New Golf lands on U.S. turf

Fans of VW's Golf have been seeing photos and reading about the next-generation model since its debut in Europe last year. U.S. customers will finally get the all-new Golf this year.

The styling is evolutionary and continues the box-on-wheels theme, but the exterior grows by an inch or two in all dimensions, which improves interior room. There's a more rigid chassis, an all-new suspension and electromechanical steering that should improve the Golf's handling.

The base engine is a 2.5-liter four cylinder that makes 150 horsepower. A 1.9-liter turbo diesel will be offered. A six-speed automatic transmission is expected to be on the option list. Performance enthusiasts will rejoice at the return of the GTI model that boasts 200 horsepower from a two-liter four-cylinder engine.

The Jetta, the best-selling VW in America, will be revised by spring 2005, becoming slightly wider, taller and longer. Based on the same chassis as the new Golf, the Jetta is expected to offer the same improved handling and refined styling.

-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005