04 Aug 08 12:55
The first pictures have emerged of the Mk6 Volkswagen Golf, to make its formal debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.
The new Golf gets Scirocco-style headlamps and front-end design, and new taillamps to the rear similar to those of the Touareg. Otherwise, its basic outline is little changed, though there have been substantial revisions to chassis and suspension under the surface.
The engine line-up will include 1.4 TSI and TDI units, plus a new turbocharged 1.6 TSI giving 100bhp, and a 240bhp 2.0 TFSI for the GTI. The diesels will feature the Bluemotion catalyst technology, with a view to sales in the US; an ultra-economical version will be offered, and further down the line, three-cylinder petrol engines are expected as well as a hybrid, previewed by the recent Twindrive concept.
The Golf's interior has been freshened up, with a view to improved quality, and Volkswagen's latest audio and sat nav systems will feature.
The Golf hatchback is the first of a new 'family' of Volkswagens: a soft-topped convertible will follow in 2010, as well as a new Jetta saloon, an estate, Touran MPV and new-generation Beetle. It will also share its underpinnings with the next-generation Audi A3 and Seat Leon.
