4car rating: 4 stars
Body Styles: Saloon, Estate
Engines: 1.8 T, 2.0, 2.3 V5, 2.8 V6, 1.9 TD 100, 1.9 TD 130, 2.5 V6
Prices: £15,445 to £22,690
Volkswagen's diesels were great even before they were upgraded recently. Now they're even better. Three turbodiesels are available - two 1.9-litre units, with 100bhp or 130bhp, and a 150bhp 2.5-litre V6. By injecting diesel at very high pressure, a clean and efficient burn is produced, which makes such a high power output possible, yet torque is even more impressive than this . the 2.5-litre unit develops its maximum pulling power from just 1,500rpm. Diesel technology is advancing all the time, with other manufacturers promising ever increasing performance too. But for now, Volkswagen's diesels have the advantage.
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