New Phaeton and introducing the Golf Twist
This month brings two additions to the VW range that are at opposite ends of the price spectrum.
The first is the Phaeton, VW's luxury saloon, which has a new incarnation available to order from yesterday.
There are two engines to choose from; a 3.0 litre V6 TDI diesel, and a 6.0 litre W12. Both models are available with a long wheelbase, which gives an extra 12cm of legroom in the back; the 3.0 litre is also available with a shorter standard wheelbase.
Standard features include four wheel drive, eight airbags, laminated glass and adjustable air suspension. Looks-wise, the front end has plenty in common with the latest Passat; the bumper and front grille have been redesigned and hold LED running and fog lights and bi-xenon headlights. At the back the lights and bumper have also been redesigned, and the alloy wheels also have a new look.
The interior continues to feature leather upholstery, adjustable electric seats and advanced air conditioning, but there is new trim and finishes; the steering wheel has been redesigned and the dashboard now features a full colour display. An RNS 810 SatNav is standard, with Google Maps available as an extra for the first time, and entertainment options include a 12 channel/speaker digital audio system.
Recommended prices are £46,195 for the 3.0 litre and £78,685 for the 6.0 litre.
At the more affordable end of the market is the new Golf Twist; an entry level model based on the Golf S but which has over £700 worth of extra features including 16 inch alloy wheels, a multimedia-compatible radio system and a front centre armrest on top of the standard ABS, 'ESP' (electronic suspension) and seven airbags.
The Twist is a front-wheel drive, with six-speed manual gearbox and a 1.4 litre petrol engine capable of 107 mph and 44.1 mpg on a combined cycle. C02 emissions are low at 149 g/km. Three or five doors are available; the five door model costing an extra £585 on top of the standard RRP of £12,995 (the Golf S, VW's previous entry-level model, is £14,880).
It's worth bearing in mind that Volkswagen are currently offering three years (or 30,000 miles) servicing for a one-off payment of £250 on all models including the Twist.