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2011 VW Driver Training Course

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  • #16
    Originally posted by Sharkie View Post
    Now up on VWA's website to book.

    There is a cost this time, $250 for the advanced sessions.

    Driving Insights Course | Volkswagen Driving Experience | Volkswagen

    Brisbane sessions on 21 June 2011.
    F That!
    No way I am paying to drive cars that aren't as enjoyable as my daily.

    VW are losing out on this one from alot of people as it worked well for advertising when it was free but asking people to pay $250 to test drive a few cars for a few minutes is rediculous.
    My Tiguan TSI APR Stg2 + RPF1's

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    • #17
      I posted this elsewhere, but will put it here as well.

      Can someone explain to me why everyone expects that they are entitled to attend such an event at VW's expense? Did anyone that went to the free event last year send a thank you to the organisers for putting it on or a bottle of wine as a sign of appreciation?

      Apart from it being free last year, why should VW actually put on a free event for you?

      For good value for money, you might want to consider MRT Performance driver training days.

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      • #18
        Originally posted by mikinoz View Post
        I posted this elsewhere, but will put it here as well.

        Can someone explain to me why everyone expects that they are entitled to attend such an event at VW's expense? Did anyone that went to the free event last year send a thank you to the organisers for putting it on or a bottle of wine as a sign of appreciation?

        Apart from it being free last year, why should VW actually put on a free event for you?

        For good value for money, you might want to consider MRT Performance driver training days.
        I sent them a thank you email last time and put the comment on stating that i would be happy to pay a small fee (under $100) if it was an event that was more engaging rather than the stand around for 70% of the time, drive 15% and be driven 15%.

        I also spoke to the local VW dealer about the event and praised VW for putting it on.

        I saw it more of an advertising event for VW to show off their tech and cars to prospective/current owners rather than the driver training as the only thing i learnt was where to position the driver seat.

        Hence why i expected it to be free or a lot cheaper as it was good advertising for them.
        My Tiguan TSI APR Stg2 + RPF1's

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        • #19
          Fair cop, I was not having a go at you personally, just the general view is VW should put these on for free all the time. I think your a minority for making the effort to show appreciation - it is a dying habit.

          That said, I reckon as it was free heaps of people will have missed out so there is probably low chance of being selected twice.

          Funny thing is I registered an interest but never received an email to notify me that the bookings had opened.

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          • #20
            Originally posted by mikinoz View Post
            Fair cop, I was not having a go at you personally, just the general view is VW should put these on for free all the time. I think your a minority for making the effort to show appreciation - it is a dying habit.

            That said, I reckon as it was free heaps of people will have missed out so there is probably low chance of being selected twice.

            Funny thing is I registered an interest but never received an email to notify me that the bookings had opened.
            No worries mate.
            I can see you point too, just voicing my opinion that it wasn't really driver training, more like show and tell for the VW brand.

            Last time they booked out almost instantly as it was free, maybe they are making it a pay event to make it more training and more lengthy.

            I didn't receive an email either.
            My Tiguan TSI APR Stg2 + RPF1's

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            • #21
              The price is actually $275 ($250 + GST)...

              There's room in there for a discount (promo code box, and a discount column on the data entry form); if the discount was big enough I'd consider it, maaaybe.
              2008 MkV Volkswagen Golf R32 DSG
              2005 MkV Volkswagen Golf 2.0 FSI Auto
              Sold: 2015 8V Audi S3 Sedan Manual
              Sold: 2010 MkVI Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG

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              • #22
                Last years event was 100% PR

                Originally posted by mikinoz View Post
                I posted this elsewhere, but will put it here as well.

                Can someone explain to me why everyone expects that they are entitled to attend such an event at VW's expense? Did anyone that went to the free event last year send a thank you to the organisers for putting it on or a bottle of wine as a sign of appreciation?

                Apart from it being free last year, why should VW actually put on a free event for you?

                For good value for money, you might want to consider MRT Performance driver training days.
                I would have been very disappointed if I paid for last years event in Sydney. The skid pan event (with full ESP operational) just demonstrated that you could drive most current VWs through a slalom in the wet and no matter how much of a mug you were, the car would cover up your faults. Not one word of instruction from the "instructor" except "Go for it".

                Then 10 or so laps in a GTD or a GTI on the Eastern Creek very short corporate circuit. Apexes all marked with cones and brake markers also there (and somewhat a little conservative). Again not a word from the accompanying instructor. Fun but I didn't learn anything and I know that my driving has lots of room for improvement.

                Perhaps the most "instructive" part of the morning was the 4 up Eastern Creek laps in the R with the driver commenting on the lines he was taking, particularly in double apex corners.

                To call the day an "Advanced Driving Day" was a very cheeky misnomer. I have to admit that it was a fun morning, nice sandwiches for lunch and a free grab bag of VW goodies.

                It was a showcase for VWs latest offerings at the time and I think most people saw it as that. Or maybe it was just coincidental that the R was released on the Saturday before the Sydney event?

                If you recall, participants last year were given an evaluation form to complete and the comments I made have been echoed in my comments here. They did ask if participants would be prepared to pay for an advanced driving course and my response was "Yes, if it includes genuine tuition/evaluation".

                Before registering for this year I would ask a few questions as to what is being supplied to participants by way of instruction. My thoughts are, with a price attached, much more will be offered. $250 is cheap if something meaningful is offered and you get to drive more than about 5 kilometres for your money. Not sure what the current price is for the BMW Driver Training Day but last time I looked it was $995.

                So I hope this explains to you why everyone expects that they are entitled to attend such an event at VW's expense. Key words being "such an event".
                You know you are getting old when you cancel your order for a 3.6 CC and buy an Icelandic Gray TDI CC instead.

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                • #23
                  An event like last years really was a marketing event .... not worth $250 from me.

                  If I were to pay $250 I would expect better tuition and more time driving ..... not 4 hours of driving, but at least more than the 8-10 laps from last time. This is after all billed as advanced driving training, which last years event was not.

                  I have attended a few BMW advanced driving days and they were actually much instructional events with lots of driving. Cost a lot more but worth every cent.

                  If VW charged me $595 and gave me 40+ laps in a R or GTI I'd think its worth it, but not this. We'll have to see how quickly (or not) these book out.

                  They really should post a detailed itenary of the event so you can judge what will be in it.

                  EDIT:
                  Oh, and some driver trainers that are actually fans of VW cars .... last year had a few there that did not know 1 VW from another (the big ticket guy in particular .... you know who) and was not interested in mods to VW at all or what those mods can do .....
                  Last edited by Sharkie; 05-05-2011, 11:24 AM.
                  Current: 2023 MY23 T-Roc R Lapiz Blue + Beats Audio + Black pack 2018 MY19 Golf R manual Lapiz Blue + DAP) 2018 MY18 Golf 110TSI (150TSI) Trendline manual White2014 Amarok TSI Red (tuned over 200kw + lots of extras) 2013 Up! manual Red 2017 Polo GTI manual Black Previous VWs and some others ...
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                  • #24
                    I have signed up - i figure that it was ok for $275 and I wasn't expecting my dealer to chuck it in given I had already screwed the price down on my GTI!! Hopefully I can drive the GTI or R in a manner I wouldn't dream of in my own car (especially as 18 inch tyres are soooo expensive!)

                    Any other BrisVegas residents coming along on the 21 June????? Would love to meet some of you for the first time....

                    my only gripe was that I was not impressed with the site saying you can use Amex but then not accepting it at the last minute
                    Current ride: 2014 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door TD4 Pure | 9 Spd Auto | Fuji White | Black Leather | 19 inch 'Dynamic' Wheels

                    Previous rides: MY11.5 Golf GTI 5 door | DSG | Candy White | 18' Detriots | Bluetooth | K&N Air Filter | Dancing Dials (Oh Yeah!)
                    | 1989 Porsche 944S2 Coupe| Guards Red| Leather| Sunroof| LSD

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                    • #25
                      Originally posted by Finance_Analyst View Post
                      I have signed up - i figure that it was ok for $275 and I wasn't expecting my dealer to chuck it in given I had already screwed the price down on my GTI!! Hopefully I can drive the GTI or R in a manner I wouldn't dream of in my own car (especially as 18 inch tyres are soooo expensive!)

                      Any other BrisVegas residents coming along on the 21 June????? Would love to meet some of you for the first time....

                      my only gripe was that I was not impressed with the site saying you can use Amex but then not accepting it at the last minute
                      I won't be going.
                      If it is anything lie the last time the track was so short you could barely get the thing over 100km/h even if you tried.
                      Let us know how it goes though.

                      You could always meet up with the Brissy crew at the monthly euro event we have.
                      My Tiguan TSI APR Stg2 + RPF1's

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                      • #26
                        I've signed up for the Sydney one. VW sent me an email with a $100 off coupon so it makes the price more reasonable if it isn't anything too fantastic. Hopefully be a fun day out.
                        2010 MY10 Golf R (Sold) - 5 Door, DSG, Rising Blue, Leather, ACC, Satnav, Dynadio, Sunroof, MDI, Electric Seat.
                        2015 MY16 Golf GTI - 5 Door, DSG, Carbon Grey, Leather, Sunroof, DAP.

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                        • #27
                          Signed for the Adelaide one although website is dodgy as it has AIR and Mallala as the Adelaide venue listed ????
                          - Ben

                          1961 Karmann Ghia Coupé - 1993 Golf Cabriolet - 2006 Golf Comfortline 1.9L TDI
                          2008 Jetta 2.0L FSI

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                          • #28
                            It sounds like last year's event experience really depended on the city. Melbourne last year was at Sandown and was actually pretty good...got it up to 160-170ish in the straight.

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                            • #29
                              So I was wondering who is heading along to the sydney event?

                              Im going the AM on the 31st.

                              hoping to see some vww people!

                              P.S Hi everyone, long time no post!
                              PRUDENCE: 2008 POLO CLUB 9N3, 17s, BODY KIT, LOTS OF MEMORIES. FOR SALE HERE

                              KRISTINA: 2013 POLO 77TSI, COMFORT & SPORT PACK, BLACK BOAVISTA 17s, MATTE BLACK FRONT EMBLEM, REAR BADGE DELETE

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                              • #30
                                Anyone going to Melbourne 7/9 PM session?

                                Hope to see you guys there
                                Last edited by mr23; 22-05-2011, 02:16 AM.

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