Following leaked images of the sixth generation VW Golf hatchback, VW has gone ahead and released initial details of the all new sixth generation Golf model. VW states first sales will begin in Europe this October with Africa, Asia, Australia and North America following in succession. The price for the German market is around €16,500, approximately €200 more than the current Golf V.
At launch the Golf will be offered with two 2.0 litre TDI engines producing 110PS and 140PS. For the first time in the Golf, common rail injection instead of the old pumpe düse injection will be used. Four petrol engines will also be available from launch starting with two normally aspirated engines, developing 80PS and 102PS. Then TSI in either supercharged or turbocharged form producing 122PS and 160PS. Overall, new engine and transmission technologies lower fuel consumption by up to 28% and all engines satisfy future EU-5 limits.
With the exception of the entry-level engines, VW's dual clutch transmission (DSG) in either 6 or 7-speed form replaces the automatic transmission. The ultra-economical BlueMotion will arrive at a later date with a possibility of a hybrid. The Golf has long been Volkswagen’s most successful car, with the current version still topping the European sales charts. UK sales commence in Spring 2009 with the diesel's expected to take most of the sales.
The three and five-door variants are due at the Paris motorshow in October. In the pipeline is the new GTI, due early 2009, Golf Plus, early 2009, Golf estate, mid-2009, R version, late 2009 and Golf cabriolet, mid-2010. Oddly enough, there is no mention of the Golf sedan; Jetta or the Eos coupe-cabriolet...
Press Release:
Wolfsburg - Golf’s high levels of value and comfort nullify class distinctions
New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen’s future
TDI, TSI and DSG systems improve fuel economy by up to 28 percent
First Golf with adaptive chassis and automatic distance control:
Volkswagen is unveiling its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf. The car – Europe’s most successful with more than 26 million sold – was improved in all areas. "This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before", says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG. The European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October; following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The entry price for the German market is around €16,500.
Innovative power – the Golf democratizes progress:
The clear and powerful design of the new Golf is showing the entire brand the way to the future. Its acoustic properties and the overall comfort of the Volkswagen tear down class distinctions. Innovative engines and transmission technologies lower fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines satisfy limits of the future EU-5 standard.
Assistance systems such as "automatic distance control" (ACC), "adaptive chassis control" (DCC) and the "park steering assistant" bring additional top technologies on board the Golf. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that counteract whiplash trauma, a "seatbelt detection" feature debuting in the rear seating area of the Golf and daytime running lights – that are standard equipment – provide for a maximum level of safety.
Exterior design – Precision in a new form:
The high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: "We have cast the Golf’s core components in a precise, new mold", explains Walter de Silva. And the Italian design chief of the German corporation emphasizes this: "The Golf is the global icon car making. So the architecture and graphic form of new model are also absolutely clear and unique." At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: "It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses." And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen brand, adds: "Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value."
Especially in a direct comparison of generations five and six, it becomes clear just how much the new Golf has changed. The team headed up by de Silva and Bischoff sought to crystallize out the "essential DNA" of the model series and send it on a trip to the future. These stylistic characteristics include the clear front end of the first generation and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.
The roof section now rests – similar to the new Scirocco – on a dominant filled out shoulder section. Responsible for this is a prominent curving line that – like a muscle trained down to the last fiber – extends from the headlights back to the taillights. In its side profile, this line – which Volkswagen Design calls the "character line" – also gives the new Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a side perspective.
All body surfaces are generally more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car takes up the horizontally aligned radiator grille trim strip between the headlights of the first Golf generation; the grille itself is high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is an adjacent section with another air scoop. Also arranged on a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.
In the rear too is characterized by a dominance of horizontal lines. The taillights – very wide now – are identified among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically – with their crystal-clear lines for the turn signal and backup lamps – they bear a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the image of the new Golf – in the interplay of all of its design characteristics – is one of a significantly wider, flatter and even more high-end car.
Interior – imploding class distinctions:
The car’s exceptional value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials and details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments derived directly from those of the Passat CC leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car’s interior were also further developed. For example, all operating controls are even easier to use. They include the control of the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) – presented for the first time on the Passat CC – and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access. There is a common thread here: Volkswagen’s typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of "seatbelt detection" in the rear: if the Golf is ordered with rear side airbags, the user can recognize on the multifunctional display in the cockpit whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear – separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather surface is being used. Or the example of the cargo area: four practical hooks ensure that after shopping, the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area. Or the example of the outside mirrors: thanks to an aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the interior, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located further up and more forward in the door trim.
Noise reduction – the quietest Golf since the first model:
The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special damping film in the windshield also reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal concept for the doors and side window guides. The new shape of the outside mirrors also significantly reduces wind noise. Furthermore, special modifications were made to acoustically isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another better. Very quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction package.
Diesel engines – migration to common rail injection:
Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties are the exceptionally quiet TDI common rail engines being used in the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts also put an end to undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range extending from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at the market launch, Volkswagen will be offering the Golf with two 2.0 liter TDI engines; they output 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there as production equipment: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong entry-level diesel is satisfied with 4.5 liters of fuel (119 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometers – that represents a 0.6 liter reduction! Even the 140 PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liters less.
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