Jan 15 2009
VOLKSWAGEN ALL NEW GOLF
The new Golf is the sixth car to wear the famous badge, Volkswagen playing it relatively safe with the styling of its popular hatchback.
Over 26 million Golfs have been produced in its 34-year production run, the new mk6 model certain to continue that phenomenal success story.
Evolutionary looks hide a safer, more technologically advanced Golf, its styling aiming to combine the Golf lineage’s defining characteristics and bring them up to date.
It’s clear that the Scirocco’s looks have had an influence on the new car, the Golf’s headlamps sharing a similar assertive style to the Golf’s coupe relative.
The simple clean exterior lines are echoed in the Golf’s interior, Volkswagen certain to continue its brand-defining neat interior look and feel with the new car.
In a bid to give the Golf an even more upmarket air the interiors will feature better quality materials and soft-touch plastics.
Under the bonnet will be an updated range of Volkswagens existing petrol and diesel engine line-up, all certain to feature improvements in economy and emissions.
Standard specifications levels will increase to compete with recently introduced rivals, the new Golf promising new safety, entertainment and comfort equipment across the range.
The new Golf should drive better than ever too, Volkswagen expected to offer Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) that alters chassis, steering and throttle responses between more sporting and comfort-orientated settings.
That trick chassis technology is likely to come as standard on the more sporting Golfs in the range, these expected to be announced shortly after the launch of the standard cars.
Traditional Golf design features, such as the rising waistline and chunky C-pillars, are set to continue, while changes are inspired by the forthcoming Tiguan SUV. Its new grille features a pair of distinctive horizontal bars, while the redesigned, squared-off headlamps are narrower than before. At the back, the light clusters are more angular.
According to insiders, the new Golf will use the existing car’s platform, but feature a less complicated multi-link rear suspension set-up. This move is to reduce production times, leading to big cost savings for the manufacturer during the build process.
Engines will be carried over from the existing line-up, although a turbocharged 120bhp 1.4-litre motor will replace the current 1.6 FSI petrol unit. The new powerplant will debut in the Golf Estate later this year.
The clever turbo and supercharged 1.4-litre TSI will still be offered, while performance fans will welcome the next-generation GTI. It may also benefit from a larger-capacity version of the advanced TSI engine.
There’s good news, too, for buyers keen on VW’s innovative twin-clutch DSG gearbox, as selected engines will benefit from a new seven-speed version of the advanced transmission.
Its taller top gear offers improved economy and refinement at cruising speeds, while the dry clutch system provides improved efficiency and performance over the existing wet clutch set-up. However, it is limited to use on units with outputs up to 168bhp and 250Nm of torque. The diesel engine range is also set to continue, while the four-wheel-drive R32 flagship version will keep its 3.2-litre V6.
In order to extend the model’s appeal even further, VW is responding to eco-conscious motorists by bringing out an ultra-frugal, low-emissions BlueMotion derv version. It features lightweight materials and taller gearing, as seen in the 70mpg VW Polo we drove in Issue 950 and the Passat we tried in Issue 959.
The existing Golf Plus and Estate won’t get the MkVI treatment just yet, but three and five-door variants of the new Golf are set to make their world debuts at the Geneva Motor Show next March, before the line-up arrives in UK dealers in autumn 2008. Prices have yet to be announced.
