VW's new model roll-out gathers momentum

Volkswagen has already launched a handful of new models in Australia recently, but the volume-selling Euro brand has more to come -- much more. With the recent launches of Polo Mark V, Golf Mark VI, Golf Wagon, revised Jetta and T5 Transporter -- plus another couple overseas (Polo sedan and shortly, the all-new Amarok), you could be forgiven for thinking we've seen all the metal we can expect from the German manufacturer. Not half!

Chatting with Volkswagen's General Manager of Press and Public Relations, Karl Gehling at last week's launch of the new Golf GTD and R models, the Carsales Network learnt that as VW sets itself up to become the number one selling auto brand, already leaning heavily on Toyota for the lofty position, another batch of new vehicles are lying in wait, all set for a 2011 launch.

Though the specifics of model timing were kept on the down low, Gehling said that Volkswagen will launch no fewer than five new models to hit Volkswagen showrooms next year, with the first candidate likely to be the German brand's off-road champion, the Touareg.

Already launched in Europe, the second-generation Touareg sports a fresh new look, a range of engine offerings, including a not-for-Australia hybrid, and a stronger feature list, including an unlatchable rear seat and remoulded dashboard. Touareg will also offer what Volkswagen claims is the world's largest panoramic sunroof on an SUV.

There will also be a special 'offroad' button that alters Touareg's electronic driving aids (such as ABS and Traction Control) for rougher terrain. Hill Descent Assist is also available, as is a Terrain Tech Pack for V6 TDI models, which feature a more robust transfer case, plus locking centre and rear differentials.

Volkswagen's smaller SUV Tiguan is also due for replacement next year, with more than a few spy photos already doing the rounds. The new Tiguan, a heavy revision of the current model, will feature the new family face (as seen on Polo, Golf and Transporter), and possibly a new rear-end, similar to that seen on big brother Touareg.

With new headlamps, a new grille, revised bumper, bonnet and guards, the next Tiguan will also score LED daytime running lamps. The shapely new front-end also doing its part to improve the small SUV's aerodynamics. Expect to see new Tiguan at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Further down the model range, VW's mid-size sedan, Jetta, will receive a complete do-over for 2011 after its incidental facelift earlier this year. The new model is said to be slightly larger than its predecessor, riding on a re-engineered version of the current platform, itself also likely to underpin yet another new 2011 model, the new New Beetle (no, that's not a typo).

Jetta will likely feature the same engine and transmission line up as found in the current Mark VI Golf range and, in the US at least, will be priced to compete with such rivals as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. The new Jetta will be produced at Volkswagen's Puebla, Mexico plant (as per the current model) and, as noted in our recent spy photos, will also share the now familiar Volkswagen family face. Gehling said new Jetta is slated for its US launch later next month.

Also set to score the new 'horizontally stacked' family face in 2011 are Caddy and winner of Carsales People's Choice Award in 2008, the convertible Eos.

Gehling was non-committal as to whether the next-generation Eos coupe-cabriolet would comprise a complete revision (including a new platform, possibly the same re-engineered deck from new Jetta) or a simple facelift. If Eos does manage to score a new platform, it's likely the four-seater will feature more legroom for rear seat passengers, perhaps the only drawback faced by the current model.

And for those of you waiting on a sign from above regarding Scirocco Down Under, perhaps it's time to stop reading, Gehling reiterating that the sporty coupe is still a no-go for the local market.  

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