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As Australian drivers continue to worry about increasing fuel costs a leading tyre manufacturer has pointed out that motorists may be wasting as much as 20c per litre due to under inflated tyres.

GT Radial is one of the top 10 tyre companies in the world and their research has indicated that many motorists don't check their tyre pressures regularly enough, leading to under inflation. If a vehicle maintained a tyre pressure at an average of as little as 5PSI below the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, this could translate into increased fuel consumption of 10% or more.

Richard Lyons, Managing Director for GT Radial in Europe said "There is an understandable outcry about the current price increases affecting petrol and diesel but relatively few motorists know about the dramatic effect that tyre under inflation can have on fuel consumption."

"Even a slight level of under inflation increases the rolling resistance of the tyre and means that motorists are losing cents on every litre of fuel and potentially dollars on every tank." said Lyons.

It's an important reminder for Australian motorists as we head back into the warm spring and summer months, when tyres lose pressure more quickly due to higher temperatures. At Tyreright we recommend checking your tyre pressures at least every two weeks.

If you're not sure how to check your tyre pressures or what the correct pressure is for your vehicle, call into one of our Tyreright stores at any time for a free tyre safety check.

Article courtesy of www.tyreright.com.au

• Golf BlueMotion named best value small car under $35K for second year

• Passat V6 Highline leads the pack in Premium Medium car category

Volkswagen Golf and Passat take pole position in the 2012 Wheels magazines Gold Star Value awards.

Adding to its growing list of accolades, the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion has been recognised as the best value small car under $35K for the second year in a row.

Of the Golf BlueMotion, the Wheels judges commented “(The Golf) wins hands down in terms of fuel economy. As for the drive, its 2009 Car of the Year trophy still shines.”

Equally enthused by the Passat V6 Highline, the panel awarded Wheels’ Gold Star for value to the Volkswagen in the premium medium $45-65K segment declaring it the best investment among its rivals. “The Volkswagen is quick, classy, and holds its value…” the magazine states.

Anke Koeckler, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Australia, said of the wins; “The Golf BlueMotion continues to exceed all in its class, again proving Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology is not only good for the environment, but the hip pocket too.”

“What’s more, the Passat V6 achieved a class leading 67 percent with regards to retained value. It’s a feature packed vehicle, for a competitive price.

“Not to be overlooked, the Golf 77TSI, Jetta 118TSI, Golf GTI and Eos were also ranked among the top three in their respective categories. On the whole, this has been another fantastic achievement for the brand.”

Wheels Gold Star Value awards compared vehicles in 16 different categories ranging from light vehicles under $20K to performance cars valued up to $150K across a range of criteria including warranty, fuel economy, purchase price, depreciation, insurance costs, and service schedules and prices.

Courtesy of www.volkswagen.com.au

• Polo GTI wins back-to-back in 2011 and 2012

• Volkswagen GTI models win three years in a row

Volkswagen’s Polo GTI has once again claimed victory over 17 other competitors in MOTOR Magazine’s annual Bang For Your Bucks award.

First, Volkswagen’s Golf GTI won MOTOR Magazine’s 2010 Bang For Your Bucks award. Then, in the following year, Volkswagen’s Polo GTI received the same recognition. Now, in 2012, the Polo GTI has defended its title, winning back-to-back honors as MOTOR’s best-value performance car.

Announced in the September issue of MOTOR, the Polo GTI beat a range of new and returning competitors, impressing judges with its performance, handling and extensive list of standard equipment.

The praise remains high for the returning victor, with MOTOR stating the Polo GTI was an “elegantly stylish, roomy, comfortable, refined, safe, beautifully finished small car that also happens to be a fantastic all-round hot-hatch”.

According to MOTOR: “What the Polo GTI aces without question are the fundamentals of not just every great hot hatch but every great car.”

Standard technical equipment in Volkswagen’s hottest Polo include 7-speed DSG transmission, ESP and XDL extended electronic differential lock, as well as signature GTI interior trim, badging and iconic red-framed GTI grille.

Courtesy of www.volkswagen.com.au

As part of its on-going expansion, Trivett increases its stable of prestige automotive marques, launching a Volkswagen Passenger dealership in Blacktown.

The Trivett group reaffirms its position in the Australian marketplace as Australia’s Largest Prestige Automotive Group by opening a Volkswagen Passenger dealership. The new dealership will take Trivett’s total to 23, operating in 5 locations across Sydney and Melbourne. The new dealership is located in the automotive precinct on the corner of Second Avenue and Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown and currently shares facilities with Trivett Skoda, Trivett Honda and Trivett Select Prestige Pre-owned vehicles.

The new Volkswagen Passenger dealership complements the existing VW commercial vehicle offering with Trivett now selling the entire range of Volkswagen vehicles – including sedans, wagons, cabriolets, SUVs, People Movers, Utes and Vans. Models include Polo, Golf, Scirocco R, Jetta, Passat, EOS, Tiguan, Touareg, Amarok, Caddy Van, Caddy People Mover, Transporter, Caravelle, Crafter and Multivan.

Visit Trivett.com.au/Volkswagen to view our range.

Mother & Baby Magazine have announced the Passat Wagon 125TDI as the Family Car of the Year in this year’s inaugural Australian Mother & Baby Magazine Awards.

The Awards are celebrating the star baby and toddler-related products and innovations across 27 categories which were tested by a specialist panel as well as a group of mums.

Fiona Wright, Editor-In-Chief of Mother & Baby Magazine announced: “We are thrilled to launch the 2012 Australian Mother & Baby Magazine Awards. Over the past six months we’ve thoroughly tested every product, making sure it does its job, and does it well.”

The expert panel recognised the Passat as a great package: “You get premium-car specs, like leather trim, dual-zone aircon and touchscreen display for family-car money.”

The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 125TDI offers harmony between safety and convenience for every family. It comes with a long list of standard features including eight airbags, the Volkswagen Driver Fatigue detection system and parking distance sensors with the Optical Parking System integrated in the radio display.

The standard BlueMotion Technology ensures everyday fuel savings with an integrated Start/Stop System as well as brake energy recuperation and a coasting function.

A particularly practical feature are the optional child booster seats with lateral cushion support and removable lateral head restraints, which can be integrated into the outer rear seats. The 603 litres of boot space turn the Passat into a weekend warrior able to cope with all family members as well as their belongings.

Courtesy of www.volkswagen.com.au

Jaguar and Land Rover came waway winners at the recent Australian International Design Awards. Displaying product leadership and brand strength, Jaguar and Land Rover each received an award in the Automotive & Transport category of the acclaimed annual awards.
The Range Rover Evoque has taken out the 2012 Design Award Best in Category - Automotive & Transport and was announced at a gala event in Sydney on Friday evening. This now sees Range Rover Evoque's award tally reaching more than 100 global accolades.

The judges commented that "The Evoque is very good value considering exceptional fit, finish and features. A bold form that is turning heads".

The Evoque saw off stiff competition from other automotive entrants including Audi Q3 and Hyundai Veloster.

The Australian International Design Awards judges also acknowledged the Jaguar XFR as a leader in the Automotive & Transport category.
Jaguar's philosophy of innovative, seductive performance forms the strategy for the Jaguar product range. Each model combines a stunning exterior with luxurious, contemporary interior design that's the result of the talented design team led by Design Director Ian Callum. These aesthetic qualities, complemented by technologically advanced engineering under the skin have made the XF a multi-award winning product.

Presented by Good Design Australia, the Australian International Design Awards is Australia's longest running design recognition program.

Land Rover came away winners at the recent Australian International Design Awards. Displaying product leadership and brand strength, Land Rover received an award in the Automotive & Transport category of the acclaimed annual awards.

The Range Rover Evoque has taken out the 2012 Design Award Best in Category - Automotive & Transport and was announced at a gala event in Sydney on Friday evening. This now sees Range Rover Evoque's award tally reaching more than 100 global accolades.

The judges commented that "The Evoque is very good value considering exceptional fit, finish and features. A bold form that is turning heads".

The Evoque saw off stiff competition from other automotive entrants including Audi Q3 and Hyundai Veloster.

Presented by Good Design Australia, the Australian International Design Awards is Australia's longest running design recognition program.

Kia’s International Design credibility blooms
Trifecta of prestigious awards confirms styling journey

A trifecta of prestigious international design awards has confirmed what the public and media experts have been saying _ Kia stands out from the crowd.

Kia’s baby Rio, winner of the Carsguide Car Of The Year for 2011 and Australia’s Best Car for the Light Cars under $20,000 segment, picked up a pair of prestigious international awards for its styling, quality, innovation and practical capabilities.

The Rio was awarded a 2012 Red Dot Design Award in March this year against the best the world has to offer, and backed up this month with a bronze medal in the transportation design category of the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) program, administered by the Industrial Design Society of America.

Since its inception in 1955, the Red Dot Design award has become one of the world’s largest and most recognized design competitions. This year 1800 companies from 58 countries submitted to the Red Dot product design category.

The new Kia Rio was awarded thanks to its “powerful personality, created by a distinct wedge shape, a low roofline and its metal-to-glass ratio”. The jury praised not only the Rio’s self-contained design, but also its sound workmanship. Kia has won six Red Dot awards since 2009 with vehicles like the Soul, Optima and Sportage.

The IDEA awards are decided on by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and recognize designs that affect a person’s quality of life in 18 categories. This year, the Kia Rio received Bronze honours in the Transportation category.

The judging panel cited its fresh, sporty feeling; exciting design, and environmental credentials, saying “the Rio is a car that is extremely attractive with a fresh feeling of sportiness _ a car that people will want to buy for its looks as well as its environmental credentials In the 2012 model Kia created a car that answers consumer demand for more quality, more choice and a more attractive, exciting design.”

The third leg of the design trifecta went to the Picanto which, in addition to a Red Dot Design Award, collected an iF (International Design Forum) Award from the Hanover-based global design recognition organization.

# # # ENDS # # #

For further information, contact:

Kevin Hepworth
National Public Relations Manager
Kia Motors Australia
Tel: 02-9701-1734
Mob: 0412-210-313
Fax: 02-9701-1777
E-mail: khepworth@kia.com.au

Alyson MacDonald
Press & Public Relations Executive
Kia Motors Australia
Tel: 02-9701-1768
Mob: 0411-244-676
Fax: 02-9701-1777
E-mail: amacdonald@kia.com.au

www.kia.com.au

It was exactly a year ago since the first 12C high performance sports car was sold, and McLaren opened its very first retailer in the UK. Twelve months later, sales of the 12C have surpassed 1000 and McLaren has expanded its retail network into 22 countries across the globe.

Managing Director Antony Sheriff said “This is proud moment in time for everyone at McLaren where, in only 12 months, the 12C has established itself as one of the most acclaimed high performance sports cars in the world amongst a very discerning customer. From the day that Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button officially opened our very first showroom in London, McLaren is now present in 38 cities in 22 countries across the globe.

“At the heart of this journey is a single-minded focus on the very highest quality and personal care and support wherever our customers are in the world. That is what
our customers expect after they buy the car, and are just as important as a fast lap time.”

Global retail network in 22 countries
Through four regional offices, each with its own management team, McLaren showrooms are now located in some of the most prestigious locations around the world:
Europe: UK, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Monaco
North America: USA, Canada
Middle East / Africa: UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa
Asia Pacific: Japan, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong

Official opening of the McLaren Production Centre (MPC)
Prime Minister David Cameron officially opened the new MPC in Woking and, during the visit Mr Cameron said that he had never seen anything quite like it. Describing the work of McLaren Group as “inspiring”, the Prime Minister said his visit was a great reminder that Britain still had “world class engineering, world class manufacturing and world class production techniques.” He added "it's visits to places like this that make me optimistic about the future.”

Walpole award for Best British Luxury Brand
McLaren Automotive emerged as the winner from a shortlist of some of Britain’s most revered luxury firms, all of whom exemplify excellence in the luxury sector. On collecting the award McLaren Group & Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis said “We set out to build a world leading automotive business, manufacturing and marketing category leading, high-performance vehicles. To be recognised by such esteemed peers as having also built Britain’s Best Luxury Brand is both an honour and reaffirmation for our team that we are moving in the right direction.”

Launch of McLaren Special Operations
McLaren Special Operations is the new division of McLaren Automotive, responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects for McLaren sports cars – and is headed by Programme Director Paul Mackenzie. “McLaren Automotive already offers 12C customers extensive options to personalise their car. However we recognise some owners have specific tastes and we have the knowledge and capability to design, engineer and produce almost anything a customer may desire for their 12C.” said Mackenzie.

Debut of new 12C GT3
As McLaren GT prepared to enter two cars in the Blancpain Endurance Series race at Magny Cours, the new GT race car manufacturer announced that the first 25 12C GT3 race cars available to purchase for racing in 2012 were sold. Like the 12C road car on which the 12C GT3 race car is based, demand has outstripped supply. The limited production run of race cars has been distributed to customer teams for racing in various championships across Europe.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the VW Amarok, with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Volkswagen has upgraded its Amarok utility with the addition of a single cab and automatic transmission options, together with increased power. All features that are sure to expand the appeal of this popular vehicle to trade buyers.

TECHNOLOGY

Volkswagen Australia launched the first auto Amarok this week, opting not to use VW's own DSG transmission in favour of the eight-speed ZF torque converter box much more suited to off-road work than the harsher dual clutch transmission. The ZF option adds $3000 to the bottom line over the six speed manual variants.

At the same time Volkswagen launched a single cab range to bolster Amarok's dual cab, launched 18 months ago. All models are powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or petrol engines with varying power and torque outputs.

Until now Amarok only came with a six-speed manual shifter, limiting sales for the non-workhorse or sports/leisure buyers. An eight-speed auto is a first for the segment, eclipsing the new Mazda BT50/Ford Ranger duo that offers a six speed auto. The new transmission adds to Amarok's braked towing ability with auto models able to haul 3000 kg, a figure that now applies across the range.

The ZF transmission has a crawler first gear, enabling it to rock hop like a traditional 4WD, tow heavy loads, as well as climb steep inclines – while eighth gear is an overdrive. This allows the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel to saunter along at 1800 rpm while cruising at 110 km/h giving excellent fuel consumption.

Even before the addition of the ZF auto transmission Amarok was the most refined of all the dual cabs, including the new – and highly capable – Ford Ranger/ Mazda BT50 duo. The option of the transmission and associated off-road technology takes Amarok to a new level, more SUV-like, and also has technical implications for the so-called soft-roaders with small four-cylinder engines.

At the same time Volkswagen upped both power and torque in the 2.0-litre bi-turbo-charged four cylinder engine from 120 kW to 132 kW. Torque for the auto shifter leaps to 420 Nm, while the manual variant remains at 400 Nm. Fuel consumption drops to 7.6 litres/100km.

Volkswagen uses the same 2.0 litre high-torque engines found in the Amarok dual cab range, the TSI300, TDI340 and TDI400. (These figures relate to torque output). Buyers can choose between rear wheel drive or 4MOTION AWD with low range in the TDI400 only. All have a six speed manual shifter. Recognising the workhorse role that single cab utes play Volkswagen offer a standard electronic differential lock plus on 4MOTION models a standard mechanical diff lock on the rear diff, while a rear diff lock is a $790 option on 2WD models.

DESIGN

The new single cab Amarok range completes the Amarok stable in Australia. The single cab utilises the same vehicle length and wheelbase as the dual cab Amarok, but the tray bed is 2205 mm long – 650 mm longer than the dual cab - and wide enough to load pallets. The tray can take two pallets loaded sideways and still has 60 centimetres spare length.

The load gap between the arches is 1.22 metres. The all-up total area is 3.57 cubic metres while there are six load-lashing rings fitted as standard. A Volkswagen Australia designed tray sells for around $2100 fully fitted by VW dealerships. There's also enough space behind the seats to store small luggage, lap tops etc.

TOWING

The single cab has a heavy duty suspension able to carry a payload of between 1174 kg and 1394 kg depending on the model. Towing is rated at 3000 kg with 300 kg of downball weight. Across the Amarok range stability control and brake assist are standard.

DRIVING

The transmission has three modes, drive, sport and manual and is connected to Volkswagen's proven 4Motion AWD system. In manual AWD Amarok models the low-range transfer case remains for the 4Motion system.

The addition of an eight-speed ZF transmission to the Volkswagen Amarok utility could revolutionise modern thinking when it comes to commercial workhorse/recreational vehicles. Without the benefit of a heavy and costly transfer case with low range options, the new automatic Amarok made a mockery of the steep hill climbs – even without the assistance of the standard rear differential lock.

The Amarok off-road package includes a button that activates hill descent assist. This is also clever technology that allows the driver to select the hill assist speed required for the descent. We set the speed in various situations between as little as 3 km/h up to 30 km/h, just by feathering the brake pedal. It is a brilliant system for crawling down the steepest of inclines.

VALUE

After three days of putting the Amarok auto through the ringer there is only one conclusion: Volkswagen's auto Amarok changes the goal posts for the commercial and recreational/sports utility segment.

MODEL RANGE

TSI300 2WD Single Cab cab chassis: $24,490 (manual)

TSI300 2WD Single Cab utility: $25,990 (manual)

TDI340 2WD Single Cab cab chassis: $27,490 (manual)

TDI340 2WD Single Cab utility: $28,990 (manual)

TDI400 2WD Single Cab cab chassis: $35,490 (manual)

TDI400 2WD Single Cab utility: $36,990 (manual)

TDI340 2WD Dual Cab cab chassis: $30,490 (manual)

TDI340 2WD Dual Cab utility: $31,990 (manual)

TSI300 2WD Dual Cab cab chassis: $31,090 (manual)

TSI300 2WD Dual Cab utility: $32,590 (manual)

TDI400 2WD Dual Cab cab chassis: $32,490 (manual)

TDI400 2WD Dual Cab utility: $33,990 (manual)

TDI400 4MOTION Dual Cab cab chassis: $41,490 (manual), $44,490 (automatic)

TDI400 4MOTION Dual Cab utility $42,990 (manual), $45,990 (automatic)

TDI400 Trendline 4MOTION Dual Cab cab chassis $44,490 (automatic)

TDI400 Trendline 4MOTION Dual Cab utility $45,990 (manual)

TDI420 Trendline 4MOTION Dual Cab cab chassis $47,490 (automatic)

TDI420 Trendline 4MOTION Dual Cab utility $48,990 (automatic)

TDI400 Highline 4MOTION Dual Cab utility $50,990 (manual)

TDI420 Highline 4MOTION Dual Cab utility $53,990 (automatic)

TDI400 Ultimate 4MOTION Dual Cab utility $58,490 (manual)

TDI420 Ultimate 4MOTION Dual Cab utility $61,490 (automatic)

VW Amarok

Price: single cab from $24,490; dual cab from $30,490.

Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km

Resale: N/A

Service interval: 15,000km/12 months

Safety rating: five-star

Spare: Full-size

Engine: 2-litre 118kW/300Nm turbo petrol; 2-litre twin-turbodiesel four-cylinder 90kW/340Nm, 120kW/400Nm or 132kW/420Nm (4WD); RWD and 4WD

Body: 5.2m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.8m (h)

Weight: 1729-2094kg

Thirst: 7.3-9.6 1/100km, tank 80 litres; 194-226g/km CO2

Review by Ewan Kennedy and courtesy of www.carsguide.com.au

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