06 Jul 2009

The best UK Volkswagen car adverts

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Jalopnik's best Volkswagen adverts struck us as rather overlooking some of the best VW ads this side of the water over the last few years.

Given that the German car-maker has been probably featured the best car ads of the last decade – with only stable-mate Audi as a potential rival for irreverence, style and brand identity – we thought we'd show some of the best UK VW ads over the decades.

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Earlier VW ads from the 70s and 80s follow a well-trodden path of trying to establish the marque against other competitors, most notably Japanese manufacturers. But as years go by VW's output becomes more irreverent.

Inevitably, we've struggled to track down some notable vintage ads, but VW's recent quality output ensures there's a good mix of funny, clever and simply cool ads.

Mainly eschewing the pretensions of the other German manufacturers, VW positions itself as a slightly cheeky brand whose customers don't take themselves too seriously, aren't wowed by badges but demand quietly effective cars.

Simply, VW owners don't need to shout about how successful they are. Whether you believe that is another matter, but VW's brand image is superior to that of every other volume car-maker below the premium level.

Most of VW's subtly reinforce that idea, even when they're trying to give the impression that they're not trying to.

VW's ads, more recently courtesy of ad house DDB, play no small part in that image.

• If you enjoy these, try our best 80's car adverts and best 90s car adverts.