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Volkswagen has revealed more about its future by taking the covers off its first plug-in hybrid, a Golf-based prototype called the Twin Drive that can run for 50km on battery power alone.
When it runs out of energy, the 60kW electric motor hands over to a 90kW turbodiesel
engine running on second-generation biofuels made from plant waste rather than the edible part of the crop.
Twin Drive gets stop-start technology, regenerative braking and has a top speed of about 120km/h. Energy comes from lithium-ion batteries that can be plugged into a household socket.
The carmaker apparently has no plans to put Twin Drive into production, although some of its features are set to appear on models within the next two years.
The sixth-generation Golf won't pick up Twin Drive technology but the company promises it will have a host of hi-tech gadgetry aimed at making driving safer when it goes on sale in New Zealand next year.
VW took the covers off the new model in Germany this week - five generations, 34 years and more than 26 million vehicles after the original went on sale.
The MkVI gets a completely new body, an updated interior and cleaner-burning engines. It also gets an alphabet-soup mix, in the form of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), radar-like Automatic Distance Control (ADC), revised Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), a new head restraint and seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees.
VW says it is the safest, most technically advanced and most dynamic iteration yet.
"The new Golf aims to set benchmarks in quality, style, safety and the reduction of emissions," says VW board chairman Professor Martin Winterkorn.
"It will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before."
ACC allows the driver to select Normal, Comfort or Sport modes, juggling the settings of the suspension, steering and throttle to best match driving conditions. It is also standard equipment on the Passat coupe-cabrio and upcoming Scirocco two-door.
ADC monitors the area around the vehicle using a series of sensors. In extreme circumstances, this can bring the car to a complete stop to prevent a crash.
The Golf MkVI is a crucial car for VW. The previous MkV model was notoriously costly and time-consuming to build. VW had to square up the Golf balance sheet, so it did things like simplifying the way the doors are pressed and the windows sealed to cut manufacturing costs.
An added advantage of the new sealing process is reduced cabin noise, says the company. Inside, there are improved levels of quality - switches have been upgraded, shutlines tightened up and high-grade materials used.
The carmaker has taken an evolutionary approach to the new model, mixing classic Golf elements like the wide stance and chunky C-pillar with design lines from the Scirocco, especially around the front.
At the rear, the new model features tail-lights inspired by the Touareg sports utility vehicle. The look is simpler with no side rubbing strips, a sharp crease along the waistline, flush-fitting glass and a shorter front overhang.
"The Golf is a true icon of the motoring world," says VW design boss, Walter deSilva. "It needs to be simple, timeless and instantly recognisable.
"It is more accentuated than its predecessor, with precisely defined lines and edges and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses."
The new MkVI is almost identical in size to the outgoing model. The wheelbase and height is the same but the car is slightly wider.
Underneath, the MkVI sits on the same platform as its predecessor, complete with a multi-link rear suspension set-up.
The dashboard design will be familiar to current Golf owners but the centre console is now angled more towards the driver and the instrument binnacle features backlit dials.
Under the bonnet, Golf gets a wide range of cleaner and thriftier Euro5-rated petrol and diesel engines mated to VW's double-clutch DSG gearboxes.
A new 110kW 2-litre diesel unit is said to return town-and-around fuel economy of 4.5 litres/100km (62.7mpg) and C)2 exhaust emissions of 119g/km. Petrol engines will come with highly efficient TSI fuel-injection technology.
Golf production for New Zealand begins in Germany in January. The first shipment is expected around March/April.
