Would you say Volkswagen gives the people what they want? I'd say so. However, I'm talking about obscure production Volkswagen's - From the Volkswagen Beetle RSi to Volkswagen Touareg V10.
Volkswagen Beetle RSi
Would you add spice to the Volkswagen New Beetle? Yup. Same here. In 1994 Volkswagen released a Concept of the Beetle at the North American International Auto Show to an approving audience.
Three years later, Volkswagen launched the new Beetle - a throwback Coupe and Convertible based on the Golf MK3 PQ34 platform. Though the New Beetle sell exceedingly well - It needed a spicy edge to the car.
Let me introduce you to the Volkswagen Beetle RSi. With its limited run of 250 units, flared arches and potent VR6 V6 producing 224bhp. I wouldn't sleep on this Beetle.
There are two Beetle RSi's in the UK, and the prices range on this Beetle start from £40,000 to £50,000.
Volkswagen Phaeton
Do you love the understated appearance of the Volkswagen Phaeton? Nah. Though, you might think this Volkswagen looks like a jazzed up Passat. It's got more in common with the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
Ferdinand Piech wanted to create a people's limousine. At a time when the first Mercedes A-Class went into production, and Honda moved upmarket with Legend. The lines blurred.
Volkswagen stretched the engineers with a briefing of a top speed of 186mph and an internal cooling capacity of 22 degrees Celcius with an outside temperature of 50 degrees Celcius.
In 2003, Volkswagen launched the Phaeton. Though the Phaeton wasn't as successful as the New Beetle, it's got a loyal audience and is an excellent benchmark for Volkswagen. Volkswagen made the Phaeton in a transparent factory in Dresden.
Volkswagen Touareg V10
Would you love the sound of a V10 Volkswagen Touareg? Yes! The same here is with its five-litre diesel V10 engine derived from the dominating endurance racing Audi R10 TDi Engine. It has a pedigree.
The Volkswagen Touareg V10 launched in 2002. However, it was an unsuccessful SUV with its exceedingly expensive price tag and failing the American emissions tests. It still puts a smile on my face.
If you'd got the cash, look deeply into the V10 Touareg's history and want a unique sleeper Sport Utility Vehicle - Look no further than the Volkswagen Touareg V10.
Volkswagen Porsche B32
Why would I add this Porsche B32 to the list? Great question - It's a subtle Volkswagen with a 3.2 litre 236bhp flat-six air-cool engine to support the Porsche 959 Dakar Rally Car.
Sounds excellent. This Porsche means business with a 0-60 time of 8 seconds with a top speed of 130mph. Finally, I love the chunky Fuches rims from the Porsche 911 Turbo.
Porsche sold the B32 through the Zuffenhausen dealership for £40,000 with ten units made. Who wouldn't want a Porsche van?
Volkswagen XL1
Have you seen the Volkswagen XL1? Nope. That's what I thought. With its ultra-low production run of 250 units and excellent 200mpg - It's an engineering marvel.
In 2009, Volkswagen showcased the L1 at the Qatar Motor Show. Its briefing's to create the most efficient car with a 1-litre diesel engine. Challenge accepted.
Then in 2013, the Volkswagen XL1 reaches production. With its 0.8-litre diesel engine mated to a 25bhp 5.5kWh electric motor. The XL1 has a meticulous design focused on having a low drag coefficient of 0.186cd.
It also uses cameras as mirrors, and you can see your surroundings using monitors in the interior. The Volkswagen XL1 sold for £98,315. I had interestingly seen a white Volkswagen XL1 at Volkswagen Crewe in 2016.
Check out Ed Stratton's YouTube channel for Volkswagen XL1 content.
Conclusion
Volkswagen has a variety of unique car overwhelmed in obscurity. You can see vibrant and exciting colours, whether it's the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDi with an abundance of torque to the wild Volkswagen Beetle RSi.
Thank you for Callum from Volkswagen Phaeton Owners Club UK for sending me pictures of his Volkswagen Phaeton.