Volkswagen At The Sunday Times Motor Show Live 2004

Volkswagen will be demonstrating the full breadth of its passenger car range at the NEC this year. The main attractions will be the UK debut of concept C, the three-door Golf, Polo Dune, Phaeton long wheelbase and Phaeton V10 TDI.

The company is also showcasing its wide range of versatile MPVs, with an area of the stand dedicated to five multi-purpose models – including the new Caddy Life, which makes its UK debut.

The concept C has been confirmed for production in 2006, and will be entering a new market sector for Volkswagen. With a sophisticated folding metal roof, the concept C can become either a coupé or a cabriolet at the push of a button and in just a few seconds. In terms of size, the concept C slots in between the Golf and Passat, and complements the more compact New Beetle Cabriolet.

The new Golf, launched in January, will have a considerable presence on the stand. The fifth generation of Volkswagen’s best-seller has got off to a flying start in the UK, setting new sales records while collecting a string of awards along the way, including What Car? magazine’s overall Car of the Year 2004.

Combining the nimble size of a supermini with the tough styling of a 4x4, the Polo Dune is a front wheel-drive hatch with attitude. Distinctive body addenda, alloys wheels and interior trim plus new paint colours combine to give this Polo plenty of street presence. The Polo will also be shown in high-value Twist guise, while the range will also soon be bolstered by a GT model, powered by a potent TDI 130 PS diesel engine.

Both the Bora compact saloon and Passat saloon and estate will be on show in extra-value Highline trim. For only a small premium over the SE models on which they are based, they boast a range of attractive, high value features, including leather upholstery, parking sensors and unique alloy wheels.

Volkswagen’s luxury vehicles will be taking pride of place on the stand. They include the new long wheelbase Phaeton saloon with the award-winning 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine, the world’s most powerful passenger car diesel to date. The highly capable Touareg 4x4 will also be displayed with a range of engines and trims, while outside the halls it will be flexing its muscle on the special off-road track.

Ever since the launch of the pioneering Transporter Kombi in 1949, Volkswagen has been an intrinsic part of the MPV scene. At this year’s show, the full range of MPVs will be displayed, including the new Caddy Life; compact Touran; mid-sized Sharan; highly practical Transporter shuttle; and luxurious Caravelle.