British International Motor Show - Volkswagen

This file contains archived information on the 1996 motor show. Our current news section is here.

Volkswagen is going to have a record year in 1 996. And this year's Motor Show is one of the most important ever for the company. Star of Volkswagen's stand will be the all-new Passat, though that's not the only news to interest show visitors as the following list proves.

UK debut of the all-new Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen's new competitor in the VectralMondeo/406 class is a complete departure from the outgoing Passat.

[Passat]

The design is the most exciting yet introduced by the company, with an interior that wouldn't shame a car from the class above. The engine line-up includes a 1 93 bhp V6 with syncro four-wheel drive, 1 50 bhp VR5 and two TDI direct injection diesel engines. The Passat range rates high on available innovative features: five speed automatic transmission with a Tiptronic function that allows the driver to change up or down manually is offered with VR5 and V6 engines, while an optional in-car satellite navigation system and gas discharge headlamps will be available next year. Safety hasn't been neglected either with even the 1.6 E having twin airbags and ABS as standard. Side airbags mounted in the front seats and a three-point inertia reel centre rear seatbelt are optional.

In current Volkswagen style, the Passat really is affordable: the fully-equipped 1.6 E can be driven away for just £1 3,995.

Offensive on in-car security - Passat to be fitted with Volkswagen-branded stereo; new 'Sony Security Plus System Audio' offered across range

The Passat is the first UK Volkswagen to be fitted with custom-designed stereo equipment. The systems are branded as Volkswagen and only fitted to a Passat. There are two levels offered, 'Beta' on Passat E and S and 'Gamma' on Passat SE, Sport and V6. Both have RDS, the lower unit with four speakers while the superior one has more power and eight speakers. It is also possible to add a CD autochanger to the 'Gamma' unit.

In addition, Volkswagen and the Sony Consumer Products Group are announcing at the motor show one of the most advanced in-car entertainment security devices offered for the UK market.

Sony Security Plus System Audio, developed over two years, includes the following security measures:

all these in-car units will have mechanisms to make the units far more difficult to remove.
every unit will have an invisible alarm system
if the in-car unit is removed, it can not be used inside another vehicle without a special hidden mechanism.
every stereo is traceable through a databank of serial numbers unique to each unit.
all in-car systems will be logged into a national database when the special Sony unit is purchased.

More details will be revealed at the motor show.

New engines: Polo 1.0 litre and Polo 1 6V

Two new engine derivatives are introduced, topping and tailing the Polo performance league: the all-aluminium 1.0 litre 50 bhp and the 1.4 litre 16-valve 100 bhp. Despite its new engine, the most affordable of Volkswagens can be driven away for only £7945. While the 1 6V drives to 62 mph in~a mere 10.5 seconds.

Golf GTI display celebrating the cult car's 21st anniversary

Volkswagen is mounting a special display of the Golf GTI. It's 21 years since the concept of a Volkswagen sports hatchback was shown to the public. At Birmingham, all three generations of the Golf GTI will be brought together. The Anniversary limited edition of the current model will be there, along with the GTI 1 6V Sony Rally Car that is performing so well on the world rally circuit.

[Golf]

Metropolitan Police-livened Golf VR6

Londoners may have seen a Golf VR6 with police livery patrolling the capital's streets. Its combination of reliability, great build quality, 2.8 litre 1 74 bhp VR6 engine and discreet styling are bringing it many fans within the force. Those yet to have a close encounter with a police VR6 can do so at the Show - with no risk of prosecution.

Other manufacturers' Birmingham Offerings

Join Carsource's Car Industry News mailing list