The Golf is back! (video)

After selling over 26 million units worldwide, including 400,000 in Canada, the Volkswagen Golf is back for a sixth generation. While executives of the German automaker talk about an evolution rather than a complete transformation, they did have a few surprises in store for journalists during the model's North American premiere at the CIAS in Toronto.


First of all, the Rabbit nameplate, which was resurrected a couple of years ago, has been eliminated in favor of the more popular Golf. "We simply want to reunite the Golf family. In Europe, the car is called Golf and we believe Canada shouldn't be any different," explained Peter Viney, spokesman for Volkswagen Canada.

There will be one exception, however. The company decided to stick with the rabbit name and image for the U.S. market.

A new face
Golf VI basically sports the same lines as its predecessors. Designers tweaked the headlights a little and completed the package by taking significant inspiration from the brand's other vehicles.

"Inside, our approach was very similar to the one we used for the Passat CC, particularly the dashboard and steering wheel. This gives more character and higher-quality fit and finish to our affordable compact," added Mr. Viney.

Under the hood, expect to find the same 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, inline 5-cylinder engine in standard trim. However, the Golf will also be available with a new clean diesel TDI producing 140 horsepower.

The biggest surprise, though, might be the addition of a brand-new body style. On top of the regular 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, including the sporty GTI, Volkswagen will offer a wagon variant of the Golf starting next October.

"The Jetta Wagon will bow out and the Golf Wagon will step in. Family vehicles are quite popular these days and we think the added room combined with the fun driving dynamics of the traditional Golf will make an attractive mix," claimed Peter Viney.

He then went on to say: "VW enjoyed a good year despite the current situation and we are convinced that the arrival of the next-generation Golf family will help us achieve our goals for 2009."