Volkswagen unveils new Polo, Jetta, CC models

Three new Volkswagen models, the all-new Polo, Jetta and Passat CC have been unveiled by the Volkswagen Centre, Lagos.
The launch, according to the Volkswagen Centre, is in fulfillment of its pledge, earlier in the year, to rekindle the profile of the Volkswagen brand in Nigeria.
The trio of Polo, Jetta and Passat CC are VW’s newest sensation in the fervently competitive ‘A,’ ‘B’ and ‘C’ segments of the global passenger car market.
Unveiling these cars at a press meet in Lagos, Mr. Manish Daryanani, head of sales and marketing, The Volkswagen Centre Lagos told local automobile media that Volkswagen is the original and top selling marquee of the VW Group and the biggest German automaker and second largest automaker in the world.
While also saying VW’s Golf, Beetle and Passat models rank among world’s top 10 lists of best selling cars of all time, Mr. Daryanani said Volkswagen is yet unrivalled among automakers that spend the most money on R&D (Research and Marketing).
This initiative according to him prompted the re-evaluation of the trio of Passat CC, Jetta and Polo to meet the growing demand for excellent, elegant, comfortable and functional cars with value for money.
The local automobile media later discovered these attributes in the VW models during a mock test drive that commenced at the VW Centre through Falomo, Ikoyi to Onikan via Ahamadu bello Way through Bar Beach and back to the showroom at Akin Adesola / Kofo Abayomi Streets Victoria Island Lagos.
Mr. Daryanani explained that this Polo is manufactured in India and is currently in its 5th generation with bigger dimensions than the previous MK2 or MK3 cars.
“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,” VW sales and marketing helmsman affirmed.
He however described the Polo as a unique blend of style, economy and practicality that lifts above many other superminis on the market - “Thanks to its classy interior and excellent build quality which makes it feels more like a bigger car. It’s 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 etc.
Mr. Daryanani also said the car will be available in the local market at an introductory price of NGN2, 990, 000 with excellent value for money proposition to interested buyers.
The Volkswagen Jetta on the other hand 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.
Customers will delight in VW Jetta’s generous 3-year/36,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance program, he said.
From whichever angle you look at it, the Jetta, without doubt, looks more like a Passat, but underneath, its pure Golf which means tried and tested components and parts, Mr. Daryanani noted.
He also 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 according to him has excellent grip, feels secure and has responsive handling with nice and sharp steering.”
Meanwhile, the heat insulating tinted glass from the B pillar backwards reduces sunlight by up to 65%, helping to ensure a pleasant temperature in the passenger compartment and also providing additional privacy.
What’s more the front centre armrest with spacious storage compartment allows you to keep your essentials close to hand and within easy reach, while the cover keeps items out of sight of prying eyes.
Standard Equipment in the 2013 Jetta includes lengthy list of standard features such as keyless entry, power windows, AM/FM/CD player, cloth seats, and manual air conditioning system with pollen filter and folding rear seats.
Also reassuring on reliability, the VW Centre marketing helms man said the new Jetta couldn’t deliver less given its tried-and-tested gearboxes and components that put the car well ahead of competitions.
The full range of airbags, including curtain units, electronic stability control and anti-whiplash headrests all fitted as standard as in the Golf makes the car one of the safest in its class, little wonder it secured the full five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests.
And for the ‘C’ segment Passat CC; Mr. Daryanani explained that the CC is largely unchanged since its emergence as a 2009 model. “But for 2013, it adopts new styling cues that bring it in line with its more-modern upscale siblings.”
Still a replica of the original concept of ‘four-door coupe’, the Volkswagen CC combines the dramatic styling of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan.
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.
He 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.
The CC’s connection to the old Passat is most visible in its sophisticated cabin, soft-touch materials, fit and finish excellence and overall intuitive design with flowing and polished exterior.
“We are convinced the CC’s exterior will win over most buyers just as its overall look is elegantly reassuring with details like a relatively low, sloping roofline and sleek lights contributing to the attractive, expensive-seeming mien.
Changes for the latest model year also include a simpler, more conservative grille and headlamp design that brings the look more in line with Volkswagen’s mainstream Passat and Jetta offerings, Mr. Daryanani noted.
However, the standard engine for the CC is a smooth and torquey 1.8 litre Turbo FSI four cylinder engine that delivers 160bhp at 5100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque starting from 1800 rpm.
Also available with standard six-speed manual or an optional dual-clutch automatic that VW dubs the DSG is the motor that helps the CC hit 120kmph from a stop in a touch over seven seconds.
Experts rate fuel economy in the new CC at 21/32 mpg while the manual and automatic-equipped cars carry a 22/31 mpg rating.