2008 Volkswagen Passat
September 20, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Volkswagen Australia has expanded the Passat range with two new variants. Equipped with the same engine as the new diesel powered Volkswagen Golf GT Sport, the 2.0-litre TDI unit produces 125 kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Using a highly innovative piezo pump high-pressure jet injection system, the new engines produce 22kW more power and 30Nm more torque than the older generation units, which coincidently, Volkswagen is still selling!
The 2008 lineup now includes the new 125kW 2.0-litre diesel ($44,990*), as well as the old 103kW 2.0-litre diesel (reduced to $42,490*) with a price difference of $2,500.
The new and more powerful variant goes from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds (sedan), over 1 second faster than the existing model.
With more emphasis on a lower entry price, Volkswagen has downgraded the ‘Le Mans’ 17″ alloy wheels on the 103kW variant to ‘Milwaukee’ 16″ alloys, a saving of $500.
The range also includes a 2.0-litre turbo variant with 147kW and 280Nm of torque ($44,490*) and everyone’s favourite, the top of the range, 4WD, 3.2-litre V6, with 184kW and 330Nm of torque ($54,490*).
The new Passat range has so far proved to be a success story for Volkswagen, with the German brand continuing a period of growth in Australia.
Volkswagen’s more affordable arm, Skoda, is all set for a comeback starting at next month’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
* all prices are for Sedan models, Wagons are $2,000 more across the range
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Having come back from the UK and talking to a relative who is a mechanic over there, he was impressed with the quality & bang-for-buck that skoda & seat (part of VAG) give you.
I’m glad to hear they are coming out here, there is not much connecting the new skoda with the old apart from the name.
SEAT still won’t be available in Australia, shame considering there produce lineup is more established then Skoda.