| Concept Review | SEMA Show | VW Jetta SportWagen |
SEMA saw VW's efforts at making diesel motors cool with a modified Jetta SportWagen promoting its 'Dieselution Tour'. The 2.0-litre TDI produces 140bhp and 235lb.ft of torque, which should make it a reasonably entertaining drive, but to cement this, VW has fitted H&R springs to lower the ride height and reduce body roll, whilst new Sportec 19-inch wheels enclosing Brembo brakes and wrapped in grippy Yokohama rubber further ensure this is no ordinary Jetta.
The American car tuning show also saw a Passat Estate finished with a Hi-Def styling package as well as bright Hella lighting and 18-inch Velos wheels. Much to the adoration of the budding racer, Recaro has provided racing child seats in the back. Rather disappointedly, the Passat is powered by an untouched 2.0-litre TFSI unit that turns out 200bhp and 207lb.ft of torque.
The same standard TFSI engine also featured in the four-door Golf GTI that was shown off in Las Vegas. This time however, the sporty exterior of the VW experienced a thorough reworking, with 'Thunder Bunny' front bumpers and side skirts and a rear valance from the R32. The company also fitted new brakes to the SEMA GTI. VW chose to lower the ride height with its own springs and tightened up the handling too and for that extra touch, a centre exhaust was sourced from Vibrant Performance, with the GTI's rear also using tinted rear lamps. Eighteen-inch Karthoum wheels further help to set a muscular stance. Inside VW saw fit to add a crowd-pleasing uprated sound system and an iPod adapter.
Kyle Molyneux - 2 Nov 2007