Originally intended to be launched as the NSU K70, this vehicle developed by NSU, was re-badged and launched as the Volkswagen K70 immediately after Volkswagen's takeover of NSU in 1969. This was the first Volkswagen to have a front mounted water-cooled engine and the first to have front-wheel drive. A new 1800cc engine introduced in 1973 addressed performance concerns and improved fuel economy, but it was eventually superseded by the new generation Volkswagen Passat in 1974.
Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk