VW gears up for big future

VOLKSWAGEN has a couple of models up its sleeve as it strives to post its best sales performance in recent years.

VW posted 5444 passenger car sales in Australia last year and is on track to comfortably exceed this figure in 2000.

Currently under the umbrella of Inchcape Automotive, VW's Australian operations will come under the control of the German car-maker on January 1, 2001.

Inchcape would be ruing the loss of the VW subsidiary as the brand is steadily gaining momentum and could be the biggest-selling European marque within the next couple of years.

BMW was the most popular European brand in 1999 with 8904 sales to its credit.

The Bora and New Beetle have been key model additions for VW and its line-up will be further strengthened in September by two new models - the V6-powered Bora 4-Motion and a substantially facelifted Polo.

VW spokesman Mr Oliver Mann says the Bora 4-Motion is likely to be priced around $58,000, which means it will be competing against the likes of the BMW 318i and Lexus IS200.

While it may not match the BMW 318i in the prestige stakes, the Bora 4-Motion will have performance to easily eclipse its Bavarian rival. It is powered by the same 2.8-litre V6 as the flagship Passat. This unit generates a healthy 142kW and 280Nm, which suggests the relatively compact Bora will be a genuinely quick sedan.

Power will be relayed to the tarmac via all four wheels and beefed-up suspension should ensure the car's handling is a match for its straight-line performance.

At the lower end of the spectrum, VW will simultaneously replace its ageing Polo with a revised version featuring new sheetmetal, revised headlamps and tail-lights and a Lupo-inspired interior.

The 1.6-litre engine that powers the current car will also be replaced by a more modern 1.4-litre, 16-valve powerplant.

The smaller engine generates the same 55kW power output as the 1.6-litre unit, but its maximum torque is marginally lower.

Externally, the revised Polo will be easily distinguishable from the current model thanks to the addition of large square lamps and a new grille and bonnet structure.

Expect entry level pricing to remain below $20,000.

The keenly anticipated Beetle turbo - originally due late this year - will now be launched around next February.

Based on the hot-selling normally aspirated model, the blown Beetle should deliver genuinely sporty performance.

It is powered by the same 1.8-litre turbo engine used in the Golf GTi, generating 110kW at 5700rpm and 210Nm at 1850rpm.

Visually, the turbo Beetle will stand apart from the normally aspirated model by its 16-inch alloy wheels, speed-activated rear spoiler and power sunroof. It will come well equipped with air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power windows, central locking and a six-speaker CD stereo among the standard features.