Golf reaches fifth generation

The Golf, the most successful German car of all time, reaches its fifth generation in 2003. The new model will be recognised immediately as the latest version of a truly original concept, the Golf classic.

One of the secrets of its worldwide success (more than 22 million Golfs have so far been sold in) is that Volkswagen, when it produced a direct successor to the Beetle, created an original that resists imitation. For four generations now, the design has been perfected and updated, but it has always represented a stylistic image of its time.

The front-end styling is new in every detail, and optimised for low aerodynamic drag. Another unmistakable feature are the twin circular headlights with the glass tapering toward the centre of the car and with horizontal flashing turn indicators in Phaeton style. 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, that emphasises the dynamic character of this new Volkswagen even more.

The rear of the body is styled in an equally powerful manner: the rear body shoulders emphasise the Golf's strong visual presence, the bold rear lights with their twin circular elements are another immediately recognisable feature of current Volkswagen design. The overall effect is an emotive one that makes the new Golf seem even more agile and dynamic than any of the previous model generations.

The new Golf, which as a high-volume model will debut with two- or four-door body styles and be available with Trendline, Comfortline or Sportline decor. Common to all these versions is a very full luxury and safety specification including six airbags, five head restraints (of active pattern 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.

The body itself is wider than before (+24 mm) and also higher (+39 mm) and longer (+57 mm); it therefore provided distinctly more interior space, particularly in the rear-seat area. The luggage compartment now holds 347 litres and the interior length has gone up by 54 mm. These gains move the Golf nearer to the next-higher passenger-car category. The bodyshells static rigidity value is an impressive 80% higher and thus superior to any of the new Golf's competitors.

Volkswagen has given the Golf's new, dynamic safety suspension settings that are at the same time sporty and comfortable. At the front, the spring strut suspension layout has been optimised in many areas, to ensure accurate directional guidance and stability. At the rear, a new multi-link suspension layout has been developed. The handling and ride quality have been perfected by a completely new and highly innovative form of electro-mechanical power steering, which not only provides a degree of power assistance that matches the cars road speed, but also makes a big contribution to straight-line precision. Standard features on the new Golf are the latest ESP electronic stabilisation programme and a Brake Assist device. The brake system, with optimised cooling, forms a reliable basis for excellent stopping distances.

The TDi is a high-torque four-cylinder direct fuel injection unit with four valves per cylinder, driving the wheels through a new six-speed gearbox or with the option of the direct-shift gearbox (also with six speeds). Volkswagen was the first manufacturer worldwide to introduce this type of gearbox, in its Golf R32 DSG model.

Then there are the FSI engines: direct petrol injection. The 1.6 FSI, from the Touran and is now to be available in the Golf. Here too, a six-speed gearbox is standard equipment, with the option of six-sped automatic transmission. The new Golf will be launched with a choice of four power units - two petrol engines and two TDi diesels. Four further engines will be launched slightly later, including two FSi units and an SDI diesel. In due course, additional engine options at the top end of the power-output scale will also become available.

VWAG Wolfsburg