The Little Red Line makes All the Difference

Jul 3 2015

Line up the needle to the red line, now you’re travelling a safe speed for an urban area, easy.

The little things bely the big things.

It’s a 2000 VW Golf.

Proper Press Car Keys

Feb 16 2015

Seems straight-forward, but it’s not.

All automakers handle it differently, I like this setup best.

Why?

1 – a protected tag with pertinent information front and back (the grey box is the VIN #)

2 – reverse side lists a phone number to call if I need something

3 – key is easily detached for when photographing the interior

4 – a USB key containing the spec sheet plus PDFs. That’s key, because whenever you need an answer it’s 10pm and no one is going to email you back then.

Specifically, these belong to the 2015 VW Golf I have this week.

Fake Engine Sounds, it’s Happening

Feb 16 2015

It’s a dichotomy – a quieter engine is a more technologically
advanced and efficient one

But the problem is we consumers still associate noise with power, so automakers are faking it.

Who’s doing it? The list includes BMW, Ford, Lexus, Porsche, Toyota, VW and more.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

My proposed compromise:

So to the automakers – not sure this is your best idea, guys. Buyers aren’t happy, and the lack of information on your sites makes you seem shady.

I propose a compromise: keep adding the fake engine sounds, but also tell the buyer that you did. Then add an FAQ to your website on how to disable it, or better yet, add in an “off” switch.

***

Back to ‘Keri on Driving’ – Index

A Top 5 Favourite Car – VW Golf & GTI

Jan 27 2015

Volkswagen’s Golf and GTI, their signature hatchback.

I’ve loved it for years, almost bought a GTI back in 2011; like, deposit-down-papers-signed almost.

Non-car nerds: a Golf and GTI are very similar, the GTI is the faster sportier version of the Golf, and has a red accent stripe across the grille.

Both handle amazing and literally are the cliche – amazingly fun to drive.

It’s all-new this 2015 model year. This 7th generation Golf is lower, longer and wider.

2015 VW Golf
A 1.8 TSI turbo outputting 170 hp and 184 lb-ft.
Starting at $18,995

2015 VW GTI
A 2.0L turbo outputting 210 hp and 258 lb-ft.
Starting at $27,995

The interior is so me – minimal and ergonomic. And no touch controls, proper buttons and knobs only.

This will probably be the only time I ever recommend choosing a non-plain fabric, because the Clark Plaid is that sharp.

And doubles as camouflague.

All the features you’d expect – Bluetooth, add heated seats or cruise control, a new infotainment system and more, but VW is ahead of the game with its self-cleaning lens on the backup camera.