Volkswagen’s all-new fifth generation Golf (Golf V) models are now on-sale in Australia priced from $25,490 (RRP).

The all-new Golf represents the largest evolutionary leap, both visually and technically, since the model - acknowledged as the vehicle that started the hatchback revolution - was first launched in 1974.

Golf V boasts a choice of four powerplants including new 2.0-litre FSI Petrol and 1.9-litre and 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engines.

Depending on the model, transmission choices are five-speed or six-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Diesel-powered Golfs have the option of six-speed manual or Volkswagen’s world-acclaimed six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).

The accolades are already flowing, including ‘Car of the Year’ (What Car? UK) and – most significantly – the second quarter 2004 Euro-NCAP crash testing which reported the Golf V as the safest vehicle ever tested. No other passenger car (including bigger, heavier, more expensive cars in other classes) has received such a good overall result for the NCAP requirements in crash safety, pedestrian protection and child protection.

For three decades, the Golf has been Europe’s number one best seller, with more than 22 million vehicles sold (more than Volkswagen’s Beetle). From a purely statistical view, that means for the last 30 years, every day of the year, about 2,100 people somewhere in the world have bought a Golf.

This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider that in 1974, when the first generation Golf was launched in Europe, there were about 10 direct competitive vehicles. In 2004 there were about 130 Golf rivals clamoring for a share of the vehicle category the Europeans refer to as ‘A-class’ – a class Volkswagen continues to lead with a market share in excess of 25 per cent.

Globally, Volkswagen will sell over 600,000 Golfs in 2005; Volkswagen Group Australia is forecasting 7500 of these locally.

Clearly the all-new fifth-generation Golf lineup has all the ingredients to continue in the successful footsteps of its predecessors: a clear plus in terms of appearance, features, driving dynamics, performance, spaciousness, safety, quality and value-for-money.

Visually, the Golf follows the award-winning Touareg 4WD in introducing Australia to the next phase of Volkswagen’s far-reaching global design campaign.

Even at first glance, the newcomer is still recognizable as a Golf - thanks to its characteristic C-pillar - but the powerfully-built rear end, pronounced sporting character of the front end plus the muscular, rakish silhouette display a bold and confident new dynamic. And Golf’s new confidence is accentuated by its striking twin round clear-glass halogen headlights and integrated turn indicators. The tail-lights with their double lens elements are equally distinctive.

Inside, Golf V has adopted virtually none of the interior elements of its predecessors but it remains clear that Volkswagen is proceeding down the road of interior design that sees the company acknowledged as the world’s best. This is characterized in Golf V by crystal clear functionality, perceptible and visible quality and a high level of visual aesthetics.

Extra spaciousness is evident – Golf V provides an extra 52 millimetres of rear legroom and 24 millimetres of rear headroom compared to its predecessor. And with the overall length of the new model 54 millimetres longer, trunk capacity has increased by 20 litres to 350 litres.

Ride/handling is a key feature of the all-new Golf V and represents a significant advance over the previous model.

A much-improved McPherson strut/lower A-arm front suspension provides perfect location and a brand new four-link design is used at the rear. Interestingly the rear-end multi-link design features inclined dampers and oval auxiliary springs to deliver enhanced trunk space.

On-road dynamics have also been enhanced by a new electromechanical power steering system that provides power assistance as a function of road speed (less assistance at higher speeds) delivering greater feel and enhanced straight-line stability.

Brakes are four-wheel discs (fronts ventilated) with standard ABS anti-lock system, EBD electronic brake pressure distribution and HBA hydraulic brake assist. Traction control (ASR) is also standard.

Golf V’s new bodyshell represents an 80 per cent improvement in dynamic rigidity – a major safety benefit - making it the best in its segment.

And the new module doors are a worldwide innovation amongst steel bodies. Their unique selling point: in the event of the outer skin panel being damaged, it is no longer necessary to replace the entire door, but rather just the outer metal skin – this saves repair time and costs.

All Golf V models come with six airbags – driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags and curtain airbags front and rear.

In Australia, Golf V will be sold with three levels of specification – Trendline, Comfortline and the range-topping Sportline which is only available with the 2.0-litre FSI petrol engine.

Air-conditioning is standard across the range with 2.0-litre Sportline models gaining automatic 2-zone climate control air.

Sportline models also feature ‘titanium’ design interior trim features, front fog lights, sports front seats with cloth inserts, body colour-coded bumpers, side mouldings and door handles plus firmer springs/dampers, reduced ride height and 16 inch alloy wheels.

Among the extra features included in the Comfortline specification is a coming/leaving home function for the headlights. This sees the headlights remain on for a fixed period after the occupants have exited the car to illuminate the walkway and – using the radio-wave remote control key - the same can happen in reverse, when you are walking towards your car (a very handy convenience and personal safety feature).

With the combination of very sharp pricing and advanced specifications, for 2005, Volkswagen Group Australia is anticipating monthly sales volumes for Golf V of 625 vehicles. The company anticipates around six per cent (40 vehicles per month) will be diesel powered.

Announcing the all-new Golf V lineup, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Peter Nochar said: “Globally there is no more significant car for Volkswagen. Last year the Golf accounted for 35 per cent of Volkswagen’s sales and is still the hatchback against which all others are benchmarked - so you can imagine the effort our company has put in to developing the all-new fifth generation model.

“In Australia, our confidence in the new Golf range is based on the fact that the new model is again the market leader in Europe and we have enjoyed fantastic support from our parent company in securing very competitive pricing and a much broader range than we had with the previous model, including some fantastic ‘world’s best’ petrol and diesel engines.”