First look: Golf ‘6’ revealed

VOLKSWAGEN has finally released photographs of its vital all-new Golf range, which is due in Australia in the middle of next year.

The sixth iteration of the 34 year-old series continues the evolutionary styling theme that has become one of the Golf’s hallmarks.

While the basic design is yet another reinterpretation of the 1974 original by the Italian master Giorgetto Giugiaro, Golf VI is a visual patchwork of models that have come before it.

Examples of this are the parallel-line C-pillar treatment presented in the 1998 Golf IV, the full-length grille treatment with large headlights at either end (Golf I and II), and the broad-shouldered stance of Golf III from 1991 to 1997.

Nevertheless, the VW also points to the future, with elements of the closely related Scirocco III coupe unveiled earlier this year.

VW Group design boss Walter de Silva expresses it as having “defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses”.



Under the skin, much of the current, 2003-vintage Golf V underpinnings have been retained, although VW is said to have made significant cost savings by devising leaner and less-costly building techniques for its latest arrival.

These include a revamped version of the multi-link rear suspension system and the widespread use of VW’s DSG double-clutch sequential transmission (in lieu of the six-speed automatic in entry level versions).

Features new to the Golf include radar-controlled automatic cruise control, an automatic damper system that VW calls ‘Adaptive Chassis Control’ (DCC), Audi-style daytime running lights, anti-whiplash head restraints and knee airbags.

Inside, VW has gone to lengths to present an interior finish that is more in line with the mould-breaking quality standards of the Golf IV (1997—2003), addressing one of the few real disappointments of the outgoing model. The coming Passat CC four-door ‘coupe’ is cited as an inspiration.

In fact, refinement is a key player in the Golf VI, with noise transmission paths attacked, and quieter and more efficient engines, which are now all Euro V compliant.

The big-selling TDI turbo-diesels are now new common-rail units with twin balancer shafts, promising less noise, vibration and harshness. Outputs from these 1.9- and 2.0-litre engines vary from 66kW to 125kW and fuel economy improves markedly, while emission levels are also cut significantly.

The same applies to the petrol engine range, which will include supercharged and/or turbocharged versions in 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder configurations. Power outputs kick off from 59kW, extending past 118kW.

The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre FSI unit will disappear, while there is no word as yet on which powerplants will be fitted to the next Golf GTI and R-series AWD models.

Transmissions will include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or a newly developed seven-speed DSG, which is said to be smoother, faster-reacting and more efficient.

There is no word on which plant will supply Australia. The current model is sourced from South Africa, but this may change.

Further details will be released later next month, although pricing and specification levels for Australia will not be known until closer to launch.

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