Australian Car Advice | News Blog

Sanyo Electric and Volkswagen have announced they will jointly develop lithium-ion batteries, joining an intensifying race to provide the key component for the next generation of hybrid cars.

Sanyo, which has the biggest global market share of lithium-ion batteries used in personal computers and mobile phones, said it would spend $790 million over the next seven years for the project, which aims to begin mass production in 2009.

Volkswagen’s highly successful Golf GT TSI which was released earlier this year now has a permanent place amongst the ranks of VW.

Under the new guise of Golf GT Sport to emphasize its performance credentials, it will now be available in two sporty yet economical models - the TSI and new 2.0 TDI.

The TSI maintains its twin-charged 1.4L engine which produces 125 kW and torque figures more commonly found in larger 2.3-litre models of 240 Nm from 1750 to 4500 RPM with 20 percent lower fuel consumption. This is thanks to its unique combination of an exhaust turbocharger with a mechanically driven supercharger.

The new 2.0 TDI model again focuses on efficient performance, featuring a four-cylinder TDI engine with an output of 125 kW at 4200 rpm and maximum torque of 350 Nm from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, covering 0 to 100 km/h in a surprising 8.2 seconds.

The Golf GT Sport features sports suspension, exclusive 17 inch alloy wheels “BBS ClassiXs”, 225 tyres, 16 inch brakes, distinctive bumper and radiator grille design, twin tailpipes, sports seats and a sports steering wheel which mimic the sporty styling of its older brother, the Golf GTI.

Additional styling features of the Golf GT Sport include a new grille surround in charcoal (formally body colour) and GT Sport badge.

The 125 kW 2.0 TDI engine also makes an appearance in the new Passat Range, where the 0 to 100km/h time is only slightly increased to 8.6 seconds in the sedan version despite the extra bulk.

Pricing

Golf GT Sport TSI six speed manual from $34,990
Golf GT Sport TDI six speed DSG from $37,290

Golf GT Sport TSI six speed manual from $37,490
Golf GT Sport TDI six speed DSG from $39,790

Passat 2.0 TDI 125kW Sedan six speed DSG from $44,990
Passat 2.0 TDI 125kW Wagon six speed DSG from $46,990

Name: Renee
Car Make: Volkswagen
Car Model: Polo
Year of Manufacture: 2005

Warranty Complaint:

I have to express my disappointment with my purchase on my Volkswagen Polo 2005 model.

8 months ago I noticed that my paint on my bonnet and roof is starting to flake away.

I have had arguments with my local dealer who informed me the paint damage was caused by bird faeces and was not under warranty, therefore would not fix the damage.

As the problem continued to worsen, I took my car to a prestige car sprayer who assessed the vehicle and said that no amount of bird faeces would have caused the damage on my vehicle.

Angrily I have been quoted $600AUS to repair the paintwork on my car.

What has frustrated me the most is that I originally paid an extra $900AUS when I purchased the vehicle to extend the warranty on my vehicle for 6 years.

What a waste of money that was when I couldn’t even cover the damage on my paint work.

Volkswagen AUS website states that “factory warranty covers you against manufacturing or material faults and includes a 3 year paintwork warranty. Your vehicle is also protected by a 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty for your complete reassurance”. How false that is.