Over three decades after the original car was launched Volkswagen has unveiled its sixth iteration of the Golf. VW claims it to be the safest, most technically advanced and economical Golf yet and it goes on sale in January.

The design, overseen by Walter de Silva, reflects that of the recently launched Scirocco. de Silva believes that the new look combines elements that define the Golf across five generations while still bringing this model up to date.

On the inside, the Mk VI will come with improved materials and equipment levels as well as an interior and insulation redesign that aims to make this the quietest Golf yet.

There is no news on the GTI variant yet, but VW has released information on numerous petrol and diesel engines, including the new 2.0-litre TDI, which is claimed to return 62.7mpg on the combined cycle. Other diesel options available to UK customers will be units giving power outputs ranging from around 90bhp to over 165bhp and linked to either a six-speed manual or the DSG gearbox. Petrol units will adopt VW's familiar TSI technology and offer power outputs between 80bhp and 160bhp.

Full prices and specifications will be released at the end of the year, closer to the vehicle's official launch.

Dejan Jovanovic - 20 Aug 2008