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VW Golf GTI and future models revealed (2008)
By
Ben Whitworth and Georg Kacher
Spyshots
18 September 2008 14:00
How does the Golf VI affect its spin-off models?
The new Golf Plus will make its debut at the Bologna motor show in December 2008. It will be quickly followed by the revised Golf Variant (estate to you and me), which in turn will be followed by the facelifted Touran in July 2009.
But the proposed VW Golf cabriolet is now on hold, despite the design being signed off, and production scheduled for 2010. Slow demand for the A3 cabrio – which would have shared the roof with the VW – and too much internal competition with the Eos have caused the accountants to wave the red flag. That, and the fact the its arrival would come just two years before the Golf MkVII bows in.
What about the Beetle and Tiguan?
The second-edition Beetle, due in 2011, and the next iterations of the Tiguan (short and long-wheelbase models) will stay on the familiar Golf V/VI platform (PQ35 in VW speak), but the new Jetta will not. It will not even get the widely rumoured cosmetic update – instead, the four-door saloon will be replaced by a brand-new car in late 2010.
Primarily aimed at North America, China and India, the follow-up to the Jetta uses a re-engineered low-cost component set (known internally as VW311) which allows for a hefty 75mm wheelbase stretch to provide more legroom as well as more badge credibility.
But make no mistake, it will be a rebodied Golf V and not a forerunner to the Golf VII.
What do you think of VW's future Golf plans? Can the Golf GTI stay at the top of the performance tree? Click 'Add your comment' below and have your say
