Five generations, 34 years and over 26 million vehicles after the original first went on sale, the sixth generation of the Golf has been unveiled.
The new model continues the evolution of an icon. The new Golf is the safest, most technically advanced and most dynamic iteration yet. Not only does the new Golf promise great value, but it aims to set benchmarks in quality, style, safety and the reduction of emissions.
Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board, Volkswagen AG, commented: ‘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.’
Instantly apparent in the sixth generation of Golf is a sharply defined look that draws on the new design direction established by the Scirocco. Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen brand led the team responsible for the shape of the new car, overseen by Volkswagen Group’s head of design, Walter de Silva. ‘It is more accentuated than its predecessor with precisely defined lines and edges and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses,’ commented de Silva.
The new look aims to combine the elements that define the Golf across five generations while bringing them up to date. The result is a clean, elegant design that’s easily recognisable as a Golf yet remains an all-new shape.
The same elements of simplicity and attention to detail were applied to the vehicle’s interior. A new level of quality is established in the Golf with the adoption of materials and equipment usually associated with a vehicle in a higher segment.
Clearly defined white backlit dials sit in recessed, individual cowells behind a three-spoke steering wheel with the option of controls for entertainment and communications functions. High quality, soft touch plastics are integrated with tasteful aluminium and chrome highlights. The new look is combined with advances made by Volkswagen engineers in reducing wind noise, including a completely new design of door and window seals, a new damping film that supports the windscreen and a new engine mounting system. The result is new levels of acoustic damping to make the new Golf the quietest yet.
Aiding this refinement are advanced new petrol and diesel engines. The new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail diesel engine emits just 119 g/km of CO2 while returning 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle. Other diesel variants are available with 90 PS, 140 PS and 170 PS outputs linked to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. Many of the petrol engines adopt highly efficient TSI technology with outputs of 80 PS, 102 PS, 122 PS and 160 PS.
For the first time, Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) will be offered on the Golf. This is available on the Passat CC and standard on the new Scirocco, and allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey.
Automatic Distance Control is also offered, which monitors the area around the vehicle through a series of sensors and will, if necessary, reduce the vehicle’s speed should an obstruction be identified. In extreme cases the vehicle can be brought to a complete stop using the system.
Building on the technical advances are new levels of safety equipment including the addition of a knee airbag for the driver to bring the total number of airbags fitted as standard to seven. A new head restraint system designed to reduce whiplash injuries and rear seat belt detection sensors are joined by new, more advanced Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) software.
Prices and specifications for the new Golf will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch towards the end of the year. The new Golf goes on sale in the UK in January.
A new Bugatti will publicly be displayed for the first time at this year’s Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance, on August 16th, 2008.
Mercedes-Benz’ new compact SUV has met with an outstanding response from customers in the first month after the vehicle was released for sale on June 30, 2008. In Western Europe alone, Mercedes-Benz has already received a total of 10,000 orders for a GLK-Class vehicle by the end of July. Deliveries of the GLK, which celebrated its world premiere at the Auto China show in Beijing at the end of April, are scheduled to commence in Western Europe in October, with market launch in the U.S. set to follow at the beginning of 2009. 
The newly-announced 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX will make its public debut at X Games 14, to be held in Los Angeles, Calif. July 31 – August 3. Boasting engine and handling upgrades, the 265 horsepower WRX will be on show at the Subaru display in the Sponsor’s Village. A 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX will be awarded to the “Subaru Most Outstanding Athlete of the Games” recipient. 
The British International Motorshow, London is the backdrop for two Lotus launches this year. The Evora, the eagerly anticipated 2+2 performance car and its 1:64 Matchbox® twin. 
The Nissan Altima Hybrid, which offers the efficiency and fuel economy of a hybrid drivetrain with the performance and excitement customers have come to expect from the Altima line-up, has been named one of the “Top 10 Green Cars” by the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. 
This year, Holden will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Australia’s own car, the 48-215. 
For 2009, the MDX’s power rear tailgate feature is standard equipment with the Technology and Sport packages – previously the power rear tailgate was only available on the Entertainment Package. Additionally, the AcuraLink™ real-time traffic system includes an additional metropolitan market (Dayton, Ohio) and the MDX is offered in two new exterior colors— Bali Blue Pearl and Mocha Metallic.