Volkswagenlaunched an unexpected new version of its Golf model at the Bologna auto showin Italy today.
The Golf Plus isessentially a high-roof version of the Golf Hatchback with the same''footprint,'' and it's not clear at this moment if it will be coming to Canadaor the U.S.
VW is positioningGolf Plus between the regular Golf and the its Touran mini-minivan, and willinitially make it available in Europe in 2005. Prices and specifications havenot been set, but it will be more expensive than the regular Golf which hasstill not been launched in Canada.
Golf Plus is''based heavily'' on the regular Golf hatchback, but has been raised by 95 mmto 1580 to provide more interior space.
VW points outthat this means more flexibility for the customer, thanks to more stowage areasand load space, and a more adaptable rear seat arrangement.
These new seatscan be shifted lengthways by 160 mm and folded via a new system, which meansthey are lowered automatically when folded down, resulting in an almost levelluggage space. They can also split 60/40, with the middle seat doubling as afold-down table for drinks or whatever.
There's also adouble-height trunk floor to allow for more adaptable stowage with a maximumcapacity of 505 litres.
What hasn'tchanged from the Golf, in VW's view, is that model's ''essential qualities,'' including''award-winning driving dynamics, value for money and a high level of safetyequipment.''
Golf Plus alsouses LED technology in its rear lights, with active curve headlights pointingthe way around corners in concert with the steering.
Golf Plus willhave a near identical line-up to the Golf hatchback with shared engines andtrim levels, though there will not be a GTI or a three-door model in the GolfPlus range.
VW says the GolfPlus isn't really for ''buyers with families who are primarily concerned withpracticality and space,'' but rather to those buyers without families, or witha small family, who require more room and flexibility than the traditionalhatchback can offer.
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VW is positioningGolf Plus between the regular Golf and the its Touran mini-minivan, and willinitially make it available in Europe in 2005. Prices and specifications havenot been set, but it will be more expensive than the regular Golf which hasstill not been launched in Canada.
Golf Plus is''based heavily'' on the regular Golf hatchback, but has been raised by 95 mmto 1580 to provide more interior space.
VW points outthat this means more flexibility for the customer, thanks to more stowage areasand load space, and a more adaptable rear seat arrangement.
These new seatscan be shifted lengthways by 160 mm and folded via a new system, which meansthey are lowered automatically when folded down, resulting in an almost levelluggage space. They can also split 60/40, with the middle seat doubling as afold-down table for drinks or whatever.
 |
What hasn'tchanged from the Golf, in VW's view, is that model's ''essential qualities,'' including''award-winning driving dynamics, value for money and a high level of safetyequipment.''
Golf Plus alsouses LED technology in its rear lights, with active curve headlights pointingthe way around corners in concert with the steering.
Golf Plus willhave a near identical line-up to the Golf hatchback with shared engines andtrim levels, though there will not be a GTI or a three-door model in the GolfPlus range.
VW says the GolfPlus isn't really for ''buyers with families who are primarily concerned withpracticality and space,'' but rather to those buyers without families, or witha small family, who require more room and flexibility than the traditionalhatchback can offer.
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