While our VW Passat CC long-termer has gone in for some bodywork after a hit-and-run incident, we picked up a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg to test-drive in the meantime. And it’s not just any Touareg, but the new 4.2-litre V8 version that debuted a few months ago, and that too in pricey “Exclusive” trim.
Volkswagen Middle East showed off three new models at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, destined for showrooms in the UAE and other GCC countries. The first one is the facelifted 2012 VW Tiguan, which has already been on sale for the past month. The second is the VW Scirocco R joining the VW Golf R, finally making its local debut after two years since its European intro. And the third is the VW Amarok, the Argentinian-built pickup that seemingly targets both the poseur-class and the working-class crowds.
If you keep track of automotive news, you’ll know that the facelifted new “2013” Volkswagen CC has just been unveiled. It gets a straight new corporate face and some LED-specific enhancements. And from what we can see, our “older” CC arguably looks better. Of course, it will take a while before the redone model reaches UAE shores, so we’ll reserve judgement for now. Right now, we had to deal with our car becoming the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
One of the world’s largest carmakers Volkswagen, has just revealed a rejuvenated-for-2013 Volkswagen Passat CC, or just VW CC rather, ahead of its official debut at the forthcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.
If the “Highline” model wasn’t fancy enough, Volkswagen have launched an “Exclusive” edition for the Passat priced at an equivalent Dhs 165,637 for the sedan and Dhs 171,634 for the Varient wagon in Europe.
With the possibility of a Polo R to spice up the already-crowded Volkswagen GTI line-up looking bleak, VW has gone ahead and released two R-Line aesthetic packages for its smallest hatchback.
Our freebie Volkswagen Passat CC has now completed its break-in period, so we’re finally getting to open up the throttle and listen to that 3.6-litre V6. The same engine powers the new VW Touareg as well as the pricey Porsche Cayenne V6, and we loved the motor in those SUVs.
Back in the early days of summer this year, we asked Volkswagen Middle East if they’d be interested in providing us with a long-term car. We were fine with any car, as long as it was for a decent amount of time, and we even offered to pay part of the cost. They soon got back to us, offered us a VW Passat CC V6 for no cost, and even let us choose the colour. While we didn’t ask for any specific colour, we found it rather astounding that VW would import a brand-new unmolested car from Germany just for our test.
Riding the green wave, Volkswagen Middle East participated in the second stop on the Western leg of the Asia Pacific Natural Gas Vehicle Associates (ANGVA) Green Highways 2011 event held in Dubai recently that is dedicated to raising awareness among local industries of the importance of making natural gas and energy efficient cars available.
Volkswagen has always been known to make some of the best campervans, none of which are offered here in the Middle East, thanks partly to the vast desert terrains and climate, and partly towards the tendency of the customers to opt for SUVs when it comes to choosing a large family hauler. Towards the West, however, there is a good demand for such mini mobile-homes purpose-built for campers; and the Volkswagen California Multivan is one of them.