(File pic) “Win the Icon” winner Muhamad Rizal Sadiman (right) receiving a mock key from Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia’s managing director Erik Winter recently. Photo courtesy of VPCM
(File pic) “Win the Icon” winner Muhamad Rizal Sadiman (right) receiving a mock key from Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia’s managing director Erik Winter recently. Photo courtesy of VPCM

KUALA LUMPUR: High school teacher Muhamad Rizal Sadiman's clings, shakes and experiments during a couple of test drives proved to be worth the effort as the 28-year-old emerged as the winner of a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI.

Organised by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), the “Win the Icon” contest ran from Oct 1 till Nov 30. It garnered over 800 posts and submissions of photos and videos of Malaysians test driving their favourite Volkswagen models while documenting their experience. Participants were to caption their submissions creatively with the hashtag #BetterExperiencedThanExplained.

Rizal submitted a video of him test driving the Polo and Tiguan. He tested several features, including the brake functions and pinch protection on the window. To conclude his video submission he noted: “A Volkswagen is truly better experienced than explained."

Feted at a recent prize giving session, he added: “Safety is a top priority for me as I was involved in an accident two years ago where the brakes failed. In my submission video, I showcased how the Tiguan performs during emergency braking and I am very impressed.

“The Polo is another favourite as we had one in the family and it is a sturdy pocket rocket. I am so thrilled and excited with this win. I can’t wait to drive my new Beetle around town and to school.”

The award-winning Beetle has captured the hearts and minds of the people in its 80 years of production. After three generations, Volkswagen has ceased production of the iconic vehicle in July this year and announced its intent to intensify its electric vehicle platform.

View Rizal’s winning entry here: