Volkswagen Routan sold just under 1500 units in November, which is a terrible number for an auto maker…if we weren’t in the middle of a recession. For a new model in one of the worst car sales months in recent history the Routan is forging ahead for the company, becoming it’s number two selling model.

Brooke Shields’ ad campaign with VW started early this year, featuring her chatting it up with a classic Volkswagen Beetle. Whether or not the car talked back to Brooke in real life is unknown, but we’ll assume since she’s still making TV appearances (Shields currently stars on ABC’s Lipstick Jungle) she hasn’t completely lost her celebrity mind yet. Brooke’s Routan spots try to convince people to purchase a Routan for it’s design, luxury and performance, but not to force their partners to procreate, thus making babies to justify buying a minivan.

The jokes can be a little hum-drum, but the tv spots are on every major network, and seem to be pulling some interest towards one of Volkswagen’s more popular new models.

Consumer demand for the 2004 R32 repeats itself with the latest 2008 Volkswagen Golf R32. These once again limited- 5,000 cars -edition of the R32 is already holding its appeal of Volkswagen fans. This “super” GTI stands out with its 250-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder, 18-inch wheels and 4Motion all-wheel drive. This will be available only as a two-door.

According to Volkswagen, the R32’s narrow-angle V-6 engine allows for the driver to reach from zero to sixty miles in just 6.5 seconds. The Volkswagen 32 also encompasses leathery upholstery, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium sound system with six-CD changer. Written on the metallic trim of the dashboard and steering wheel is the number R32 of the 5,000 that you bought.

Costing just over $30,000, the 2008 Volkswagen R32 is available in four different colors: tornado red, deep pearl blue, candy white and metallic gray.

Though the R32 has not earned any rewards for outstanding safety, they still include the standard safety features. Some of features include antilock brakes, six airbags with an electric stability system, side curtains and site torso airbags in the front seats.

The spacious interior is fitting on straight roads just as easily driving through canyons. This fast, distinct Volkswagen is a vehicle that is taken seriously in the professional world.

The all new re-designed Jetta has improved even more for 2008. With an engine that pumps out 170 horsepower and gets up 29 mpg highway, you can’t go wrong. The interior has been enhanced with six standard airbags, 60/40 rear seat folding capability to store that extra bit of cargo, the Immobilizer III theft deterrent program, smart blinker feature, and of course a sweet stereo system that’s MP3 compatible and contains 6-disk CD changer.

It has over 40 safety features to keep you and your passengers safe, including little things you wouldn’t notice that make a big difference, such as auto-locking doors that lock when you hit 8mph and auto-unlocking doors that unlock when the airbags are deployed so you can get out easier, or so rescue workers can get in faster.

When test driven, the 2008 Jetta performed beautifully, responding with the slightest touch in both the steering and power. It comes equipped with hydraulic and engine brake assist, which helps in those quick stops. The navigation system and SIRIUS satellite radio were a delight to have access to and proves that technology, great and small, can make a ride that much more enjoyable. Overall, if you’re looking for a great car riddled with technology, comfort, fuel efficiency and is just plain fun to drive, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is a surefire bet for you.

Not much has changed for this Volkswagen SUV since the last Touareg came out. Volkswagen’s classic approach to this SUV design makes the sport-utility vehicle handle well on the road for five comfortable riders.

With less focus on physical changes, the Touareg 2 places an emphasis on consumer preferences. One of the Volkswagen’s highlights for the Touareg is its off-road capabilities, although a small percentage of potential buyers are interested.

This mid-size SUV offers a V-6, V-8 or diesel V-10 with up to 350hp for the 6-speed. The Touareg 2 includes upscale touches with silver crossbars below the headlights and side mirrors with built-in turn signals. The V-6 comes with standard seventeen-inch wheels while for the V-8 and V-10 the wheels our nineteen-inch.

The restricted interior is made up for in the consistent high-quality design and smooth surfaces. The redesigned front-row seats include a standard 12-way power driver’s seat.

The safety features equipped with the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 include side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, active rollover protection and antilock breaks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded five out of five stars for the Touareg 2 in frontal and side impact crash tests.

The ride quality of the Touareg is responsive around corners while maintaining a smooth and stable balance. Off-road, the Touareg settles steep hills and potholes.

Modest changes are in store for the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit. Some of the updates on the model include a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder engine with 177 pounds torque. The more powerful Rabbit has fine performance and a roomy interior for additional comfort and upgraded quality.

Accompanied by a comparable appearance to the Volkswagen Golf, the simple lines and systematic features include the same large VW center logo and lower air dam. Fifteen inch wheels are standard with optional sixteen inch wheels.

Available in two-door or four-door, the three-spoke steering wheel, heated side mirrors, cruise control, one-touch power windows and air conditioning are standard. The five-passenger Volkswagen has seven percent more passenger volume than the previous Golf. The spacious commodity allows two inches of legroom in the rear and an inch of headroom. The foldable rear seat makes room for long cargo items, such as a snowboard.

Standard safety features consist of four-wheel antilock disk brakes, full-length head curtain airbags and front seat side-impact airbags. The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit with 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway earned five out of five stars for both front and rear occupants in side-impact tests. Overall, the Rabbit got a ranking of “Good” for occupant protection by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Rabbit successfully provides a satisfying balance between easy handling and a comfortable riding experience. The solid stability and noise free ride create an overall excellent driving familiarity for the consumer.

The new Passat, available in both wagon and sedan, comes in Turbo, Lux, VR6 and Komfort trim levels. Some new features include a 12-way powered driver’s seat, manual sunshades for the rear windows and a leather steering wheel.

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat is smooth, sleek and good-looking but it is not eye-catching to the everyday consumer. Although what the Passat lacks in outstanding appearance it makes up in performance. This sedan has an efficient response rate in regards to passing or merging. You can get the Volkswagen Passat with either a 200-hp turbo four-cylinder or 280-hp V-6 engine.

One of the most appealing features of this sedan is the chic interior. With the capacity for 5 persons to sit comfortably, the features of the Passat creates an environment that is both calm and energetic.

Equipped with six standard airbags, as well as side-impact airbags, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat prepares its passengers with well thought out safety features.

If you are looking for a mid-sized sedan that with good quality and a secure atmosphere, go for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat. It is on the higher end when it comes to price, but you may come to find that it is worth it to spend a few extra bucks.

Retro-Themed “Bug” Still Appealing: 2008 New Beetle

The New Beetle took the United States by storm in 1998. Carrying many features from the original Beetle, this new line quickly became a success. The original has been around 1938.The 2008 New Beetle is produced with a choice of a coupe or a convertible. The available engine is a 150-hp, 2.5-liter I-5. You also can choose a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.There is limited room for an expansive dashboard with a large circular speedometer, and also very limited cargo space. But the backseat folds down to allow for additional storage space.

The Volkswagen New Beetle maintains its “cute” retro look while introducing a newly finished design with each new model. A significant aspect of the New Beetle which may either make or break is its friendly and familiar shape.

The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has quick acceleration and is obedient when it comes to breaking. Reliable like other Volkswagens, the latest model of the Beetle provides a smooth and comfortable ride.

The New Beetle earned four out of five stars in government crash testing. Overall, the safety testing did about average from the Independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

This Volkswagen model continues to persuade the occasional who are quirky and lighthearted drivers.

Since the ‘80s, the Volkswagen GTI collection has maintained a unique charm by maintaining the same basic design and interior look. The major improvements have been under the hood, making the MkV more efficient than ever.

With a standard 2-door or 4-door selection, the 4-cylinder, in-line and the smooth turbocharged engine produces 200-hp at 5,100 rpm. Front wheel drive and a top speed of 130 miles per hour are ideal for Volkswagen GTI MkV.

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI has preserved its affordable and fuel efficient aspect very well. When it comes to safety, Volkswagen makes safety seem easy; rated in the top by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal crash test. Also included are standard side curtain airbags and all-disk antilock brakes.

A new feature included with the vehicle is standard SIRIUS satellite radio, with an additional purchase for the service. Automatic climate control is not included in this model.

The MkV is a model that can be used for typical driving while the overall drivetrain remains exceptional.

Recognized for by Car and Driver magazine’s 10Best cars, the GTI is a solid and aggressive sports car that will continue to satisfy in its market.

Eos was the goddess of dawn and wind, according to Greek mythology. What vehicle best fits a Goddess (or God)? Well, none other than the 2008 Volkswagen Eos.

The Eos is a 4-seat, 2-door coupe convertible, sports car that first went to production in 2006. The most appealing part of the make of the car is the innovative five-piece folding hardtop with an integrated glass sunroof. Just a click of a button makes the hardtop fold and stow itself away in 25 seconds.

The most changes for the 2008 Eos are the interior design. Standard on the new models include: leather on the steering wheel, center sliding armrest, shift knob and parking brake handle and a controlled 12-way driver’s seat. A rare attribute in convertibles that the Eos offers is a pass-thru cabin.

The interior presents excellent comfort and user-friendly amenities. This “make you feel young again” convertible is practical for a Sunday afternoon drive with your iPod docked to the 600-watt Dynaudio sound system.

The receptive steering and admirable acceleration gives the sports car a classic feel of comfort and reliability. The offered engines for accelerated driving is a choice from 200-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 or 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6. So take your pick, although neither choice will let you down because the retractable hardtop fit for a Goddess only increases appeal.