(Courtesy of Car and Driver)

Confirmed late last week, Volkswagen AG will meet the desires of Canadian car enthusiasts by making the previously Europe-only Golf “R” available for sale on this side of the pond in early 2012. The company said the decision was made in response to the “request of VW fanatics” who praised the optimal performing Golf upon its European release.  Based on the infamous 5 door GTI model, the Golf “R” will host numerous unique upgrades – differentiating itself as the best performing VW ever available in Canada.   

(Car and Driver)

There’s absolutely no doubt that the importance fuel efficiency is increasing exponentially for consumers shopping in the automotive market. Vehicle manufacturers are becoming intensely competitive in capturing the ever-growing “green” vehicle segment. This means an emergent use of hybrid and diesel technologies, as well as engineering smaller, lightweight autos.  To assist shoppers in narrowing down the many savvy choices in the retail industry, the well respected journalists at Consumer Reports conduct annual, quite comprehensive comparison tests of competing products. With an audience of more than 7million subscribers, Consumer Reports has become a very reliable source for information and advice on consumer products and services. In the company’s latest eco-friendly vehicle evaluation, the Golf TDI Wagon was rated “excellent”, and is currently the only one of the four tested that earned a “Recommended” status from Consumer Reports. The competitors – the Honda CRZ, Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 were given their merits, but the 2.0litre turbocharged 4 cylinder diesel (found in the Golf, Golf Wagon and Jetta) emerged as the best overall package. With fuel sipping numbers attaining less than 5litres/100km, a supple and well controlled drive, excellent braking and a spacious cargo area, the TDI provides an optimal combination of fuel efficiency, driving excitement and versatility.   

WardsAuto – experts in automotive data, analysis and news, annually conducts the Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition which is designed to recognize powertrains that set benchmarks in their respective vehicle segments. Volkswagen’s 2.0L turbodiesel is the only returning winner, now with three consecutive triumphs it becomes the dean of Ward’s Best Engines list. The impressive torque numbers, quiet and enjoyable ride of the four cylinder, portrays the finest characteristics of VW’s new generation of clean diesels.  Audi’s 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 – found in the S4, A6 and now Q7 model lines was also acknowledged as of one the year’s 10 Best. As a successor to the 4.2 V8, the forced induction V6 proves how improved fuel economy does not have to come at the cost of sacrificed performance.

For further information regarding Consumer Reports recommendations or the Wards 10 Best Engines list, visit their respective websites (consumerreports.org and wardsauto.com). For inquiries on VW’s turbodiesel or Audi’s supercharged V6 please visit either the manufacturer’s website or come into speak with one of our consultants here at Crosby.

With a lightweight aluminum body, advanced sport platform, and various new safety assistance and multimedia systems, the all new, re-vamped 2012 Audi A6 portrays the finest of innovations. Styled to coincide with the latest cues from the rest of the new Audi model line, the new A6 optimizes the mix of space, athleticism and elegance. Inside this gorgeous luxury sedan, the ergonomic design and use of quality leather and soft touch materials ensure comfort and extremely limited road noise – nothing short of what consumers have come to expect from Audi product.  Every interior detail, from the “wrap around” cockpit to the touchpad and head’s up display, is a testament to Audi’s progression and thriving technological advancements.

The new A6 will be available in a wide array of powertrains. The impressive 300hp 3.0L supercharged V6 will still be utilized, however it will also later be accompanied by varying hybrid and diesel options. The 2012 A6 hybrid will follow the release of the Q5 hybrid and will debut sometime after the re-designed A6 hits the market. Hybrid power will be produced through a 2.0 TFSI engine paired with an electric motor that sits between the engine and the eight speed transmission. It will be capable to run purely electric up to striking speeds of 100km/h.  In comparison to the previous model, fuel consumption of the new A6 has decreased by up to a staggering 19 percent – vigorously outperforming its competitors. 

In a recent press release, Audi announced that for the fourth consecutive year, it will advertise during Super-bowl XLV. A hefty financial investment of at least $3 million will lead to “record levels of awareness and showroom traffic with national consideration numbers showing significant spikes post game” Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer at Audi of America justified. During last year’s Big Game, Audi’s commercial highlighted the A3 TDI, and while Audi hasn’t officially released the theme for the 2011 spots, it’s quite likely the 2012 A6 will make its way to the big stage. 

For full press releases on the 2012 A6 and Audi’s investment into Super Bowl XLV visit autoblog.com. Please feel free to come in and speak with one of our Audi specialists for any further information as well.

 Audi’s current momentum, fuelled by months of increasing demand and red-hot sales, is predicted to continue with the company’s determined goals of becoming a leader in both the luxury vehicle market and setting the standard in the premium electric vehicle segment. To assist in achieving these objectives, Audi has developed the e-tron division. The brand has recently invested $89million into a 150,000 square foot test center at its world headquarters to engineer electric powertrains and batteries. Audi’s current alternative powertrain plan includes: full hybrid versions of the flagship A8 sedan, as well as the Q5 SUV, which are both due in late 2011, a hybrid A6 that’s likely to arrive in 2012 and finally a range of high priced electric cars – starting with the battery powered e-tron version of the iconic R8 in 2012.  Further, in 2013 VW Group plans to launch a fully electric version of its UP minicar, the E-Golf and E-Jetta.

By 2020, Audi wants to increase the efficiency of its internal combustion engines by an impressive 30% and plans for 5% of the brands line-up to be electric. Audi parent Volkswagen AG wants the group to be number one in hybrid and electric vehicles by the end of the decade, increasing its EV market share to 3% of its forecasted global sales of 10million units by 2018.

Alongside the development of the various alternative power-train options, Audi is continuously researching and extending the technological capabilities of its products. This past September, Audi’s autonomous TTS conquered ascending the demanding Pikes Peak mountain course – a significant, visible stride forward in bringing autonomous vehicle technologies to market. This expertise is already being employed in producing far safer vehicles and increasingly intelligent automotive computer systems.  

Earlier this year, CEO Rupert Stadler, vowed nothing short of pushing Audi to the top of the premium vehicle segment by 2015. Thanks in large to its dominance in China, the company is currently neck and neck with Mercedes for second place after BMW. However with rapidly growing market shares in North America, and the upcoming releases of the A7 and A9 model lines, Audi’s future looks very bright. 

For further information on Audi’s latest news and technologies or its products, visit audi.ca on the web or come into Crosby’s to speak with one of our knowledgeable Audi specialists.

Just last week we were pleased to host our fifth successful Car-Care Clinic. Once every three months, Crosby clients who have recently purchased a vehicle are cordially invited to a free customer appreciation session. The program is facilitated by a licensed automotive technician named Christine Mitchell. Christine excels in delivering sensible vehicle knowledge to clinic attendees in a light hearted and an extremely friendly manner.

Sessions focus on prevalent methods to maintaining striking paint and clear exterior coats, provide information on VW/Audi product safety features, include a power-train demonstration and give general suggestions on how to properly keep your Volkswagen or Audi in overall premium condition.

The one hour clinics are held on varying evenings during the week in our Service Department. Light refreshments and elegant hors d’oeuvres are served to attendees. Crosby rewards members also earn $50 onto their cards for attending. Further, Crosby clients are welcomed to bring family and friends to these informative and enjoyable events.

For more information on our Crosby Car-Care Clinics please don’t hesitate to inquire through email (info@crosbyvwaudi.com) or call us at 519.894.9300.

After a year in motion, the Crosby Rewards program members are beginning to recognize significant savings in both our Sales and Parts/Service departments. At Crosby’s we sincerely appreciate the business of our customers. In an effort to prove our gratitude to the business we earn, Crosby clients purchasing either a new VW/Audi or CPO vehicle are automatically registered into our AutoRewards membership, which can aslo be bought seperately in our Service department ($89.95). With this privilege, a complimentary oil change as well as paint touch up sticks is given to welcome new affiliates. Furthermore, members are rewarded points to their cards when parts and service are acquired through our dealership, and when personal referrals purchase vehicles through us. Accumulating points leads to various service privileges and price adjustments of up to $2000.00 on obtaining a new or pre-owned vehicle from Crosby’s.  

As well as the aforementioned promotions, members will value other incredible vehicle savings, and exclusive benefits to discounts not only at our store but also a wide range of local merchants.  From window tinting and stone guard bonuses to rental car discounts and priority service scheduling, Crosby Rewards members are appreciated in various forms at our dealership. Even outside the auto industry, members will be very grateful for the available savings at local restaurants like Verses and East Side Mario’s as well as other businesses including Custom Flooring, Centre in the Square, and Popeye’s (World) Gym. 

In our quest to achieve superb customer satisfaction standards, our dealership is pleased to offer such a unique incentive. With thousands of dollars in exclusive benefits not only at our store but at various ones around the area as well, we invite you to join the club.

For more information on our dealership, the Crosby Rewards Program or any VW/Audi new or certified pre-owned products please visit our website or come in to speak with one of our informed and personable associates.

Not only is Volkswagen boasting vastly amplified sales this past month, Audi is also realizing great triumphs. Since released for the 2009 model year, the re-designed A4 and all new Q5 and A5 have brought immense amounts of consumer demand for all Audi products.  

Year to date, Volkswagen has recognized a 12% augment in total new vehicle sales, while Audi has achieved sales figures 33% greater than last year. Overall both divisions continue to produce highly demanded, technologically advanced, elegantly styled and finely tuned vehicles that heavily assist in the companies ambitions of capturing larger market shares in North America.

For further inquiries regarding VW/Audi sales numbers or other industry figures visit http://www.desrosiers.ca/.

Entirely re-designed for 2011, the Jetta and Touareg are both considerably larger than the previous generations, offer consumers cosmic trimline/option choices and are available in gas and the highly respected TDI Clean Diesel engines. Well equipped with standard features like power windows/locks, ABS brakes and Electronic Stability Control and a generous entry price of $15,875, implausible value is quite apparent in the new Jetta.

Setting the paradigm in the luxury sport utility class, the all new Touareg, starting at only $48,440 is a very compelling choice. With VW’s infamous 4motion all wheel drive system and an eight speed automatic transmission coming standard, handling, traction and fuel efficiency are optimal through all seasons. The extremely refined interior is nothing new to the VW family, but the now standard Navigation system guarantees stress-free journeys.

While the new Jetta is readily available for sale at Crosby’s, we’re expecting the new Touareg to arrive by the end of November. You’re welcomed to visit us in store to explore the new Jetta and further investigate the likings of the new Touareg.

For further information on the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada or the awards they present, visit their website at http://www.ajac.ca/web/.

 At Crosby’s we make it affordable to keep your German-engineered VW/Audi to the standards it was manufactured to meet. Only VW/Audi Original parts are produced specifically for your vehicle – built to last, professionally installed and backed by a factory warranty.  Changing your tires, examining your brakes and aligning your wheels are recommended fall maintenance services to best prepare your vehicle for the harsh winter conditions.  

From now until December 31, Crosby’s is offering brake specials, valuable snow tire packages, and cash bonuses on all service requests (minimum $50 expenditure). Schedule your fall maintenance service at Crosby’s at your earliest convenience to take advantage of these limited time Parts and Service Specials.

Take advantage of these extremely desirable offers by visiting Crosby VW/Audi and speaking with one of our informative and personable sales consultants. 

(Pictures of remaining 2010 vehicle inventory at Crosby’s)