Based on initial accounts, i am very excited by the prospect of a new Golf. The mark 6 certainly seems as if it improves on the current version, but I'll reserve final judgement until i see it in the flesh and road tests confirm that it is indeed a step-up from the existing model. Given that the mark 6 is not much more than a Golf mark 5 that's been re-skinned, I find the criticism aimed at the mark 5 somewhat unfair. The previous head of VW, Bernd Pischestreider, ordered that the R&D budget be focused on ride and handling more than on interior quality. So the result was a much better driver's car and - significantly - a car that was the equal if not better than the Ford Focus which had outpointed the Golf mark 4 in many areas. If anything, and despite its build quality, the mark 4 Golf was the weakest link in the Golf's lineage. In my humble opinion, it's bland if not ugly styling has aged less well than that of the previous mark 3 which in itself was nowhere near as taught as the original mark 1. I thought the styling of the mark 5 was a stunning return to form in the styling department. Similarly the mark 6 is equally attractive - I certainly like the new front-end treatment.
So the VW Golf mark 6 seems as if it will give us the best of both worlds: the mark 4's quality and and the mark 5's ride and handling. The engines also seem to combine better performance with increased frugality. With a wide array of optional equipment, I see no case for buying an Audi A3 over a VW Golf anymore. This is good news.
I am particularly looking forward to the prospect of the GTi version of the mark 6, which will have an extra 11 bhp versus the current model. With 211 bhp, a 7-speed DSG gearbox, environmentally acceptable fuel consumption and emissions, and five-door hatchback practicality, I think the choice between a Golf and a Scirocco is going to be a tough one.
When everything is said and done, however, the cynic in me feels bound to point out that all the fancy packaging of the Golf mark 6 is hogwash designed to disguise the real reason behind its sooner than expected arrival: the real story is how the redesign will make the Golf easier and less expensive to produce. That won't make it cheaper to buy, but Volkswagen more profitable.
So long as it doesn't cost more than it already does, i'm a buyer.
