More power and a fine-tuning of equipment packaging and pricing will characterize a new direction for the Volkswagen brand portfolio in 2008. The world's largest German automaker says that customers can look forward to an even higher level of standard features at appealing prices.

Highlights are as follows:

The 2008 Rabbit will be bumped in the horsepower department to a class leading 170 horsepower and 177 lb.- ft of torque, up from 150 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. This relates to a slight increase in price, which now starts at $20,175. The entry level is now called the Trendline. Sixteen-inch wheels come with the new Comfortline model, which was formerly called the Convenience model.

The 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine gets an extra 20 hp.

For 2008, the Jetta gets new equipment packages with more customer-relevant features. The entry level model now includes standard 16 inch wheels, new wheel designs and new colors. The base price is unchanged.

Both the 2008 GTI and GLI models get standard dual-zone automatic climate control and a new 17 inch wheel design. GTI will carry a base price of $29,575, with the GLI sedan coming in at $32,175.

Volkswagens flagship, the Passat, undergoes several changes, including standard alloy wheels and a 12 way power driver's seat. The base model is also called the Trendline, and various updates to the option packages allow customers to specify new equipment combinations. For instance, the 2.0t model can be had with 17" alloy wheels, fog lamps and wood dashboard trim. The V6 engine now comes only with the 4Motion AWD system. Xenon lighting with active lighting system is also standard with the 3.6 litre engine. Pricing starts at $30,975 for a sedan, and $32,475 for the wagon.

The 2008 Eos, starting at $37,175, takes on the Trendline name for the base model, and replaces the Sport Leather package with the Comfortline package which now adds satellite radio.

The 2008 Touareg 2 has been restyled- the new look less industrial and conservative while more soft, friendly and inviting. Headlamps are now rounded off, taillights are darkened, and the Touareg is still distinctively a Volkswagen with its vertical chrome-clad grille.

Power comes from a 3.6 litre V6 with 280 horsepower that's ideal for general, all purpose operation. Buyers who need more power can specify a 4.2 litre V8 engine with 350 horsepower.

Pricing for the Touareg 2, with over 2300 new parts, comes in some $1,500 less than last years model at $49,975.


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux