New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen's future

Dubai, 25 February 2009 - Volkswagen Middle East presented its new sixth generation of the Golf at a one day driving experience on the streets of Dubai and Al Ain, where over 80 media attendees from the region discovered first-hand the capabilities and characteristics of this new iconic car.

The regional launch provided the media the opportunity to explore the Golf's high-end design, dynamic properties, premium comfort and groundbreaking technologies in its full diversity and glory which marks the car's leadership position in the "Golf class".

The Golf is a phenomenon, regardless of its particular generation. Since its inception, the Golf has always been the benchmark of its class. To date, more than twenty five million Volkswagen Golf cars have been produced and sold all round the world confirming that it is not only the most popular car from Volkswagen but also the world's third best-selling model. The Golf is the only one that always fits right, and the new one is even better fitting. The new Golf will proceed with dominance in the sporty compact segment appealing to nearly every target group making it a class-independent automobile.

Innovative force - the Golf democratises progress

The clear and powerful styling of the Golf being offered as a two-door and four-door in the "Trendline", "Comfortline" and "Highline" equipment lines is showing the entire brand the way to the future. The Volkswagen's acoustic properties and overall comfort tear down class distinctions. Innovative engine and transmission technologies reduce fuel consumption by up to 28 per cent.

Assistance systems such as "ACC Automatic Distance Control" - as well as developments like "DCC Adaptive Chassis Control" and "Park Assist" - bring additional top technologies to the Golf class. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimised crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that work to counteract whiplash trauma, a "seatbelt detection" feature debuting on the Golf in the rear seating area and daytime running lights provide for a maximum level of safety. 

Exterior design - precision in a new form

The exceptionally high value of the new Golf is reflected in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: "We have cast the Golf's core components in a precise new mold", explains Walter de Silva, the Group's Chief Designer. And he emphasises this: "The Golf is the global icon of car making. So the architecture and styling of new model are also absolutely clear and unique." At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive image than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: "It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses." Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the brand, adds: "Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value."

Especially in a direct comparison of generations V and VI, it becomes evident just how much the new Golf has changed. The design team - headed up by Walter de Silva, Klaus Bischoff and the Group's director for creative design, Flavio Manzoni - crystallised out the Golf's essential DNA and sent it on a trip to the future. Style features include the clarity of the first generation's front end and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests - similar to the new Scirocco - on a prominently contoured shoulder section. Responsible for this is a dominant curved line that extends from the headlights back to the taillights. This side profile line - which Volkswagen Design calls the "character line" - also gives the Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a lateral perspective.

All body surfaces are more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car adopts the radiator grille of the first Golf generation that is horizontally aligned between the headlights; the grille itself is in high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is a section with another air scoop. Also presented over a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

The rear too is characterised by a predominance of horizontal lines. The taillights - now very wide - are marked among other things by an unmistakably unique night design.

Stylistically, the crystal-clear line of the turn signal and backup lamps bears a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the new Golf - in the interplay of all of its design characteristics - gives the appearance of a significantly wider, flatter and higher end car. 

Interior - imploding class distinctions

The car's exceptionally high value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials - as well as details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments and steering wheels derived directly from those of the Passat CC - leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car's interior were also further developed. For example, all controls are even easier to use. They include controls for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) being presented for the first time on the Passat CC, the new RNS 510 radio navigation system with touch screen and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access. 

Low-noise comfort - the quietest Golf since the model series began

The new Golf is characterised by first-class acoustic properties. A special sound-damping film in the windshield reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal design on the doors and side window guides. Significantly less wind noise is generated by the outside mirrors due to their new shape. Furthermore, special modifications were made to better isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another acoustically. Quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction program. 

Gasoline engines - more fuel efficient than ever before

In the launch phase, two variants will define the range of gasoline engines with 75 kW / 102 hp and 118 kW / 160 hp.

TSI engines with supercharging and turbo charging are used. The fact is: the gasoline engines are also pioneers in economy. Even the new 160-hp top version of the 1.4 TSI achieves a top value at 6.3 litres. The 160-hp TSI's fuel consumption too was lowered by 1.6 litres compared to the retired 150-hp FSI. 

DSG - replaces conventional automatic

With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline engines may be paired with Volkswagen's dual clutch transmission (DSG). Either a 6-speed or 7-speed DSG is used, depending on engine torque. This means that on the Golf the extremely efficient and agile DSG has replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how economical the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the example of average fuel consumption on the 1.4 TSI with 160 hp and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 litres (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 hp and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 litres. Savings: 2.3 litres per hundred kilometers or 28 percent - progress at its best.

Joerg Andrischock,  Acting Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East said: "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. With the Golf exhibiting a standard of quality never before attained in this price class, the car has attracted an enormous amount of interest globally and we are confident it will generate an equal amount in this region."

-Ends-

For more information contact:
Sabrina Pengel
Public Relations Manager
Volkswagen Middle East
Tel: +971-4-204 5888
Fax: +971-4-204 5898
E-mail:  sabrina.pengel@volkswagen.avme.ae

Lisa Welsh
Senior Consultant
Impact Porter Novelli
Tel: +971-4-330 4030 Ext:  414
Fax: +971-4-330 4031
E-mail: l.welsh@ipn.ae

Please also register on the Volkswagen international press website at www.volkswagen-media-services.com

© Press Release 2009