Volkswagen has unveiled its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf.

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"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," reckons Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG.

The European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October; with South Africa to get Golf VI shortly afterwards.

Taking a new form

All key body elements were redesigned. "We have cast the Golf's core components in a precise, new mold," explains Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief of the German corporation.

At the same time, the new model has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. "It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses," adds De Silva.

The design team sought to crystallize out the "essential DNA" of the model series — including the clear front end of the first generation and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation — and send it on a trip to the future.

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 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.

The rear too is characterised by a dominance of horizontal lines. The taillights — very wide now — bear a resemblance to those of the Touareg. So overall, the image of the new Golf is one of a significantly wider and flatter car.

Look inside

Inside the appearance and layout of materials and details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments are derived directly from those of the Passat CC. Ergonomic properties were also further developed, including easier 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.

Overall, the aim was to improve the interior. Like the "seatbelt detection" in the rear: if the Golf is ordered with rear side airbags, the user can recognise on the multifunctional display in the cockpit whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear — separately for each seat. Or the leather seats: a new, more robust leather surface is being used. Or the cargo area: four hooks ensure that the contents of bags aren't strewn across the cargo area. Or the outside mirrors: thanks to an aerodynamically optimised 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.

Sssshhhh…

The new Golf is billed as the quietest since the first generation. A special damping film in the windshield 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 reduces wind noise. And modifications were made to acoustically isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another better. Quiet rolling tyres and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction package.

Also making a contribution to the acoustic properties are the quiet TDI common rail engines being used in the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts also put an end to undesirable vibrations.

In Europe, plans call for a TDI power range extending from 66kW to 125kW. Right at the market launch, Volkswagen will be offering the Golf with two 2.0 litre TDI engines; they output 81kW and 103kW.

The 66kW entry-level diesel is satisfied with 4.5 litres of fuel (119g/km CO2) per 100 kilometres, representing a 0.6 litre reduction. The 103kW version requires 4.9 litres of diesel (129g/km CO⊂2), which is also 0.6 litres less.

In Europe four variants will define the range of petrol engines in the launch phase: 59kW, 75kW, 90kW and 118kW.

With the exception of the entry-level versions, all petrol and diesel engines can be paired with Volkswagen's dual clutch transmission (DSG). Depending on the engine torque, either a six-speed or seven-speed DSG is used.