Volkswagen At The British International Motor Show 2002

Volkswagen’s Phaeton and Touareg – two major new models in the luxury sector – will be making their UK debuts at the British International Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham this month (23 October – 3 November). They will be joined by the most powerful production Golf yet built, the 240 bhp R32.

Both the Phaeton and the Touareg represent Volkswagen’s first assault on the luxury sector, the Phaeton being a large saloon in the premium segment, the Touareg a luxury off-roader. Technical sophistication and class-leading engineering are common to both models, as are benchmark standards of build quality, equipment and safety.

The Golf R32 is the fastest production Golf yet built. With 240 bhp from its 3.2-litre V6 engine, this four-wheel drive is capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 153 mph. Its appearance is equally dramatic, with its striking 18-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, blue brake calipers plus redesigned bumpers, side sills and spoilers.

Also on the Volkswagen stand will be the recently revised Bora range, including an ST model with the proven 150 bhp 1.8T engine, now offering impressive value for money at £15,355 (at participating retailers until 31 December 2002). This model is also now available with the even more powerful 180 bhp unit, which made its debut in the limited edition Golf GTI Anniversary. The latter is another star of the Volkswagen stand, celebrating 25 years of the Golf GTI in the UK.

Visitors can also see the new Polo 1.4 FSI – now on sale in the UK – which features an advanced direct-injection petrol engine for much improved efficiency compared with a conventional petrol unit.

Offering even more value for money until the end of this year from just £6,995, the Lupo SE special edition, on show in Birmingham, is available with a variety of economical powerplants and a host of extra equipment over the E model on which it is based.

Other highlights on the Volkswagen stand include two Passat variants making their UK show debuts: the new 2.0-litre petrol model with a 130 bhp 20-valve engine and the range-topping 275 bhp W8 4MOTION.