Volkswagen dealerships across Europe are now taking orders for delivery of the new VW Golf.
The Golf will be available in three trim levels - S, SE and GT - and boasts a high level of standard specification. The S has, among a number of features, ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program), seven airbags including a new driver's knee airbag, remote central locking, Climatic air conditioning, CD/radio, plus body-colored bumpers, door handles and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.
Moving to SE trim adds an uprated stereo with eight speakers and an MDI (multi-device interface) for connection to external multimedia sources such as an iPod, 16" wheels, cruise control and coming/leaving home lighting as well as rain and dusk sensors. At the top of the range, GT buyers will benefit from sports suspension (lowered by 15mm), sports seats with alcantara trim, front foglights and a multifunction steering wheel plus 17" wheels.
Under the hood, European customers have a choice of four gasoline and two diesel engines. Gas units are a 1.4-liter 80hp or 1.6-liter 102hp, plus 1.4-liter TSI motor with 122 or 160hp; 2.0-liter common rail diesels offer power outputs of 110 or 140hp. A number of options are available on the Golf for the first time, including Volkswagen's Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which allows the driver to select normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and throttle response settings for any particular journey. ParkAssist takes over steering inputs to facilitate parking maneuvers is also an option.
Instantly apparent on the new Golf is the sharply defined look that draws on the design direction established by the Scirocco. What can't be seen are the changes which have gone into making it the most refined Golf yet. These include advances made in reducing wind noise, a new design of door and window seals, a new damping film that supports the windscreen and a new engine mounting system.Few cars have a history like the Volkswagen Golf, yet with global sales now topping 26 million, and in its sixth generation, the latest Golf continues to offer benchmarks in quality, style, safety and refinement.