Review: 2011 Volkswagen CC

Review: 2011 Volkswagen CC - The Volkswagen CC is a four-door coupe, a four-seat sedan with a sleek, low stance. It looks more expensive than it is. The Volkswagen CC, a Comfort Coupe, was launched as an all-new model for 2009 and carries through 2011 unchanged.

The interior design and materials are exceptional. The optional two-tone stitched leather bucket seats are downright Italian-like. The cabin feels racy due to the steeply raked windshield and distant dash. It's cozy inside and there isn't as much front legroom as in the Acura TSX, Nissan Maxima or Lexus IS. The rear bucket seats accommodate just two in cozy comfort with decent legroom but limited headroom. Cargo space is small for the class, comparable to that of the Lexus IS.

The Volkswagen CC is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower. We found it impressively powerful and amazingly smooth. It uses front-wheel drive and is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox. The 2011 Volkswagen CC with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 22/31 mpg City/Highway on Premium fuel with the DSG, 21/31 mpg with the 6-speed manual. A Volkswagen CC Sport with the manual gearbox can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, the company says.

The Volkswagen CC VR6 4MOTION features the narrow-angle 3.6-liter V6 rated at 280 horsepower an 17/25 mpg. It comes with all-wheel drive. The 2011 Volkswagen CC VR6 4MOTION can accelerate from 0-60 in just 6.6 seconds, according to Volkswagen. The VR6 4MOTION is a pricey package, however.

We took the road turns smooth and solid, firm but not hard. This is not a high-performance sports car, but it is lighter than the maximum number, or the Lexus IS. The electromechanical steering make parking easier. The brakes work very well.

Car Review - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Car Review - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: After years of trying to obtain compact sedan to dress the part, Volkswagen has finally managed to naturalize the Jetta. This German 4-door now wears a suit that is required to reach an agreement with the notoriously conservative American masses, and is priced car that buyers are much more attractive, thanks to a lot of things cost reduction. However, these changes occur at a price themselves.

Model Lineup: Volkswagen is offering the 2011 Jetta in four trim levels, from bare-bones to dressed-to-the-nines. Eventually a fifth model, the performance-oriented GLI, will join them on showroom floors. Things get started at S trim, featuring 15-inch wheels and not much else; cloth seats and soul-crushing hard plastic dominate the cabin. Fortunately, stepping up to SE trim takes care of a few of those issues. Stylish 16-inch rollers take the place of the smaller 15-inch wheels, and leatherette seating surfaces show up inside. The interior also receives a small dress-up package in the form of chrome accents around the climate-control knobs.

You can also adorn your Jetta SE with a convenience package that throws in amenities such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a more civilized 6-speaker sound system, though we would be just as likely to opt for the SEL trim. This next step up throws in all of the goodies found in the SE convenience package, but adds hardware such as a fog lights, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and a navigation system.

At the top of the lineup is the TDI. It's basically a Jetta SE with disc brakes on all four corners and an uberefficient diesel engine.

Under the Hood: Volkswagen has added a new engine to the Jetta lineup for next year. Starting in 2011, you can get your sedan with a 2.0-liter 115-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that produces around 125 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is part of the company's plan to lower the price tag, and it comes bolted to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. While the Environmental Protection Agency hasn't issued fuel-economy figures for the new engine yet, Volkswagen promises somewhere around 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

If the little 2.0-liter doesn't serve up quite enough punch for you, Volkswagen is also offering the same 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine found in the previous generation. For next year, buyers will have the choice of the same two gearboxes offered with the 4-cylinder engine. Either way, they can expect the 2.5-liter to churn out a more respectable 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, all while returning just 1 mpg worse on the highway.

The company's endearing 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine will also make a return for 2011. It produces 140 horsepower and a ridiculous 236 lb-ft of torque, making it feel significantly larger than its diminutive displacement would suggest. Expect to see around 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway when equipped with either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed direct-shift gearbox.

As we mentioned above, the GLI will likely debut later in the year, featuring the Jetta engine that we've come to love, the 2.0 TFSI.

Inner Space: Volkswagen has proudly proclaimed that the 2011 Jetta was designed to be more in line with American tastes; the company stretched the sedan's wheelbase by 3 inches to add interior room front and rear. Full-grown adults can now comfortably camp out in the back seat without having to fold their shins or collapse a few vertebrae. That doesn't mean things are all sugar and spice in the cabin.

To begin with, the dash has lost the nice soft-touch material of the last generation, in favor of hard plastic in S trim. Why? Volkswagen is looking to do away with the dreaded "European car premium" that U.S. consumers have to pay for its cars. And the cost of this lower price tag is a less-than-savory interior. In this case, the cabin is borderline cheap. The new switches and knobs aren't what we've come to expect from Volkswagen, either. Flipping through the climate controls, we couldn't help but pine for the weighty clicks of the old hardware.

That said, plop your derrière in the leatherette-lined goodness of SEL trim and it's easy to forget about the cost-cutting measures. With the leather-wrapped steering wheel firmly in your palms and a comfy bucket seat beneath you, there's little to complain about inside. Throw in the extra legroom and it's easy to believe that some sacrifices may actually be worth the net savings.

On the Road: We were able to nab some time in the 2011 Jetta SEL, complete with the company's 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. In this guise, it's difficult to find fault with the drivetrain. Of course, there shouldn't be one. Volkswagen has had years to perfect this particular concoction, and as a result, you're rewarded with a powertrain that's almost perfect — almost. The 170-horsepower engine provides just enough low-end grunt to dispatch with foes in the right lane without too much heavy breathing. At the same time, torque steer is nonexistent. Despite the uniquely torquey feel of the 5-cylinder, zero to 60 mph shuffles by in 8.6 seconds — not exactly rocket-quick.

Things have gone downhill somewhat on the handling front, though. In another effort to keep the cost down, Volkswagen opted for a torsion-beam rear suspension instead of an expensive, fully independent setup. Whereas the previous-generation car could be coaxed into being entertaining while carving through your favorite mountain passes, the 2011 model is more content to amble from point A to point B.

Volkswagen has also changed the hydraulic power steering system by 2010 - a move that generally produces more steering feel. Only instead of getting more feedback from the helm, we are rewarded with much less. It feels like electricity, and the truth is that the previous car felt a plumber. Of course, it is important to remember that Volkswagen does not build the fans of this Jetta. The company has designed the U.S. average car buyer - a group that is more concerned about the number of cup holders as the steering feel. -- car review --

Related posts:

Volkswagen preparing a 1.4 petrol Vento

In our earlier post, we reported Volkswagen testing the new Jetta around Pune. Amar Paithankar, the guy who took the pictures, is also reporting that VW was testing a few other cars too along with the new Jetta. The most intriguing of these cars was a 1.4-liter petrol version of the Vento. Now, we cannot expect VW to be testing an entirely new variant of a car just for fun, can we?

The new 1.4-liter petrol variant of the Vento seems to be prepared to fend off the fresh challenge thrown by the Hyundai Verna. Also, petrol prices are soaring through the roof and people are increasingly putting their money on diesel variants of various models unless there is an extremely substantial price difference between the petrol and diesel variants.

The cheapest Vento currently retails for about Rs. 7.1 lakh ex-showroom. It’s the 1.6-liter petrol Trendline version. With the Vento 1.4 liter petrol Trendline variant, VW may be able to offer a further discount of Rs. 50K, which would give the prospective customers an even bigger incentive to go in for the car.

The specifications of the new engine are not disclosed yet, but we can expect peak output of around 85PS, with 130Nm or thereabouts of peak torque. While those figures may not sound enough to haul the heavy weight of the Vento reassuringly enough, the lure of being able to own a premium sedan like the Vento at a small price, may just rope some more customers in for VW.

Apart from the new Vento, Amar also reports having spotted a Skoda Yeti and a Skoda Superb with concealed badges on test. While the Yeti on test may be an AT ver

sion, we cannot fathom what changes the superb may incorporate.

Volkswagen preparing a 1.4 petrol Vento

In our earlier post, we reported Volkswagen testing the new Jetta around Pune. Amar Paithankar, the guy who took the pictures, is also reporting that VW was testing a few other cars too along with the new Jetta. The most intriguing of these cars was a 1.4-liter petrol version of the Vento. Now, we cannot expect VW to be testing an entirely new variant of a car just for fun, can we?

The new 1.4-liter petrol variant of the Vento seems to be prepared to fend off the fresh challenge thrown by the Hyundai Verna. Also, petrol prices are soaring through the roof and people are increasingly putting their money on diesel variants of various models unless there is an extremely substantial price difference between the petrol and diesel variants.

The cheapest Vento currently retails for about Rs. 7.1 lakh ex-showroom. It’s the 1.6-liter petrol Trendline version. With the Vento 1.4 liter petrol Trendline variant, VW may be able to offer a further discount of Rs. 50K, which would give the prospective customers an even bigger incentive to go in for the car.

The specifications of the new engine are not disclosed yet, but we can expect peak output of around 85PS, with 130Nm or thereabouts of peak torque. While those figures may not sound enough to haul the heavy weight of the Vento reassuringly enough, the lure of being able to own a premium sedan like the Vento at a small price, may just rope some more customers in for VW.

Apart from the new Vento, Amar also reports having spotted a Skoda Yeti and a Skoda Superb with concealed badges on test. While the Yeti on test may be an AT ver

sion, we cannot fathom what changes the superb may incorporate.

New VW Jetta caught testing in India

VW has been readying its new Jetta for India for some time. The current gen model, although well equipped and well engineered, doesn’t quite look premium enough to compete with the rivals in its segment. Skoda Laura, which is VW Group’s own product, looks like a better deal for the price. All that, however, is soon going to change with VW introducing the new Jetta. The new version of the car looks much better than the current one, and will probably be better equipped too.

Team-bhp member Amar Paithankar has managed to spot the new Jetta testing in India, at the picturesque twisties of Lavasa near Pune. The car was powered by a 2.0-liter TDI engine, the same unit that propels the Skoda Laura / Superb, and produces 142PS @4200rpm, and peak torque of 320Nm @1750rpm. We are sure this is not the same unit as the Passat Bluemotion TDI producing 170 horses, as putting the more advanced unit in this baby would escalate the cost for no understandable reason.

shares its face and flanks with most other VW cars like the Polo, Vento and Jetta. While having a family design philosophy is a good thing, VW seems to have taken it way too seriously. Cars need to have a personality, some character, unfortunately, VW new family design philosophy is making all the cars from the stable look alike from the front. The only differentiating factor is proportions, for most models. The Jetta too resembles the Vento, Passat and Polo from the front, and only a keen observation would reveal the differences.

The Jetta is larger in proportions than the Jetta. Then there are the stylish 10-spoke alloy wheels which are unique for this particular version. Finally, you have the biggest giveaway at the rear, the tail-lamps, which are unlike any other VW model in India, and are reminiscent of the Audi A4’s tail units. The twin-pipe exhaust is another detail you should look out for, for differentiating the Jetta from its blood brothers.

Features include parking sensors, which were clearly visible on the test mule. There is no question that the car will come equipped with dual-clutch DSG gearbox, and will retail at a higher price than its Skoda cousin when launched. Expect a pre-Diwali launch by VW.

New VW Jetta caught testing in India

VW has been readying its new Jetta for India for some time. The current gen model, although well equipped and well engineered, doesn’t quite look premium enough to compete with the rivals in its segment. Skoda Laura, which is VW Group’s own product, looks like a better deal for the price. All that, however, is soon going to change with VW introducing the new Jetta. The new version of the car looks much better than the current one, and will probably be better equipped too.

Team-bhp member Amar Paithankar has managed to spot the new Jetta testing in India, at the picturesque twisties of Lavasa near Pune. The car was powered by a 2.0-liter TDI engine, the same unit that propels the Skoda Laura / Superb, and produces 142PS @4200rpm, and peak torque of 320Nm @1750rpm. We are sure this is not the same unit as the Passat Bluemotion TDI producing 170 horses, as putting the more advanced unit in this baby would escalate the cost for no understandable reason.

shares its face and flanks with most other VW cars like the Polo, Vento and Jetta. While having a family design philosophy is a good thing, VW seems to have taken it way too seriously. Cars need to have a personality, some character, unfortunately, VW new family design philosophy is making all the cars from the stable look alike from the front. The only differentiating factor is proportions, for most models. The Jetta too resembles the Vento, Passat and Polo from the front, and only a keen observation would reveal the differences.

The Jetta is larger in proportions than the Jetta. Then there are the stylish 10-spoke alloy wheels which are unique for this particular version. Finally, you have the biggest giveaway at the rear, the tail-lamps, which are unlike any other VW model in India, and are reminiscent of the Audi A4’s tail units. The twin-pipe exhaust is another detail you should look out for, for differentiating the Jetta from its blood brothers.

Features include parking sensors, which were clearly visible on the test mule. There is no question that the car will come equipped with dual-clutch DSG gearbox, and will retail at a higher price than its Skoda cousin when launched. Expect a pre-Diwali launch by VW.

VW Vento diesel’s price to be increased, petrol variant left untouched

VW India is increasing the price of its highly successful Vento diesel. The price will be increased by 2.2 percent. The price hike will be effective from July 1st 2011. The company has cited increased input costs as the reason for the hike. At the same time, the company has left the petrol variants untouched, and they will continue to be sold at the current prices. The company seems to have taken the decision to leave the petrol prices unaltered keeping in view the high price of petrol which is already acting as a deterrent to petrol cars’ sales.

The customers who book the Vento Diesel till June 30, 2011 will be able buy the car without the price increase. Also, those who opt for selected variants of the Vento Petrol Variant will be able to get a reduced interest rate of 6.99 percent starting June 2011.

Commenting on this, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board & Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said “The Vento diesel has been well accepted in the market since its launch in September 2010. Its quality, build and drivability have won the Vento many accolades. We want to continue maintaining the same standard and quality for our customers; however we have seen no relent in the input costs over several months now which has forced us to increase the cost of the Vento.”

He added “On the other hand we are fully aware that customers who prefer the petrol variants are already faced with the burden of increased fuel costs and therefore we have decided to continue absorbing the additional costs for our petrol variants.”

VW Vento diesel’s price to be increased, petrol variant left untouched

VW India is increasing the price of its highly successful Vento diesel. The price will be increased by 2.2 percent. The price hike will be effective from July 1st 2011. The company has cited increased input costs as the reason for the hike. At the same time, the company has left the petrol variants untouched, and they will continue to be sold at the current prices. The company seems to have taken the decision to leave the petrol prices unaltered keeping in view the high price of petrol which is already acting as a deterrent to petrol cars’ sales.

The customers who book the Vento Diesel till June 30, 2011 will be able buy the car without the price increase. Also, those who opt for selected variants of the Vento Petrol Variant will be able to get a reduced interest rate of 6.99 percent starting June 2011.

Commenting on this, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board & Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said “The Vento diesel has been well accepted in the market since its launch in September 2010. Its quality, build and drivability have won the Vento many accolades. We want to continue maintaining the same standard and quality for our customers; however we have seen no relent in the input costs over several months now which has forced us to increase the cost of the Vento.”

He added “On the other hand we are fully aware that customers who prefer the petrol variants are already faced with the burden of increased fuel costs and therefore we have decided to continue absorbing the additional costs for our petrol variants.”

Paul Valthaty with his IPL VW Passat

Most of us know that Paul Valthaty, the surprise package of IPL 4 won the ‘Best Individual Performance’ Award for the tournament. The Kings XI Punjab cricketer got the keys of a spanking new Passat for his knock of 120 not out off 63 while chasing a score of 189 runs in the match against Chennai Super Kings.

Now Volkswagen have released an official image of the cricketer with the car at his residence. Here’s the image. Enjoy, and pass to your cricket fan friends if you like!

Paul Valthaty with his IPL VW Passat

Most of us know that Paul Valthaty, the surprise package of IPL 4 won the ‘Best Individual Performance’ Award for the tournament. The Kings XI Punjab cricketer got the keys of a spanking new Passat for his knock of 120 not out off 63 while chasing a score of 189 runs in the match against Chennai Super Kings.

Now Volkswagen have released an official image of the cricketer with the car at his residence. Here’s the image. Enjoy, and pass to your cricket fan friends if you like!

VW to field the Polo in WRC 2013

VW Management Board Member, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg has announced that the company plans to compete in the 2013 WRC with the Polo. The announcement was made in front of 200 journalists as the Polo R WRC was unveiled. “Almost exactly two years ago, in May 2009, the most recent model of the Polo was presented here in Sardinia. Today we are proud to show you the hottest Polo of all time – the Polo R WRC” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen at the occasion.

The WRC Polo will be an AWD vehicle and will be powered by a 1.6 liter TSI engine good for close to 300bhp of power. VW has been winning the Dakar Rally for three consecutive years now and is now training its eyes on WRC, to sport that is globally covered and highly rated.

“The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles. Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.” said Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division.

VW has some previous rally heritage to boast of as well. The most important of these was in 1986 when Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V claimed the world champion’s title in the newly incepted Group A.

VW to field the Polo in WRC 2013

VW Management Board Member, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg has announced that the company plans to compete in the 2013 WRC with the Polo. The announcement was made in front of 200 journalists as the Polo R WRC was unveiled. “Almost exactly two years ago, in May 2009, the most recent model of the Polo was presented here in Sardinia. Today we are proud to show you the hottest Polo of all time – the Polo R WRC” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen at the occasion.

The WRC Polo will be an AWD vehicle and will be powered by a 1.6 liter TSI engine good for close to 300bhp of power. VW has been winning the Dakar Rally for three consecutive years now and is now training its eyes on WRC, to sport that is globally covered and highly rated.

“The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles. Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.” said Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division.

VW has some previous rally heritage to boast of as well. The most important of these was in 1986 when Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V claimed the world champion’s title in the newly incepted Group A.

World Debut for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Anyone who expects a restructuring of the Ground Beetle from Volkswagen for the new millennium was a surprise Monday as the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle debuted worldwide in three cities, true to its original name and clung to elements of retro style.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle on display this week in 2011 New York Auto Show and the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show and will go on sale in the United States in September. No price of this has been reported.

For months there has been intense media speculation that the iconic Beetle can be renamed and have references amazing design - though VW teased a silhouette of the Beetle, which could serve as an advertisement for the car model 1949. But all that has been put to rest as the German car maker unveiled the Beetle, 2012, said in a statement that he "wanted to develop the new car around profile Beetle earlier than the New Beetle 1998."

The cautious design of this tweaks have a lower profile and the windscreen, which has moved further back. New Beetle is 3.3 inches wide and 6 cm longer than its predecessor car. It is 71.2 inches wide and 168.4 cm in length. Volkswagen said in a statement that the reform of the car was to be free from "Beetle design geometry is defined by three semicircles (front wing, rear wing, the curved roof above it.) Employees referred to this as" Mickey Mouse "looks , because the car design seemed borrowed from three circles to create a face famous cartoon character.

Other notable car design elements, the Beetle in 2012 with the 2.0-liter TSI gets a standard rear spoiler. VW Beetle says 20,112 will come with "a large number of customization options, including a variety of colors and wraps, and an annual theme of design."

Even the car cabin in 2012 Volkswagen Beetle based on car elements of the original Beetle. For example, the New Beetle glove box Spare integrated into the dashboard. It is also equipped with a split folding rear seat.

Volkswagen of America said in a statement that the 2012-Beetle will offer three carr engines: a gasoline engine of 170 horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder, a 140-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel and a 200 -hp 2.0 - liter four-cylinder TSI turbo petrol. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic on the 2.5-liter car models. Six-speed DSG double clutch will be an option on 2.0-liter TDI and TSI car models.

2012 Beetle TDI model will be the chief fuel economy, according to VW. Is expected to return 29 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway. The EPA has not evaluated the Beetle 2012. The 2.5-liter Beetle is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway back, Volkswagen said. The sporty 2.0-liter TSI Beetle should return 30 mpg on the highway, Volkswagen said. Do not assign a rating to the model sports city car.

The Volkswagen Beetle 2012 will be available in two trim lines: Design and Sport car. Options include a Fender Premium sound system, sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.

The reason for the conservative design approach can probably be found in statistics on the Volkswagen Beetle original. He said he sold about 5 million original Beetles in the U.S. alone, between 1949-'79. By way of comparison, has sold the 477,347 New Beetle in the United States from 1998 to 2010. Volkswagen said it has built more than 22.5 million Beetles worldwide since the car starts.

2012 Beetle will arrive in North America, and only then the car will be launched in Europe in October and in Asia in February 2012.

2011 VW Beetle unveiled, pictures, features and specs

VW has unveiled its latest version of the iconic Beetle car. The earlier version, better known in the automotive circles as the New Beetle, will be replaced by this new version which is more muscular and sportier looking than the version it replaces. Apart from its brawnier lines, the new beetle is also lower, wider and longer than the previous version.
In its newest avatar, the Beetle’s roof has become slightly flat, unlike the curvy ones on the earlier model. The wheel arches are pronounced, and the car adopts angular treatment around its bumper for an athletic look. Even the air dam hints at aggression and muscle than the girly charm that the previous version was known for. The 2011 Beetle also gets a sporty spoiler right below the rear windscreen. The new, lower design has taken its toll on the space inside. The boot is smaller too.

The interior of the new car has been thoroughly overhauled, and now looks much more luxurious and modern. The interior trim can be ordered in body colour or carbon fiber. The car will be available in three trims, Basic, Design and Sport.

The engines for Europe will be turbocharged four-cylinder mills. TSI petrol units include 1.2-liter, 1.4-liter and 2.0–liter engines producing 103bhp, 158bhp and 197bhp. Diesel power would include 1.6 and 2.0 engines with 103 and 138bhp.

The top two petrol engines will also include the XDS electronic differential which is also employed in the Golf GTI for enhanced road-holding. With the 2011 Beetle, VW wants to send a message that the Beetle isn’t just for women.

What do you think of the original people’s car in its new avatar? Better or worse than the version it replaces?

2011 VW Beetle unveiled, pictures, features and specs

VW has unveiled its latest version of the iconic Beetle car. The earlier version, better known in the automotive circles as the New Beetle, will be replaced by this new version which is more muscular and sportier looking than the version it replaces. Apart from its brawnier lines, the new beetle is also lower, wider and longer than the previous version.
In its newest avatar, the Beetle’s roof has become slightly flat, unlike the curvy ones on the earlier model. The wheel arches are pronounced, and the car adopts angular treatment around its bumper for an athletic look. Even the air dam hints at aggression and muscle than the girly charm that the previous version was known for. The 2011 Beetle also gets a sporty spoiler right below the rear windscreen. The new, lower design has taken its toll on the space inside. The boot is smaller too.

The interior of the new car has been thoroughly overhauled, and now looks much more luxurious and modern. The interior trim can be ordered in body colour or carbon fiber. The car will be available in three trims, Basic, Design and Sport.

The engines for Europe will be turbocharged four-cylinder mills. TSI petrol units include 1.2-liter, 1.4-liter and 2.0–liter engines producing 103bhp, 158bhp and 197bhp. Diesel power would include 1.6 and 2.0 engines with 103 and 138bhp.

The top two petrol engines will also include the XDS electronic differential which is also employed in the Golf GTI for enhanced road-holding. With the 2011 Beetle, VW wants to send a message that the Beetle isn’t just for women.

What do you think of the original people’s car in its new avatar? Better or worse than the version it replaces?

When the bonnet of the Polo becomes a goat’s throne!

This incredible picture was taken by a close friend and an avid reader of Motoroids – Yatish Suvarna. His friend had bought a spanking new Polo which was the envy of all his colleagues. Unfortunately the lack of parking space (like everywhere else in Mumbai) at his workplace made him park the car on a street which wasn’t too conducive for sheltering automobiles.

Yatish was bamboozled when he saw this goat sitting on top of his friend’s car as he stepped out of the office for a meeting. The bonnet was badly scratched, much to the anguish of his friend. There wasn’t much he could do though – it was just another day in the life of India, as TOI puts it. Not a very pleasing picture for the car’s owner, but makes for a funny portrait for us nevertheless.

Got such a wacky picture? Send it to us, we’ll put it up here. Get mailing!

You comments please!

When the bonnet of the Polo becomes a goat’s throne!

This incredible picture was taken by a close friend and an avid reader of Motoroids – Yatish Suvarna. His friend had bought a spanking new Polo which was the envy of all his colleagues. Unfortunately the lack of parking space (like everywhere else in Mumbai) at his workplace made him park the car on a street which wasn’t too conducive for sheltering automobiles.

Yatish was bamboozled when he saw this goat sitting on top of his friend’s car as he stepped out of the office for a meeting. The bonnet was badly scratched, much to the anguish of his friend. There wasn’t much he could do though – it was just another day in the life of India, as TOI puts it. Not a very pleasing picture for the car’s owner, but makes for a funny portrait for us nevertheless.

Got such a wacky picture? Send it to us, we’ll put it up here. Get mailing!

You comments please!

Volkswagen India rolls out the 50,000th car from its Chakan Plant

Volkswagen India rolled out the 50,000th car from its manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. It’s been less than two years since the Volkswagen plant in Chakan began operations. With the rollout of the 50,000th car, which happened to be a Vento, the company asserts that production at the plant is in line with scheduled ramp-up plans. The Chakan plant currently produces three models, the Volkswagen Polo, the Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Fabia.

Volkswagen Group has 61 plants globally, of which the Pune plant is claimed to be one of the most modern. It covers all stages in the production process from press shop through body shop and paint shop to final assembly. With a total financial commitment amounting to Rs. 3,800 crores the Volkswagen plant in Pune is the largest investment to date by a German company in India.

The dignitaries present at the event included Dr. Arno Antlitz, Member of the Board of Management VW, Dr. John Chacko, VW Group India President & MD and Mr. Holger Nestler, Executive Director, Technical, Volkswagen India.

“Touching the 50,000th car production landmark marks the beginning of Volkswagen’s next growth chapter in India. Realizing this target in just over a year’s time from the start of production is a testimony to the popularity Volkswagen cars enjoy in the Indian market. I wish the Volkswagen team great success for their future initiatives and I am confident that the team here will continue this momentum of growth,” expressed Dr. Arno Antlitz on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. John Chacko said, “It is a moment of great pride and satisfaction for all of us at Volkswagen on achieving this milestone in such a short span of time. Volkswagen has focused on introducing new products based on understanding of customer needs. The outstanding acceptance of all our products is a testimony to the success of that approach. The continuous support from our employees has made this possible today. I would like to thank the team at Chakan for their undying spirit and motivation and congratulate them for demonstrating how much can be achieved in a very short period of time.”

Volkswagen India rolls out the 50,000th car from its Chakan Plant

Volkswagen India rolled out the 50,000th car from its manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. It’s been less than two years since the Volkswagen plant in Chakan began operations. With the rollout of the 50,000th car, which happened to be a Vento, the company asserts that production at the plant is in line with scheduled ramp-up plans. The Chakan plant currently produces three models, the Volkswagen Polo, the Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Fabia.

Volkswagen Group has 61 plants globally, of which the Pune plant is claimed to be one of the most modern. It covers all stages in the production process from press shop through body shop and paint shop to final assembly. With a total financial commitment amounting to Rs. 3,800 crores the Volkswagen plant in Pune is the largest investment to date by a German company in India.

The dignitaries present at the event included Dr. Arno Antlitz, Member of the Board of Management VW, Dr. John Chacko, VW Group India President & MD and Mr. Holger Nestler, Executive Director, Technical, Volkswagen India.

“Touching the 50,000th car production landmark marks the beginning of Volkswagen’s next growth chapter in India. Realizing this target in just over a year’s time from the start of production is a testimony to the popularity Volkswagen cars enjoy in the Indian market. I wish the Volkswagen team great success for their future initiatives and I am confident that the team here will continue this momentum of growth,” expressed Dr. Arno Antlitz on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. John Chacko said, “It is a moment of great pride and satisfaction for all of us at Volkswagen on achieving this milestone in such a short span of time. Volkswagen has focused on introducing new products based on understanding of customer needs. The outstanding acceptance of all our products is a testimony to the success of that approach. The continuous support from our employees has made this possible today. I would like to thank the team at Chakan for their undying spirit and motivation and congratulate them for demonstrating how much can be achieved in a very short period of time.”

VW’s 111.11 kmpl, super efficient Formula XL1 car

What you are looking at is Volkswagen Formula XL1, the car which is capable of going more than 111 km on a litre of diesel. Apart from the high fuel efficiency the XL1 also boasts a ridiculously low CO2 emission figure of 24 g/km.

The XL1 is a diesel electric hybrid, with a 800cc two-cylinder TDI engine producing 48PS, supported by a 27PS (20KW) lithium-ion electric motor. And just because the XL1 is fuel efficient, you shouldn’t think that it’s a slouch. The 0-100km/h sprint comes in a decent 11.9 seconds, and the top speed is a respectable (and electronically limited) 160km/h. The XL1 is also capable of travelling up to 35km solely on electric power.

The secret behind the XL1’s fuel sipping capabilities is its lightweight construction. The car’s chassis is a carbon fibre monocoque, while the body panels are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The result of using such ultra-lightweight materials is a weight of just 795 kg.
The car will apparently make it to production, though only 100 units will be created and sold. The XL1 will be sold in markets across the world, starting from Europe, and then going to the US and China.

And if you thought that such exclusivity and environment efficiency would make the XL1 cost the sun and the moon and all the constellations, you’d be wrong. According to senior VW management, the car won’t be as expensive to produce as some other such projects in the past, as the hybrid tech is getting increasingly mainstream. Also, the cost of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber is coming down, as the usage increases in automotive and aviation applications.