Shanghai VW upgrades the Santana 3000 for 2008 - 1st Pics

Here are photos which have been obtained by chinacartimes of the 2008 Shanghai Volkswagen Santana 3000 which possibly will be called Santana 4000 for 2008.




As we can see front the pictures the Santana 4000 will get rid of the pronounced V-grill VW grill in favour of a 2008MY Canadian City Golf (which is a Bora HS in China) inspired grill mixed with Tiguan styled chrome strips on higher specified models.



The rear takes cues from the former Shanghai VW / VW Brazil Santana 2000 which is what this Santana 3000/4000 is based off, the circular LED style brake lights look like they are from bigger brother within Shanghai VW, the Passat Lingyu.

Now for all those that don't know the Santana series is based off of the 'B2' Passat/Quantaum platform from the 1980s.

The Santana 2000 series was developed by VW of Brazil and Shanghai VW in the early 1990's as a cheap alternative for the companies, instead of building the new expensive 'B3' Passat of the time.

Today the Santana brand is so strong in China that it is unlikely VW will ever drop the Santana and Santana 3000 (they will continue to be upgraded).

Currently Santana 3000 which was released in 2004 comes with a 1.8L engine producing 74kw / 100hp.
Expect this engine to be carried over into the new model.

Source:http://www.chinacartimes.com/2007/10/24/santana-gp-enough-to-get-a-chinese-gent-excited