Volkswagen has released first details of its fifth-generation Golf model due for launch in autumn 2003 after a public debut at the Frankfurt motor show.
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More than 22 million Golfs have so far been sold and the new model is said by its makers to be the biggest evolutionary step both visually and technically. New front-end styling features twin circular headlights with the glass tapering toward the centre of the car with Phaeton-style horizontal flashing turn indicators and, above the headlights, the side panels now rise more in a more pronounced curve than before and as part of the opening section of the engine hood, create a slightly V-shaped outline together with the radiator grille.
The rear has Touareg-like tail lights with half of each light cluster incorporated into the tailgate.
In Germany, the Golf will initially come with three- or five-door hatchback body styles with Trendline, Comfortline or Sportline trim. The Touran minivan derivative is already on sale and station wagon and sedan (Bora/Jetta) variants are expected to follow later.
Standard on the new hatchbacks are six airbags, five head restraints (active type for the front seats), lap-and-shoulder seat belts, a new type of safety steering column and a pedal assembly that yields to minimise the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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By GlobalData
Detail upgrades include separate driver and front passenger controls for the optional Climatronic automatic air conditioning, which now switches to the recirculated-air mode if the car is reversed to avoid the intake of exhaust fumes. It also recirculates the air if the windscreen washer is operated so you don’t get a faceful of washer fluid fumes.
The seats have been redesigned and Volkswagen claims to be the first manufacturer to offer a car in this market segment with the option of four-way electric lumbar support (integrated into the electrically adjustable seat) and also an independent heater for use when the car is at a standstill. In addition to the 60:40 split rear seat backs, a flat-folding front passenger’s seat back is optional.
The new Golf is wider than by 24mm at 1,759 mm, 39mm taller (1,483mm) and 57mm longer (4,204mm), making it larger than the first-generation Passat; the first Golf was about the size of VW’s current Polo. VW has dealt with complaints of a cramped rear compartment in the current Golf by boosting the redesigned model’s rear legroom by 65 mm, along with an extra 24mm of headroom. The luggage compartment is bigger at 347 litres and interior length is up 54 mm.
The bodyshell’s static rigidity value of 80 % is claimed to be than any of the new Golf’s competitors.
The spring strut front suspension layout has been revised and, at the rear, the torsion beam rear axle has been replaced by a new multi-link layout. New electro-mechanical power steering matches assistance to road speed and electronic stability control and brake assist device are standard.
The new Golf’s engine line-up has already been previewed by the Touran minivan and majors on direct fuel injection. The top diesel is the 2.0 TDI, which develops 103 kW (140 PS), and is a high-torque four-cylinder unit with four valves per cylinder, driving the wheels through a new six-speed gearbox or with the option of the six-speed direct-shift gearbox first seen in the previous Golf R32 DSG model. Direct petrol injection (FSI) engines include the 1.6 FSI, rated at 85 kW (115 PS), with standard six-speed manual gearbox or a new six-speed automatic first launched with the Beetle convertible.
The new Golf will be launched with four power units – two petrol engines (55kW/75 PS and the 85kW 1.6 FSI) and two TDI diesels (77 kW/105 PS and the 103 kWunit). All Golf engines comply with the EU 4 exhaust emission standard. Four more engines will be launched later, including two FSI units and an SDI diesel. Additional, more powerful engines will also become available in due course.
Delivery of cars with automatic transmission and DSG options will start early in 2004, along with right hand drive cars for the UK and other markets.
