Mirror Drive: Volkswagen entices Nigerian car lovers with three new variants

[Mirror]

The introduction of Volkswagen's New Polo, Jetta and CC models will further raise the appetite of Nigerian car lovers as the latest models are arguably the best in their class.

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is the sixth generation of the brand since the introduction of the brand name by the auto company; it is a combination of hi-technology and rigidity. The design was created in Mexico while the Germany supervised the full production including the parts.

The latest brand of Jetta has daytime running lights, offer optimum illumination giving the driver better visibility in poor weather and ensuring your vehicle can be seen more clearly during the day and adding a stylish detail to the exterior.

The electric slide glass sunroof provides an extra dimension of light and space, filling the interior with natural light. Easily operated at the touch of a but t o n and the tilted position enables you to enjoy light and fresh air whatever the weather conditions, while the tinted glass offers protection against strong sunlight, ensuring a pleasant interior temperature Unveiling the car at a media conference last week, the Head, Sales and Marketing, The Volkswagen Centre, Lagos, Mr. Manish Daryanani, said Jetta is the saloon version of the Golf or a manageable alternative to the larger dimensions of the Passat, but built using the same platform as the previous generation Golf and same high standards as the rest of the VW range.

Daryanani said that customers will delight in VW Jetta's generous 3-year/36,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance programme. From whichever angle one looks at it, the Jetta, without doubt, looks more like a Passat but underneath, it is pure Golf which means tried and tested components and parts.

He said, "As with the rest of the VW range, the Jetta is well constructed from high-quality materials, but we will offer only one engine variant –the 85kw, 105bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine with automatic transmission.

This variant has excellent grip, feels secure and has responsive handling with nice and sharp steering".

He said the heat insulating tinted glass from the B pillar backwards reduces sunlight by up to 65 per cent, helping to ensure a pleasant temperature in the passenger compartment and also providing additional privacy.

While the front centre armrest with spacious storage compartment allows you to keep your essentials close to hand and within easy reach and the cover keeps items out of sight of prying eyes.

Undoubtedly, the Jetta has one of the most spacious cabins and largest trunks in the class. With four engine and four transmission choices, the 2013 Jetta has one of the most diverse powertrain lineups in the class.

It ranges from the base S trim, which has a 115-horsepower, fourcylinder engine and a standard five-speed manual transmission, to the GLI model, which has a 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a standard sixspeed manual transmission or optional dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With the base engine, the Jetta has an EPA-estimated 24/32 mpg, which is low for the class. However, thereis also a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that yields an impres- sive 30/42 mpg city/ highway. One of the best things about the Jetta's cabin is its size. Both the front and rear seats have plenty of headand legroom for adults, making the Jetta one of the most spacious models in the class.

The Volkswagen Polo is manufactured in India and is currently in its 5th generation with bigger dimensions than the previous MK2 or MK3 cars. Daryanani informed that while it is no longer a mini hatchback as it used to, but a sedan version, the Polo now has a much more versatile interior with excellent fuel economy.

Polo is a unique blend of style, economy and practicality that lifts above many other super minis on the market, thanks to its classy interior and excellent build quality, which makes it feels more like a bigger car with a very comfortable to drive.

He said, "The Polo is offered in 1.6litre automatic transmission (A/T) with 77kw and 105bhp with all safety and security options including dual airbags, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in with CD layer, multifunctional steering and other features". The first generation of Volkswagen Compact Cool (CC) vehicle was introduced in January 2008.

The current one is a development over Passat. With updated styling and seating for five, auto critics like the changes Volkswagen made to the CC for 2013.

Auto stakeholders are happy with the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2013 CC, saying it is strong enough to possibly dissuade some buyers from the pricey V6 option. They really rave about VW's DSG automated manual transmission, noting quick, smooth shifts. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are also available.

All-wheel drive is only found on the top VR6 4Motion Executive trim, and all other trims are front-wheel drive. The base CC with the automated manual earns an EPA-estimated 22/31 mpg city/ highway, which is average for the class. A lot of auto critics like the sporty, comfortable handling of the CC, but one thinks its ride is too firm. Many automotive reviewers note that the steering is quick to respond and the brakes are strong.

The CC is a good place to spend time because of its high-end materials, solid build quality, intuitive control layout and leatherette seat material, which is better than some of the ones found in its competitors. Like the Mercedes-Benz CLS that sparked this emerging segment, the CC now seats five, providing easier access to the rear seats than a normal coupe.

Volkswagen has in addition updated the CC with more standard equipment with revised exterior styling, the VW helmsman noted. Daryanani said the CC though shares basic features with outgoing version of the Passat sedan, the latest version is enlarged, de-contented with dreadful luxury to appeal to young and upwardly mobile executives.

National Mirror

[Folami David]

When it comes to lovers of cars amongst nations and countries all over the world, Nigeria must be there. I totally agree with this one big time!