Our Top Most Reliable German Cars

Our Top Most Reliable German Cars

As an Independent Service Centre specialising in German autos – we see a wide variety of luxury brands and models. German luxury brands – BMW, Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz and Skoda – are known for their versatility and reliability. Often with a high price tag, quality German engineering has ensured these brands are synonymous with luxury. Choosing our top choices is not an easy task.

Audi

  • A4

One of the least expensive in the Audi range is the compact A4 sedan which scores high in the reliability rating and doesn’t compromise on the luxurious feel. The Audi A4 Allroad has a more rugged design but is just as worthy in terms of reliability.

  • Q3

Given the rising popularity of SUVs – this is one car that scores highly in reliability. In 2017 it was voted one of the 10 most reliable vehicles by consumers.

BMW

  • 2 Series

This is sold as a coupe or convertible and it is a fun drive and comes in at a great price point for its safety features and reliability.

  • 3 series

BMWs premium compact comes with a top safety rating and is still one of the most popular luxury ranges from BMW.

  • 5 series

More powerful and more technologically advanced – this is the range to invest in if you’re willing to spend a bit more for luxury.

Mercedes- Benz

  • GLC – Class

This compact design makes this a great city car – it’s sophisticated and very reliable.

Best Car Service Centre – Volks Affair

No matter what model you drive, the only way to ensure your car stays reliable is to make sure you have it serviced regularly. Volks Affair is your go-to dealership alternative. Our expert car mechanics know all there is to know about German vehicles and how to keep them in optimal condition. We are known for our friendly and transparent customer service and we’ll talk you through every step of the way. For a quote, repair or service, don’t hesitate to contact us today or book a service with our online booking system.

 

 

German SUV’s for the Australian Market

German SUV’s for the Australian Market

In previous blog posts, we reported on the falling car sales in 2019. Australians aren’t rushing to buy new cars; however, SUV’s are still proving to be one of the most popular choices for people looking to invest in new or second-hand cars. Here are our top-rated small SUVs.

Audi Q2

Our Audi service specialists highly recommend this auto for its active safety features. It may be the smallest SUV in the Audi range, but It is a comfortable ride and a solidly built vehicle. Its sporty, compact looks make it a great city run-around.

BMW X1

The BMW X1 is a popular choice and our BMW service team find its interior practical and functional. Although its finishes aren’t as prestigious as the X3, the X1 still proves a reliable choice for a small SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

This is a fabulous option – it’s smart and trendy with great safety features and smartphone connectivity. Although it is pricier than its rivals, our Mercedes-Benz service team enjoys the snazzy design and the up-to-date technological features of this German Auto.

Volks Affair

To keep your vehicle running for many years, it is important to ensure it has a regular service. At Volks Affair, we ensure your vehicle is kept in optimal condition – as an Independent Service Centre, we are trusted by the community to provide honest advice and quality car service. We are conveniently located in South Melbourne, and we are experts in all German vehicles. If you’re having any car trouble or simply want a car service centre the can provide you with transparent costs and trustworthy advice then give us a call or book online today.

We specialise in servicing BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Skoda. All new and returning customers are welcome.

Volkswagen Service South Melbourne: Are you ready for ‘vanlife’?

Volkswagen Service South Melbourne: Are you ready for ‘vanlife’?

Camping, caravanning, glamping and now ‘vanlife’. The latest trend is to travel with your van and share the photos on Instagram. Volkswagen is perfectly positioned to join the ‘vanlife’ movement. Our Volkswagen Service team are enjoying the latest phenomenon combining Volkswagen and travel.

The new Volkswagen marketing strategy is seeing Australians post pics on social media (@vwvanlife). The Caddy Beach (the Volkswagen Camper) is perfectly on trend with the movement towards simple living and minimalism.

Volkswagen Caddy Van

The Volkswagen Caddy Van is versatile and adaptable – not only can it be kitted out for travellers, but it is often a great workhorse for businesses. Every type of business can benefit from having a purpose-built Volkswagen Caddy Van – whether you’re a florist or a plumber – the Caddy Van can be made to fit your purpose.

 

Caddy Van Variants

  • 2-seater Caddy Van
  • Caddy Van Maxi
  • 5-seater Caddy Maxi Crewvan

Safety First

The Volkswagen Caddy Van is equipped with all the latest safety features. Our Volkswagen Service team is happy to see the inclusion of Driver Fatigue Detection technology. Many people using the Caddy Van will be driving long distances and the driver fatigue detection technology will evaluate steering movements and warn the driver with an alarm if it detects fatigue.

Other safety features will include airbags, front assist emergency brake, adaptive cruise control and multi-collision braking.

Personalise your Caddy

The best part of the Volkswagen Caddy is that you can choose from a range of accessories and adapt it to suit your needs – and it’s affordable. This is why it has become a very popular choice for adventurers who want to park and stay while exploring our beautiful country.

Volks Affair

Volks Affair specialises in car service and repair of popular European Auto brands. We service BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen. We are fully trained and licenced and provide personal and professional service. Conveniently located in South Melbourne, we welcome both new and returning customers.

 

Audi Repairs Melbourne: Sports Car Sales Falling

Audi Repairs Melbourne: Sports Car Sales Falling

2018 saw sports car sales fall and the trend hasn’t stopped with further falls in the first quarter of 2019. Car sales across Victoria and NSW have seen the highest drop – the fall correlates with the current decline in house prices and consumer spending. The strongest fall in sales is in the sports car category. Lately, a number of sports car manufacturers have announced they will be stopping production. The latest rumour, according to our Audi Repairs team, is that the Audi TT will stop production at the end of its run in 2022.

 

“I think there’s a future for an icon [like the TT] but I don’t know if it’s a TT… I’ve got some things cooking, which could replace the TT, though not necessarily directly.”  Bram Schot Audi CEO

 

The Audi TT is not the only iconic car to halt production. Mercedes-Benz has also announced it will stop production of its SLC Roadster and, although not officially a sports car, the iconic VW Beetle is also at the end of its run.

 

The Audi TT made its debut at the Paris Auto Show in 1998. Prior to this, the TT concept car was described as “an enthusiasts’ car with great charisma”. The public was so enthralled with it that Audi decided to make it a reality. 20 years on, and this car has proved its iconic status in the world of sports cars but unfortunately, all good things come to an end and its reign is nearly over. However, our Audi service team is looking forward to seeing what Audi has in the works for the future.

 

Volks Affair: Auto Service and Repair Centre

We are one of Melbourne’s best car service and repair centres. We specialise in all European brands. If you are an Audi driver, then make sure your car is in top condition. We service and repair Audis – we’ve been in business for more than 20 years and have experienced and professional mechanics.

Car Service: Independent Mechanics outrank Dealers in Trust and Expertise

Car Service: Independent Mechanics outrank Dealers in Trust and Expertise

A recent study conducted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) revealed that consumers have better relationships with independent car service centres than with dealerships.

The Best Car Mechanics

The study found that consumers valued skills, expertise and trustworthiness over fancy premises and even cost. Consumers are searching for local car mechanics or independent car service centres run by mechanics with whom they can build a relationship. Independent car service centres are viewed as more trustworthy with better skilled staff which fosters long-term consumer loyalty.

“This independently conducted AAAA consumer survey is the most comprehensive insight to consumer attitudes, trends and habits in our industry that has ever been conducted,”

stated AAAA Executive Director, Stuart Charity.

The study showed that:

  • 78% of respondents believe that it is important to have a good relationship with their mechanic
  • 71% of respondents trust their mechanic to select the parts to be fitted to their vehicles.
  • 68% of respondents also like the fact that the person who owns the workshop is also the person working on their car.

Car Service at Volks Affair

As an independent car service centre that specialises in European brands such as BMW, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi – we are happy to hear that Australian consumers look towards independent car service centres for their auto services and repairs. As a local Melbourne business that has been in the European Car Service industry for more than 20 years, it is wonderful to know that the public value our expertise. Our team of car mechanics are knowledgeable and skilled. We keep up-to-date with all the latest technological advances and we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service. If you would like to book your car in for a service, please use our online booking system or give us a call.

BMW Service Melbourne: BMW Vision Next 100

BMW Service Melbourne: BMW Vision Next 100

It’s interesting to see how popular European car brands such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz are increasingly focusing on driver experience and creating an emotional connection to the brand. Our BMW Service team in Melbourne take a look at the future path for the popular German Auto manufacturer.

 

BMW Vision Next 100

BMW has revealed its futuristic Vision Next 100 concept car. The concept car is in commemoration of BMW’s hundredth anniversary and it gives us a solid idea of the direction BMW is heading in the future.

 

Our goal was to create a very personal vehicle. There will always be that highly emotional connection between a BMW and its driver.

Karim Habib

Head of BMW Automobile Design

 

Emotions are at Play

We all know that playing on people’s emotions is an age-old marketing technique, but BMW is striving to intensify the emotional connection between their brand and the driver. With today’s advances in technology the connection between driver’s and their cars can be heightened and BMWs concept car makes sure technology and driver can interact seamlessly.

 

BMW envisions their cars providing subtle intuitive guidance. The car will be kitted out with a digital ‘BMW Companion’ that will strive to meet personal mobility preferences. The future fully automated ‘ease-mode’ will allow the digital ‘Companion’ to take over driving tasks. In ease-mode (autonomous drive mode), the interior of the car will be designed to be a space suited to the driver preferences (it can be entertaining or relaxing). The front seats will be able to swivel round to face the back seats to ‘ease’ conversation.

 

In ‘boost-mode’, the seats will face forward, and the steering wheel will emerge from its hidden spot so the driver can resume control of the car.

 

BMW Service Melbourne: Volks Affair

At Volks Affair our BMW Service team is proud to be experts in German Autos. We specialise in BMW service and repair to keep it in optimal condition. Volks Affair is a genuine dealership alternative conveniently located in South Melbourne.

Mercedes Specialists Melbourne: Mercedes-Benz A Class – Already a Winner

Mercedes Specialists Melbourne: Mercedes-Benz A Class – Already a Winner

2019 has only just kicked off and the Mercedez Benz A class is already a winner. The A-Class has won 2 awards from Company Car Today who awarded the A-class ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Premium Lower Medium Car of the Year’. It also won the What Car? safety award for 2019 when it scored the highest in the Euro NCAP crash test. Our Mercedes Specialists in Melbourne tell us why this hatchback is a great car.

 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class: A superior drive

 

The A-class is a well-deserved winner that combines interior comfort with innovative technology. It has a sleek, well-designed exterior making it a popular premium small car choice. The new model is slightly bigger and smarter than previous models, but the look stays mostly the same only slightly more refined. Of course, if you want an even sportier look you can still opt for the AMG Line package. Sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with the car and who doesn’t love being able to say, ‘Hey Mercedes’.

 

In the safety awards, the A-class showed superiority in the protection offered during a crash and also in its crash avoidance technology making the A-class one of the safest small cars to drive. The drive assist technology includes lane centring, speed limit detection, guided lane changes and adaptive cruise control.

 

 

Volks Affair – German Car Specialists

Our Mercedes Specialists in Melbourne offer top-rated car service and repair. We specialise in German luxury brands and have a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to keeping cars in optimal condition. We are an independent service centre that services BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda. If you’re looking for European car specialists, then give us a call or make a booking with our online booking form today.

Volkswagen Mechanics South Melbourne: Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020

Volkswagen Mechanics South Melbourne: Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020

Volkswagen mechanic, volkswagen service and repair

Our Volkswagen mechanics in South Melbourne regularly service and repair VW Golfs. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most popular hatchbacks amongst Aussie car buyers. The endurance of the Golf brand is a testament to its functionality and style. There was, however, talk of the next generation Golf GTI going hybrid but Herbert Diess, the Volkswagen Group Chairman, has revealed this is not the case.

 

The Future of Volkswagen’s Golf GTI

The new Golf GTI is expected to unveil in Germany in September 2019 (set for sale in 2020) but it will not be the hybrid everyone was expecting, it will rather be sticking with its petrol engine which will be tweaked for better performance. This popular car is known for its decent fuel economy and well-liked for its sporty take on the VW Golf. It’s latest unveiling will uphold its place as a benchmark amongst sporty performance-focused hatchbacks. It will still come with a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and front wheel drive. All the expected safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear-traffic alert and forward collision warning will be offered. Fans of the Golf GTI are happy to hear this news and Volkswagen looks set to keep its enthusiastic fan base happy.

 

Volks Affair

Our Volkswagen Mechanics in South Melbourne specialise in the service and repair of VWs. We are an independent dealership alternative – we offer competitive pricing and have all the latest diagnostic equipment. Our friendly and highly skilled VW mechanics are here to assist you. We offer transparent pricing, expert advice and great customer service. We welcome all new and returning customers. If you’d like to make a booking, you can use our online booking system to secure a spot; if you have questions or need advice then don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Mercedes Service South Melbourne: Keep your Benz in Optimal Condition

Mercedes Service South Melbourne: Keep your Benz in Optimal Condition

Luxury car fans are in for a treat in 2019, with one of our favourite luxury brands –Mercedes-Benz – set to release a range of new models Downunder this year. From the A-Class sedan to the GLE SUV – Mercedes-Benz is breaking new ground in terms of luxury, performance and style. At Volks Affair our Mercedes service team pride themselves in keeping your luxury vehicles in optimal condition. The key to maintaining optimal performance is keeping a regular service schedule – If you’re a Mercedes-Benz driver looking for a reliable Mercedes Service in South Melbourne then look no further than our first-class mechanics at Volks Affair.

 

Top DIY Tips to Keep Your Mercedes-Benz in Optimal Condition

Whilst we can provide all your major and intermediate Mercedes service needs – here are some easy-care tips that will ensure your Mercedes-Benz stays in great condition for your driving pleasure (and for resale value)

1. Wash your car

To keep your paintwork in great condition, you should wash your car often. This keeps it free from road chemicals and dirt – this is especially necessary if you live in the ‘salty’ coastal areas.

2. Check your fluid levels

Check your coolant, oil and window washing fluids. To check oil, you should ensure your engine has been off for at least 5 minutes.

3. Report any new or unusual sounds to your mechanic

If your car feels or sounds different, let us know.  It’s best to consult with a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent any potential further damage.

4. Inspect your tyres

Fill your tyres to the correct setting and keep an eye on the wear and tear. For optimal driving, your tyres should be rotated regularly to ensure even wear.

5. Park in a garage

Whenever possible choose covered parking to protect your car from the elements. Especially in Melbourne’s changeable climate – a sunny day may end in hail, rain and wind.

Proper care and maintenance of your Mercedes can keep it running for many rewarding years.

Volks Affair

We can provide a Mercedes car service and repair at affordable and competitive rates. Our Mercedes service mechanics are highly trained and able to offer in-depth insights into the condition of your Mercedes-Benz. We are a dealership alternative and offer personal service and invest time in seeing that you get the best care possible.

Skoda Service Melbourne: Luxury without the Price Tag

Skoda Service Melbourne: Luxury without the Price Tag

Do you need a Skoda Service team?

 

Skoda is an award-winning car brand and to keep it in top performance condition you need a top-notch Skoda Service team. The Volks Affair mechanics specialise in luxury German car brands – BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW and Skoda. You may not think of Skoda as a luxury brand, but it certainly ticks all boxes for what you’d look for in a stylish and reliable car.

 

The Skoda Brand is on the Rise

Skoda, originally a Czech company, is now owned by VW and it is on a mission to steadily increase production. In 2014, Skoda produced 1 million cars in the calendar year for the first time – their growth strategy now means that 1 million is the minimum production target every year. In 2017 the 20 millionth vehicle rolled off the production line. It was a Skoda Karoq.

 

Skoda Downunder

Skoda arrived in Australia in 2007. As Skoda says – they brought European luxury without the European price tag. Skoda is gaining popularity with Aussie’s who like the simple but smart design of Skoda. With plenty of awards under its belt, Skoda is proving to be a reliable family brand that suits most budgets.

 

Skoda is Innovative and Award-winning

Skoda produced an electric concept car with level 3 autonomy in 2017. It was the Vision E car and is planned for sale in 2020. Skoda aims to have an entirely electric line up by 2030.

 

The Current Skoda Range

  • Fabia – the Fabia 66 TSI was named Best Value Green Car by Money Magazine (2017)
  • Octavia – was named the Best-Value Family Car by Money Magazine (2017)
  • Rapid – competitively priced, this is a smart little car filled with modern tech features
  • Superb – Drive named this the Best Family Car of the year (2016)
  • Kodiaq – this 7-seater 4×4 is an affordable buy for adventurous families
  • Karoq – safe, smart and luxurious, this SUV is gaining popularity quickly

 

 

Volks Affair

Volks Affair is an Independent Specialist Car Service Centre in Melbourne. We offer the best service and repair for Skoda owners who are looking for a dealership alternative. Our commitment to our customers means that we will offer you a transparent and professional service. Feel free to contact us with any questions or simply book your car in for a service and we will take care of you.