Volkswagen has unveiled the fourth generation Golf Estate. It features a fresh look, revised engines and the latest comfort and safety technologies.
The original Golf Estate was launched in 1993. Now, drawing on the design language established by the Scirocco, the new Golf and fifth generation Polo, the new Golf Estate features redesigned headlamps and front and rear bumpers to lend the car a clean and cohesive look.
The use of horizontal lines on the nose helps to create the impression that the Golf Estate is both lower and wider than it really is. Further back, new wheel designs join revised rear lights to lend the car a fresh new look.
The changes continue inside the vehicle with dashboard improvements adopted from the Golf Mk VI, upgraded trim materials and a new range of upholstery.
Like the existing model, Volkswagen say that the new model will boast a high level of standard specification. This will probably include air conditioning, a CD player, multi-function computer, electric windows and mirrors, and body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles.
Of course, as you would expect from any car in the Golf family, the Golf Estate will also have a comprehensive array of safety features including ESP, driver and front passenger’s whiplash-optimised head restraints and six airbags including a deactivation switch for front passenger airbag.
Petrol engines on offer in Europe will include a 1.4-litre 122 bhp model, giving excellent performance and economy thanks to Volkswagen’s TSI technology which uses turbocharging in combination with a small capacity engine.
A new 1.6-litre TDI common rail unit producing 105 bhp is set to be a popular diesel choice, while a 2.0-litre TDI 140 bhp tops the engine range. A BlueMotion version of the Golf Estate will probably also be offered giving additional economy and environmental benefits.
We should see the new Golf Estate early in 2010, with pricing and specification details for the Irish market to be announced later this year.
