Volkswagen unveils more stylish Golf

By Mitchell Mackey

AFTER 17 million cars in 23 years, Volkswagen has just unveiled its fourth generation Golf.

VW has shied away from any styling dramatics with the new- generation car, which shares its underpinnings with the Audi A3.

The new Golf is slightly softer, more rounded and more stylish than before.

The car's international debut will be at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

European sales start later this year, however, it could be some time, if ever, before the car arrives here.

Indomobil markets Volkswagen products in Indonesia and the company will have to consider a range of factors, such as cost and demand, before it makes a decision about bringing in the Golf.

If it does go on sale here, Indonesian buyers can look forward to a very smart car.

VW's designers have concentrated their efforts on the interior, which is all new.

The most radical external changes are at the back of the car, where big tail lights now feature.

Loading and unloading should be easier with a bigger, squarer tailgate which cuts deeper into the bumper.

Customers will no doubt welcome the proper handle, which replaces the fiddly push button of previous-generation cars.

Gone is the sharp crease along the side of the car, and the wheel arches are bigger, but the huge C pillar has been kept, although it is more vertical than previously.

The nose is more rounded, helped by smoother, more aero- friendly bumpers. The windows are bigger and the A pillars bordering the windscreen are much more curved.

Oval headlamps remain but have been reshaped and the VW badges front and rear are much larger -- presumably VW executives don't want customers confusing this car with the Audi A3.

The slightly softer appearance gives the impression the car is smaller, but at 4,131mm, it is a substantial 110mm longer than the present model.

It is also wider, and the wheelbase, at 2,513mm, has been stretched by 40mm.

The increased dimensions translate into more passenger and load space.

Options will include a satellite navigation system and wipers that turn on automatically when rain hits the windscreen. Sedan, convertible, wagon, coupe and one-box versions of the new car will be rolled out over the next few years.

More than 17 million Golfs have been sold worldwide since it went on sale in 1974, and it is now made in Germany, South Africa and Mexico.