Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Volkswagen is having a major push into US markets to follow the presence of the Japanese, Koreans and of course their fellow European companies.

Expect to see all of the German companies guns brought to bear on that country as they try to take market share away from competitors. R Line is the equivalent of FPV or HSV in Australian makes. It doesn't quite to the AMG or M style sports packages that MB and BMW offer, but let me tell you that R Line is just, well nicer than the standard car. Generally  a bit more sportier look on the outside, more luxury on the inside with all the passive and active safety items you'd expect from VW. Australia? Probably not, but we can always dream.

If you'd like to see  what's possible in our current range in Australia, call into the showroom of Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring, just a 15 minute drive from the Brisbane Airport precinct. Northstar VW is also online at www.nortstarvw.com.au or for monthly specials visit www.lovemyvw.com.au  If you're after more information on everything VW, www.mycarreview.com.au is your site.

2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line

The US-Spec Volkswagen CC is set to receive the R-Line treatment before the end of the year and here are the first photos to prove it. The model received its mid-cycle facelift for the 2013 model year and went on sale in March, the R-Line version will arrive in dealerships before the end of the year.

Exterior design updates distinguish it from the standard model and include a redesigned and sportier front bumper that boasts a larger air intake as well as projector-style fog lights. A set of unique 18-inch alloy wheels, shaded taillights and R-Line badging completes the look. Inside the cabin, there are stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates and a multifunction steering wheel.

The package is only available with 2.0-liter, turbocharged TSI engine that generates 200 PS (147 kW / 197 hp) with either six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Volkswagen CC R-Line will be unveiled at the Auto Mobil International show in Leipzig on June 1st.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Wow - what a great looking car, but it does help to have a good photographer and setting. In Europe Scirocco comes in 2 specifications - 'base' model and R. Of course we only receive the R specification in Australia, but this is my first look at Scirocco in white.

I've even asked my Stock Controller to procure one for me - in white so we can customize it for our showroom display. Scirocco R gets the 188kw engine and the 6 speed DSG transmission make the car a pleasure to drive.

Keep your eyes peeled for Scirocco R NST - exclusive to Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive from Bribie Island, Maroochydore, Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast

If time is your enemy, you'll find us at www.northstarvw.com.au or for monthly specials visit lovemyvw.com.au. For more information on our other brands or to see car reviews and test drive comments, www.mycarreview.com.au is your site.

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS 30.05.2012

Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces 210 HP (155 kW / 201 bhp), the Scirocco GTS recalls the sporty racing style of the 70s and 80s with racing stripes that cover the hood, roof, roof spoiler and even tailgate. It also features special design front and rear bumpers, flared side skirts, body-color side mouldings, matching mirror caps to the racing stripes, glossy 18-inch "Thunder" alloy wheels with black trim, red painted brake callipers and GTS badges on the fenders. The rear diffuser and roof spoiler are taken directly from the more powerful Scirocco R.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Volkswagen

Karla Pincott from Carsguide reveals early design drawings from Apple for your car interior.

The only question I have for Apple, is that being so geek minded, what do they really know about car control systems. Having read numerous stories about the legendary Mr Jobs and his penchant for NOT using a car that often, I worry that it will be too techy and not receive the popularity of say an I Phone, Pod, or Pad.

Even car people get instrumentation, audio controls and such like incorrect in a big way - but I'm crossing my fingers and toes and hope that the technology does get into car design. If the Apple guys demonstrate their forward thinking design as they've done in recent years, it will be a huge hit. Tip - Buy Apple shares now

If you want to see the range of accessories and merchandise available in the Chrysler Jeep Dodge and VW range click through to our web site and then check out our spare parts section. Alternatively you can call into our dealership at 320-322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

The remote control patent will mainly be used to develop interfaces for portable media devices.

You’ll never have to touch that in-dash dial again, with Apple putting controls on your wheel.

Among 21 patents for Apple published yesterday by the US Patent and Trademark Office is a remote control that clips to your steering wheel.

It looks remarkably like the thumb-operated click wheel now made familiar by the former long reign of the Apple iPod – before the crown was taken by the iPhone (now looking nervously over its little shoulder at the iPad). The resemblance is probably the mark of a particular engineer who previously headed up design at legendary Frog Design in California, who have worked with Apple since the early days, according to a report on Patently Apple.

However the patent details the remote’s faceplate as being completely touch-sensitive rather than rotationally, as the click-wheel was. Patently Apple believes the remote control patent will mainly be used to develop interfaces for portable media devices, which means applications could also be developed to control future iPads – and whatever else Apple has coming down their clever line. Say bye-bye to factory-fitted audio, satnavs and possibly even telematics.

The only problem we can see with this part of Apple's grand plan is that the remote is bound to get in most people's way as they steer. From that, we believe the position on the outer part of the wheel will change before it gets to market. Stay tuned. But don't touch that dial.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Daniel  Zaustin of Carsguide dares to mention that many of us can't or won't change tyres on our cars.

Any why would we? Most new cars have a 3-5 year roadside assistance package built into the new car and frankly if you get something for free, why not utilize the service?

Using the excuse, I don't know how to change a tyre would seem to indicate that as a reasonable out, but frankly from a personal viewpoint, if I'm travelling somewhere on an appointment, I don't see how or why I'm going to get my clothes dirty or rumpled trying to do so. I have changed a tyre or three in my motoring life, but I'd really prefer someone else to do that for me.

And the ladies? No chance thanks. it's a phone call to the motoring service or their significant other first. Nor would I expect my wife to do the doing part - a jack is cumbersome, a spare is heavy and the wheels are generally dirty. Phone a friend I say.

All Volkswagens come standard with a 3 year unlimited kilometre warranty and 3 years roadside assistance. Of course after the warranty expires, there are options to extend that for another 2 years and include the roadside assistance. After that, I'd suggest the RACQ as my preferred roadside team

If you'd like to know more about new Volkswagen vehicles, including the drive away specials which finish in June, drop into Northstar VW at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula or check out our website at www.northstarvw.com.au .

People don’t want to get their clothes dirty.

Hang your head in shame, Australia. It seems we’re as bad as the Brits on changing a flat.

UK research shows 36 per cent of Brits don’t know how to change a tyre -- and four per cent don’t know if they even have a spare. And the NRMA says Australians are reluctant to grab hold of a spare as well.

The NRMA’s Tim Pomroy says that while a flat tyre is one of the most common call-outs for their roadside assistance, it’s not always because callers can’t change the flat.

“Many people in Australia call for roadside assistance not because they can’t necessarily change a tyre but because they don’t want to,” Pomroy says. “A lot of people are on their way to work when it happens and don’t want to get their clothes dirty.”

In the UK, the research into flat tyres by British repair company Kwik Fit, suggested that the poor result was a symptom of the confusion caused by differing practices among car manufacturers.

Drivers reported varying methods offered by manufacturers to deal with a flat tyre, from smaller space saver tyres to providing a puncture repair kit instead of a spare tyre, Kwik Fit’s UK communications director Roger Griggs says.

“The recent trend among car manufacturers to offer space-saver spares or puncture repair kits instead of full-size spare tyres could be the cause of this confusion among motorists,” said Griggs.

“It’s is worrying how many drivers don’t know what provision they have for a puncture, but it’s even more of a concern to see how many have absolutely nothing in their car to deal with a deflated tyre.

“There are clearly gaps in knowledge around how to change a tyre, and indeed many cars are missing tools, which means even if a spare is carried some motorists will struggle to swap it over.”

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTI Black Dynamic 17.5.2012

Has 360 PS (265 kW / 296 hp)

Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf GTI Black Dynamic at Wörthersee 2012.

Created by nine apprentices, the one-off model features a Deep Black metallic exterior with matte anthracite accents. There's also a sport-tuned suspension (which reduces the ride height by 35mm), high-performance brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin has leather / Alcantara sport seats, an Alcantara headliner and an 1,800 watt audio system.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine that has been tuned to produce 360 PS (265 kW / 296 hp). It is connected to a six-speed DSG transmission.