Archive for the ‘Volkswagen’ Category

Budget 2007, VED rates and Audi and Volkswagen Cars

Budget 2007 VED

Budget 2007: VED rates (Vehicle Excise Duty)


Budget 2007: The effect of changes in VED rates for Audi and Volkswagen models

Greetings Comrades……

In the light of yesterday’s Budget announcement regarding Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), based on the CO2 output of a car, it is worth looking at the ramifications for Volkswagen and Audi models.

Here is the specific section of the Budget which relates to the changes in VED rates –

Click here to read more
(Point 7.78 – page 21 in the above document)

To précis:

Band G cars (226g/km +) : Most significantly, owners of vehicles which emit 226g of carbon dioxide or more per kilometre (g/km) will now pay £300 when renewing their annual tax disc, up from £210. This represents a 42.8% increase on 2006/7 figures. From April 2008, this figure will rise to £400.

Band B cars (101-120g/km): The rate for low-carbon band B cars will be reduced to £35 (from £40) in 2007-08, with that rate then frozen for the subsequent two years

Bands C to E: The rates for graduated bands C-E, cars registered before 2001 and all light goods vehicles will be raised by £5 in each of the next three years;

Band F :The rates for graduated band F will be raised by £10 in 2007-08, then £5 in each of the subsequent two years;

What does this mean for Volkswagen and Audi models?

We made a basic search on the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) website , on New Car Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Emissions Figures to find out.

Methodology:
A search of Band G VED by manufacturer (Audi / Volkswagen) was made in both petrol and diesel categories. The resultant data was then sorted by ascendant C02 emissions data for each model.

Please note, as per the specific guidance given on the VCA website:
- The banding system for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), based on the CO2 output of the car, only applies to cars first registered on or after 1 March 2001.
- Also note that only new vehicles are listed on this database, i.e. those currently on the market in the UK.

BAND G Audi and Volkswagen models
Using the above criteria, click here to see the list of Audi and Volkswagen models which fall into the Band G category.

Band B Audi and Volkswagen models

Using the above criteria, the only Band B model is as follows>
VOLKSWAGEN
Polo 3 / 5 Door ( from NOV 06 Wk 45 > )
1.4 TDI (70 PS) S Diesel 119g/km
1.4 TDI (80 PS) SE Diesel 119g/km

What moves are Volkswagen making to produce more environmentally friendly cars?

The Polo BlueMotion is set to arrive in the UK this summer and features revised aerodynamics, a low kerb weight, hard compound tyres to reduce rolling resistance and lightweight wheels to maximise efficiency. These in turn are mated to an advanced three-cylinder diesel engine linked to optimised gear ratios to deliver significant gains in economy and a reduction in emissions. The result is a combined 72 mpg and only 102 g/km of CO2. The theoretical range of the Polo BlueMotion is in excess of 700-miles.
It will be possible to get a preview of the new model at the Sexy Green Car Show which is to be held at the Eden Project in Cornwall between March 30 and April 15 2007.
Similarly, the Passat BlueMotion is set to be released in Germany this Summer (*UK release date not yet confirmed) whilst the Touareg BlueTDI is to be launched in North America in 2008.

 

VW Golf 1.9 tdi brake discs

VW Golf 1.9 TDI Brake Discs


VW Golf 1.9 tdi (2003) brake discs

 

VW Passat turbocharger replacement


VW Passat Turbocharger replacement

Video Summary

  • VW Passat 1.9 TDI (2002) turbocharger replacement - What function does the turbocharger play? Why did this particular turbocharger need to be replaced?
  • Click on the video image below to play (duration: 2:34)
  • Music: “Tolkien: The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings” – courtesy of The Brobdingnagian Bards

  • If you like this music, you can listen to more from The Brobdingnagian Bards here or buy the CDs here
  • VWVolkswagenPassatturbochargerreplacement
    00:31

     

    Audi A2 Headlamp Bulb Replacement

    Audi A2 headlamp bulb

    Audi A2 headlamp bulb

    Picture 1 (top) and Picture 2 (above)


    Why headlamp bulbs are often so difficult to replace

    Not so funny…..

  • Q: How many people does it take to change an Audi headlamp bulb?
  • A: One, but often with plenty of difficulty!
  • If you have ever wondered why, perhaps, that such high cost is often attached to changing headlamp bulbs, these photos may go some way to explain why.

  • Picture 1 : This shows the actual headlamp itself. If you look closely, you may just see fingers (on the right hand side) trying to guide a new bulb into place. Sounds simple ?! The reality is somewhat different…
  • Picture 2 : This picture shows, with the aid of a mirror, just how intricate and complicated (:downright fiddly) the design and placement of the bulb is – which proves just how very,very difficult it can be to replace bulbs.
  • It is a moot point, but worth asking nevertheless, about the logic applied to the actual design and placement of the bulb as they are often not at all straightforward to replace.

     

    VW Golf Bump Stops and Shock Absorber

    VW Golf Mk 3 Bump Stops

    Picture 1: Comparison between an ‘old’ and new bump stop - VW Golf Mk 3 (1998)

    VW Golf Mk 3 Shock Absorber and bump stop

    Picture 2: How the bump stop is fitted to this particular shock absorber


    VW Golf bump stops and shock absorber - VW Golf Mk 3 (1998)

    Shock absorbers act to dampen the ’springiness’ of the ride.

    Bump stops are fitted to the vehicle to prevent the top of the wheels from coming into contact with the body. This can occur if heavy weight is carried in the vehicle or if a vehicle, for example, goes around a roundabout at a fast speed.

    When shock absorbers become faulty, they lose their ability to dampen the ride and consequently the suspension will feel very ‘springy’ and the roadholding will be affected.

    In this case, Picture 1 the bump stop has perished and has gone back to its natural state. Compare it to the new bump stop.
    Picture 2 shows how the bump stop is fitted to this particular shock absorber.