Across global markets in 2008, Volkswagen’s lineup covered everyday compacts, family sedans and regional variants that filled many niches — useful context whether you’re restoring, buying, or researching model histories. Seeing the range together helps spot differences in trim, engines and regional naming.
There are 19 2008 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from Bora (China) to Vento. For each entry, the data is organized as Generation / code,Body style(s),Common 2008 engines (L / kW) to make comparing year-specific trims and powertrains straightforward; you’ll find below.
Does this list include region-specific models like the Bora (China)?
Yes — the list aims to cover models sold across different markets in 2008, including region-specific variants such as the Bora (China). For exact trim levels or local options, cross-check the generation/code and engine specs against VIN or factory documentation.
How should I use the Generation / code,Body style(s),Common 2008 engines (L / kW) columns to identify a vehicle?
Use the generation/code to determine the chassis and model family, the body style to narrow parts and repair needs, and the engine (L / kW) to verify powertrain compatibility; together they make it much easier to match parts, service procedures, or confirm a model’s identity.
2008 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Generation / code | Body style(s) | Common 2008 engines (L / kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | Mk5 (Typ 1K) | Hatchback, wagon | 1.4 L / 59 kW,1.6 L / 77 kW,2.0 L / 103 kW |
| Jetta | Mk5 (A5) | Sedan | 2.5 L / 125 kW,2.0 L / 103 kW (diesel),1.9 L / 77 kW |
| Passat | B6 (Typ 3C) | Sedan, wagon | 1.8 L / 118 kW,2.0 L / 103 kW (diesel),3.2 L / 184 kW |
| Passat CC | CC (Passat CC) | 4‑door coupe | 1.8 L / 118 kW,2.0 L / 147 kW,3.6 L / 184 kW |
| New Beetle | 1st gen (Typ 9C) | Coupe (civic),convertible | 2.5 L / 110 kW,1.9 L / 77 kW (diesel) |
| Eos | 1st gen (Typ 1F) | Coupe‑cabriolet | 2.0 L / 147 kW,2.0 L / 103 kW (diesel) |
| Polo | 9N/9N3 | Hatchback,5‑door | 1.2 L / 44 kW,1.4 L / 59 kW,1.9 L / 77 kW (diesel) |
| Fox | Typ 5Z | Hatchback,5‑door | 1.2 L / 44 kW,1.4 L / 59 kW,1.6 L / 77 kW |
| Scirocco | Mk3 (Typ 13) | Coupe | 1.4 L / 90 kW,2.0 L / 147 kW,2.0 L / 125 kW (diesel) |
| Touran | 1st gen (Typ 1T) | Compact MPV | 1.6 L / 75 kW,1.9 L / 77 kW (diesel),2.0 L / 103 kW |
| Sharan | 1st gen facelift | Large MPV | 1.8 L / 118 kW,1.9 L / 77 kW (diesel),2.0 L / 103 kW |
| Tiguan | 1st gen (Typ 5N) | Compact SUV | 1.4 L / 90 kW,2.0 L / 147 kW,2.0 L / 103 kW (diesel) |
| Touareg | 1st gen (Typ 7L) | SUV | 3.2 L / 184 kW,3.0 L / 176 kW (diesel),4.2 L / 246 kW |
| Phaeton | 1st gen | Luxury sedan | 3.6 L / 184 kW,4.2 L / 246 kW,6.0 L / 309 kW (W12) |
| Routan | 1st gen (US) | Minivan | 3.8 L / 147 kW,3.3 L / 155 kW |
| Vento | Mk5 (market name) | Sedan | 1.6 L / 77 kW,1.9 L / 77 kW (diesel) |
| Bora (China) | MK5‑based (China) | Sedan | 1.6 L / 77 kW,2.0 L / 85 kW |
| Santana (China) | Santana (VW) based | Sedan | 1.6 L / 77 kW,1.8 L / 92 kW |
| Multivan | T5 (Typ 7H) | Passenger van/MPV | 2.0 L / 103 kW,2.5 L / 96 kW (diesel) |
Images and Descriptions
Golf
The Golf was VW’s global compact staple in 2008, sold across Europe, North America and Asia. Mk5 models dominated showrooms in 2008 with petrol and diesel choices; notable for solid build, practical hatch packaging and the availability of a wagon (Variant).
Jetta
The Jetta sedan was Volkswagen’s mid‑compact for North America, Europe and other markets in 2008. The Mk5 offered roomy trunk space, a range of petrol and diesel engines, and remained popular for buyers wanting a practical three‑box alternative to the Golf.
Passat
The B6 Passat was VW’s midsize family car in 2008, sold widely in Europe, Asia and the Americas. It offered sedan and wagon bodies, updated styling from earlier models, and a mix of efficient diesels and larger petrol engines.
Passat CC
Launched in 2008, the Passat CC brought coupe styling to the Passat line and arrived in Europe and other markets that year. It stood out for its sleek four‑door profile and more premium positioning than the standard Passat.
New Beetle
The New Beetle remained on sale in 2008 in many markets including Europe and North America. This retro hatch/convertible was notable for its distinctive styling and quirky appeal, with familiar petrol and diesel engine choices.
Eos
The Eos hard‑top convertible was sold globally in 2008 and offered a five‑piece folding roof with a built‑in sunroof. Buyers liked its unique roof mechanism and GT‑style petrol engines alongside diesel alternatives in Europe.
Polo
The Polo was VW’s subcompact sold worldwide in 2008, notably in Europe and Latin America. Compact, economical and well‑appointed for its class, the Polo offered small petrol and diesel engines and strong fuel economy for city drivers.
Fox
The Fox was Volkswagen’s budget city car in 2008, sold in Latin America and some European markets. It was small but practical, aimed at buyers seeking an affordable, simple VW with basic petrol engine options.
Scirocco
Reintroduced in 2008, the Mk3 Scirocco returned as a sporty coupe in European showrooms late that year. Praised for its styling and sharper handling, it offered turbo petrol power and diesel options for different markets.
Touran
The Touran compact MPV was a popular family people‑carrier in Europe and other markets in 2008. It offered flexible seating, practical cargo space and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines for family buyers.
Sharan
The Sharan large MPV was sold in Europe and some other markets in 2008, offering seven‑seat practicality and sliding doors. It was notable for roomy interiors and diesel engines favored by families and fleet buyers.
Tiguan
Introduced in 2007 and growing in popularity in 2008, the Tiguan was VW’s compact SUV sold worldwide. Buyers appreciated a car‑like drive, optional 4Motion all‑wheel drive and a mix of turbo petrol and diesel engines.
Touareg
The Touareg was Volkswagen’s premium SUV in 2008, offered globally with V6 and V8 petrol and diesel options. It combined off‑road capability with luxury features, appealing to buyers seeking upscale SUV comfort.
Phaeton
The Phaeton remained VW’s flagship luxury sedan in 2008, sold in Europe and select markets. Notable for its high‑end engineering, quiet ride and even W12 engine availability, it targeted buyers seeking understated luxury.
Routan
The Routan was Volkswagen‑branded minivan introduced to North America in 2008 (2009 model year), built on a Chrysler platform. It offered seven‑seat family transport and was notable as VW’s return to the US minivan segment through rebadging.
Vento
Sold as the Vento in markets like India and parts of Latin America in 2008, this sedan shared underpinnings with the Jetta. It appealed to buyers seeking a compact sedan with VW branding and common petrol and diesel engines.
Bora (China)
The Bora nameplate was used by Volkswagen in China in 2008 for a Jetta‑based sedan tailored to local buyers. It was popular in China for its affordability, familiar Volkswagen build and simple petrol engines.
Santana (China)
The Santana was a long‑running Volkswagen model still sold in China in 2008, known for its simplicity and low running costs. It served fleet and budget buyers with basic petrol engines and proven mechanicals.
Multivan
The Multivan (T5) was VW’s passenger‑oriented version of the Transporter sold in 2008 across Europe and other markets. It offered flexible seating for families and groups, multiple diesel choices, and a comfortable, van‑based interior.
