Volkswagen brought a class and raw speed to the NEC today, handing its new Phaeton and Touareg models their full UK debut at British International Motor Show, and unveiling the fastest production Golf ever built.

Both the Phaeton, a premium saloon, and the Touareg, a luxury off-roader represent the marque’s first assault on the luxury sector.

The flagship Phaeton will be available in five different engine sizes, including a 420 bhp W12 petrol engine and a 313 bhp 5-litre V10 diesel, the most powerful of its kind in the world. Other features include pneumatic suspension, draught-free air conditioning and aluminium bodywork.

Volkswagen’s Touareg, a premium 4x4, shares the same engine range as the Phaeton, and features air suspension, a low-ratio transfer gearbox and electronic locking differentials.

The manufacturer also unveiled the striking new Golf R32, the fastest production Golf ever built, to a crowd of waiting journalists.

With a 3.2-litre engine developing a whopping 240 bhp, the Golf has an impressive top speed of 153 mph and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a breathtaking 6.6 seconds.


Published : 22/10/02 Author : Melanie Carter

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