Melbourne show: Golf tees off for VW

THIS year is Volkswagen’s Year of the Golf, so it is no surprise that the comprehensively revamped, sixth-generation small car dominates the VW show stand in Melbourne.

But don’t come to the Melbourne show expecting to see an all-new GTI just yet, since Volkswagen has decided to concentrate on growing the Golf’s market share with a pair of fresh forced-induction 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol-engine models designed to take on the new-generation Mazda3 that also made its Australian debut at the show.

To that end, equipment levels are elevated across the board, led by standard-issue ESC stability control on all models. The reskin sees significantly improved strength, safety and refinement, while the interior presentation at last hits the heights of the second-to-last Golf IV from 1998 to 2004.

The old 75kW/148Nm 1.6 Trendline makes way for the new $25,990 90TSI Trendline, powered by a 90kW/200Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit mated to either a six-speed manual or – for $2500 more – a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

Buyers can upgrade the 90TSI Trendline by choosing the $2200 Comfort Pack, which adds niceties like cruise control and alloy wheels.

From top: Golf, Passat CC and Robust concept (bottom).

Ousting the old 110kW/200Nm 2.0 FSI Comfortline is Volkswagen’s 118kW/240Nm 1.4-litre ‘twin-charge’ turbo-charged and supercharged four-cylinder petrol unit in the new 118TSI Comfortline. It kicks off from $30,490, with the seven-speed DSG commencing proceedings from $32,990.

Finally, $33,190 is the asking price for the new 103TDI, which boasts Volkswagen’s new 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel with a DPF particulate filter. Choosing the six-speed DSG gearbox takes it to $35,690.

Volkswagen declared today that a concerted efficiency drive meant no Golf VI used more than 6.5L/100km on the combined average fuel consumption cycle, representing improvements of up to 25 per cent over the old car.

Speaking of which, the existing Golf GTI remains on sale for at least another year, while a smaller, lighter 77TDI 1.6-litre common-rail DPF turbo-diesel is also due in early 2010, to become the entry-level diesel.

Meanwhile, slated for late 2010 is the production version of the RPU Robust Pick-Up Concept that was Volkswagen’s other big premiere this morning in Melbourne.

Having premiered at the Hanover commercial vehicle show in Germany last September, the RPU Concept is here to whet cashed-up tradie appetites as the Germans prepare to shake-up the Japanese one-tonne pick-up market in Australia. Volkswagen has huge hopes riding on the back of this ute.

Rounding out the stand today was the recently released Passat CC ‘Comfort Coupe’, the increasingly more popular Tiguan compact SUV, Eos and Polo – with the latter now in its final year as Volkswagen readies the world premiere of the all-new fifth-generation light-car supermini at next week’s Geneva motor show ... so stay tuned for that.

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