Or should that be remade. I was hoping that this segment on the top-rating BBC show would be about reinterpreting this classic Volkswagen TV commercial from 1985 for the Scirocco GTX. Explosions would have been compulsory, and the boys could have got Stig to do the driving…
Archive for August, 2009
Top Gear Volkswagen Scirocco advert: the one they should have made
Thursday, August 13th, 2009A week in Whitby
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009A week in Whitby
We’d heard that fine, bright, and warm days on the north east coast were few and far between, but we’ve just come back from a week in Whitby, and must have been lucky. Five days out of the seven were lovely, bathing the moors with their not-quite-purple heather in bright sunlight, and letting us leave our jeans packed away in the holiday cottage bedroom drawers.
Away with Nik’s folks once more, this year’s trip to the other side of Yorkshire followed 2008’s visit to the Dales, and 2007’s stay in Cornwall. Yes, we all didn’t tire of each other’s company, and yes, that’s why the man from Volkswagen delivered the Fox the day before we went, so that we could give it a thorough test.
And a thorough test it had. Over 1,000 miles in a week saw us visit picturesque places perched on the coast such Runswick Bay and Staithes, and the terminus of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk, Robin Hood’s Bay. Tiny villages dwarfed by the natural rocky outcrops onto which they’re sprinkled, tales of smuggling and fishing dominate, the small harbours very reminiscent of Devon and Cornwall.
We whizzed around Whitby, too, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, taking sunset snapshots of the abbey, in all its Gothic splendour. Staying just outside the seaside town was perfect for exploring the area in the car. We buzzed around the moors from Scarborough to have a milkshake in the 1950s themed Harbour Bar, as featured in Richard Wilson’s recent TV series, Britain’s Best Drives, and spent a day in the Dalby Forest, also featured in the programme.
The faded Victorian splendour of Scarborough gave way to the twisted lane majesty of York, where we took shelter from the persistent rain in the National Rail Museum, and ate posh afternoon tea in Betty’s, the infamous and stylish café tea rooms local to Yorkshire. Ferried around in the little yellow VW, the whole week added up to what may be called a ‘grand time’ up north.
And although the moors aren’t as picture perfect as the Dales, they do have a stark beauty of their own. The flat heather-covered expanses with roads seemingly draped over them, narrow lanes and coastal hidey-holes with photo opportunities makes the area worth a visit, and completes the Yorkshire picture. They may have differing personalities, but both areas are a must-see. Quite moreish in fact…
Spooky! The imposing 13th century Whitby Abbey at sunset
We’d heard that fine, bright, and warm days on the north east coast were few and far between, but we’ve just come back from a week in Whitby, and must have been lucky. Five days out of the seven were lovely, bathing the moors with their not-quite-purple heather in bright sunlight, and letting us leave our jeans packed away in the holiday cottage bedroom drawers.
Away with Nik’s folks once more, this year’s trip to the other side of Yorkshire followed 2008’s visit to the Dales, and 2007’s stay in Cornwall. Yes, we all didn’t tire of each other’s company, and yes, that’s why the man from Volkswagen delivered the Fox the day before we went, so that we could give it a thorough test.
The picturesque beauty and tranquility of Runswick Bay
And a thorough test it had. Over 1,000 miles in a week saw us visit picturesque places perched on the coast such as Runswick Bay and Staithes, and the terminus of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk, Robin Hood’s Bay. Tiny villages dwarfed by the natural rocky outcrops onto which they’re sprinkled, tales of smuggling and fishing dominate, the small harbours very reminiscent of Devon and Cornwall.
Multicoloured posh beach huts in Scarborough’s north bay
Bridestones in the long and wild fields in the Dalby Forest
We whizzed around Whitby, too, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, taking sunset snapshots of the abbey, in all its Gothic splendour. Staying just outside the seaside town was perfect for exploring the area in the car. We buzzed around the moors from Scarborough to have a milkshake in the 1950s themed Harbour Bar, as featured in Richard Wilson’s recent TV series, Britain’s Best Drives, and spent a day in the Dalby Forest, also featured in the programme.
Richard Wilson, an old Morris Traveller, and a few Goths
The faded Victorian splendour of Scarborough gave way to the twisted lane majesty of York, where we took shelter from the persistent rain in the National Rail Museum, and ate posh afternoon tea in Betty’s, the infamous and stylish café tea rooms local to Yorkshire. Ferried around in the little yellow VW, the whole week added up to what may be called a ‘grand time’ up north.
All aboard! Streamlining at the National Rail Museum
If you’re in Yorkshire, you must have a cuppa at Betty’s
And although the moors aren’t as picture perfect as the Dales, they do have a stark beauty of their own. The flat heather-covered expanses with roads seemingly draped over them, narrow lanes and coastal hidey-holes with photo opportunities makes the area worth a visit, and completes the Yorkshire picture. They may have differing personalities, but both areas are a must-see. Quite moor-ish in fact…
2009 Volkswagen Polo: UK prices and models
Friday, August 7th, 2009
The reviews are in, the group tests have been conducted, and the new Polo has finally been released for sale in Germany. With advance orders of over 24,000 units before the general public has driven the car, it looks to continue the success of its four predecessors. Volkswagen UK has also confirmed an ‘on sale’ date of 16 October, and released pricing details for the new car.
Available to order now in five-door form only for the time being, the stronger, and safer fifth generation Polo is also more efficient, more refined, and more comfortable than ever. Initially seen at the Geneva Motor Show way back in March, the new model is also the priciest Polo ever, with entry-level 1.2 S models pegged at £10,035. The top of the range 1.6 TDI SEL comes in at £14,910.
It lives up to its upmarket image and heritage then, but, more kit comes as standard, and it’s the most grown-up Polo yet. ESP is standard on all models, and as the car is both lighter and more technologically advanced than the model it replaces, it should offer good value for money and class-leading residual values, long a Polo virtue.
At launch, the new car is available in four flavours with five engines. Three petrol and three diesel can be slotted into S, SE, Moda, and SEL trims, with an ‘A/C’ model exclusively for buyers who are keen on climate control. All models come with four airbags and ABS, with the Moda designed to appeal to a younger audience than the Polo has previously attracted.
Once again bringing many ‘big car’ comforts to small car drivers, the new Polo can be specced with a wide range of optional kit including touchscreen satellite navigation, a DAB digital radio, tyre pressure sensors, and electronic climate control.
The much talked about (and arguably most exciting new Polo) 1.2 TSI turbocharged SEL with 105 PS comes late to the party, though; expect it to swagger in at the turn of the year. 2010 will also see the arrival of the latest GTI and BlueMotion models. The only question that needs asking is, when will the three-door break cover? Ah, that’ll be December.
Continuing the success of the outgoing car (which now dates from 2002 remember), Volkswagen anticipates UK Polo sales of around 7,000 units in 2009, increasing to around 37,000 in 2010. Full details of the new Polo can be found here; prices below.
S
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£10,035.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£10,645.00
S A/C
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£10,635.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,245.00
Moda
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,995.00
Moda A/C
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,985.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£12,595.00
SE
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,995.00
1.4 85 PS/5 spd manual/£12,450.00
1.4 85 PS/7 spd DSG/£13,650.00
SE TDI
1.6 75 PS/5 spd manual/£13,205.00
SEL
1.4 85 PS/5 spd manual/£13,575.00
1.4 85 PS/7 spd DSG/£14,775.00
SEL TDI
1.6 90 PS/5 spd manual/£14,910.00