2010 Volkswagen Golf Preview

No matter where you live in the world you’ll have either owned a Rabbit or Golf or know someone who has, or for that matter still does. The vehicle is a global top-seller and extremely popular here in North America too. In order to maintain its position in the market, Volkswagen will once again remake the car for model year 2009 in Europe and 2010 here in the new world, and at first glance it looks like a winner.

No longer dubbed Rabbit for North America, Volkswagen’s compact hatchback moves forward with its more familiar Golf label here and throughout the rest of world. By either name, mind you, it’s respected for delivering European road manners and premium-like quality to a segment that’s often more oriented to bargain-oriented shoppers.

I have to admit that I’m still getting used to the outgoing Mk.V Golf’s shape, having previously been a major fan of the Mk.IV. Now that Europe’s largest automaker has just taken the wraps off of its sixth-generation car, however, I think that it looks even more stylish and up-market than the current version or the one before, while Volkswagen tells us that top-tier electronics and better fuel economy have been built in to make sure that it’s right for the times.

Although the Mk.VI Golf previews a new styling direction for Volkswagen, no one will question which new car is headed towards them or passing by, as time-tested design cues are integrated into the new look. Just the same, the new car appears influenced by the recently introduced Scirocco sports coupe at its front end, with a unique horizontal grille and unusual yet attractively shaped angular headlamps. A similar taillight theme continues the look in the rear, while its overall hatchback profile is thoroughly familiar.

In the words of VW’s head of design Walter de Silva, “It is more accentuated, with precisely defined lines and edges, flared surfaces and recesses.”

At a nominal 0.2 inches less from nose to tail, but wider by 0.8 inches, the new Golf is said to look larger than the outgoing car, and more substantial. Its height and wheelbase, however, continue forward unchanged.

According to Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG, the new Golf’s interior will once again be a cut above anything else in the compact class: “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.”

This obviously biased opinion is corroborated by early reports, however. The interior is said to once again be top-grade, expected from Volkswagen, with a spacious feeling thanks to its additional width. Like the previous car, large, tall people will have no problem getting comfortable, while everyone should appreciate the user friendliness of the controls and generally sound ergonomic design.

Those that have had opportunity to drive the new Golf report a more refined overall experience, with a better ride and even greater control than the outgoing car. It reportedly delivers more engaging dynamics due to active chassis control, plus other high-end performance and safety electronics, while it will be easier to park than ever thanks to park steering assist.

The active chassis control is actually called DCC Adaptive Chassis Control in VW-speak, but most people would just refer to it as an active damper system. Basically, it immediately and continuously reacts to road conditions and driving styles so that control and safety requirements are fully satisfied. It features three settings, “automatic”, “comfort” and “sport”… nothing unusual here. The auto setting is defeated as soon as “comfort” or “sport” is selected, with early reports saying that the system is very effective at transforming the car from comfortable cruiser to rallying road rocket.

European models will get a full array of drivetrain choices too, from a duo of fuel-efficient TDI diesels to a new turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection gasoline-powered four-cylinder engineered for strong performance despite maximizing fuel mileage. North American versions will continue forward with the exclusive 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder as the only engine available at launch, although there is some talk of offering the aforementioned 1.4 and potentially a 2.0-liter TDI at least a year after launch. The GTI will once again feature the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

The 1.4 is the engine I’d like to see, as it’s both powerful and extremely fuel efficient. I tested it in Hungary during an early Tiguan launch, and it moved the larger vehicle along at a brisk pace while delivering fabulous fuel efficiency. In the Golf, the 160-horsepower four-cylinder manages 60 mph in less than eight seconds, partial thanks to its paddle-shift operated seven-speed DSG sequential-manual transmission, while allowing for a miserly 39 mpg combined city/highway consumption rate.

A six-speed manual will be the standard transmission in North America, by the way, with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic as optional equipment. There is no word if either six- or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch sequential manual transmissions (which work more like automatic boxes) will be available. This will depend, of course, on the engine choices VW’s American operation makes; the DSG gearboxes will also feature hands-on paddle-shifters.

Safety features include up to nine airbags, with one being a driver’s knee bag, plus active head restraints that Volkswagen calls “Whiplash Optimized Head Restraint System,” or WOKS. Active safety includes ABS and Electronic Stability Program, not the normal standard features in the compact class.

But once again, the Golf is not a normal compact, a good thing. Like the current model it remains a cut above the domestic and Asian C-segment cars, more in-line with Volvo’s C30 and BMW’s 128i than a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. It will most likely continue to carry a slightly higher price point too, warranted by its nicer materials and premium-level equipment and feel.

European customers are now able to get into the new Golf, while North American buyers will be able to climb behind the wheel next autumn. I, for one, look forward to this opportunity, as our current Rabbit, especially in top-tier GTI trim, is a truly special car, leading its class in perceived quality and refinement.

So why the name change? Volkswagen gives no explanation for the switch back to Golf, although it no doubt comes down to the fact that Golf has greater brand recognition in North America than the old Rabbit name does, and that previously changing it for the purpose of stirring the hearts of old Rabbit buyers and pulling them back into the fold hasn’t worked out as well as hoped. Those old Rabbit owners have now aged and moved on to larger more luxurious cars, after all, and alienating the younger generation more familiar with the Golf nameplate has probably not helped VW’s cause in North America.

No matter the chosen name, the new Golf looks to be an impressive car. Good enough to keep the candle burning in the hearts of VW’s faithful hatchback crowd, and possibly pull new buyers into the Volkswagen family.