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As introduction to Volkswagen CC, the 4-door coupe version of Volkswagen Passat is facelifted in third quarter of 2012 in Malaysia. It is now known as CC instead of Passat CC.

Previously, the pre-facelift model of Passat CC in Malaysia is powered by 200PS 2.0-litre TSI engine. After the facelift, the CC is now powered by 160PS 1.8-litre TSI engine instead. Is the engines between 160PS 1.8-litre and 200PS 2.0-litre makes a difference? The answer is yes, in both performance and fuel efficiency.

General speaking, Volkswagen CC is similar to Passat B7 besides having a sleeker and dynamic body styling. For Malaysian market, Volkswagen introduces two variants for CC – 1.8 TSI ‘Comfortline’ and 1.8 TSI ‘Sportline’. Apart from that, the CC is added with Adaptive Chassis Control and dual electric adjustable front seats comparing to the Passat. In addition, the CC share a similar cockpit design with the Passat.

The power plant of the Volkswagen CC 1.8 TSI fitted with a combination of 160PS 1.8-litre TSI EA888 engine and 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The Volkswagen CC is compatible with RON95 unleaded fuel and capable to fill up to 70 litres within a single tank. Although the Volkswagen Passat B7 1.8 TSI is locally assembled in Malaysia, but the CC is still fully imported from Germany.

Based on the spec sheet, the CC is claimed to be capable to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. However, I can feel the CC is a little heavier comparing to the Passat B7 1.8 TSI, especially at the low range. The kerb weight for CC 1.8 TSI is 1,521kg, while 1,517kg for Passat 1.8 TSI B7. Somehow, the unconvincing performance must be something to do with the extra weight and tiny 1.8 engine. Personally, I preferred the Passat B7 1.8 TSI more.

The Volkswagen CC ‘Sportline’ is upgraded from ‘Comfortline’ with brushed dark alumimium decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim panels, upgraded in-car entertainment with DYNAUDIO ‘Confidence’ 10 speakers and 600W premium sound system, ‘Interlagos’ 8J x 18” alloy wheels with self-sealing tyres 235/40 R18, panoramic tilting glass roof, ‘KESSY’ keyless entry and starting system, and ‘Rear Assist’ rear view camera.

The Volkswagen CC ‘Comfortline’ is fitted with 235/45 R17, while the ‘Sportline’ with 235/40 R18. Basically, the width and rims offset are the same but the rims are 1-inch larger in diameter.

Drawback? I found this 4-door coupe doesn’t come with any roof handles at all corners and the rear headroom is pretty tight as well. Perhaps this is due to its low roofing design.

Do check out the photos of the new Volkswagen CC ‘Sportline’ which I have tested on the below. The Volkswagen CC Comfortline priced at RM 225,888.00, while the CC Sportline priced at RM 243,888.00 in Peninsular Malaysia. Standard across all Volkswagen Cars in Malaysia from Volkswagen Group Malaysia, the car comes with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-year mobility guarantee for total peace of mind motoring and enjoyment.

Our rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7.25/10

Performance:  ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10
Exterior:   ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Interior:   ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Safety:    ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen CC 1.8 TSI Malaysia

At the 32nd International Vienna Motor Symposium, the Chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, announced that the Volkswagen Group will be going into production with a range of important models with plug-in hybrid technology starting in 2013/14.

The electric car will impact the future of individual mobility in crucial ways – and Volkswagen is spearheading this technology. Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential, because it combines the best of two worlds in one vehicle, said Winterkorn. The plug-in hybrid offers precisely what many customers expect: unlimited internal combustion engine performance combined with attractive electric mobility ranges in everyday driving. Moreover, Winterkorn noted that there are no limitations to the vehicle’s speed, climbing or towing abilities. He also stated that plug-in technology has excellent potential for reducing CO2 emissions.

Electric mobility is the task of the century for the automotive industry and the European industrial community as a whole. Manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians – everyone must step up to the plate here, said the Volkswagen chairman. Winterkorn spoke in support of more targeted research funding, especially in the field of electro-chemistry for battery technology.

The new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle was unveiled today at events held simultaneously in New York City, Berlin and Shanghai. The New Beetle is a more aggressive take on an icon of cuteness.

According to Volkswagen Global Marketing Director Luca de Meo said We worked on the entire packaging of the car, engine, trunk, interior, everything. Take a close look at it, and it’s clear.

Volkswagen’s newest New Beetle now sports a lower, meaner look than its bubble-shaped predecessors. The 2012 New Beetle is 6 longer, a little over 3 wider and half an inch lower than the old New Beetle, which was last produced as a 2010 model.

In North America, this car will be available with three engine choices: a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder gasoline engine, 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine. According to the German automaker, fuel economy for the New Beetle is improved by about 10%. The non-turbo gasoline engine is estimated to get 29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city with a 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel-engined Beetles gets 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg in city.

The 2012 Beetle will go on sale sometime in September or October, priced very competitive in the mainstream of the marketplace according to VW USA head Jonathan Browning.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

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Malaysia’s auto sales are on track to grow 2% to record 618,000 vehicles this year, although production could be disrupted in coming months by parts shortages after Japan’s massive earthquake and tsunami.

Sales last year in Southeast Asia’s largest passenger car market rose 12.7% to 605,156 vehicles. For the first two months of this year, sales were up 4%, Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Aishah Ahmad said Friday. The 2011 sales forecast of 618,000 vehicles will be reviewed in July when the situation in Japan is clearer, she said. However, there has been no impact on sales so far.

Japan’s automakers suspended production after the massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11 due to damage to suppliers’ factories in north-eastern Japan and scheduled power blackout. For now, most have only partially resumed production.

According to leading Japanese Automakers in Malaysia (Toyota Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co.), It was too early to assess the impact on their Malaysian factories.

Toyota in Malaysia - UMW Toyota Motor’s President Ismet Suki said overtime work has been halted but there was no cause for alarm yet. We are still assessing the situation but I’m quite confident that the catch-up plans will be quite ambitious, he said.

Honda in Malaysia - Honda senior general manager Azhar Abdul Wahab said stockpiles of parts are sufficient for the next three months, after which production may be hurt if the situation in Japan doesn’t stabilize.

Nissan in Malaysia - According to Ang Boon Beng from Edaran Tan Chong who heads distribution in Malaysia, said the bulk of car parts are sourced from other Southeast Asian nations to take advantage of low tariffs under a regional free trade pact and this has helped to cushion the impact on Malaysian automakers. Nissan plans to introduce an electric car in Malaysia this year, although the launch date may be delayed depending on Japan’s recovery, he added.

The German Volkswagen Group tuning specialist – MTM makes their way to showcase two heavily modified Audi models in Geneva Motor Show. First, the R8 V10 follows by TT RS.

The most impressive and stunning model is the MTM R8 V10 Bi-Turbo that comes with a polished chrome body which took over 700 hours to complete. The supercar fitted with a large rear spoiler, 20-inch forged rims and carbon fibre parts around the exterior. Performance wise, MTM modified and tune up the V10 engine to churn out 777hp and 888Nm of max torque.

Performance summary of MTM R8 V-10 Bi-Turbo:-

- 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds
– 0-200km/h in 9.37 seconds
– 0-300km/h in 19.42 seconds
– Top speed: 350km/h

Next on the TT RS, the 2.5-litre turbo inline-5 engine producing 472hp. MTM also offers upgrade to the braking system to MTM brake VA 380x34mm, dimpled with 8-piston callipers. The wheel also upgraded to 20inch MTM Schmiederad im BIMOTO Design.

Performance summary of MTM TT RS:-

- 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds
– Top Speed: 312km/h

Photo Gallery: MTM Audi for Geneva Motor Show 2011

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