by Phil Matthews
2001
Volkswagen AG buys out Inchape’s Australian VW contract for $3 million,
and takes over the importing, distributing and sales of Volkswagens in Australia,
effective from 1 January. This is the first time that the Australian VW operation
has been VW-owned since 1968. The move ends the long history of VWs being imported
and sold by third parties. Inchcape would, hovever, continue to control VW parts
and service for another 12 months.
A new VW AG-owned company, Volkswagen Group Australia Pty Ltd, is created, with former boss of VW Japan, Peter Nochar, appointed Managing Director. A new head office is established in temporary premises on Gardeners Rd at Mascot, Sydney, opened in May by Volkswagen AG Asia-Pacific president Dr Robert Büchelhofer.
Volkswagen begins its first major sponsorship of sport in Australia, when they sign on as the ball sponsors for the AFL. The multi-million dollar sponsorship is for three years. The famous red Sherrin AFL balls now have VW logos on them.
The New Beetle Turbo is introduced as a limited edition model. It features a 110 kW 1.8-litre turbo engine, sports suspension, electronic rear spoiler and body kit. It is priced at $39,500 for the manual and $2,000 more for the 4-speed auto.
Two factory-supported New Beetle racecars contest the Australian GT Production Car Championship, in the Group B category. They are driven by former Audi Super Touring driver Matthew Coleman and Tim Leahey, who eventually finished 3rd in the National Championship.
A new top-model Bora is released, the V6 Bora with 4Motion AWD. It comes with a 150 kW 2.8-litre narrow V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission and VW’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard, the first Australian Volkswagen fitted with it.
The Passat is upgraded to the so-called ‘B5.5’ model, with the same basic body shell but with a redesigned nose, upgraded rear and new interior and trim. Sedan and wagon body styles are available, in 1.8-litre turbo, 2.8-litre V6 and V6 4Motion versions. The Passat again wins the NRMA’s Best Car Award for Best Luxury Car under $56,000.
11,007 Volkswagens are sold – 1,126 Polos, 5,614 Golfs, 153 Cabrios, 1,315 Boras, 906 New Beetles, 902 Passats, 117 Caravelles and 874 Transporters.
2002
Volkswagen Group Australia takes over VW parts and service support from Inchcape,
ending all third-party control of VW’s Australian operations. Inchcape
continues some involvement in the VW business, as they own Chatswood Classic
Cars, the VW dealership in Sydney’s north.
Volkswagen Group Australia launches the Volkswagen Academy, a company wide program for all learning and training activities, for both VGA employees and the dealer network. All VWGA employees and dealership staff are presented with the Volkswagen Academy Handbook.
The all-new fourth-generation Polo is released, in four-door hatch form. Its body is larger than the old Mk3 Polo (and about the same size as the original Golf), and can be clearly recognised by its four round headlights. The range available is also greatly expanded. The base Polo comes in 3-door; the mid-range Polo S in three or five door, and the luxury Polo SE also in three or five doors, with the models having different equipment and trim levels. All Polos come with the 55 kW 1.4-litre engine, and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto.
The New Beetle range is revised, with a new lower-spec 75 kW 1.6-litre version priced at just $29,700 at the bottom. An 85 kW 2.0-litre version is available. Higher-spec luxury versions of both models are also available, called the Ikon. The 110 kW 1.8-litre New Beetle Turbo is the top local model, sharing its engine with the Golf GTI.
A V6-powered RSi Beetle is entered in the Targa Tasmania, driven by Paul Stokell. It goes well but crashes out on the second-last day.
The Golf range is broadened with the release of the new entry-level 75 kW 1.6S and 1.6SE models, closing the gap between the 1.6 and 2.0-litre models. Next up are the 85kW 2.0S and 2.0SE models, and the 1.8 turbo Golf GTI at the top. S and SE models have a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto; the GTI is manual only.
The Bora 2.0 shares its mechanicals and trim with the Golf SE. The Bora SPORT joins the range as a premium edition of the existing V5 and V6 4Motion models, with rear spoiler, new front grille, 17” alloy wheels, Michelin Sport tyres and special badges and trim.
A special limited edition Transporter, the TDI300, is released. It has a turbo-diesel engine and extra safety features, and retails for $33,690. A high-roof version of the Transporter is also released, with 7.8 cubic metres of load space.
9,886 Volkswagens are sold – 793 Polos, 4,735 Golfs, 74 Cabrios, 1,268 Boras, 754 New Beetles, 1,020 Passats, 225 Caravelles and 1,017 Transporters.
2003
Volkswagen Group Australia Pty Ltd move into their dedicated new head office
complex at the Lakes Business Park, in Lord St, Botany in Sydney. A new Volkswagen
Spare Parts warehouse is opened at the Linfox Business Park at Lidcombe.
The Mexican-made New Beetle Cabriolet is released, with a 13-second electrically powered roof and a 110 kW 2.0-litre engine. The old ‘Mk3½’ Golf Cabriolet is discontinued. The standard New Beetle 1.6 and 2.0-litre models are discontinued, with only the Ikon trim versions still available, together with the Turbo.
A special version of the Golf, called the Generation, is released to celebrate Volkswagen’s 50 years in Australia. Available with 1.6 or 2.0-litre engine and a host of extras, the Generation starts at $26,490 drive-away.
The limited-edition Passat W8 is released, with a 202 kW 4.0-litre 8-cylinder engine. With a top speed of more than 250 km/h, it is the fastest Volkswagen ever sold in Australia.
The Touareg large SUV is released, becoming the first Volkswagen SUV, and the first Slovakian-made Volkswagen, to be sold in Australia. It is available in V6 and V6 Luxury, V8 and V10 TDI versions. Prices begin at $67,600 for the V6, up to $138,500 for the V10 TDI. The Touareg V8 wins Overlander Magazine’s 4WD of the year award.
Local VW ads for the Touareg proclaim, “Come to think of it, announcing our first-ever 4x4.” Unfortunately this is incorrect. VW’s previous 4x4s go back to the Schwimmwagens and Kommandeurwagens of WW2. In postwar years other VW 4x4s have included the Iltis, the Passat Tetra, a range of Syncro Transporters, Golfs and Passats, and the current range of 4Motion 4x4 vehicles. The Touareg is actually VW’s first luxury SUV.
The 9-seat, economical ‘Kombi’ version of the Transporter is released, with an 85 kW 2.5-litre petrol engine as standard. The Caravelle is upgraded with the 150 kW 2.8-litre V6 engine as standard, with the choice of a 75 kW 2.5-litre TDI engine as an option.
The LT range of large VW Transporters is released, taking VW into the 3.5 to 7.5-tonne van market in Australia for the first time. Short and long wheelbase vans are available, in short or high-roof versions. Two TDI engines are available – 80 kW 280 Nm 2.5-litre, or 116 kW 331 Nm 2.8-litre. Prices start at $41,600.
12,357 Volkswagens are sold – 1,236 Polos, 6,457 Golfs, 10 Cabrios, 1,050 Boras, 540 New Beetles, 201 New Beetle Cabriolets, 1,002 Passats, 325 Caravelles, 118 Kombis, 993 Transporters, 114 LTs and 311 Touaregs.
2004
Volkswagen Group Australia publishes issue 1 of ‘Volkswagen Magazine’,
their six-monthly high-quality glossy VW lifestyle magazine. Issue 1 is Autumn/Winter
2004. This is the first Australian VW company-produced magazine for owners since
‘New Horizons’ in 1965-66.
The 500,000th Australian Volkswagen is sold in March, but no official ceremony marks the occasion and it passes unnoticed.
The first issue of the bi-monthly VW Magazine Australia, the most recent independent glossy Volkswagen magazine, goes on sale in newsagents.
The VW Nationals Drag Racing is held at new Western Sydney International Dragway, on Easter Saturday, for the first time. Leigh Harris wins the Gene Berg Trophy, Dave Becker wins King Of The Hill and Rod Penrose gets fastest ET – 8.96 sec @ 161.15 mph.
The Polo range is revised, with the 3-door Polo Club, 5-door Polo Match and 5-door Polo Elite now available, with different levels of equipment, from $19,990. The Polo Classic, the booted version of the Polo, is introduced for the first time, with the same 74 kW 1.6-litre engine as the hatchbacks. The Polo Classic is the first Chinese-made car (of any make) to be sold in Australia.
A pearl-effect ‘Black Magic’ colour version of the New Beetle Cabrio is added to the range. It sells for $46,990.
The latest generation of the Golf, the Mk5, is released in Australia, with
the Golf now being sourced from South Africa rather than Germany. The trim and
equipment range of the Golf is also revised. Bringing the Australian range into
line with the rest of the world, the Golf is now available in Trendline, Comfortline
and Sportline versions. Engines choices are 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre FSI, 1.9-litre
TDI and 2.0-litre TDI. The Golf range begins at $25,490.
The most powerful production Golf so far, the 177 kW 3.2-litre V6 Golf R32,
goes on sale in Australia for the first time, in very limited numbers (it’s
still the Mk4 version).
The low-spec Passat 1.8 turbo is discontinued, and replaced with a 125 kW 2.5-litre V5 version, the same engine as the V5 Bora. The 142 kW 2.8-litre V6 Passat continues. The exclusive Passat W8 is discontinued, proving itself too expensive for the Australian market.
The Touareg range is expanded further, with the R5 TDI turbo diesel engine joining the existing petrol V6 and V8, and turbo diesel V10 versions. Buyers can now choose from four engines – two petrols and two diesels, and also standard/luxury equipment levels. Base price is increased slightly to $69,900.
The Caddy range of small delivery vans is released in Australia for the first time. It is available with a choice of two engines – the 75 kW 1.6 petrol, or 77 kW 1.9-litre TDI. 5-speed manual transmissions are standard. The Caddy is the first Polish-made Volkswagen to be sold in Australia.
The T4 Transporter/Caravelle is discontinued, and replaced by the latest T5 version. It is available as a van, single or dual cab-chassis, in long or short wheelbases. Five engines are available – an 85 kW 2.0-litre or 173 kW 3.2 V6 petrol; either a 63 kW or 77 kW version of the 1.9-litre TDI, and the 128 kW, 400 Nm 2.5 TDI. Prices range from $31,900 to $46,900.
Matching the T5 Transporter is the T5 passenger range. The 96 kW 2.8-litre TDI is standard on the Kombi and Caravelle, and the 128 kW 2.5-litre TDI is standad on the Multivan. Buyers can choose from a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto transmission.
Cab-Chassis versions of the LT are added the range, in both short and long wheelbase versions, with the same engine choices as the vans.
10,754 Volkswagens are sold – 753 Polos, 5,920 Golfs, 483 Boras, 353 New Beetles, 258 New Beetle Cabrios, 337 Passats, 233 Caravelles, 106 Kombis, 1,102 Transporters, 20 Caddys, 254 LTs and 935 Touaregs.
2005
Jutta Dierks takes over from Peter Nochar as the managing Director of Volkswagen
Group Australia. She and her husband arrived in Australia for the first time
from northern Germany. She had previously had VW assignments in the Czech Republic
in the 1990s, and later in Changchun, China.
Volkswagen Group Australia creates the ‘Volkswagen Finance’ division, the trading name for Volkswagen Financial Services Australia Ltd, to assist potential Volkswagen buyers with purchasing, upgrading, refinancing and insurance. VW Finance has its own website, www.volkswagenfinance.com.au.
Volkswagen Group Australia also offers buyers the option of purchasing new extended warranties, with extra benefits such as no claim limit, transferable policy and use of Genuine VW Parts on top of the existing unlimited kilometre and 24-hour assist benefits. The options are named ‘Confidence Plus’ for passenger cars, and ‘Care Port Value’ for light commercials.
The latest 6th-generation Polo range is released, imported from both Spain and South Africa. There is now a choice of three engines – 55 kW and 74 kW versions of the 1.4-litre petrol, and the 74 kW 240 Nm 1.9 TDI. The base 3-door Polo Club 1.4 is $16,990. The 5-door Polo Match is available with either petrol engine, with the 74 kW having a 4-speed auto as standard. The six-speed manual TDI is the top model at $22,990.
The GTI version of the Golf 5 is released in Australia. It comes with the 147 kW 2.0-litre FSI turbo engine, and choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG auto gearboxes. Only the 5-door body is available. It is very attractively priced at $39,990, and also thanks to a very positive reaction from the local press, the GTI soon sells out. The waiting list grows to an unprecedented six months.
The New Beetle range is revised. The Ikon model is discontinued. A new base model, the Miami, is released with a 75 kW 1.6-litre engine and basic trim, for $25,990. The New Beetle 1600 has the same engine but better trim and more standard equipment, and sells for $31,800. The 85 kW New Beetle 2.0 is $36,500, and the 110 kW Turbo is $39,500. The Cabrio shares the 2.0-litre engine and is $36,990.
The Polo GTI makes its debut at the Sydney Motor Show in October, the first time that any Volkswagen model has made its world debut in Australia. VW AG ‘Volkswagen Brand’ CEO, Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, flies to the show to launch the Polo GTI. It comes with a 110 kW 1.8-litre turbo engine (from the previous Golf GTI) and retails for $26,990.
The four and six-cylinder versions of the Bora are discontinued. The only version now available is the 125 kW 2.3-litre V5, for $39,990. This model is also discontinued later in the year, as the Golf 5-based Jetta finally replaces the Golf 4-based Bora. The Mexican-made Jetta debuts at the Sydney Motor Show. This is the first ‘Jetta’ to be sold in Australia, as the Mk1 and Mk2 versions were never imported, and the Mk3 and Mk4 versions were sold as the Vento and Bora.
The latest transverse-engine 6th generation version of the Passat, the so-called ‘PQ46’ model, is displayed at the Sydney Motor Show for release in the new year. It’s not called the ‘B6’ model, as the ‘B6’ platform is used for the Audi A4 (longitudinal engine).
4Motion 4WD versions of the T5 Transporter vans and cab/chassis are added to the Australian range as an option.
The Caravelle people mover is discontinued. The 9-seat Kombi, and 6 or 7-seat Multivan versions of the T5 are available instead, in a wide range of trim and equipment levels, five different engines, and 5 or 6-speed manuals or 6-speed auto choices. Prices range from $47,990 for the base Kombi up to $81,990 for the top 3.6-litre Multivan Executive.
Volkswagen overtakes Mercedes and BMW, and becomes Australia’s top-selling European brand again, for the first time since 1961.
15,782 Volkswagens are sold – 1,320 Polos, 9,311 Golfs, 354 Boras, 9 Jettas, 835 New Beetles, 208 New Beetle Cabrios, 443 Passats, 291 Multivans, 29 Kombis, 1,490 Transporters, 659 Caddys, 262 LTs and 561 Touaregs.
2006
Australian couple John and Helen Taylor complete a 28,970 km drive around the
world in a 1.6-litre FSI petrol Golf 5. With sponsorship from Shell, they drove
through 25 countries in 78 days, using only 24 tankfuls (1,303 litres) of fuel
at an amazing average of only 4.5 litres per 100 km.
The New Beetle 2.0 petrol is discontinued, and replaced with a 77 kW 250 Nm TDI model, selling for $28,490. The base 75 kW 1.6-litre petrol New Beetle Miami, and the 85 kW 2.0-litre Cabriolet, are the only other New Beetle models available.
The top Golf, the improved Mk5 184 kW 3.2-litre V6 R32, is released in Australia. It is listed as a normal addition to the Golf range, rather than special order only as before. It is available in 3 or 5-door versions, and comes with 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG auto, and 4Motion 4WD as standard. It is priced at $54,990 for the 3-door and $56,490 for the 5-door.
The new Jetta, based on the Golf 5, is released for sale. A choice of three engines are available – 110 kW 2.0-litre FSI petrol and the same 147 kW 2.0-litre turbo FSI as the Golf GTI, plus same 103 kW 320 Nm TDI diesel as the Golf TDI. 6-speed manual and DSG auto boxes are available. Prices range from $32,990 up to $39,990.
The new Passat is released, in a wider range of models than before. There are three engines available – the 147 kW 2.0-litre turbo FSI petrol engine from the Golf GTI; a 184 kW V6 FSI petrol, and the same 103 kW 320 Nm TDI diesel as the Golf. Sedan and wagon versions of all three engines are available. All models come with 6-speed auto or 6-speed DSG gearboxes. The V6 Passats come with 4Motion 4WD as standard. Prices range from $42,990 up to $56,990.
Both the V6 and V8 petrol versions of the Touareg SUV are discontinued. The Touareg is now available with diesel engines only – the 128 kW 400 Nm 2.5-litre R5 TDI, and the 230 kW 750 Nm V10 TDI. 6-speed DSG auto is standard on all models. Prices range from $69,990 right up to $136,900.
The passenger version of the Caddy minivan, the Caddy Life, is released for the first time. Also made in Spain, the windowed and trimmed Caddy Life can seat seven people, convert to a van or any arrangement in between. Like the Caddy van, it comes in a choice of 75 kW 1.6-litre petrol or 77 kW 250 Nm 1.9-litre TDI diesel. Prices range from $27,990 to $34,990.
The Kombi Beach, a ‘lifestyle’ version of the T5 is released. It has flexible rail-mounted seating and rear fold-down bed, roof net, underseat drawers and folding table. It comes in two-tone grey with either orange, lime or blue, or solid yellow or silver. The engine is the lower-spec 96 kW 340 Nm 2.5-litre TDI, plus 6-speed manual or auto trans. 4Motion 4WD is optional. Prices start at $54,990, only $1,000 more than the equivalent 9-seat Kombi, but the higher-spec 128 kW 2.5 TDI from the Multivan is not available.
VW’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is introduced to the Transporter range as a $750 option, joining the system already available on VW’s passenger cars.
Every one of the nine Volkswagen models now available in Australia – Polo, Golf, Jetta, New Beetle, Passat, Touareg, Transporter/Multivan/Kombi, Caddy, LT – is now available with a TDI diesel engine if desired. Volkswagen is the first and only maker to offer this option on the Australian market.
Volkswagen finishes in tenth position in Australian vehicle sales (and ninth in passenger cars), VW’s first time in the Australian top ten since 1976.
21,571 Volkswagens are sold – 2,113 Polos, 9,647 Golfs, 50 Boras, 3,111 Jettas, 550 New Beetles, 228 New Beetle Cabrios, 1,445 Passats, 170 Caddy Lifes, 340 Multivans, 142 Kombi Beaches, 1,699 Transporters, 1,192 Caddys, 393 LTs and 491 Touaregs.
2007
Three Volkswagen models win the prestigious NRMA ‘Best Car Awards’
– the Polo TDI for the Best Small Car, the Jetta for the Best Midsize
Car and the Golf GTI for the Best Sports Car.
Most new Volkswagen models can now be ordered with the VW Hands-free In-Car Bluetooth phone system. It allows three different phones, has easy-to-use steering wheel buttons and requires no cradle. Other features include auto-mute through the speaker, voice recognition for voice dialling and compatibility with most Bluetooth phones.
New Volkswagens also now come with a standard iPod connection socket (in the glovebox), so that iPod music can be played through the vehicle’s sound system.
Two new Golf models are added to the Australian range. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel Sportline model is added to the existing Comfortline TDI, thus matching the trim/equipment choices for the petrol Golfs. The popular 3-door Golf GTI also joins the existing 5-door GTI on the Australian market. It is priced at $38,490, some $1,500 cheaper than the 5-door.
Later another new Golf is added to the range – the Golf GT. This Golf has a small, high-tech 1.4-litre FSI petrol engine that produces 125 kW and 240 Nm, more than any Golf except the GTI and R32, yet consumes only 7.7 L on the combined cycle. The secret is the ‘twin charger’ – the combined supercharger-turbocharger, and intelligent engine management system. The Golf GT goes on sale for $34,990 for the 6-speed manual, and $2,300 more for the DSG.
The new Eos coupe/convertible is launched at the Melbourne Motor Show. VW’s Portuguese-made open top car debuts in Australia with a choice of two engines – the same 147 kW 2.0-litre turbo FSI engine as the Golf GTI, and the 103 kW 320 Nm 2.0-litre TDI engine shared with the Golf diesel. Prices are $47,990 for the diesel and $49,990 for the petrol.
The updated, facelifted Touareg range is released, with new nose and lights, bumpers, wheels, colours and trim. Prices are reduced across the range. The petrol 206 kW 3.6-litre V6 is reintroduced, priced exactly the same as the TDI diesel V6, $74,990. In a similar reduction, the 128 kW 2.5-litre R5 TDI is now only $64,900, and the top 230 kW 5.0-litre V10 TDI is now $121,990.
A ‘Camper’ version of the Caddy Life is introduced, with tent pack, camping bed, mattress, curtains and storage packs. It shares mechanicals and specifications with the existing passenger Caddy Life. The five-seat Caddy Life Camper sells for $39,990 (5-speed manual) or $42,990 (6-speed DSG).
The 6-seat versions of the Multivan are discontinued, but the 7-seat versions continue as before, in 2.5-litre 5-cylinder TDI diesel or 3.2-litre V6 petrol versions. Prices range from $59,990 to $75,990.
The 6-speed DSG TDI version of the Caddy van is reduced by $3,000 to $24,990, exactly the same as the 5-speed manual. The Caddy is proving very popular and is the Australian market leader in the segment, beating the Holden Combo and Renault Kangoo.
The V6 petrol Transporter is discontinued, with that 173 kW engine now reserved for the Multivan only. The Transporter engine choices are now the 85 kW 2.0-litre petrol (the ‘Citivan’), or two TDI engines – the 75 kW 250 Nm 1.9-litre four, or the 128 kW 400 Nm 2.5-litre five (the most popular choice for Australians).
The LT is discontinued, and replaced by the new generation VW large van called the ‘Crafter’. Like the last LT, it is a co-operation venture with Mercedes and shares bodyshells with the Sprinter. Australia gets the Crafter 35 (3.5-tonne) in van, single and dual cab chassis, in three wheelbases and three roof heights. All have 2.5-litre TDI engines, in 65/220, 80/280 and 100 kW / 300 Nm versions. Prices start at $42,000.
The station wagon version of the Golf, called the Golf Variant in Europe, is shown for the first time in Australia at the Sydney Motor Show. The Mexican-made wagon is badged as the ‘Golf Compact Wagon’ and draws much interest, but no plans for local release are announced.
Also debuting at the Sydney Motor Show is the Touareg R50, the special high-performance version of the VW SUV. The show vehicle was in metallic blue with chrome grille, and bright 21” wheels. It has a 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine that produces 258 kW and 850 Nm (28 kW and 100 Nm more than the standard V10). This the was the Touareg R50’s world premiere, only the second time a Volkswagen world model has been debuted in Australia.
27,400 Volkswagens are sold – 1,731 Polos, 582 New Beetles, 208 New Beetle Cabriolets, 10,982 Golfs, 6 Boras, 4,071 Jettas, 1,436 Eos, 3,062 Passats, 349 Caddy Lifes, 319 Multivans, 119 Kombis, 1,714 Transporters, 231 Cab-Chassis, 1,354 Caddys, 48 LTs, 446 Crafters and 742 Touaregs.
2008
The Polo TDI is again awarded the NRMA’s Best Car Award for the Best Small
Car in Australia. The Golf R32 wins the Best Sports Car, just beating last year’s
winner, the Golf GTI. The Sydney Morning Herald’s Drive Car of the Year
Awards also go to the Eos and the Golf GTI.
The Volkswagen Club of NSW, founded in 1955, is merged into Club Veedub Sydney, which together with the existing Club Veedub Canberra chapter, creates a combined VW club of great strength. Club Veedub becomes affiliated with CAMS, allowing VW owners to participate in future club motor sport events if they wish.
Australia’s biggest VW show, the VW Nationals in Sydney, is moved from Easter to the end of May in order to free up the Easter break for family time. The 2008 Nationals is significantly bigger and better than previously, with 167 VWs being judged, more water-cooled VWs than ever before, many hundreds more VWs on show, and over 1,000 people through the gate.
The Polo range is simplified, with only four different models now offered. The base Polo 3-door Club (59 kW 1.4 petrol) is $16,990; the Match 5-door (77 kW 1.6 petrol) is $19,990, and the GTI 3-door (110 kW 1.8 petrol) is $26,990. The TDI (74 kW, 1.9 diesel) is $22,990. The Club and Match have a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed auto; the TDI and GTI are manual only.
An Anniversary Edition New Beetle is released, to celebrate the New Beetle’s tenth birthday (since overseas release). It features Campanella White paint with a black roof and side mirrors, special black and white upholstery and 75 kW 1.6-litre petrol engine. It sells for $27,990 for the 5-speed manual, or $30,290 for the 6-speed auto.
Following the success of the amazing twin-charged 1.4-litre Golf GT, the range is revised and enlarged. The existing 1.4 petrol model is renamed the Golf GT Sport FSI. It is joined by a new twin-charged diesel version, the Golf GT Sport TDI. It has a 125 kW / 390 Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine, with supercharger/turbocharger. The power output is exactly the same as the 1.4 petrol, but with 90 Nm more torque. The twin-charge diesel Golf starts at $37,490.
The Passat R36 range goes on display for the first time at the Brisbane Motor Show. Both the Sedan and Wagon versions are released for sale, both with 220 kW 3.6-litre V6 engines, 6-speed DSG gearboxes and 4Motion 4WD. The Sedan is $64,990, and the Wagon $66,990.
The low-spec Kombi and Kombi Beach models are discontinued. Instead, VWGA reintroduces the Caravelle to the Australian market. It is available with flexible, rail-located seating in 8 or 9-passenger versions, and two different 2.5-litre TDI engines – 96 kW / 340 Nm, or 128 kW / 400 Nm. Prices range from $50,490 to $57,490. The 7-seat Multivan remains the top T5-based people mover, with a choice of the same 128 kW TDI or a 173 kW V6, and Comfortline or Highline equipment and trim levels. Multivan prices range from $56,990 to $69,990.
VW’s new compact SUV, the Tiguan, makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne Motor Show. It is released for sale in diesel form only, with the 103 kW 320 Nm 2.0-litre TDI engine shared with the Golf, Jetta, Eos and Passat. Only 600 examples are scheduled for import in 2008 and they are all quickly sold, leaving a 6-month waiting list for vehicles. Two petrol versions, 125 kW and 147 kW versions of the 2.0-litre FSI, are scheduled for later release.
After its debut at the Sydney Motor Show last year, the Touareg R50 goes on sale. With a 256 KW 850 Nm 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine, it is the most powerful Volkswagen ever sold in Australia. A six-speed DSG auto is standard. It is listed for $129,990.
The longer wheelbase, stretched Caddy Maxi van joins the normal Caddy van in the Australian range. It is 470mm longer than the normal Caddy and has 4.7 cubic metres of load space. It shares the same 75 kW 1.6-litre petrol or 77 kW 250 Nm 1.9-litre TDI engines as the normal Caddy, and the same 5-speed manual or 6-speed DSG gearboxes. The Caddy Maxi sells for $24,740 (petrol) or $28,740 (diesel), only $2,800 more than the normal Caddy.