An all-new version of Volkswagen's venerable Golf compact hatchback will debut during 2005 as a 2006 model, otherwise the current version remains unchanged. Available in two- and four-door versions, the car comes with a standard 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's mated to either a five-speed manual is standard or four-speed automatic transmission. A TDI version wrings extraordinary fuel economy out of its 100-horsepower 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine. The Golf's sporty suspension delivers true European-style handling on a budget. Anti-lock brakes and front-side airbags are standard, with VW's Electronic Stability Program available.
As with the Golf hatchback upon which its based, a redesigned version of its sportiest variant, the GTI, is likewise in the works. While few details are available as of this writing, it's expected to be released ahead earlier than the Golf for the 2005 model year. Myriad improvements are expected, and the new GTI should continue its tradition of delivering exceptional power from a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as the sharpest cornering abilities in the VW line.
Jetta
Essentially a four-door Volkswagen Golf with a conventional trunk instead of a hatchback, a significantly revised version is expected to hit U.S. shores in early 2005. Meanwhile the current version continues to provide precise European-style ride and handling qualities. For the shortened 2005 model year the Jetta sedan and wagon are only available with four-cylinder engines - the GLI VR6 will not be offered. The base engine remains a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 115 horsepower and is fitted to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. A turbocharged 1.8-liter powerplant can be specified for added muscle, while a 100-horsepower 1.9-liter TDI turbodiesel engine is also available and affords top fuel economy.
For 2005, Volkswagen's retro-flavored New Beetle, receives a number of minor enhancements, including a newly standard audio system that includes a connector for an MP3 player, and available satellite radio with a choice of either Sirius or XM service. The standard 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and available 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter powerplant now come with a standard six-speed manual transmission (a five speed manual is otherwise included, with a four-speed automatic gearbox optional). The 100-horsepower, 1.9-liter TDI turbodiesel version is one of the most fuel-efficient autos on the road, while the top Turbo S model includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist and VW's Electronic Stabilization Program.
Passat
2004 Volkswagen Passat TDI |
The mid-size Passat loses its most-powerful, albeit slow-selling, W-8 powerplant for 2005, but adds larger 16-inch "Rockstar" Alloy wheels on the GLS model and makes new 17-inch "Bistar" Alloy wheels optional on both the GLS and GLX. A 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine remains the standard powerplant with a 190-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6 also available. A 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel engine became newly available last year that produces 134 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, and delivers fuel economy that bests most gasoline-powered compact cars. Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive is available across the line in both sedan and station wagon versions. Volkswagen's Electronic Stability Program is standard on the top GLX model.
2004 Volkswagen Passat TDI by Marc K. Stengel (6/14/2004) Volkswagen champions the alternative-fuel cause with a pair of striking new diesels.
Phaeton
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton |
Volkswagen's largest, costliest and most luxurious vehicle continues into its second model year with a number of tweaks, including a restyled front grille, new "soft close" doors, a cell-phone prep package included with the top W-12 model (and optional on the V-8 version), revised alloy wheels and wood trim on the V-8, and newly available laser-guided active cruise control. The still-stately standard model offers a 335-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 engine and a six-speed-automatic Tiptronic transmission, while the more posh Premiere comes with a 420-horsepower 6.0-liter W-12 engine and a five-speed-automatic. A four-corner air suspension, all-wheel drive, stability and traction control, a four-zone climate-control system, rear power sunshade and a satellite navigation system are all standard, as are eight individual airbags. A Park Assist system, keyless access and start functions, and a heated steering wheel are optional.
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V-8 by Marc K. Stengel (5/3/2004) Volkswagen tempts fate with the introduction of its Phaeton luxury sedan.
Touareg
2004 Volkswagen Touareg TDI |
Volkswagen's full-size sport-utility vehicle shares platforms and certain components with the Porsche Cayenne, and is named after a tribe of nomads living in the Sahara Desert. For 2005, its base 3.2-liter V-6 engine has been upgraded to produce 240 horsepower, which us up from 220 last year. An available 4.2-liter V-8 continues to generate a hearty 310 horses, while a 5.0-liter V-10 turbodiesel powerplant provides better fuel economy at the same horsepower rating, along with added low-end power for towing purposes. Front-side and side-curtain airbags, VW's Electronic Stability Program, and an extensive list of comfort and convenience features are included across the line. While the Touareg is able to tackle some of the roughest off-road adventures, it behaves in a more car-like manner than do many truck-based SUVs, and a rear air suspension is available to further soften the ride. Servotronic power steering, a self-dimming exterior mirror and full-size rear-mounted spare tire are added for 2005, and a tire-pressure monitor, satellite radio unit, VW telematics system, and revised 18-inch wheels are newly optional, with a DVD navigation system becoming available later in the model year.
2004 Volkswagen Touareg by Bengt Halvorson (9/4/2003) VW's rugged new SUV treads for the well heeled.
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2004 Volkswagen Passat TDI | ;)
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2004 Volkswagen Touareg TDI | 
