Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar VW

Volkswagen designers were able to achieve space efficiency by packaging all the running gear below a flat floor.

VW's e-Co-Motion signals an intent to make electric vans a mainstream reality.

The German giant has developed a concept vehicle that demonstrates the potential benefits of building a van designed without a conventional internal combustion engine. It's called the e-Co-Motion and is a zero emissions (at least from the exhaust pipe) delivery van. At this stage it is very much a concept that maps out how Volkswagen would go about building an electric van.

While there is no concrete plan to build the e-Co-Motion, which was presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show last week, Volkswagen is measuring the interest to determine how much demand there would be should it go into production. There are a few electric vans available at the moment, with more coming this year, but all these vehicles are compromised because they are converted electric versions of a van developed with a petrol or diesel engine in mind.

This means the engineers have to work around the packaging limitations of a van with a large space for an engine that is no longer required.

Volkswagen's e-Co-Motion was developed from the ground up as an electric-only model, meaning there is as much space as possible available for cargo.

It is not overly large, 4550mm long, 1900mm wide and 1960mm tall, and yet the eco van has a cargo capacity of 4.3 cubic metres and a payload of 800kg.

Volkswagen designers were able to achieve this space efficiency by packaging all the running gear below a flat floor. The electric drive motor, the gearbox and batteries all fit in a relatively narrow section underneath the cabin and load area. Volkswagen mounted the electric motor on the rear axle together with a single speed planetary gearbox.

Making the van rear-drive means it has a better turning circle than a front-drive version and it also doesn't require a driveshaft running from the front-mounted engine like other rear-drive machines. The maximum power outlet is 85kW, while the torque peak is 270Nm, all of which is available almost instantaneously. This is enough for the e-Co-Motion to hit a top speed of 120km/h.

The range can be determined by the most expensive part of the electric van - the battery pack. Volkswagen says the van could be offered with three different battery packs starting off with a unit with 20 kiloWatt hours (KwH), which is good for 100km of driving. A 30kWh pack would enable 150km of range, while the 40kWh unit would drive the van for up to 200km.

Running electric drive would also free up room in the cabin. Instead of having to sit above or behind the engine, the cabin has a low flat floor. This not only creates more headroom, but also enables easy entry and the ability to walk through the cabin. The passenger seat can also be folded to allow the driver to enter or exit the vehicle from both sides of the cabin. This could increase safety by allowing the driver to step out of the kerbside of the van instead of stepping out into traffic.

Volkswagen says the flat floor design also means a wide range of different body styles could be developed for minimal cost. The VW board of management speaker, Dr Eckhard Scholz, says electric light commercial vehicles could play a crucial role in the future, especially in mega cities.

''Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-power high capacity lorries would deliver goods to the city limits,'' he says. ''Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over.''

Source: www.carsguide.com.au

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Economical Up!, Hydrogen Up! and now Cross Up! - the latest iterations of the Up! keep coming

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Volkswagen Cross Up! spy photo 06.12.2012 / Automedia

Arriving first half 2013

Our photographers have spied the upcoming Cross variant of the Volkswagen Up!

Taken in northern Europe, the spy photos show a production-ready prototype completely undisguised. It looks a lot like the Cross Up! concept that VW showed last year at Frankfurt Motor Show. This is essentially a more rugged-looking variant of the five-door model that can be distinguished by matching silver front and rear bumper inserts and a bigger front air intake with honeycomb grille. ...read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Santa Claus is coming to town. I've been good this year and I'm hoping that Volkswagen Group Australia put the 2015 Phaeton on my list.

We've lacked a real halo car in Australia - one that senior executives could look at as their daily drive, that could be used by the extensive limousine fleet around Australia. And this car should be the one.

Only issue will be that VGA could look at loss of sales in the luxury Audi segment - wouldn't that be a pity !

If you want to experience Volkswagen luxury and class in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton Facelift

Company will adopt a top-down approach

If you've always felt that all Volkswagens look alike, you're not alone as styling boss Klaus Bischoff agrees.

Calling the company's  current styling theme a mistake, Bischoff told Auto Express that Volkswagen will adopt a new top-down approach when it introduces thenext-generation Phaeton in 2015. As he explained, “Flagship models like the Phaeton should act as halo products and influence the way the other cars in the range look, rather than the other way round.”....read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

When is a Volkswagen Jetta not a Jetta? When it's made in China and called a Bora

If you want to experience Volkswagen Jetta/Bora in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

2013 Volkswagen Bora

Based on the PQ35 platform

Volkswagen has launched in China the 2013 Bora based on the group's PQ35 platform.

The Bora name is still going strong in China where the new model year borrows some of its styling cues from the U.S.-spec Jetta with those angular headlights and chrome inserts.

Power comes from a 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine producing 122 hp (91 kW) and fitted with the BlueMotion technology that includes stop/start and brake energy recuperation. Those ponies are sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional DSG dual clutch transmission.

Inside the cabin there are several wooden and chrome details, along with navigation system and automatic climate control...read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

If you want to experience Volkswagen CC in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.carreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

It used to be called the Passat CC but that's now been abbreviated to simply CC.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the new VW CC with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Despite being a contradiction in terms, the four door coupe look has legs with a few manufacturers going down that path including Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. Most notable is the arresting Benz CLS that really lit the wick for this type of car more than a decade ago.

VALUE

Now sporting the square-set VW front and rear end styling, CC cuts a fine silhouette on the road from all angles and backs this up with a level of luxury not often seen this side of $100 grand.

But the CLS spells big bucks unlike the Volkswagen CC - a similar style car but at an affordable starting price of $54,990 for the front wheel drive 2.0Tdi we drove. There's also an all wheel drive 3.6 litre V6 petrol model at ten grand more - still a bargain in the greater scheme of things.

It used to be called the Passat CC but that's now been abbreviated to simply CC - just like corn chips. But there's nothing corny about the VW CC - it's the real deal and a sheer delight - to look at and to drive.

FEATURES

Goodies include Nappa leather upholstery, a high tech Satnav system, rear view camera, premium audio with a multi device interface, comprehensive trip computer, dual Bluetooth, auto bi-xenon headlights, paddle shift, adaptive cruise and plenty more. The test car also came with Driver Assistance Package that features lane assist, side assist with steering intervention (yes), adaptive cruise and front and rear emergency braking.

We were taken aback by the level of intervention all this equipment can deliver when activated. It will actually steer you away from the sides of the road if you stray, it will stop the car if you miss a stationary object in front, it will maintain a pre-selected distance behind a leading car over  a wide variance of speeds.

Where does it all end? Cars will drive themselves we reckon - and not too far into the future. . Park assist is handy as are the rain sensing wipers and dusk sensing headlights (bi-xenons). ...read more

Volkswagen CC

Price: from $54,990 (petrol), from $64,990 (diesel)

Warranty: Three years/unlimited km

Resale: 47%

Service interval: 15,000km/12 months

Safety: five star

Spare: Full-size

Engines: 2.0-litre turbodiesel, 125kW/350Nm; 3.6-litre petrol V6, 220kW/350Nm

Transmissions: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD (diesel) AWD  (petrol)

Weight: 1526kg -1656kg

Thirst: 5.5 litres/100km diesel, 144g/km CO2; 9.3 litres/100km petrol, 215g/km CO2

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

First impressions of the Alltrack are not surprisingly Passat with hiking boots and a bit more swagger.

So you want to negotiate terrain more challenging than the driveway but can't cop being seen in an SUV? Despair not.

Volkswagen has toughened up its Passat wagon so that it goes nose-to-nose with the Subaru Outback as well as its siblings from Skoda andAudi. It's called, with only slight hubris, the Alltrack.

VALUE

At $47,790 the all-wheel-drive Alltrack is $1800 price hike over the front-drive Passat 125TDI. That's $1000 over the diesel Outback Premium, but the VW brings a standard six speed DSG auto to Subaru's manual sole transmission choice

Other standard kit includes chrome roof rails, leather trim, dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents, a reach and rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with sound system and phone controls, Bluetooth phone and audio link, a hard-drive equipped satnav and sound system with USB input and a powered tailgate. It rides on 17-inch alloys with self-sealing tyres and a space-saver spare.

Options include pearl-effect paint ($700), sunroof ($2000) and parking assistance system ($900). The two option packs look decent value. The $3300 driver assistance and visibility Package adds intelligent bi-xenon lights, lane departure warning and blind spot warning.

For $2800, the Sport package gets 18s a multi-function leather steering wheel with gearshifter paddles, Nappa full-grain leather trim and heavier rear window tint. The adaptive cruise control, that includes the auto-braking accident warning and avoidance system, is a $2000 option and the adaptive damper suspension option (with either 17in or 18in alloy wheels) is $1650......read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen  

Volkswagen out in front

Volkswagen has continued its recent dominance of Australia's most prestigious awards, Australia's Best Cars, with nine models making it through to the finals.

But the big news from the 2012 awards was the strong performance by Hyundai with five vehicles, the same number as prestige car maker BMW, making it through the list of 45 finalists.

Hyundai is the world's fastest growing brand and is now also starting to be recognised as a world leader in design, quality and technology.

In recent years the Korean car maker has been criticised for the poor ride and handling of many of its models, especially here in Australia, but it has also worked hard to resolve that issue by introducing unique suspension tuning for individual markets.

In Australia, all the suspension and steering settings are done here after thousands of kilometres of testing by a team of dedicated engineers.....read more

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

2013 Volkswagen Amarok 05.11.2012

Offers improved performance and fuel economy

Volkswagen has announced plans to offer an Amarok with an upgraded 180 HP (132 kW) BiTDI engine.

Designed to replace the previous 163 HP (120 kW) BiTDI, the upgraded engine enables the truck to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.0 seconds, average 35.3 mpg UK (8.0 L/100km / 29.4 mpg US) and have CO2 emissions of 211 g/km. Additionally, the model has an increased towing capacity of 3,000 kg (6,615 lbs) with the manual transmission or 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) with the new eight-speed automatic transmission.....read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

"The new Beetle is bolder, more dynamic and simply fun to drive."

Many more men are predicted to chance a second glance at a Volkswagen Beetle.

The retro revival car was not a hit at first with men but another re-work -- given an early tease in Sydney -- changes everything but the Herbie-style shape that makes a Beetle a Beetle, is claimed to be much more masculine.

It rolls into Australia next year in a one-size-fits-all package built around a 118TSI engine, with limited options and the choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearboxes. "The new Beetle has a more masculine style which we believe will have a wider appeal," the managing director of Volkswagen Group Australia, Anke Koeckler, tells Carsguide.

"Based on the feedback from the Australian International  Motor Showthe new Beetle is definitely a more appealing vehicle to both men and women. It has a more dynamic and sporty style. "The new Beetle is bolder, more dynamic and simply fun to drive. It clearly has a place in our range as it shows the emotion in our brand." She says the re-design has been done to answer complaints about the previous retro Beetle.

Carsguide said from the start that the new-age Beetle was severely compromised by having to share the mechanical package of the Volkswagen Golf. That mean the rounded body had to sit well back, creating a people mover-style driving position, pinching rear-seat space, and turning the boot space beneath the rear hatch into an afterthought.

Volkswagen still sold more than one million cars globally, and boosted the Beetle back into a cabrio and a semi-speed machine with a turbo engine and all-wheel drive, but Koeckler predicts much more from the new car. "The new Beetle was designed be even more practical. Customers will find the vehicle has significantly more interior space as it is longer and wider and the boot area has increased from 209 litres to 310 litres," she says.

The new-new Beetle is expected in February, timing that puts it ahead of the seventh-generation Golf in a packed calendar of new Volkswagen arrivals. Koeckler refuses to speculate on pricing but confirms the one-car approach for 2013...read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782

The Up! has been shortlisted for 2012 Car of the Year.

The cheapest new Volkswagen since the original Beetle is here.

Not just that, but the $13,990 VW Up! is the first sub-$15,000 car with five-star safety and the first tiddler you would actually recommend to your best friend.

It's not perfect, with no chance for an automatic gearbox and Bluetooth only an option, but it is a tiny tot that feels solid, gets along reasonably well, and should be more than just a disposable car at trade-in time. It also has a significant first for the size and price - a radar-guided anti-collision system that can even brake automatically at up to 30km/h if it senses an imminent crash.

Pricing for the Up! is even sharper than expected, with the bottom-line $13,990 three-door car coming with remote central locking, electric power steering, aircon and a full-sized spare.

It costs $14,990 to get into the five-door Up! - only a $500 advantage over the recently-tweaked Ford Fiesta - with just five extras including special paint at $500 and Maps+More including Bluetooth for $500. The Up! slides in below the Golf and Polo, measuring 500 millimetres shorter than the Polo and handily undercutting its $16,990 starting price.

It is likely to spark a rash of truly tiny city car arrivals in Australia and Volkswagen is confident it will be popular with a range of people, from first-car buyers to seniors and people who are usually secondhand shoppers.

"We have seen there is potential for this car in Australia, and it can create a segment of its own. People in Australia are downsizing more and more. We make it more affordable and bring safety," says Anke Koeckle, managing director of Volkswagen Group Australia.......read more

Provided by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

The new Alltrack is like a Passat wagon on steroids and is designed to bridge the gap between a standard wagon and an SUV.

While the boom in SUV sales in Australia has knocked station wagon sales for six, some brands, including Volkswagen and its Audi and Skoda cousins, are persisting with keeping both SUVs and wagons in their model line-ups. The latest offering from the people at VW is the Passat Alltrack a car designed to bridge the gap between the traditional wagon. One that can take on a bit of the rough stuff for adventurous families

VALUE

The Alltrack comes with a value-for-money $47,790 price tag and generous standard-kit inventory. As well as its leather trim and heated front seats, buyers can look forward to 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, automatic lights and wipers, a clever electrically operated tailgate, an electric parking brake, front-and-rear parking sensors and a rear-vision camera, dual-zone climate-control “air,” a 6.5-inch touch screen with satellite navigation and a 30GB hard drive, one-touch up-and-down electric windows and Bluetooth mobile-phone and music streaming.

Also standard are a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, fog lights, cruise control and an automatic-dimming electro-chromatic rear-vision mirror. Options include metallic/pearl-effect paint ($700), a panoramic electric glass sunroof ($2000), park-assist 2 ($900), a driver-assistance and visibility package ($3300), adaptive cruise control and front-assist with city emergency braking ($2000) and the sport package ($2800).....read more

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Volkswagen Beetle Remix Edition 23.10.2012

Volkswagen has announced plans to offer a Beetle Remix special edition overseas.

Designed to have an individualized appearance, the model is distinguished by Black or Reflex Silver mirror casings, side stripes with "bug" or "beetle" badging and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior changes are limited but include painted trim on the dashboard, door panels and steering wheel. Other highlights include air conditioning, a center armrest and a multimedia interface for the radio.

Under the hood, four different engines are available. Choices include a TSI with outputs of 105 HP (77 kW) and 160 HP (118 kW) as well as TDI that develops 105 HP (77 kW) and 140 HP (103 kW).

The model is currently available only in Germany and pricing starts at €20,250.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

At present, my senior managers and I are working hard on our service department. Not in it mind you - we leave that to our experienced technicians, but on it.

With the introduction of capped price servicing on the new up!, we've decided to introduce capped price servicing to all our Volkswagen model lines and also Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mahindra and Isuzu. And the obvious question is why? There'll be a lot of negative comment from other dealers, however we've decided that the cost of servicing is getting a bit too high and it's high time that someone (us) did something about it.

I sat on the National Dealer Council sub-committee for Mitsubishi when MMAL started the process. Over nearly 2 years, other dealers, Mitsubishi staff and I tore the rule book apart and re-designed the Mitsubishi service price book. Our journey here at Northstar won't take that long, thanks to the experience with MMAL, so we expect to launch our program later this year.

Put a cap on: The tiny Up, priced from $13,990, will be the first Volkswagen in Australia to come with capped-price servicing, and may set a trend for other VW models to follow.

VOLKSWAGEN Australia is offering capped-price servicing on its newly launched Up micro-car as a toe-in-the-water exercise ahead of a potential roll-out across its entire range.

The scheme follows the trend set by several fellow top-ten brands including Toyota, Holden, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Mitsubishi, who all offer similar plans in order to alleviate a lack of transparency in the servicing process, where many dealers quote disparate service prices.

The plan will be available at all Volkswagen Australia dealerships, and VW Australia managing director Anke Koeckler told GoAuto this morning it was designed to change the perception that the German brand's cars were too expensive to service.

“It was important first for us to get our partners (dealers) behind our ideas, and everybody is convinced it is the right approach,” she said.

“We are looking into the other product as well... sometimes it is all about the perception (that we are expensive) and unfortunately perception isn't reality, so we have to convince our customers that we are not that expensive.

“These are our true costs, but we want to make sure our customers get the transparency.”

The scheme applies for the first six years or 90,000km (whichever comes first) with annual service intervals. The first service on the Up – which retails from $13,990 plus on-road costs – is due after 12 months/15,000km and 24 months/30,000km respectively, costs $280.

The 36 month/45,000km service costs $332.50, the 48 month/60,000km will set buyers back $369.50, the 75,000km/60 month service is priced at $280 and the final 90 month/72,000km service will cost $332.50.

The price of each service may be higher than many other brands, but several of these company's also have shorter, six month intervals between services.

Every two years buyers will also have to fork out extra for new brake fluid ($83.70) and a new pollen filter ($40.50)...read more.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

Volkswagen Taigun concept 22.10.2012

Could preview a production model

Lending credibility to previous reports that a crossover smaller than the Tiguan is being planned, Volkswagen has introduced the Taigun concept at the Sao Paulo Motor Show.

Dressed in Seaside Blue, the compact crossover features rugged styling with plastic body cladding, anodized skid plates and 17-inch alloy wheels. Other highlights include a prominent grille, a ventilated hood and bulging fenders. There's also a two-piece tailgate, LED spot lights and hidden rear door handles. Contuine reading....

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

Volkswagen US-made 7-seat crossover speculative rendering 25.10.2012

To get third-row seating.

Volkswagen’s CEO Martin Winterkorn has confirmed that the company plans on designing and producing a big crossover in the United States.

Known internally as the “B-SUV”, Car and Driver is reporting that the vehicle will feature a third-row seating arrangement in a move to grab customers away from the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. The same source is indicating that this new crossover will be based on the VW Group’s MQB platform and will be thousands of dollars more affordable than the Touareg.

Additional details about this new U.S.-made crossover will be released at the beginning of next year when Volkswagen will issue final approval for this project. To read more....

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Volkswagen Up! five-door 23.01.2012

A small engine for a tiny car.

Volkswagen’s R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg has confirmed that the German automaker plans on launching a two-cylinder diesel variant of the up! city car in 2013. Aimed to rival the Fiat Panda TwinAir, this new version of the up! will get a modified version of the engine powering the super frugal XL1 which has already been confirmed for a limited edition next year.

Hackenberg said that this 2-cylinder power unit is compatible with the New Small Family platform developed by VW making it likely that we will see in 2015 a production version of the Taigun concept with a two-cylinder diesel engine.

The three-cylinder engines offered for the up! are compatible with the firm’s larger MQB platform so in the near future the seventh generation of the Golf could be offered with a 3-cylinder engine. (source:Auto Car UK)

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at mycarreview.com.au. Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo-based crossover speculative rendering 16.10.2012

One will be a seven-seater!

Volkswagen spokesman Peter Thul has confirmed reports that the company is developing two new crossovers.

Speaking with Automotive News, Thul said one of the models will be smaller than the Tiguan. This likely implies it will be the Polo-based crossover that we reported on yesterday. It is slated be launched in 2014 and ride on the MQB platform. Styling will likely be influenced by the Cross Coupe concept and both front- and all-wheel drive options are expected.

The other crossover will be larger than the Tiguan and offer seating for up to seven people. Thul said it will appeal to American consumers who don't want a mini-van. Previous reports have indicated the model could be based on the US-spec Passat and cost less than the Touareg.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Source: Automotive News

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

It's not often that any agency has praise for a product, but ANCAP (Australian Car Assessment Program) had just that for the Volkswagen up!. ANCAP commended for the first 5 star safety rating in the light car category. In particular ANCAP applauded the emergency braking system which would not only reduce under 30kph accidents, but minimize pedestrian injury as well.

Now having driven the up! I'm amazed at how good a car it really is. Enough round town power, great highway cruising and miserly at the fuel bowser.

Five ANCAP stars for Opel’s Astra, GTC and Insignia plus praise for VW Up safety kit

VOLKSWAGEN’S Up city car, which hits Australian showrooms this weekend, has become the first in its segment to be awarded a maximum five stars for crash safety by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).

Opel’s Astra small car and GTC coupe derivative plus the Insignia mid-size sedan and wagon were also given five stars.

ANCAP is also expected to publish results for the Corsa light car – which scored five stars in Europe – in coming weeks.

Priced from $13,990 plus on-road costs, the Up has become Australia’s least expensive five-star vehicle and was commended by ANCAP for the standard inclusion of an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which works between 5km/h and 30km/h. Read More

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

If you look closely at the picture below, you'd think that the new Volkswagen Up is actually smiling.

Reminiscent of the Herbie look from the Volkswagen Beetle all those years ago, Up throws away the rule book for small cars in Australia. And probably the most important departure from normality is the price. Up! starts from just $13990 plus on roads with Northstar VW at $16900 drive away. We'll be showcasing the new Up! in the coming weeks - or as soon as we're allowed - and we promise that you'll be thrilled with the car.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Simple line-up for tiny Volkswagen Up city car

ENTRY to a brand new Volkswagen is set to drop by $3000 in Australia when the Up city car arrives in dealers on October 6, priced from $13,990 plus on-road costs – just $500 more than the base Nissan Micra.

It will be sold in three- and five-door body styles – the latter priced $1000 higher and expected to be the best seller – both powered by a 55kW/95Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with five-speed manual gearbox.

The German company will keep the Up range simple in Australia with just one trim level and a small number of options – but an automatic transmission will not be among them.

Australian-delivered Ups come standard with air-conditioning, electric front windows and door mirrors, an MP3-compatible six-speaker CD audio system with auxiliary input, height-adjustable steering, 14-inch steel wheels and a full-size spare.

A $500 optional tablet-like ‘Maps and More’ unit plugs into a dock on the dashboard and to provides a five-inch touch-screen with satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and infotainment functions plus a comprehensive trip computer with efficient driving coach system and additional instruments.

Maps and More can also be used away from the vehicle and has a function to guide the owner back to their car, as well as a 32Gb SD storage card for MP3 music.

The ‘comfort style pack’ adds 15 inch alloys, front fog lights, leather trim for the steering wheel, handbrake lever and gear shifter, contrast-stitched ‘leatherette’ upholstery, heated front seats and front and rear carpet mats for $2500.

A ‘comfort drive pack’ is $600 and adds cruise control, a multi-function instrument display and rear parking sensors, which gain a visual distance guide through the Maps and More system.

A panoramic sunroof with wind deflector and blind is $1400 and metallic or pearl paint is $500.

A coup for the sub-light segment is standard autonomous city emergency braking, which operates between 5km/h and 30km/h and warns the driver of an impending forward collision and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not respond.

The rest of the standard safety equipment list comprises front and front-side airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and hill holder and seatbelt reminders for all positions.

The Up has achieved the maximum five-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP.

However there are no full-length side curtain airbags to provide side impact protection for rear passengers and rear parking sensors are optional.

Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Anke Koeckler suggested that although the Up enters the Australian sub-light city car segment already populated by the likes of the Nissan Micra, Holden’s Barina Spark and the Suzuki Alto, it almost creates its own segment because it offers “benchmark safety, benchmark technology and benchmark efficiency”....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

It's so close we can taste it.

This Thursday, September 20th 2012 sees me flying to Melbourne for the VW National Business Meeting and Friday our introduction and drive day for the all new Volkswagen Up! And as you'll see in the headline and read in the story, Volkswagen Australia has dropped a bombshell in the market starting Up at $13990 plus on road costs which equates to $16,900 on the road drive-away nothing more to pay. Oh, that's our price anyway - you may have to pay more from some other dealers.

And at that price you'd probably expect some exclusions and you'd be right. Up doesn't get standard Bluetooth, gets pop out rear windows, seats 4 instead of 5 but does get a City Emergency Brake System usually reserved for luxury brands and more expensive VW's such as Passat and CC.

If you want to experience Volkswagen Up! in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Volkswagen has dropped a bomb on the new-car market by introducing a small car for just $13,990.

The diminutive Up small car – to be sold as a three- and five-door hatchback - is one of the cheapest cars on the market undercutting Korean, Chinese, Thai and Indian-built runabouts.

The Up could also have an impact on the used-car market by enticing buyers who may otherwise have bought a second-hand car. Volkswagen is typically seen as a prestige brand and not a price leader but the Up could turn the bottom end of the car market on its head.

The Up will also be the cheapest Volkswagen offered in Australia since the 1980s.

The new Up will be feature class-leading safety features – including an advanced emergency braking system - but misses out on some features taken for granted in new cars.

A five-door Up sells from $14,990 and a Comfort Style pack – with 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, leather-trimmed steering wheel, handbrake lever and gear shifter, leatherette interior, heated front seats and floor mats – adds $2500.

Cruise control and reverse parking sensors are offered in a combined package and can be added for $600. A sunroof adds $1400, and metallic paint costs $500.

Volkswagen says the new Up, which is powered by a tiny 1.0-litre engine putting out just 55kW of power and 95Nm of torque, will bring a new level of refinement to the bottom end of the market.

It’s also claimed to offer the friendliness and simplicity of the original “people’s car”, the Beetle, but with “the rational appeal” of the Golf that has seen sales grow by more than 400 per cent since 2000.

It will also bring a full-sized spare tyre.

But the Up is also clearly built to a price. The rear windows don’t wind down, they only pop out. And there are only four seats where most competitors have five.

Wireless Bluetooth connectivity – fast becoming a must-have for all new cars, even budget models – is only available with an optional $500 clip-in satellite-navigation system that also includes a trip computer.

However the Up has an advanced crash avoidance system until now reserved for luxury cars or more expensive models.

The City Emergency Braking system uses lasers to detect an imminent rear-end collision and can automatically apply the brakes. The system is claimed to potentially avoid crashes at speeds less than 30km/h and minimise the impact at higher speeds.....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Volkswagen is all about value.

The surging Australian dollar has brought benefits to Australian VW buyers in extra specification at the same price. MY13 model in VW Passat gets Navigation, Auto Tailgate, Reverse Camera and more - valued at around $3000 - at the same price as the MY12 version. Touareg benefits in much the same way. The range is all about the driver - and that's the way that Volkswagen is growing it's market in Australia - fantastic value for money.

I sat next to a gent on the way back from Melbourne recently and the conversation turned to cars. He'd just purchased a Hyundai I30 for his wife, but couldn't stop talking about how he'd missed out on a Golf at $20900 and he was kicking himself - "If only I'd known about that offer"

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

VW gives Touareg a lift, but ‘still in discussion’ with factory over V8 diesel

VOLKSWAGEN has ramped up the value of its mid-size Passat and flagship Touareg SUV ranges with extra equipment in refreshed 2013 models to go on sale next month. However, the company is keeping the lid on potential plans for a V8 diesel Touareg, saying it is still talking with the factory about the 4.2-litre variant that it has already quietly homologated for Australian sale.

As GoAuto reported last month, the petrol V6 FSI Touareg has been dropped, creating an all-diesel line-up that, like the Passat, gets a rear-view camera and sat-nav as standard equipment across the range in revisions for the 2013 model year...read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

Every week or so, my wife Suzi reminds me that she gets the first Beetle that arrives in to our stock next year.

So iconic is the Beetle in her mind, that forgoing all other brands and models, she wants one and if I'm to keep the peace at home, then it will be Black, a DSG and have leather trim. Beetle has been available for sale in overseas markets for some time - but we've had to be patient to see it down-under.

Looks like an April 2013 launch, maybe earlier, once the launch of Up! and Passat Alltrak is out of the way. It will probably launch before Golf V11, which is a good thing, as the new Golf will sweep all before it.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

Single launch variant for VW Beetle in Australia

VOLKSWAGEN looks set to keep things simple when it launches the second-generation New Beetle in Australia early next year, with just one variant – powered by a 118kW petrol engine – approved for sale here. Volkswagen Group Australia manager of press and PR Karl Gehling today confirmed the single-variant Beetle line-up.

“That’s all there is,” he said, adding that receiving official Australian Design Rule (ADR) approval for import would not bring forward the planned launch date. ...read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Be quiet  - be wery wery quiet, we're going Golf hunting.

By the time that the seventh generation Golf hits out shores in March 2013, they won't be any need to be quiet about new Golf. From its launch in Berlin this week, to the Paris Motor Show later in September, the world will know all about this vehicle - only that we down under won't see it till then.

This is the power of the internet - you'll see, know and be well advised about it, but short of touching it or travelling to Europe to see it, you'll just have to be patient.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Volkswagen lifts shroud of secrecy from crucial seventh-generation Golf hatch

VOLKSWAGEN unveiled its larger, lighter and more frugal seventh-generation Golf hatch in Berlin overnight ahead of its public debut at the Paris motor show in late September.

Due in Australia by the middle of 2013, the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s top-selling model is said to be up to 100kg lighter and 23 per cent more fuel efficient than its predecessor, courtesy of an innovative modular platform and a suite of revised four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

The new Golf is crucial to Volkswagen AG’s ambitions of overtaking General Motors and Toyota as the world’s top-selling car-maker.

As expected, the Golf’s exterior styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary, and stays close to the winning formula of previous generations, but the more spacious cabin features a more upmarket design and a wider array of technology.

Despite these claimed improvements, the new Golf will kick off at an identical price point to the previous generation – at least in its home market of Germany.

Among the engine options is an upgraded, direct-injection 1.4-litre turbo petrol producing either 90kW/200Nm or 103kW/250Nm depending on tune, with the latter featuring fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology that temporarily shuts down....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

The Indians are coming - The Indians are coming.

Well not really, but Volkswagen Germany have released images of the new Golf VII ahead of the Paris Motor Show. Why? Well if you were VW and you wanted the most number of people to see this new world car, why not! And the Paris Motor Show organizers may well have had a thing to say about it - ABSOLUTELY.

This new Golf promises plenty and as is typical of Volkswagen will deliver in spades. Lighter, longer, stronger and safer just for starters. In the meantime, we at Northstar Volkswagen have an amazing run out of the current Golf VI with our Spring Sale. Starting from just $20990, the best value on any Golf ever, there's free on roads and dealer delivery, a saving of around $4000

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Volkswagen Golf VII (leaked photo, not official)

VW Golf VII to adopt some styling cues from the Seat Ibiza.

We are only a day away from the official unveiling of the Volkswagen Golf VII and already we have some alleged leaked photos. These three images were published first by Auto Zeitung but we don’t know where these come from and how the pictures were made.

Judging by that somewhat artificial left hand on the steering wheel, those two photos of the interior looks like an animation, plus everything beneath the steering wheel and the lower part of the right passenger side is black. If you have a closer look at the center console you’ll notice that it is a bit towards the driver’s side.

As a reminder, the seventh generation of the Golf is going to be longer, wider and lower than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase will also grow.....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Dr Martin Winterkorn says that Volkswagen have enough on their plate for now.

Porsche, Ducati, Man Trucks have been recently added to the Volkswagen portfolio and now's probably the time to bed these brands down into the VW juggernaut.  Not that anything will ever be off the radar - Proton, Alfa Romeo have been rumoured.

If you're in the market for a 5 seater Commercial vehicle with plenty of load space, then you need to see the vehicles on offer this month from Northstar Volkswagen. We've got a "Bulk Buy" of 2010 Build, MY 11 Model, Aug 2012 Compliance Volkswagen Transporter Crew Vans in Manual and 7 Speed Direct Shift Auto. Auto's from $45k and manuals for around $42k. All come with a Volkswagen 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty, 5% interest for businesses with an ABN and are eligible for the governments $5000 accelerated depreciation allowance if you qualify.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Volkswagen Passat CC facelift

CEO says 12 brands is enough... for now

Volkswagen has been gobbling up automakers for years, but it looks like the company's massive expansion has been halted.

Speaking with Handelsblatt, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed the company isn't planning to buy anymore automakers as he noted "We have enough to do at the moment in taking our twelve brands to where we want to be."

Winterkorn also said he wants the company to grow in Southeast Asia...read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Can you ever imagine a car that you could drive to Sydney AND back using only 10 litres of fuel?

A car that you could use as your daily commute for a month and only having to pay $10 for that precious fuel?

Imagine no more. Volkswagen is already one of the most frugal car companies in the world as far as economy goes - we already have Golf Bluemotion achieving under 4 litres per 100klm, Passat Wagons, with fuel economy of less than 5 litres per 100klm and the XL series vehicles under development by Volkswagen aim to go a lot lower than this.

Why? The fact of the matter is that the world is running low on fossil fuels. W don't have the low fuel warning light blinking just yet, but make no mistake that the world fuel gauge is less than half full. Companies such as Volkswagen have determined that to succeed and prosper in the future, that alternatives have to be found. The XL1 Volkswagen shown at the Qatar motor show is one example of the technical brilliance of the Volkswagen engineers and designers.

Less than 1 litre per 100 kilometres (0.9l/100klm) would have been considered in the realms of fantasy a few years ago, but reality today. Long dead is the concept of V6, V8 and V12 engines for all but the privileged few.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Volkswagen last year showed the third version of the XL1 at the Qatar motor show.

Volkswagen is preparing an ultra-frugal car for production.

The diesel-hybrid coupe - an un-named development of the decade-old 1L (for 1.0 litres/100km) concept - is capable of less than 1 litres/100km (260mpg) yet can top 160km/h.

The refined version of the one-cylinder diesel-hybrid XL1 now has a two-cylinder diesel mated to an electric motor and has batteries that are charged both while driving and via a plug-in cord. Volkswagen last year showed the third version of the XL1 at the Qatar motor show. It was later caught testing the coupe in cold weather and this month was spotted in Spain for its warm-weather tests.

It is a further development of the 2011 XL1 concept that is a two-seater, and has its origins in the tandem-seat, single-cylinder 1L of 2002 that weighed just 290kg and claimed an astonishing 0.99 L/100km. Volkswagen updated the concept in 2009 as the L1 which retained the tandem seating but added a two-cylinder engine, effectively a Golf 1.6-litre turbo-diesel cut in half then mated to a 10.4kW electric motor.

It had a top speed of 160km/h, accelerated to 100km/h in 14.3 seconds and had emissions of 39g/km CO2. The latest XL1 is different again, now a plug-in hybrid that achieves 0.9 L/100km (260mpg) and CO2 emissions of 24g/km. The 800cc, two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is rated at 35kW/121Nm and the electric motor at 20kW/100Nm.

The two power plants work together or separately and the XL1 can travel up to 35km on electric power alone. Its length and width are similar to the Polo - 3970mm long and 1682mm wide - but it is only 1184mm high. Volkswagen says the 2011 model has a governed top speed of 158km/h and accelerates to 100km/h in 11.9 seconds. In February, Volkswagen said it intended to build a limited series of XL1s starting in 2013.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

It must be exciting times for Volkswagen in Germany.

The new Golf Mk7 is due for launch on September 4th and from all accounts, including this pre-release YouTube video, it promises to be everything that we expect it to be. It's first public viewing will be at the Paris Motor Show. It's not a completely new model but a generational change - a bit bigger, a bit lighter and a bit more environmentally aware. Better CO2 ratings, better fuel economy. Expect it to launch at Northstar Volkswagen in March 2013, but I'll bring you more information over the coming weeks.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

A new teaser video for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf has surfaced on YouTube.

The car is still covered by a sheet, but the clip reveals several images of the vehicle's body shell and MQB platform. There's also a slide that says the car will weigh 100 kg (220 lbs) less than the current model and be up to 23 percent more efficient.

It will come with a number of high-tech features including emergency city braking, fatigue / traffic sign detection, lane assistant and adaptive cruise control. We can also expect "progressive" steering, LED fog lights and a locking front differential.....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

You'll see it online way before you see it in the flesh - bloody Europeans always get the first deliveries of any new model.  September 4th is D Day for launch. It's lighter, longer, wider and lower, which means better fuel economy and a bit more power. If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Official details about the upcoming Volkswagen Golf VII revealed.

We are getting closer and closer to the launch of the highly anticipated seventh generation Volkswagen Golf. It will be unveiled on September 4th and now we know that the German automaker has managed to shave off 100 kg (220 lb) compared to the Golf VI by using stronger steel for minimizing the metal content, which will result in a 23 percent lower fuel consumption and 13.9 percent less CO2 emissions....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

I come across a lot of customers in my day to day walks around the Northstar dealership and it's really satisfying to have a chat to them and talk about their experiences and travels in their cars.. I also receive plenty of comments from customers via email and Facebook.

Two in particular that come to mind are Dale and Patsy Slight - Possums on the Road and Denis Benson. Now there's a story about Denis - he's been a customer for a good many years. In my Torque Ford days, and that's a while ago, Denis and his mum bought Ford's from us and always had them serviced with Torque.

Mrs Benson passed away a few years ago, but Denis has just recently purchased  new Volkswagen Amarok from Northstar, trading in his old Falcon Ute. Denis sent me this email a few days ago.

Hello Bob,

I just wanted to let you know how really pleased I am with the Amarok.  At this time I am on my way back home to Bribie from the outback  and wanted to let you know how really good the dual cab has been.

First of all it has done  everything I wanted it to do. I'm towing a 18 foot van which weighs around 2 tonnes plus some tools to do a job in Winton. The fuel economy towing was around 12.5 litres a 100kms which was to me very good. We did a day trip to Lark Quarry to where the footprints are of the dinosaurs are and then along the dirt road to Old Cork Station and home along the Diamantina development road to Winton.

With all the bulldust and outback roads it handled it so good and no dust in the cabin at all. I really do enjoy driving it as it handles so well and cruises along at 1800rpm in 6th gear with little or no noise in the cabin.

As you know I waited quite a while till they came to Australia and they are at home in the middle of Brisbane or on a dusty remote road in the outback. So to me it has done all I wanted it to do and the pleasure of driving it makes it really good to own. I will get a photo to you when I can Will call in one day for a quick hell.

Best regards

Dennis Benson.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au  or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Volkswagen has released details of the 2013 Golf ahead of its debut.

Volkswagen says the Golf has increased 56mm in length and 28mm in width, but has shaved 28mm off the height. The cabin gets a space boost with more length, leg and shoulder room, while a  top-up of 30 litres luggage capacity to bring the boot area to 380 litres – now accessed through a wider opening.

Ergonomics experts have been through the interior, resulting in more steering column adjustment and changes to the placement of the driver’s seat, gear lever and pedals.....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

How cheap are these Vans?

At a recent meeting with Volkswagen Commercial vehicle Managing Director, Phil Clarke, he announced a limited run of Caddy and Transporter vans.

And yes - any colour you like as long as it's white, but if you're looking for a van for your business then you shouldn't look any further than Volkswagen. And the even better news is that not only are you getting a really great van, but there's also warranted for 3 years and unlimited kilometres. And to define unlimited, think 1,000,000 if you could even do that in three years.

If you'd like more information on either Caddy or Transporter call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

VOLKSWAGEN Australia has slashed the price of entry to its commercial vehicle range with the introduction of limited-edition ‘Runner’ versions of both the Caddy and Transporter.

Only 200 examples of the Caddy Runner are available while the Transporter Runner is limited to 350 units.

Both are pitched as more utilitarian than the current entry variants on which they are based, featuring special hard-wearing ‘Runner’ interior trim “equipped to withstand the rigours of daily deliveries of courier drivers in Germany”.

Priced from just $29,990 driveaway, the diesel-powered Transporter Runner substantially undercuts key rivals in the medium-size van segment including the Hyundai iLoad ($34,490) and Toyota HiAce ($36,990), both of which require extra for on-road costs, widening the price gap even further.

The sharp starting price represents a significant reduction over the standard Transporter TDI 250, which retails for $36,740 plus ORC ....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Beetle Convertible to go on sale in the United States by the end of this year

Yummy - whilst the hard top version of the new Beetle goes on sale here in the first three months of 2013, we probably won't have to be second or third in line for the convertible. Given the Right Hand Drive will be well settled by the time this goes into production, history tells me that the time lag isn't so long. Perhaps late 2013?

The Bugster is a soft or rag top, so it won't cause EOS too many problems, but with its style and power options, it may push the Golf convertible out the back door. VOLKSWAGEN has announced that the convertible version of the new-generation Beetle will be launched in the United States late this year as a 2013 model. The soft-top – which has yet to be officially revealed – will also come to Australia, but probably not until late next year.

Only two weeks ago, Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Anke Koeckler said the long-awaited second-generation Beetle coupe range had been delayed until early 2013 after originally being scheduled for late this year due to a heavy launch schedule for the company.

If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

And the Beetle Convertible will not be launched here until sometime later so it does not draw attention away from the mainstream range. Volkswagen of America says the Beetle Convertible will feature “a fast-acting top that preserves the sleek lines of the coupe”....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

The game's on - Volkswagen had a V10 diesel engine in the previous iteration of the Touareg but dropped it from the range in favour of the 3.0 litre V6 diesel and 3.6 litre petrol engines.

Well the petrol version has proved to be spectacularly unpopular - the large SUV market moved on from unleaded engines a while ago and that seems to be the signal for the V8 to be introduced as Ron Hammerton from Go Auto suggests.

VOLKSWAGEN seems set to up the ante with its Touareg SUV, gaining official Australian Design Rule (ADR) approval for a new flagship 4.2-litre V8 diesel stump-ripper that might become VW’s first $100,000 vehicle in this country.

Eighteen inch alloy wheels are expected to be standard, but alternatives up to 21 inches should be available. So far this year, VW has sold a handy 858 Touaregs in Australia, taking a 10 per cent slice of the over $70,000 large SUV market segment....read more

If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

2011 VW Touareg, 27.08.2010

Volkswagen Germany could launch a CC version of the successful Touareg as early as 2015.

The BMW X6  proved crossovers could be successful even if they skimped on capability in the name of fashion. This has spawned a new segment that will soon be flush with entries such as the Audi Q6 and Mercedes MLC.

Now, Autobild is reporting that Volkswagen is "seriously" considering joining the fray with a new model that could be called the Touareg CC. Little is known about the crossover, but it would likely be based on the next-generation model and have coupe-like styling...read more

If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

The seventh generation of the Volkswagen Golf is due to shed it shed its camouflage at the Paris Motor Show in late September. And we're in for a reasonable wait for the new model, probably due in Australia in late March 2013.

Why do we wait so long? Simple really - the majority of the world production for any European or American build is for Left Hand Drive (LHD) with only Australia and South Africa as the 2 'large' right hand drive markets, whilst Japan and the UK can have both LHD and RHD. So much for the imperial influence of mother England.

In the meantime, If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

The seventh generation of the VW Golf VII is scheduled to premiere at the beginning of September in Berlin.

The production for the upcoming Volkswagen Golf VII will start at the beginning of this month, before the car's public premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September. Before that, the world premiere of the compact hatchback will happen on September 4th at a special event which will be organized at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin.

As seen in previous spy shots, the design of the Golf VII will be an evolution of the outgoing sixth generation of the compact hatchback, but the biggest changes are underneath since the car will be sitting on the company's MQB platform that has been used on the new Audi A3 and the recently introduced Seat Leon....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

"Amarok service centres in remote locations to help VW tap lucrative mining market"

I've had a bit of experience with mining companies over the years. I first tapped into the sector via a fleet management company which necessitated frequent trips to the Capricorn Coal mine at Middlemount. I was amazed then and still am at the torture vehicles are put to in the mining communities, let alone down in the pits.

Toyota has had it so good for so long, but it's not surprising to see the competitors coming out of the woodwork in the last couple of years. There's Mazda, Ford, Isuzu D Max, VW with Amarok and even Mahindra, the Indian based manufacturer now making a space in Australia. The great advantage that Toyota had was that it's vehicles could be serviced by local mechanical shops close to the mines. The thought of having to drive an hour or 2 for a routine service was not on the radar. And that's where Volkswagen has a challenge.

Volkswagen vehicles are amongst the most technically innovative vehicles in the world and need to be connect to the VW diagnostic system to check on up to date programming, recalls, in service updates and the like. With my relationship with Complete Taxi Management, VW have been reluctant to share access to their systems, making an initial investment in the diagnostic computers and access to the VW mainframe very expensive. CTM have invested the necessary, but diagnosis on nearly 100 vehicles requires trained technicians, whilst mechanics working on mine vehicles are a different story.

Mine vehicles need to be working - and they work hard. When they're down for maintenance, they have to be turned around quickly and that's the biggest test for Amarok in the mine space. Who knows. If logic prevails then that might just open the door for other specialists to gain access to the same technology.

If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth. 

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

VOLKSWAGEN is targeting lucrative mining fleet contracts with its rugged Amarok one-tonne ute range by setting up special service centres in remote areas of Western Australia and Queensland that cannot support a full dealership.

Mining giant BHP Billiton recently announced it has joined the growing number of fleets that will only buy vehicles with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and VW wants to capitalise on this opportunity for the Amarok by reducing potential objections about servicing costs and convenience.

Speaking at this week’s launch of single-cab and automatic Amarok variants, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia national aftersales manager Phil West said a number of service centres will be operating in remote areas of WA such as Newman, Karratha and Broome by the end of this year.

VW is also holding a dealer event at Kununurra in northern WA this week to showcase the Amarok’s suitability to harsh environments.

Mr West said that for the past two years VW has been working with rural dealers to make sure they are “ready and positioned well to meet the market”.

“What we need to do is make sure that we have the capability in the network to support us… but clearly some of this market is clearly within an area that wouldn’t normally support a dealership,” he said.....read more

 

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

My first car when taking on the Volkswagen franchise nearly 3 years ago was a CC - a 4Motion (all wheel drive) and I fell in love with the brand there and then. VW CC as did the Passat CC exuded class in a vehicle that looks twice the price.

Apart from badge snobbery, CC matches it with all the other luxury car entrants save for one thing - the price. So if you can avoid HAVING to park a Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Lexus in your driveway, you owe it to your wallet or bank manger to test drive Volkswagen CC.

If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth. 

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

 The Volkswagen CC is priced to go up against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

 The VW Passat CC, the first four-door coupe in its market segment, has been replaced by a new model, this time simply called the Volkswagen CC. Volkswagen wants the CC to have its own separate identity in the automotive world.

VALUE

The Volkswagen CC is priced to go up against the likes of the Audi A4,BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The CC 125 TDI starts at $54,990, the V6 FSI $64,990. And with a long list of options, buyers are invited to add their own touches of exclusivity.

The classy car only goes to add a further dimension to the ever expanding luxury sedan market. These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Volkswagen dealer for drive-away prices.

Standard features are comprehensive and include driver fatigue detection, satellite navigation, rear-view camera and front comfort head restraints with added front-rear adjustment.

There is more help for the driver with an assistance package that includes Side Assist and Lane Assist, which warn of vehicles in blind spots if you haven’t set the mirrors correctly, and prevents unintentional wandering between lanes by intervening in steering. There’s even Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, and City Emergency Brake function.

Optional features include active climate control and ventilated front seats with black Nappa leather upholstery that now incorporate a massage function. There’s room for three people in the back....read more 

  

Commentary By Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen for new Amarok

An interesting commentary from Karla Pincott - the other genders opinion of a typically male dominated vehicle. Whilst most journalists will take about entry and departure angles, towing capacity, Karla looks more at the design, comfort and the like, and good on her.

As I see it, ute's have generally found their basis on the parents heavier truck range and have been downsized to suit. Isuzu D Max is typical of the combatants - Spirit of Truck - with all but VW having that heritage. Along comes Amarok, based on at the worst a 4WD and at best on a passenger vehicle chassis. The product of that is a smooth ride, great interior noise reduction and a sweet gearbox, now available as the world's first 8 speed automatic on this type of vehicle. 

And then there's the safety factor - VW is renowned for their 5 Star ANCAP safety rating and it's not left behind in Amarok. As with most other of their passenger vehicles, Amarok achieves a 5 star rating based on European tests and will undoubtedly achieve the same when a vehicle is crashed in Australia. If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth. 

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

This is a solid blend of hardy workhorse and some creature comforts that make working life a bit more bearable.

 The Amarok range has just been bookended with a single-cab version to attract the tradies, and an eight-speed auto – the first in a ute here -- for the weekend warriors (and tradie bosses).So badge snobbery comes to the building site, and cashed-up contractors can get a European vehicle to broadcast how well they’re doing.

PRICE AND MODELS

There’s a dizzying list of 24 different models by the time you choose from the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, bodies and spec: Trendline, Highline and Ultimate.

The single-cab chassis models start from $24,490 for the 118kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol (with a six-speed manual driving the rear wheels) and move to $27,490 for the 90kW/340Nm turbodiesel version, while the 4WD 120kW/400Nm turbodiesel will ask from $35,490 (with ute bodies adding an extra $1500 across the range).....read more 

 

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen Brisbane

It always seems that we're behind the game when it comes to the launch of new models. The USA already has the new Beetle hardtop and even before we get the same car, they're up for the convertible. The luck of having LH Drive I suppose.

Australia is one of the few countries to have RH drive. South Africa, New Zealand, share the LHS of the road, whilst those in the UK and even Japan can choose from either. Which leads to the question as to why? So why do we drive on the LHS? Without research it's an interesting question so feel free to enlighten me. 

With the ever increasing number of LH imports arriving from the USA, perhaps it's time to consider LH drive as an option. If you want to experience VW in the flesh, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth. 

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 894 655

 

Volkswagen has confirmed the Beetle Convertible will be launched later .....Read More 

  

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

I've been in the motor industry for a long time - over 35 years - and during this time Toyota Hilux has held the mantle of the top model in the 4WD ute market. There's been contenders and some pretenders over that time, but Hilux still holds the "I am King" title.

In recent years, the tsunami in Japan, floods in Thailand and the relentless pursuit of Toyota by the other manufacturers has put Toyota Hilux under the spotlight. Seems that they won't get away any longer with higher prices and lower safety relying on the badge to retain market share.

Volkswagen Amarok took the battle to Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Mazda last year with the release of the dual cab Amarok and this year the battle intensifies with single cab and more importantly the automatic version. The 8 speed auto model is due for launch in August and will certainly put the cat amongst the proverbial pigeons for the balance of 2012.

If you want to be one of the first to experience auto Amarok, call into Northstar VW at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Northstar is only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Nambour, Noosa, Kingaroy and the Sunshine Coast. You can also shop online at www.northstarvw.com.au and check out my reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au .

The eight-speed auto quickly endeared itself on the long transport stage

Stuart Martin road tests and reviews the new Volkswagen Amarok auto at its Australian launch with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Good things come to those who wait - apparently - so the Volkswagen brand is hoping the eight-speed auto Amarok will be a very good thing indeed.

The German brand's answer to the dominant Toyota Hilux has been longing for an automatic and it now has one, at least in the top-spec all-wheel drive models. There's also a single-cab version to get the German brand's steel-capped boot in the door of the workhorse market.

VW Australia managing director Anke Koeckler says she is happy with Amarok sales but a single cab and an automatic will have an impact in getting more on the streets.

"We are going to have access to customers which we didn't have in the past, so our dealers are experiencing new customers, rural Queensland are getting more new customers in particular, then they experience our whole model range," she says.

"With the auto the mix is quite significant, in business, private and tradies, the auto gives us more sales opportunities," Ms Koeckler says. The ZF-sourced eight-speed auto - that in differing incarnations has already done some time in BMW, Land Rover and Audi products - is now hooked up to an upgraded twin-turbo diesel all-wheel drive train.

The Argentinean-built Amarok (it means The Wolf to the Indians in northern Canada) uses the traditional torque-converter-equipped auto teamed with a Torsen centre differential - the company has conceded the tougher duties beneath an LCV meant a DSG wasn't going to cut it, particularly in low-speed manoeuvring.....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Having been in the motor industry for over 35 years, it's truly amazing at how far commercial vans have come since I started.

I sold the Ford Falcon Van and Ute and Escort Van  - no air bags, no power steering, some with no Air Conditioning and they'd only recently fitted 4 wheel disc brakes. They were cheap, build quality was questionable, but when they were fitted out with curtains and a mattress, they became the cult car of that generation.

How things have changed - ABS Brakes, Electronic Brake Control, Traction Control, Electronic Safety Program, Diesel Engines, 5 star NCAP safety ratings, seating for up to 7 and economy to die for.

It's a great pleasure then that my company, Northstar Volkswagen have the best of the best in Caddy. From the base Caddy van up to the Caddy Maxi Life 7 Seater with DSG transmission - the industry has come a long way.

If you'd like to find out more about Caddy for commercial or private use, Transporter, Multivan, Crafter or even the new Amarok Auto, then visit Northstar Volkswagen at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane airport or a leisurely drive from Caloundra, Noosa or Bribie Island.

If you can't afford the time, shop online at www.northstarvw.com.au will provide the information on our range of light commercial vehicles, www.lovemyvw.com.au will showcase our monthly specials and www.mycarreview.com.au will reveal more reviews, road tests and other information

Volkswagen's Caddy is the state's top seller....Read More

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

When you buy a luxury car, do you buy the price of the badge or do you buy what the car can do?

There's a lot of people out there who'll spend $5000 or even $10,000 to buy a BMW, Mercedes, a Lexus or even an exotic just cause it's got a badge that other people will notice. it sort of says 'Look at me' - and I'm just as guilty as the next person. I've got 2 motorbikes in my garage - A Ducati Diavel and a Victory Hammer which just scream the same thing out.

For those people who are realists and don't buy the badge - and this commentary is for you, you have to look at the new Volkswagen CC. It's just a car that does everything really well, without the premium of the aforementioned badges. There's not a lot that you can add to a CC that doesn't come standard. If you're looking for the ultimate in safety, sure you can add adaptive cruise control and a lane change warning system (If you were in Europe, you could also expect a speed sign recognition system too) but apart from these 2 items, CC is arguably amongst the safest cars to drive in the world.

We're expecting our first shipment of Volkswagen CC any day now, but we still have one of the current models left. Volkswagen Financial Service are offering a 3.8% finance package as an incentive to move this last one. If you're in the market for a beautiful luxury car, check out the offer at lovemyvw.com.au or to view the new car visit northstarvw.com.au

You'll find Northstar at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula just a 15 minute drive from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Bundaberg, Noosa and the Glass House Mountains. Call Northstar Volkswagen on 1300 894 655 or 07 34808600

Jason Smith and his VW specialists will look forward to welcoming you to our modern air conditioned showroom. Take your time, have a beautiful Nespresso Coffee and take in the atmosphere that is Northstar. Children? Let them loose in our special Wiggles Children's Room - they'll enjoy the experience just as much as you will driving our cars.

It’s a business class cabin: upmarket fit-out, plenty of gadgets and comfortable seats – at least in the front.

Karla Pincott road tests and reviews the new Volkswagen CC with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Volkswagen is aiming to move its Passat-based four door coupe upmarket, but is keeping prices down.

The reborn former Passat CC (Comfort Coupe) has been renamed – now just CC to its friends – repositioned and reloaded with ammunition to take value potshots at German and Swedish rivals.

The CC is the flagship for the local line-up, and needs to amplify its premium stance to get more attention in a marketplace where nearly every brand has become a clawing profile climber.

To read the full review on new Volkswagen CC click through to the Carsguide web site. Karla Pincott drove CC recently and share's her thoughts. What do you drive Karla - are you a Badge girl or a Value for money person ...read more

Commentary By Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Fresh details of the 2013 Golf GTI have surfaced including the suggestion that it could be the first Volkswagen to have an alloy floor and roof. The new Mark 7 Golf is due in Australia next year, probably about March.

Spied recently near the Nurburgring for testing under heavy camouflage, it's rumoured that the car will run on the MQB platform, develop 194kw (6kw more powerful than the current Golf R) and get to 100km in less than 7 seconds, according to Autocar.

And yes there'll be the Golf Officiandos waiting patiently for this new generation Golf GTI, but in the meantime, there is no reason for us ordinary people to wait. The current Golf range is on drive away specials at the moment - that means a saving of over $4000 as we pay the on roads and dealer delivery until June 30th.

Call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula or shop online at northarvw.com.au. To check out the drive away offers visit lovemyvw.com.au

New details are starting to emerge about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

According to Autocar, the model will ride on the MQB platform and feature an aluminium floor and roof. The car is also expected to have a VAQ front differential which uses an electronically-controlled Haldex clutch for improved handling.

Power will reportedly be provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine that develops 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) - 52 hp (39 kW / 53 PS) more than today's model. This should enable the hatchback to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than seven seconds.

Volkswagen Golf VII GTI spied

2014 Volkswagen Golf VII GTI prototype spy photo

Volkswagen is gearing up to launch the all-new seventh generation Golf at the Paris Motor Show later this year. The high volume model is considered to be amongst the most important models under the VW Group umbrella, but the quicker GTI version will have to wait until next year for its launch.

Our spies caught a prototype of the VW Golf VII GTI when it was testing near the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, no doubt heading for a high speed testing run. Engineers have spared no expense in the camouflage department by keeping the majority of the styling elements covered, however we did catch a glimpse of the honeycomb grille.

Under the skin lies the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform which also underpins the new Audi A3 series. It is lighter and more flexible than its predecessor and contributes to a 100kg (220lb) weight loss over the sixth generation model.

Power will come courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-liter unit that will produce around 240 PS (177kW/237hp) that will enable the model to beat the 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 seconds that its predecessor made.

The Volkswagen Golf VII GTI will arrive in dealerships during 2013. Read More

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Get Finance Now

Matt Darby outline's the role of the finance department in a modern car dealership.

The finance and Insurance department in a car dealership is more than just a profit centre, it's where customers who want to purchase a particular vehicle will determine the affordability of that vehicle.

From talking to our customers, we find that their bank and credit union aren't all that interested in funding the vehicle - lack of interest, higher rates and charges and then the approval and documentation process can take weeks. A dealer finance manager can generally have an approval on the spot for most customers or overnight at the worst.

Why does this happen? Finance in dealerships is an important aspect of the business and rather than a side line, it comes down to right person, right place, right time. I've had personal experience with the delays that banks make and prefer to deal directly with my own finance guys.

If you're in the market for any personal or business items, whether they're motorcycles, boats, office equipment, caravans, motor homes or for any worthwhile purpose, give our finance team an opportunity. Call 07 34808600 or visit our web site getfinancenow.com.au  A simple online application will have you on the road to a quick approval

The nature of vehicle dealerships is that often each department has its own budget that they must work to.  This often means that each department in the dealership is working in isolation from the others.  

As a generalisation, the competitiveness of the used vehicle market often means the used vehicle department is the most willing to invest in new technology and services to market their vehicles online.

Everyone knows the value of finance and insurance to a dealership - for many it is the most profitable aspect of their business.  This being the case is there not an opportunity for the used vehicle and F&I departments to work together to benefit both?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes!  Used vehicles and F&I are closely linked in "real life" so why is this not seen more often in the digital space?  This may be due to lack of communication, political or budgetary reasons or simply not knowing how F&I can be involved in online marketing.  

Whatever the reasons, there are a number of tactics that can be used to more closely integrate F&I with online marketing of used vehicles.

Finance application forms

The most obvious place to start is by ensuring that the dealership website includes a finance application form.  This is, obviously, included on the finance page of your website but should also be integrated with your used vehicle pages.  

After all, where is the logic in a browser finding a vehicle they like, then having to leave the page to find out whether they can afford it.  Dealerships can use a stripped back finance enquiry form or a fully fledged finance application form depending on how well you know your customers.

Displaying finance rates

Finance rates often make a vehicle seem more appealing than the listed price.  The logic behind this is that seeing a weekly or monthly finance rate helps put prices into perspectives that customers can understand.  $69,990 may seem unreachable to most, but when broken down into a monthly repayment, potential customers are able to rationalise their decision.  

Displaying these rate on the stock page can be a straightforward process that is simply a case of including a fixed finance rate in your used vehicle listings - i.e. Finance from $XXX per month.

Finance calculators

Finance calculators take the next step from finance application forms and displaying finance rates.  A finance calculator allows customers to work out exactly what they can afford to pay by adjusting a number of variables such as deposit and length of term but keeping the finance rate constant.  

This helps make the process more personal for a browser and searching by finance can be a more relevant way for some browsers to search.

Finance & Insurance in email marketing  

The three tools listed above focus on the area of used vehicle presentation on a dealer’s website.  F&I can also play a part in email marketing communications.  Many dealers are effective at promoting special finance rates but few drill down to market these on individual used vehicles.  

Imagine how much more effective this could be if the email recipient receives an email with a selection of used cars all listed with a monthly finance rate that he or she can relate to.  A car they like quickly becomes a car they can afford when it is presented in this manner.

Finance can also be important in retaining customers that have previously purchased a vehicle from you.

Emailing new models with finance rates to customers that are nearing the end of their lease term, or are three years into their finance repayments, is a great way for them to see how easy it would be to upgrade for very little added expense.

All of the above tools are available to dealerships.  If it doesn't exist as an off-the-shelf product then think about getting it purpose-built for your dealership - this is certainly worth the investment if it results in more finance enquiry.  

To be truly effective, online dealership departments MUST work together - not just the F&I and used vehicle departments but also the new vehicle, parts, service and admin departments.

Volkswagen is considering another SUV to join the Tiguan (shown) and Touareg in its lineup.

 is considering adding another crossover to its product portfolio as it takes aim at ambitious sales targets in the United States and overseas markets.

“It's a part of our vision for the future,” Volkswagen  Group of America CEO Jonathan Browning said.

The vehicle would have SUV-style cues, and Browning said it's being discussed by company brass.

Speaking before a luncheon crowd in Detroit on Tuesday, the VW exec said there's “a great opportunity for a midsize SUV.”

He declined to offer specifics or timing. Volkswagen already sells the Tiguan and Touareg crossovers in the United States. Another ute would allow VW to reach a broader spectrum of customers in the competitive U.S. market.

There's a strong possibility that the future ute would be based on the Volkswagen Group's so-called MQB platform, which launches on the Audi A3 and the VW Golf and will be used for more than 40 of the company's models by 2017. The platform is said to reduce costs and speed development time.

•    Volkswagen presents a new special edition of the Beetle at the Leipzig Auto Show

•    Standard concert-quality Fender Premium Audio System

•    Interior features "Sunburst" dash and contrasting stitching

•    Brushed chrome side mirrors, 18-inch "Disc" aluminum-alloy wheels

•    Fender logo displayed in chrome

First seen as a concept car at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in 2011, the production version of the Beetle Fender Edition makes its world debut at the Leipzig International Auto Show. Volkswagen's iconic coupe is not only fitted with the outstanding premium Fender© sound system, but also visually demonstrates its affiliation with the American musical icon.

The Beetle Fender Edition stands out with unique interior and exterior styling. Its distinctively painted dashboard features the quintessential sunburst color of Fender guitars, and the vehicle's interior is accented with color-contrasting seams that complement the dash's colors. Beetle Fender Edition vehicles equipped with the 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI© engine will receive seats with exclusive fabric inserts. Outside, all Beetle Fender Edition vehicles are painted in Deep Black Metallic and also feature brushed chrome exterior mirrors, 18-inch "Disc" aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, and the famous Fender logo.

The Fender Premium Audio System debuted in the Jetta GLI in the U.S., but the Beetle is the first VW vehicle in Europe equipped with the high-performance sound setup. Using proprietary Panasonic© speaker technology, the system cuts through noise and other distraction with front dual-voice coil speakers to create a soundstage closely akin to a true, live performance. The concert-quality audio won CNET.com's "Best-sounding car stereo" award.

The Fender Premium Audio System includes no fewer than nine speakers along with a 10-channel amplifier providing 400 Watts of system power:

• Four Fender DeluxeTM Tweeters

•    Two-ohm soft dome with neodymium magnet

•    Wide frequency range and extension

•    Incredibly low distortion

•    Excellent off-axis performance

•    Reveals the harmonic richness of voices and instruments

• Two Fender TwinTM Speakers

•    20-cm with dual-voice coils

•    Ribbed polypropylene honeycomb cone

•    Wide frequency range and extension

•    High power-handling capability

•    Lightweight and low distortion

•    Two Fender Rear Speakers

•    16-cm with neodymium magnet

•    Ribbed polypropylene honeycomb cone

•    Smooth midrange response

•    One Fender BassmanTM Subwoofer

•    20-cm with dual-voice coils

•    Lightweight and high-efficiency neodymium magnet

•    Glassfiber-reinforced foamed paper

•    Super-low distortion

•    High power-handling capability

•    Powerful and precise bass response

The Beetle Fender Edition will first go on sale in Europe and will be available in America in the fall of 2012. Pricing will be announced at a later date....Read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

We're always getting teased through the press releases we see of Volkswagen vehicles being rolled out for various international markets and this is another

Whilst we have the Golf Cabriolet here in Australia, we're yet to see the GTI version. The jury is certainly out on whether we'll get it a Northstar - sales have been ok but not as consistent as they should be.

And there's no reason really. A great car to drive, rag roof works really well and there's no better feeling than going topless. We have perfect weather for it, yet our southern cousins in Victoria keep selling more. Go figure!

If you're interested in open top motoring, check out the Golf Cabrio and big brother the VW EOS.  Drop into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula or visit our web site at www.northstarvw.com.au . As to specials, www.lovemyvw.com.au should be the place you visit for all our current specials. For more information on Volkswagen and any other brands in our portfolio, check out www.mycarreview.com.au .

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is making a return in topless form for the first time since the first generation, a fact that is sure to create quite a buzz for enthusiasts. To feed that lust a little further, Volkswagen has presented the first videos as well as a bunch of new photos for you to feast your eyes upon.

The GTI Cabriolet will be the final variant of the sixth generation Golf before the new model arrives next year. It boasts a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 210 PS (155 kW / 208 hp) and 206 lbs ft (280 Nm) of torque that is mated to a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox.

It accelerates slightly slower than its hot hatch sibling with a 0-100kph(0-62mph) time of 7.3 seconds and is capable of reaching a speed of 237kph (147mph) if equipped with the manual transmission (2kph slower with DSG). Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6L/km (31 mpg US / 37 mpg UK) while CO2 emissions are 180g/km.

The GTI Cabriolet features an electricaly powered fabric roof that can be open or closed in 9.5 seconds at speeds of up to 30kph (18mph).

The first available models will arrive in dealerships on June 22nd, pricing is yet to be announced.

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.