U.S. Volkswagen dealers to get 6 new vehicles in 2008

Do drivetrain/engine variations on existing vehicles really constitute vehicless being 'new'?

I also question just how "long-awaited" the VW Routan really has been... It's not like minivans are 'all the rage' these days.

The new Diesels are certainly welcome, but let's keep the 'journalistic sensationalism' to a minimum - ;-)

Like my Grandma always said, when you have lemons..make some lemonade :-)

Clearly VW dealers wish their minivan was really new (its been out for 9 months as a Chrysler/Dodge), their small SUV was introduced 4 years ago (when the X-3 came out), and their "green" model had a bit more marketing pizazz than two new turbo-diesels (as good as they are and I think they are probably better than the 'green' cars sold by the 'Hybrids-r-us' dealer down the street - especially when all those batteries start polluting our landfills).

Oh well, good for VW, they really deserve to have a good year.

I saw the Routan at the auto show. I was scared, but it really is quite different from the T&C/Caravan. Unfortunately, they share a drivetrain, but the VW covers it up with much more attractive styling inside and out.

The Tiguan,the Routan and Passat CC are clearly new vehicles. I hope VW expands the diesel lineup to the Rabbit,Eos and these 3 models as well.I still hope for the Scirroco to eventually make it across the pond.

The Tiguan is on my shopping list along with Santa FE, GLK, EX35, 2009 Forester, Venza and 2009 RX 350. My wife wants a small SUV and I want the SUV to be as big as possible. We may end up with a KIA Borrego which appears to meet all of my specifications. Of the longer list The Tiguan, Forester, and EX35 are front runners because of their small size but I may eliminate the Tiguan and other vehicles just because I don't like transversely mounted engines.

I agree only that FWD cars are crap compared to RWD cars but the Germans have always excelled in mechanical enginering.

I still think they messed up by not doing the Microbus that made headlines a few years ago. The VW bus is iconic and could generate much needed buzz to the brand, much like the VW bug that put them back in the game in the late 90's.

VW= Cars for People.

What Volkswagen would like us to believe = Cars for the Rich

Nowadays we have $40,000+ Passats, $30,000 Jettas, $50-60,000 Touaregs and an expensive new Cabrio (EOS). They aimed too high. Best example: Phaeton.

Im sure most people would agree that for that kind of money, they would rather have an Audi. I know I would.

spot on.
40k+ for a I4 VW EOS. that's just insane.

I do find it odd though that they are bringing a Chrysler Minivan when they alread manufacture 3 vans in Europe? On the subject of Value have driven both on the track the 3.2 Eos at under $40K is a better buy than the BMW 335 with like equipment for $60K and you get a sunroof! The CC looks great and I have also heard that its going to start in the $25K range. I think that value wise, VW are okay compared with others. However, they along with everyone else just need to drop this obesseion with Chrome grilles!

I like the styling and considering that the lease on my A4 is up in August and I can't afford an A6 I am definately going to look at this one. I wonder how it compares price wise to a similarly equipped CTS.

Yeah, 6 more overpriced for their segment vehicles, can't wait!

FYI new would mean a whole new model, not a different engine or hybrid version. aka, the Jetta TDI is not new, just a different engine.

lol, If only they understood that like we do.

But seeing as this is VW we're talking about, their owners usually dream of Audi's when their Jetta breaks down for the 100th time.

Mechanically-VW are FWD Audi's.They might not be made as well but the ride and handling are similar. If they would simply ditch that 5 cylinder engine for the Rabbit and Jetta and put a proper 4 banger in there that would help. I don't know why they gave up the 2 liter 16 valve.The 5 cylinder sounds lousy and has lousy response. They need to work on build quality from Puebla.

I had three in-line 5-cylinder Audis in the eighties and I can tell you that an in-line 5 is smoother than an in-line 4 although not quite as smooth as an in-line 6.

Other than the diesels VW dealers are going to have another lousy year!

According to a VW person at the Chicago auto show, the Passat CC will come in at about $25K.

You believe it?