As Far As I'm Concerned
This is my new car. A Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. Not a real one obviously, a Matchbox model. For those who know nothing about the Ghia, it was VWs sport model in the days when the Beetle was the main product from Wolfsburgs factories. Using a slighly modified Beetle chassis (I think the front is a bit different but aren't entirely sure) the car was sporty in looks only. Indeed, the firm played on this with a TV advert showing it unable to punch it's way out of a paper bag! As a model, this Matchbox item isn't bad. The biggest fault is the wheels which are presumably a standard item. Apart from this, is a pretty accurate model. But it's not a model. Well, I suppose it is but being Matchbox, surely it's a toy? I meant, it rolls well and the first thing I did when I pulled it out of the blister pack was to shove it along the table.
Maybe I resisted making "brum brum" noises, but I still wanted to see it move. The thing is that us grown-ups have taken over toys a bit. I could argue that this toy is the result. In 2009 (this is the 2011 model), someone decided that the range of metal cars needed an addition not made for many years that most kids will never have seen. Good grief, I'm a VeeDub fan and I've not seen that many of the things. As far as I'm concerned, Ghia's are cars to dream of, not to won. 拢10k gets you a half way decent example and even then you've got an old car notorious for rust. Anyway, assuming, for the sake of argument, that is is a model, can it be improved? Yes it can. The paint is far too thin. All the panel edges show through and the windscreen needs more paint on the sides. Some detail picking out inside would be good too. The side stripes should be silver and so should the mirrors and door handles. I don't suppose I'll get any 1:59 scale people to drive it but that would be nice.
The Golf Variant鈥檚 styling with its precise lines creates a sporty and impressive look. The two-part rear lights emphasise its family affiliation to the model range and the brand. In its interior, the Golf Variant also overcomes class boundaries in terms of its high-quality materials and the exclusive appearance of its design. When stepping into the car, the wide centre console is immediately apparent; it is more typical of a premium class car. Centrally mounted on the centre console is the modern 鈥楧iscover Pro鈥?infotainment system, with an 8-inch display and the latest App-Connect smartphone connectivity features. It works with the MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay services. Speedometer of the Golf Variant is pretty standard on all Volkswagen models. Neat and clean I would say.. With a simple LCD screen between the dials. It displays all the different modes and information on it clearly.. You can also switch it to radio..
Over here its the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) Gear. Its pretty impressive I would say.. The gear changes are really smooth and doesn't feel jerky at all. When I switch the gear to the S-mode (Sports Mode), playing with the rocker gearshifts on the steering wheel.. The DSG from Volkswagen allows quick, smooth gear changes with the ease of an automatic transmission. The fuel consumption of cars with a DSG is sometimes lower than that of models with a manual transmission (depending on driving style). The manual gear selection option can also deliver sporty driving pleasure if desired and can be operated using the rocker switches on the steering wheel. In the picture above, the car also sport a Park Assist feature which allows you to park your car hands-free. Its pretty amazing - feel free to do a test-drive at the showroom and experience it yourself. And right below the Park Assist button, is a function that would alert you when any object is very near to the vehicle.
On the left side of the gear.. The "MODE" is actually the Driving Profile Selection. Personalised and practical: the Driving Profile Selection allows you to adapt the Golf Variant to your individual driving style. At the push of a button, elements such as the engine, steering and transmission characteristics, and even the air-conditioning and headlamp settings are tailored to your requirements. Right below it is a Auto-Off Engine button.. OFF-ed automatically when the car is stopped at the traffic junction or when the car is just stationary. When the engine is offed, the air-con would not be that cold and strong also. This is proven to be more fuel efficient. This function can be activated or deactivated with the push of the button. Here are two cup holders for the driver & passenger. On the left side.. All at the push of a button instead of the pull of a lever: the electronic parking brake is operated with the greatest of ease.
