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February date for new Golf introduction
2003-11-06 - By Philip Byrne
February next has been set as the date for the arrival of the new Volkswagen Golf - the fifth generation of a model that has established itself as one of the world's favourite cars across the three decades since it was first introduced in 1974.
 Altogether more spacious, the new Golf is wider, higher and longer than the version it replaces. Cabin length has been increased to provide extra leg space and headroom for rear seat passengers. Luggage compartment space has been increased and the through luggage loading width enlarged.
Apart from its striking good looks, the new Golf is an altogether more solid construction. Static body rigidity has been increased by 80 percent thanks to the use of high strength body panels. This results in a significant improvement in overall body strength, crash safety and comfort
Design wise, the new Golf has taken on a new dynamic look - one that carries the model into the future whilst retaining the pronounced sporty appeal that has made it one of the top selling cars in motoring history. Redesigned down to the last detail, it has a muscular appearance reflected in a rakish, wedge-shaped silhouette. Side window graphics, new door frame and roof line and a new, more angled C-pillar enhance its aerodynamic profile.
Its attractive frontal design is striking for its twin round headlights and integrated turn indicators shaped in the style of VW¹s luxury Phaeton model. A powerfully built rear boasts an impressive shoulder line, integrated roof spoiler, large rear window and distinctive tail lights half integrated within the boot lid.
Within its more spacious interior, seats have been redesigned to provide maximum comfort. Seat adjustment ranges having been redefined so that front seats may be adjusted over a wider range. Handling and driving comfort have been dramatically improved thanks to a chassis that is as sporty as it is comfortable. An improved front axle, newly developed rear axle coupled with the introduction of a new electromechanical steering system underscore its driver appeal.
The new Golf comes initially with two petrol engines - a 1.4 litre, 75 bhp unit and a 1.6 litre FSI, 115 bhp unit - and two TDI engines - a 1.9 litre TDI, 105 bhp and a 2.0 litre TDI 140 bhp. Four more engines will follow shortly - a 1.4 litre, 90 bhp and 2.0 litre, 150 bhp both with FSI fuel injection, a 1.6 litre 102 bhp petrol and a 2.0 litre SDI, 75 bhp diesel direct injection unit. All engines comply with EU4 standard. Sporty top-of-the-range engines will be introduced in a third phase.
Available in three and five door versions, the new Golf comes with two equipment lines in addition to the entry level: Comfortline and Sportline. All have comprehensive safety features that include six airbags, five head restraints, three point seat belts on all seats and a new safety steering column and foot controls which retract in the event of a crash.
In 1.4 litre and 1.9 litre TDI models, gearbox is five-speed. In 1.6 litre FSI and 2.0 litre TDI versions, a six-speed gearbox is fitted. TDI engines can also be combined with a sporty DSG direct shift gearbox in semi-automatic and fully-automatic modes
According to Volkswagen Sales Manager Tom O'Connor OEprices for the new Golf have not yet been finalised. However, indications are that the new model will be some four percent higher than its predecessor - a level of increase that reduces to approximately two percent when the value of extra specifications is taken into account'.
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