VOLKSWAGEN / GOLF

Keep hoping

Europe's most popular C-segment hatchback gets an all-new replacement which, in all likeliness, Thais will again be denied from buying on an official basis

Interior has higher quality materials.

DESIGN AND PACKAGING : This is the sixth-generation Golf from car giant Volkswagen that competes in the tough C-segment. Seen here in these official pictures is the five-door hatchback, while three-door version is also available. Expect a four-door saloon later.

The looks of the Golf Mk6 is very evolutionary and predictable given that it's a popular hatch in world markets. Headlights are apparently derived from its Scirocco 2+2 hatchback sibling, wheels from the Eos coupe'/convertible and tail lamps from the Touareg luxury SUV.

The interior of the Mk6 is now filled with higher quality materials, as well as more soft-touch plastics. The steering apes that of the Passat CC.

Since the outgoing Mk5 was underpinned with an already sophisticated platform using rear multi-link suspension (many rivals still use the cost-effective torsion beam matrix), the new Golf gets this same floorplan, albeit enlargements to make the cabin more spacious and practical.

Other VW Group brands to use this platform are Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and Seat's pending Bolero saloon due at the Paris Motor Show in two months.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

The obvious is petrol and diesel engine range and those ubiquitous motors used across the VW Group displacing from 1.4 to 2.0-litres. Transmission choices are six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with 4Motion four-wheel-drive in selected models.

The highlighted ones are the TSI combining turbocharging and supercharging technologies with power outputs ranging from 90-160hp.

Super-efficient diesels ranging from 90-170hp in the guise of BlueMotion are tailored to meet Euro 6 emissions standards.

The 110hp version for instance can achieve 22kpl and 119g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. Expect a diesel/electric hybrid in the future, too.

In addition, there could be a version whereby the electric motors now play the more prominent role in propulsion instead of the combustion engine. This combination was first previewed in the Twin Charge concept of Mk5 earlier this year.

High-performance Golfs should come in the guise of the legendary GTi using a 2.0-litre turbo engine, with the V6-powered R36 topping the range.

But since the Scirocco is already positioned as a sporty alternative to the Golf, VW could offer the GTi in just five-door form.

MARKET AND PRICING

Key selling points of the Golf would pertain to safety including a knee airbag for the driver bringing the total to seven, new generation stability control system, automatic distance control and chassis control whereby the driver can choose the steering and throttle response, plus the suspension setting.

Right-hand drive models of the Golf Mk6 will be available early next year, although its availability here is unlikely due to Thailand's high import duties.

The last Golf to appear in Thailand on an official basis was Mk4 which proved uncompetitive at B1.5m. That's why the Citroen C4 and Peugeot 307 were slow-sellers due to the presence of the Asean-built Ford Focus and Mazda 3.

Even though Subaru is managing some sales of the Impreza hatch in Thailand, Peugeot isn't convinced with mainstream models anymore. Instead, it will import the SW mini-MPV and CC coupe'/cabriolet bodies of the 308.

Plans by Volkswagen to invest over 20 billion baht in Thailand to produce four models are still on hold which includes the proposed Eco-car, too.

Instead, expect the grey market to import the pending GTi to please enthusiasts with B3m to spare just like with the Mk5 model. Meanwhile, the Scirocco is set to reach Thai shores this month through independent importers at around B2.6-2.7m in 200hp 2.0-litre turbo form.

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