VOLKSWAGEN Japan HIGHLIGHTS OF EXHIBITED CARS Golf Ever since the launch of the initial model in 1974, Golf has been satisfying the respective values and standards of each era and has even established a new class of car. Although the body is renewed for each generation, Golf remains the leading model in this class with its excellent design that allows anyone to recognize Golf at a glance, and its excellent technical ability. This year Golf has celebrated its 25th anniversary of production, and the number of units manufactured has exceeded 19 million. In the fourth generation Golf has further increased its functionality and safety, offering 12-year corrosion warranty and four air bags, with side air bags as standard equipment. In Japan the fourth-generation Golf was launched August of last year, and has established a solid position as it enters its second year. This year a new engine has been added, enhancing the line-up further as a standard car of this class. As the top model representing Golf, GTX is exhibited with right-hand steering, A/T, and a water-cooled serial 4-cylinder DOHC turbo engine with inter-cooler. Leather seats and a multi-media station (Volkswagen Navigation System) are standard equipment desering of the Golf top model. Golf Wagon (reference model) The German launch last June added the long-awaited Golf Wagon to the fourth-generation Golf line-up. While the four Golf key elements "safety," "environment,""quality" and "fun of driving" remain unchanged, a spacious luggage compartment of 460 liters is ready at hand. This high performance station wagon creates a new standard, suitable for the Golf family, in the compact wagon class. Appearing for the first time in Japan, Golf Wagon sports a 2.0-liter engine with A/T and right-hand steering. The introduction to Japan is scheduled for next spring. Golf Cabriolet "An open model, though not sacrificing utility or cabin comfort". This has been Volkswagen's concept for open models, unchanged since the days of the Beetie Cabriolet. The Golf Cabriolet launched in Japan last February also adopts this concept. In addition to the traditional safety roll bar and full size air bags for driver and passenger seat, safety has been strenghened with side air bags as standard equipment. Golf Cabriolet is a full open 4-seater model uncompromising safety and comfort, with an elegant body jointly developed with the prominent coachbuilder Karmann. The Cabriolet is exhibited with the special body color "Silver Arrow". New Beetle Ever since its debut at the Detroit Motor show in 1994, New Beetle has been enthusiastically welcomed all over the world. The original Beetle has sold more than 20-million units worldwide and literally became the world's best selling car. The New Beetle has been completely reborn with an exterior design using the circle as its motif, a round meter, and a bud vase evoking memories of the original Beetle. The engine is the most recent 2.0-liter serial 4-cylinder SOHC, and the adopted front-wheel-drive allows effective use of the cabin. In order to match the latest safety standards comprehensive safety devices such as ABS, dual air bags, and front side air bags have been incorporated. With its appearance and performance the New Beetle combines "life style" with "state-of-the-art technology" at their highest level. The exhibited car is the New Beetle Plus with A/T, leather seats, and aluminum wheels. Bora Bora is the latest Volkswagen model; it recently arrived in Japan in October 1999 as a premium compact sedan. Named after the winds that blow across the Adriatic Sea, Bora's dynamic and stylish body, which rhythmically moves like the wind through all driving scenes, is part of this car's unique character. 2 types of power-trains were set up: a 2.3-liter V5-cylinder SOHC to satisfy city and sports driving, and a 2.0-liter serial 4-cylinder SOHC. As a premium sedan deserves, the interior adopts walnut paneling and a wood shift knob. Front wipers with rain sensor and removable automatic antiglare rearview mirror, plus comfort equipment as automatic air conditioner and front seat heater are standard equipment. The exhibited Bora models are right-hand steering and A/T, with 2.3-liter V5 and 2.0-liter engines. Please pay close attention to this German premium compact sedan Bora, which turns out to be a master piece to the last detail. Passat The top of the Volkswagen line-up is Passat, which has led the mid-class market in Europe ever since its launch, with its beautiful and dynamic design, advanced technology, high safety, durability and comfort. By concentrating on these factors, the outstanding model Passat has become the undisputed Volkswagen flagship model, the displayed V6 Syncro car is the Passat image leader. V6 Syncro adopts a full-time four-wheel-drive system with Torsen center differential, and a powerful 2.8-liter V6-cylinder DOHC engine (max. output 193hp/max. torque 28.6kgm). To further enhance road surface grip, the rear suspension is a double wishbone suspension, and the 5-speed A/T is furnished with Tiptronic. Passat Wagon With its high quality, the sporty and powerful driving performance of a sedan, Passat Wagon has strengthened its utility as an elegant wagon. The luggage compartment pursues utility and provides a spacious 495-liter capacity. By folding the rear seats backwards the capacity can be extended up to 1600 liters. In addition, rails are set on the floor to allow smooth loading/unloading of luggage, just one example for the detailed ideas incorporated into the Passat Wagon. The exhibited model is a V6 Syncro same as the saloon. Volkswagen is proud of this mid-class wagon that matches all driving scenes. Others In addition to the above nine models, Volkswagen exhibits three types of engine models and one cut model. Engine models 1.4-liter 4-cylinder SOHC (reference model) 2.3-liter V5-cylinder SOHC (Bora V5) 2.8-liter V6-cylinder DOHC (Passat/Passat Wagon) Cut model 4-Motion: Volkswagen's new four-wheel-drive system using a Haldex coupling