 2014, road tax can no longer be transferred between vehicle owners. When the i registered owner sells a car, you will get a refund of any remaining full months of tax when you inform the DVLA that you no longer own it. If you are buying a car, you will need to get new vehicle tax in your name before you can drive it. SPECIAL OFFER! FREE FOR PRIVATE 2006 GOLF GTI Metallic silver, 5-door, ADVERTISERS MODIFIED MK 7 GOLF GTI 5-door FSH, one owner from new, very (as featured in this issue) Revo good condition, immaculate inside, It’s easy to place an Stage 2 upgrade to 350 hp / 500 99,000 miles, manual, electric sunroof, Nm torque. Mk 7 Golf R front brakes, rare in-dash 6-CD changer and ad –by e-mail, phone, Borbet 18-inch wheels with Dunlop multifunction steering wheel controls, SP Sports RT tyres, VWR lowering cruise control, electric folding mirrors fax, post or via our springs. VWR R600 air intake, Wagner with puddle lights, footwell lights, website. Tuning competition intercooler, Revo new discs and pads to all wheels, de-cat downpipe, VWR / Milltek Sport climate control, auto mirror and lights, exhaust system. Sachs uprated clutch K&N air filter, unmarked alloy wheels, For a small charge, and Quaife limited slip diff. Kenwood MoT until May 2016. Non-smoker, Garmin satnav upgrade for the no pets, drives like new, best car I’ve you can give your Composition media unit. 8,000 miles. ever had. £4,950. Contact John Martin ad greater impact £25,000 as is, with all of the original on 01865 391 833 or 07710 858 668 Subscribe bits including wheels, brakes etc. Tel: (Abingdon, Oxfordshire) by using bold type 01273 454 613. for £5 or including a and SAVE photograph for £10. Ads on our website £16! cost £25 and remain 12 issues online until you tell 2010 SCIROCCO R 265 PS 2.0-litre TSI MK 7 GOLF GTI 2.0 TSI WITH for £38 us it is sold. with 6-speed manual gearbox. Rising PERFORMANCE PACK 2014 (14), blue. 41,000 miles with full VW service 27,500 miles, a stunning Golf GTI Enjoy the convenience of having history and new cambelt this year. finished in Deep black pearl with Volkswagen Driver delivered direct to 19-inch alloys, leather interior, heated traditional Jacara red tartan trim, your door every month, before it goes seats, Climate control. Great condition, covered 20,000 miles with VW service on sale in the shops, by subscribing. spotless alloys. £15,500. Contact history and balance of VW warranty. Simply tick the appropriate box TRADERS 07825 235 299 (Located in Sussex) Great specification with current new in the form below, complete the list price being £31,950, features Take advantage include 18-inch Austin alloy wheels, details and then send the form to: of a display ad in GTI Performance pack, large screen AutoMetrix Publications, Discover Pro navigation / DAB Campion House, 1 Greenfield Rd, these pages and audio, DCC dynamic chassis control, Westoning, Beds MK45 5JD, UK put your products Dynaudio Soundpack, keyless entry Or call us on: 01525 750 500 with push-button start, Winter pack e-mail us at: [email protected] or services in front which includes heated seats, adaptive or you can subscribe online at: cruise control, Bluetooth telephone www.autometrix.co.uk of the thousands connection, bi-Xenon headlamps with of enthusiasts who LED daytime running lights, alarm system and much more. £21,500. Take out an annual meticulously scan MK 3 GOLF TAILGATE Genuine Contact Oliver Minns on Oleminns@ subscription NOW Volkswagen part, never used. Part aol.com (based in Bristol, UK) the Classified ads number 1H6 827 025J in original for £38 every month. primer £200 ono. Contact Trevor on Please supply Volkswagen Driver as follows: 01726 862 365 Annual subs – UK £38 Annual subs – Airmail Europe £44.99 Call 01525 750 500, Annual subs – Airmail worldwide £54.99 Joint subs – UK: Audi Driver fax 01525 750 700 + Volkswagen Driver £70
or e-mail us at: Name:
classified@autometrix. WINTER WHEELS / TYRES 5 x 100 Address: mm PCD 16-inch diameter steel co.uk to find out wheels with matching Kumho 205/55 JETTA GTI 16V GTI ENGINEERING R16 Winter/Snow tyres. 4-5 mm how easy it is to RE1900 180 bhp GTI Engineering of tread left. No damage, repairs or RE1900 16V engine with Kent cams, advertise. punctures. Stored inside since April. engine set up by Stealth Racing. Postcode: The wheels, being 16-inch diameter, Quaife LSD. Full cage with everything will fit over Anniversary (bigger braced and poly-bushed. Compbrake Daytime Tel: than most Mk 4) brakes too, and are B4 front brakes. Gaz Gold suspension. reasonably uncommon as most steels Sparco bucket seats. TRS 5-point Card No.: COPY DEADLINE are 15-inch diameter. Collection only harnesses. Compomotive MO5 with from Street, Somerset. £195 ovno. Tel: Expiry: Switch Issue No. FOR THE Toyo R888 tyres. The list goes on! 07779 787 914 JANUARY 2016 Spares inc too. Please e-mail me for 3-digit security code: full details and lots of pics. Car is in ISSUE IS 3 PM Derby. V5 in my name. Car is only for e-mail your ad to us at: sale to fund a lifetime trip. £4,250. Signature: MONDAY NOV 30 E: [email protected] [email protected]
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 79
Classified - DEC.indd 1 09/11/2015 09:46
CLASSIFIED ADS
VW GOLF COUNTRY There are very 2010 MK 6 GTI Candy white, genuine few here in the UK and this is one of 32,000 miles, mega spec! Immaculate the very good ones. Loads spent by inside and out, two owners, heated me and the previous owner – I’ve POLO 6N 1.4 CL I’ve owned the black leather, bi-xenons, LED tail- spent over £1500 on the car in the car since November 2012 and has lights, 19-inch BBS CKs, KW coilovers, last 3 months alone! Many many NOS done about 2500 miles since then. Brembo 6-pot brakes, Stage 3 tuned, SET OF BBS RIMS (8.5J x 18 H2 ET parts fitted, including suspension, Now 104,241 miles. MoT until July BCS exhaust, Revo intake, K04 turbo, 32) (5 x 112 mm PCD) with Hankook poly bushes throughout, newly 2016. Lowered on coilovers, Mini Airtec intercooler, Helix clutch, APR Winter i*cept evo 235/40 R18 95V refurbished wheels by Lepsons, Imola wheels (slight kerb mark on software – reliable 376 bhp and 380 tyres, all with reasonable tread left, 280 mm G60 front brakes, original the nearside rear) Running 20 mm lb/ft torque. Too much to list! Please date of original manufacture week 36 towbar, very low-mileage TSR 1900 8V hubcentric spacers on the rear and call 07595 974 984. Location: Fife, of 2011. The wheels are all sound, just engine, strengthened gearbox, and a 25 mm on the front. Resprayed in Scotland. slightly scuffed in places. Asking price: considerable spares package. The list 2013 in Mercedes white. There are £400 the set (priced to sell, so no of spares and work completed on the a few blemishes in the paintwork. offers + carriage if required but best to car is very long, so it’s best to email New discs, pads, lower arms, tyres collect from our office in Bedfordshire, me at dangerousdave74@hotmail. in September 2013. Coilovers also not far from J13 M1. Other photos can com £6,000. Car is in Derby and I’m fitted at this time. 6N2 rear lights, R20 VVV ( R20VW ) For sale, on be e-mailed upon request. Tel: 01525 only selling to fund a lifetime trip. clear side repeaters, and indicators. retention. £20,000 ono. Contact David, 750 500 during normal office hours, or Also has a cutout on the lower Mob. 07513 444 667 e-mail: [email protected] valance for when I put a twin pipe exhaust on but I didn’t like the sound so put stock exhaust back on. Serviced before MoT in July, new sparks plugs, oil filter, oil etc. New handbrake cables and starter motor also fitted. It has a push start button, so turn the key, push the button. Everything inside works. 6N2 front and rear seats. EDGE component 2006 (06) MK 5 GOLF GTI DSG 1999 GOLF CONVERTIBLE 1.6 SE. speakers fitted in the doors. I will 3-door. 72,700 miles, Two owners, Owned for last 13 years, but new car leave the sub/speaker wiring (front GENUINE BBS CK 8.5J x 19-inch two keys. Metallic black, cream Vienna now forces sale. 73,000 miles. New speakers were running off the amp) alloy wheels with Vredestein tyres. leather interior (original cream floor electric hood, many new parts, in the car so all you’ll have to do Stud pattern = 5 x 112 mm, offset = mats included, current black mats regularly serviced, electric windows, is pop your own amp/sub in. Head ET35 Spigot ring size = 57.1 mm. The included) Winter pack inc. heated central locking, multi-stack CD unit, unit not included – if I can get hold tyres are Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta front seats and door mirrors. Original cassette radio, excellent/reliable of another head unit to put in there 235/35-19 and have between 5 and 6 17-inch Monza alloys, locking runner, detachable towbar, clean car, I will do so. It is a very smart little mm tread left all round. No punctures. wheelnuts. 4 x Goodyear Eagle F1s viewing a must, £1500 ono. Must car, a good runner has never let me All balanced ready to go. The wheels new February 2015. Permaguard be sold. Ring after 6 pm on 01269 down, great fun to drive, is cheap to have no buckles or cracking and are in treated (certificate included). Hand- 822 542 insure. Certainly turns lots of heads their original finish so no welding has washed weekly. Much loved when driving! Will also include the VW BROCHURES FOR SALE: Golf 4 GTI gone on. Two could do with a freshen- vehicle. Excellent condition inside and twin pipe that I previously had Anniversary, Golf 4 R32, Golf 5 R32, Golf up due to some small scabbing and out. Sunroof. VW fitted iPod connection fitted. £1200 or I’m looking for a Mk 5 GTI, Golf 5, Scirocco launch poster / have been lightly kerbed. Please get in in glovebox. Front and rear armrests 2 Golf, so if you have anything, you brochure, Passat W8, 2001 Lupo inc GTI, contact for detailed pictures. Prepared with through-loading function. Full are will to trade with etc. My number 2001 Polo inc GTI, 2001 Golf inc GTI, 2004 to travel to deliver up to 50 miles for service history at mixture of VW dealer is 07583 259 377 (West Sussex) Touareg, 2007 Tiguan, Polo Dune, Polo the asking price. £680 with good tyres. and VW specialists. Cambelt and water Twist, Golf FE, Golf 5 GT, Eos, Passat CC, Marc, Tel: 07977 110 701 (Chester) pump October 2014 at VW. New 2005 Golf 5, all £4 each. Satnav disc V7 thermostat, 2 x coolant temp sensors, for RNS510, RNS810, SEAT Mediasystem PCV and diverter valve April 2015. DSG and Skoda RNS Columbus, sealed, oil and filter change June 2015. New update today for £20. Satnav disc FX rear wheel bearing and speed sensor V4 for RNS310, SEAT Mediasystem 2.0 June 2015. MoT due 27/5/16. Service and Skoda RNS Amundsen, £20. Up! due 26/10/15 £7,500 ono. Tel: 07800 Messenger bag, contains product launch 561 734 (Chorley, Lancs) items from 2011, unused, £10. Contact Martin, Tel: 07958 625 335 MK 1 GOLF GTI KARMANN CONVERTIBLE PASSAT CL 1800 1989 (G-reg) 12 months MoT. 89,000 miles, owned for Finished in Gold metallic with the last 25 years. Metallic grey, very good unmarked beige interior. Only 117,000 condition, original car. £8,000 ono. Tel: GENUINE MK 4 GOLF R32 OZ miles, loads of history, with receipts. 07747 015 461 (Wolverhampton) 18-inch wheels. Three with Goodyear Outstanding condition throughout, EfficientGrip tyres, one with a with only one previous owner. Sachs POLO 5-DOOR (2013) Genuine roof bars Kaizer tyre, all with plenty of tread. JETTA GT SPECIAL by GTI Engineering suspension fitted, ATS Cup alloys with (Part No. 6R0-071-126) £100. Two cycle Professionally refurbished to gloss and VW UK. Two magazine features (one 195/40 -15SOLD tyres. £950. Contact John holders (Part No. 6Q0-071-128A) £40 black in June and have no kerbing in this very mag in the May 2015 issue). Tel: 07947 874 793 each. Bars used twice and cycle holders or scrapes. Perfect condition and Regular show car – work permitting. VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER and AUDI unused – all as new. Tel: 01604 831 349 look great. £550 ono. Call or text Dan Concours and Best in Show winning DRIVER magazines. I have a large (Northants) on 07904 928 527 (Horsham, West car. 50 max were made and only collection which I would like to sell. I am Sussex) H20 GTD This is a reluctant sale for single figures left now. Extensive open to offers but the buyer will have the best registration you can put on VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER and AUDI restoration with loads done and loads to collect from Hadleigh, Essex. E-mail: your water-cooled VW GTD! Retention DRIVER magazines. I have a large spent (I’m losing massively at this [email protected] document is in my name and the collection which I would like to sell. I am price!) Completed in 2011. Car comes assignment fee is already paid so it’s very open to offers but the buyer will have with complete spare bodykit, show easy to transfer to your car. £1500 ono. to collect from Hadleigh, Essex. E-mail: display stand and quite a few other WANTED Contact Dave 07812 008 265 [email protected] spares, including all the literature I’ve collected along the way. £8500. Only WANTED: Anything GTI Engineering, selling to fund a lifetime trip. E-mail or related articles of interest. GTI me for more pictures and details at Engineering branded items of special [email protected] [email protected] interest. Please contact Dave on 07812 (Car is in Derby) 008 265.
80 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Classified - DEC.indd 2 09/11/2015 09:46
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[email protected] SPECIALISTS IN KENT FOR NEW & USED VW & AUDI VW TOUAREG 3.0 TDI V6 Altitude, MK 2 GOLF GTI 1.8-litre (1781cc) 8V 5-door, Nav/Leather. Fantastic 1989 (G-reg) Tornado red, full respray, PARTS example in the best colour grey cloth interior, comes with history Mail order available combination of black with grey file of all MoTs receipts etc. MoT until leather interior. Massive specification April 2016. Please call 07803 876 674 Blackman Motors and some highlights include: Black for enquiries or to arrange viewing Biddenden, Kent full leather interior, four wheel-drive, (car is in Calne, Wiltshire) satnav, factory body kit, 20-inch double-arm Altitude alloys, rear T: 01580 291 146 spoiler, black grille, silver inlays, E: [email protected] privacy glass, multifunction steering Opening hours: Mon - Fri, 9 am - 4 pm wheel, heat-insulated privacy glass, ultrasonic front and rear parking sensors, 81,000 miles. Four new tyres all round 3,000 miles ago, fitted by VW. Full service history and more INTERS 2015 photos available. £11,500 ono. LIMITED Tel: 07791 889 915 (Coulsdon) EDITION T-SHIRT
MK 4 GOLF GTI 1.8T 150 bhp. Full MK 5 GOLF GTI OEM 17-inch Monza service history, two owners including alloy wheel and tyre. Has been used as £10.00 current owner, lovingly cared for, a spare on my previous Golf Mk 5 GTI. LAST no expense spared. Great solid car. Comes with a Dunlop SP Sport 01A MISSED THE SHOW? 88,000 miles. Completely original, tyre (Size 225/45 ZR17 with 3-4 mm FEW never modified. Located in Hook, tread). No centre cap. Some small kerb DON’T MISS THE TEE! Hampshire. For more information, marks as shown in picture. £50. buyer LEFT! please get in touch with Ross on collects from North or South Kent. Tel: CALL: 01525 750 500 07804 673 002. 07810 431 795 [email protected]
www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER 81
Classified - DEC.indd 3 09/11/2015 09:46
CLASSIFIED ADS copy deadline for JANUARY issue – 3pm MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
INTERESTED IN AUDI? CHECK OUT OUR SISTER TITLE AUDI DRIVER FOR THE LATEST NEWS, ROAD TESTS, TECH ARTICLES, MODIFIED CARS AND AUDI SPORT. SPECIAL JOINT SUBSCRIPTION RATES AVAILABLE. CALL FOR DETAILS:
01525 750 500 mail @ autometrix.co.uk
Next month... DEC ISSUE ON SALE WED DEC 16
WIN ONE!
We’ll be road-testing the 184 PS 2.0 TDI Scirocco and Beetle 1.4 TSI, as well as featuring a couple of very interesting Mk 6 GTIs and catching up with our own ‘daily driver’ Mk 4 Golf V6 4Motion, now with over 200,000 miles on the clock! Of course, we’ll have a full first-hand report on Wales Rally GB and all the latest develop- ments with regard to the VW diesel emissions controversy, and we’ll also be sampling the new SEAT Ibiza. Plus a full photo-report from the Classic Motor Show at the NEC and the chance to win a Cobra JumPack, as featured in the Products & Services pages of this issue.
Contents may be subject to change at Editor’s discretion
82 VOLKSWAGEN DRIVER DECEMBER 2015 www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk
Classified - DEC.indd 4 09/11/2015 09:46 Specialist technicians. Genuine parts. No. 1 Customer Service. When you are looking for a Volkswagen retro t specialist there is only one really worth your attention.
Contact us on 0808 222 0000, or visit www.satnavsystems.com
Unit G www.satnavsystems.com Argent Court [email protected] Hook Rise South 0808 222 0000
Surbiton KT6 7NL 0203 141 4114 VOLKSWAGE N & AUDI SPECIALISTS