In the monetary yr 2003 the Volkswagen Group delivered 5,014,911 vehicles worldwide, 0.6% up on the previous yr. The fourth quarter saw signs of an increase in sales. Up to now 12 months the Volkswagen Group again pursued its technique of maintaining the worth of its merchandise, and consequently was restrained in its use of the gross sales incentives generally employed in the business. The primary driver of unit sales worldwide for the Volkswagen Group was the Passat/Santana, with a 14.Four (14.1)% share of the total. The Golf, regardless of the mannequin change-over, achieved a 13.3 (16.1)% share, still ahead of the Polo, which represented 9.0 (10.0) % of whole unit gross sales. The unit gross sales of Volkswagen AG to the seller organization totalled 1,941,311 vehicles, 5.9% down against the earlier 12 months. Of that complete, 67.2 (68.9)% were exported from Germany. In the monetary 12 months 2003 the Volkswagen Group deployed its versatile manufacturing management technique to regulate its volumes to market circumstances. Production totalled 5,020,733 units, 0.1% fewer than in 2002. The new Touran, Touareg and Audi A3 fashions have been properly received by the market, resulting in a gradual improve in production of them. The manufacturing of the joint ventures in China, the market with the quickest sustained progress of all, was elevated considerably to 707,619 (470,635) units. 34.7 (35.5) % of complete production was made in Germany. 2.6%) per working day were produced Group-large. The production determine additionally includes 39,903 Ford Galaxy items, which are additionally included in unit gross sales but not in deliveries to customers. Production on the vehicle-producing sites of Volkswagen AG (Emden, Hanover and Wolfsburg) increased by 3.9% to 993,716 items, primarily owing to the high volumes of Touran modules for Auto 5000 GmbH.
Which means it’s good for 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a high pace of 121mph, which coincidentally are the very same numbers quoted by the 123bhp Fiesta. In reality, the Nissan doesn’t ship these figures in the same sharp manner because the Ford. The Micra could be extra responsive, a bit much less wheezy as you push on, and the new six-speed handbook gearbox may really feel a bit tighter. But it’s an engine that puts the revised supermini very a lot on the same page as the strongly favoured Fiesta. The 10mm decrease and stiffer suspension and steering upgrades included on the 115bhp automotive are another tick in the field. The Micra can’t fairly match the Fiesta for fun, and the Polo is extra cosseting around city. But on this spec, the Micra finds a protected spot somewhere in between. The steering remains just a little slack, however underneath there’s definitely an extra shade of composure on twistier roads. It’s impressively refined at motorway cruising speeds, too. Fuel financial system is quoted at 47.9mpg beneath WLTP rules, and while we’re nonetheless ready for rivals to be updated to the new, more stringent commonplace, we suspect that to be a competitive figure.
Elsewhere, the Micra gets a brand new infotainment unit as part of this early-life replace. It’s nonetheless not the sharpest system in the business, however a welcome upgrade nonetheless. The seven-inch unit mounted in the midst of the dashboard is barely extra responsive than earlier than, and the search perform has been streamlined. There’s a new devoted smartphone app, and voice recognition seems, too. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary on all however the bottom Visia grade automobile. Inside, the Micra stays a reasonably proportioned factor, although headroom is clipped a little bit by the low roofline. A 300-litre boot is strong though, and eclipses most rivals - even beating the newest Mazda 3, which sits in the category above. As for the price, the N-Sport’s £19,005 record worth affords up no real incentive over the similarly powered Volkswagen Polo R-Line, while a Fiesta ST-Line EcoBoost 125 is ever so slightly much less. Furthermore, like most mid-spec sporting superminis, it strays dangerously close to the beginning worth of full-fats hot hatchbacks like the Fiesta ST. To sweeten the deal, Nissan is offering zero per cent interest on month-to-month PCP deals, however. Given that the chassis tweaks are linked to the 115bhp engine and not the trim, you possibly can save extra money and nonetheless bag the best driving Micra by choosing this setup in better value Acenta trim. It’s £1,seven hundred much less, but you’ll need to forego the sporty styling touches.
Honest JOHN AWARDS - The Volkswagen T6 Transporter takes the preferred van award. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ latest technology Transporter has scooped yet another accolade, being named ‘Most Popular Van’ at this year’s Honest John awards. The sixth-technology Transporter was selected because the outright winner within the ‘Most Popular Van’ category forward of 4 different shortlisted commercial vehicles. The van builds on an illustrious heritage to supply a broad range of bodystyles that appeals to a wide audience, as well as class-leading consolation, convenience and safety features and driveability. The new T6 from Volkswagen is cheap to run, practical and built for onerous work. Because of this it has change into the benchmark for all medium panel vans. The Transporter affords two wheelbase options and no lower than three roof heights plus a wide choice of load volumes and payloads to cater for any way of life or enterprise need. This iconic model can be obtainable with a spread of smooth and economical 2.0-litre engines, guide and DSG automated transmissions and two- and four-wheel drive choices. As well as the T6 also comes with an intensive range of security options, including Driver Alert System and Automatic Post Collision Braking system as customary, plus optionally available Adaptive Cruise Control, City Emergency Braking System and High Beam Assist.
