AJAX, ON - Volkswagen Canada will unveil three new models at the 2008 Montreal auto show: the 2009 Jetta Clean-diesel TDI, the 2009 Jetta Wagon, and the all-new 2009 Tiguan compact sport-utility vehicle.

The Jetta Clean-diesel TDI is Volkswagen's latest and most technologically advanced TDI diesel engine. Developing 140 HP and 235 lb/ft of torque, this turbocharged 16-valve diesel engine power plant is equipped with a common-rail injection system that delivers great power in a manner that is so smooth and quiet that you will likely mistake it for a conventional gasoline engine. Despite the added power this engine will return fuel efficiency figures that will be similar to the previous TDI engine, which, were 5.1 litres/100 km on the highway. This provides the new Clean-diesel TDI Jetta with exemplary environmental-friendliness. In addition to the low fuel consumption, this engine also benefits from a state-of-the-art emission control system that is comprised of diesel particulate filter (DPF) trap, an exhaust regenerative as well as a NOx storage catalyst. Decidedly, the new Clean-diesel TDI is remarkable at offering high levels of power and fuel efficiency with a lower emission impact on the environment. It features a standard six-speed manual transmission and the much-acclaimed six-speed dual-clutch automated Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) as an option. The new Clean-diesel TDI engine will be offered in the Jetta Sedan or Wagon body style and they are expected to arrive at dealerships in August 2008 at a starting price of $25,575 for the sedan, which represents a reduction of $1,275 vs. the previous generation.

Also introduced today, as an eastern-Canadian premiere, was the all-new 2009 Jetta Wagon. The 2009 Jetta Wagon is based on the current, fifth-generation Jetta sedan, and will feature, at launch, a 2.5 litre 5 cylinder engine that develops 170 HP and torque of 177 lbs-ft. It can be mated with a 5 speed manual transmission, or an optional 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic(TM). The vehicle's roofline is enhanced by a standard roof railing, which is exclusive to this model. In addition, the Jetta Wagon can receive an optional panoramic sunroof. With this large sunroof, occupants of both the front and rear seating areas will benefit from a light-filled ambiance. The roof consists of two halves, the front section of which can be raised as well as completely opened. To preserve full interior height, the opening segment is driven out above the closed section of roof. An electrically-powered sunshade can be used when less sunlight is desired. Its spacious trunk area can accommodate 66.9 cubic feet of cargo with its 60/40 rear seats folded. The 2009 Jetta Wagon will arrive in Canada in Spring, with a starting price of $24,975, which is $1,500 less than the previous generation.

Much like the sedan version, the Jetta Wagon will also offer the optional Clean TDI engine in August. The 2009 Jetta Wagon TDI will be available at a starting price of 26 975$, which is almost $1,000 less that the previous generation.

The new Tiguan is a new foray for Volkswagen in the world of small sport-utility vehicles. This vehicle is equipped with a 2.0 litre turbocharged, direct-injected four cylinder engine that delivers 200 HP and 207 lb/ft of torque. Although its performance data match those of the engine used in cars like the Passat, the engine used here represents a new engine generation. In this case, the maximum torque has been tweaked to be already available at 1,700 rpm and remains constant all the way up to 5,000 rpm. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved in just 7.6 seconds. The engine power is delivered through the front wheels, via a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(TM). Also offered as an option is a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system exclusively mated to the six-speed automatic transmission.

Mounted on a one-piece aluminum sub-frame is a front McPherson suspension that was specially tuned for a SUV with lower wishbones and wheel-locating struts. The four-link rear suspension was engineered for the full-time 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The very robust but dynamically laid-out axle geometry has already proven itself, in similar form, on the Passat 4MOTION. With regard to off-road duty, the Tiguan utilizes a frame made of high-strength steels. Re-engineered rear shock absorbers were developed with increased oil volume; the favorable temperature level makes the shock absorbers fit for even the toughest off-road drives. The front suspension was also redesigned, and, along with the rear suspension, offers exceptional comfort properties.

One technological highlight indirectly related to the chassis is the completely redeveloped next generation of electro-mechanical power steering. Despite very precise steering feel, no kickback pulses whatsoever are transmitted to the steering unit, even in off-road operation. This is primarily due to a newly constructed steering gear. Handling is enhanced with the use of 16-inch wheels with 215/65 R16 tires. The Trendline Tiguan gets standard 17-inch alloy wheels and size 235/55 R17 tires. The Highline version is exclusively equipped with 18-inch wheels with tires in 235/50 R18.

The 2009 Tiguan offers the option of a panoramic sunroof. This contributes to more light, more view, and more sun. With its large Panorama Sunroof the Tiguan offers 300 percent greater roof cutout area than a conventional sunroof. Despite this advantage, it was possible to achieve the same rigidity values as on the non-sunroof equipped version, a key element in an SUV. Also available as an option is a new-generation Navigation system with a 30 GB hard disk memory and touch-screen functionality. Models equipped with this option will also include a rearview camera to assist in reverse parking maneuvers.

At the rear, the three-part rear seating system is a 60/40 split bench seat; in addition, the centre section of the seatback can be folded down to be used as a centre armrest, drink holder or cargo pass-through. The individual seat elements can also be adjusted longitudinally, up to 16 centimetres. Independently of this adjustment, the rear seatbacks can also be reclined over a range of 23 degrees.

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon, TDI Sedan and Wagon, as well as the Tiguan represent propositions that will surely appeal to the Canadian market.