Detroit show: VW joins Euro 4WD charge

VOLKSWAGEN has given the strongest hint yet to the styling of its new off-roader with the unveiling of the Magellan cross-over concept at this week's Detroit motor show.

In doing so, it has joined a clump of European manufacturers entering the off-road fray, including Swedish arch-rivals Volvo and Saab.

While the production VW off-roader wasn't shown at Detroit, its name was confirmed as "Touareg", which refers to a nomadic middle eastern tribe renowned for its toughness.

The Touareg, previously know by its Colorado codename, is tipped to debut at the Paris motor show this year and go on sale in Australia in 2003.

The Magellan was named after the famous Portuguese navigator and the design concept was penned in VW's Spanish studio, with the intention of blending traditional wagon, MPV and off-roader attributes.

One intriguing design feature is the position of the VW emblem. It has been set in the bonnet, above a newly designed grille, a departure from the traditional position within the grille.

The Magellan has a W8 engine with a power output of 202kW, a four-wheel drive system with electronic differential locks, pneumatic suspension with active hydraulic shock absorption and 19-inch wheels.

The interior boasts seating for six in three rows of two and various cargo configurations, along with a removable navigation system called "GPS to Go". Naturally, there is plenty of leather and aluminium splashed around as well.

The instruments and controls are suspended in a horizontal information and control bar between the dash panel base and hood.

The front and middle rows have individual seats, whereas the third row has a bench seat. A monorail frame underneath the seat and the lengthways guide rail integrated in the wooden floor creates the impression that the seats "float" in the same way as the instrument panel. The third row of seats can be stored in the floor when not in use.

VW's even come up with a new accessory for Magellan, a caravan that can be extended by two metres and a roofbox that can be turned over and used as a boat! * The Volvo XC90 goes on sale in Europe late 2002 and in Australia in February or March 2003. Pricing for the company's first Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is expected to be around $90,000.

There will be at least two variants for Australia, with a choice of 154kW 2.5-litre five-cylinder and 200kW 2.9-litre six-cylinder unit turbo engines already seen in other Volvos. A 120kW 2.4-litre turbo-diesel could be introduced here later.

Based on the same large car platform as the S60, V70 and S80, the XC90 has a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension combined with a new electronic Haldex-developed electronic four-wheel drive system which automatically varies power between the front and rear wheels depending on grip levels.

Safety figures strongly in the XC90 and it includes features designed to reduce rollover risk and improve compatibility - that's when a tall SUV collides with a car that sits closer to the road surface.

The XC90 is also the first European-built car to offer infra-red Night Vision as an option.

The XC90 seats up to seven and offers extensive entertainment and communication options, including the world launch of Dolby Prologic II in a car audio system, an in-car DVD player and a navigation system.

* The 9-3X concept is Saab's first off-roader and has been developed from General Motors' "Epsilon" mid-size vehicle architecture, and aspects of its design language, as well as a number of its technical features, are likely to be seen in forthcoming Saabs.

Within its coupe format, the 9-3X offers accommodation for four adults and a versatile load-carrying ability.

An all-new, 206kW, 2.8-litre "Ecopower 2" V6 turbocharged engine is linked to an "intelligent" 4WD system via a Saab semi automatic transmission.

The 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine also produces a constant 400Nm of torque from 1700 rpm to 5500 rpm, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

* Don't miss our full wrap-up of the Detroit show in automotive e-news this week. It's free and easy to subscribe, just check out the advertisement on the home page and follow the prompts.