The Golf MPV Revealed

If space is the final frontier, then Volkswagen is going all out to conquer it! This is the first spy shot of the secret Golf-based MPV which is rumoured to be good enough to blow the Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira away.

But before you think that the company has lost its marbles and designed something more like a golf cart than a stylish family hold-all, breathe a sigh of relief ; this is a 'mule' test bed vehicle. With a body that's been put together to accommodate an updated platform, new running gear and fresh interior, the end result is an eye-opener for anyone who spots the VW badge on the nose.

Spieshot - expect the final version to be more refined

But once they understand what lies beneath the skin is far more pleasing, they may be more reassured. Because eventually the ungainly upright bodywork with its 'skyscraper' windows will be replaced with a far more svelte and stylish framework, as shown in our exclusive artists impression.

However, the arrival of this Golf-based MPV can't come soon enough. VW is one of the few mass-market manufacturers not to have a contender in this class. Ford is the only other notable exception, after it canned its Focus-based MAV.

Code-named VW358, the MPV is based on the new platform developed for the next-generation, MkV Golf. This is considerably wider in terms of the track and features a longer wheelbase, allowing more interior width and space.

Our spy shot of the MPV prototype wearing parts of a Golf MkIV Estate body clearly illustrates that. A close look shows that the rear wheelarch is flared out much further than usual. You can also see a spacer strip between the end of the driver's door and the beginning of the rear passenger door.

Growth is important, because the Golf's cabin is comprehensively 'outsized' by all its key competitors. The Vauxhall Astra, new Peugeot 307, the latest Honda Civic, Ford Focus and cars such as Audi's A2 and Mercedes' A-Class will boast more cabin space.

VW bosses have deemed that the MPV's role is vital, as it must cash in on the still-growing compact people carrier sector. As a result, they have ruled that it should be introduced six months ahead of the hatchback range. It will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. And because it's based on the MkV Golf platform, the MPV will benefit from the latest safety technology and newest powertrains.

What the final Golf MPV may look like

Conscious that it has lost its once legendary reputation for building the safest cars on the road, VW will ensure that the MPV and hatchback will benefit from equipment such as front and side-impact airbags, with head 'bags and curtain protection all fitted as standard, too. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters will also feature. All of this will be controlled by an intelligent system which can forecast the force of an impact, the size and weight of occupants, and the best method of deployment required to counter the effects of a crash for maximum protection.

As far as comfort is concerned, VW has engineered a seven-seat set-up, with three individually adjustable and removable items in the back, and an innovative arrangement for the rearmost pair. Insiders claim this does not come at the expense of boot capacity, in the way it does with a seven-seat Zafira. However, the added equipment means weight will inevitably increase, as it has done previously on successive generations of the Golf. To combat this, a more potent range of engines will be used to power both the MPV and hatchback models.

Most of these will benefit from the latest developments of powerplants used by the new Passat. A flagship 3.2-litre V6 petrol unit with 230bhp and 4Motion four-wheel drive will elevate the Golf MPV's status as a compact luxury car. Meanwhile, the latest V5 and 1.8T petrol units will be offered, while a new range of leanburn petrol units will make up the lower end of the range, offering a balance of economy and performance. Other advances will include the next generation of turbo-diesel engines, which will be cleaner, smoother and more efficient.

Unfortunately for VW, its MPV faces tough opposition. Renault is preparing a replacement for the popular Scenic, using styling cues from its Koleos concept, and Opel and Vauxhall are working on a mid-life package of revisions for the Zafira. In addition, Ford will release the MAV ; based on the next generation Focus ; in early 2003.

all Volkswagen Group communications and photos reproduced with permission of Volkswagen UK