New Passat: Packed with innovation

HAVING SOLD 15 million units since it's launch in 1973, it is clear that the Volkswagen Passat is one of the most popular cars in the world. The seventh generation Passat will be the first Volkswagen with fatigue detection, a system that monitors your driving and alerts you if it detects erratic behaviour that suggests you might be tiring.

The City EB function – only active at below 30 km/h – senses stationary vehicles and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or minimise damage in a collision. This car can even park for you! The range already carries a five-star ANCAP rating but additional safety features include seatbelt fastening detection for the rear seats and front head restraints that now adjust horizontally and reduce the risk of whiplash injury.

With improved sound reduction and ambient lighting the interior is a nicer place to be and the whole package is on par with cars with much higher price tags. There has been no better time to get into a VW so get down to Kloster Volkswagen and see the future for yourself.

VW's brand new Uber Ute

THE EAGERLY AWAITED AMAROK is Volkswagen's first ever dual-cab ute. The range has been launched with four variants. All have a dual-cab pick-up
body style and feature the 2.0 litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Currently the only option is manual with autos to come later in 2011.

Amarok is best-in-class in a number of key areas. Firstly, safety is a feature with dual-front and head/thorax airbags and stability control and hill descent assist as standard. It also features a total load area of 2.52 square metres. The third class-leading claim comes from the economy of the 2WD diesel versions that return 7.7L/km.

There's no mistaking that this tool is aimed squarely at the tradie sector and it is expected to rapidly command a large share of the ute market place. With more variants soon arriving, the competition should be very scared.

For more information visit Kloster Volkswagen.