Golf to tee off with a new driving range.

Byline: Richard Harmond

AN amazing 26 million VW Golfs have been sold since the pioneering hatchback went on sale in 1974 and now a new generation is on its way.

Just in case you've lost count, this one will be the sixth Golf. Volkswagen is saying that the new model, on sale in the UK in January, will be the most sophisticated ever.

Engineers have designed new door and window seals to reduce wind noise and new engine mounts to further reduce noise and vibration.

As you can see from the picture, the styling isn't particularly bold and you'll recognise the shape of the front as being similar to the new VW Scirocco arriving this autumn.

Inside the Golf there's high-quality soft-touch materials and backlit white dials. Sounds classy.

Safety is high on the list with an electronic stability programme and seven airbags standard on all models and a new head restraint system has been designed to cut whiplash injuries.

Of course, loads of options will be available including VW's adaptive chassis control which allows drivers to select between normal, comfort and sport suspension settings and automatic distance control that stops you running into things.

A wide range of engines will be available using manual gearboxes DS G (twin-clutch) transmissions. Not surprisingly emissions and fuel economy are a big deal and there will be several engines capable of impressive numbers, including a new 2.0-litre TDI diesel with emissions of 119g/km and an average consumption of 62.7mpg.

Power outputs range up to 160ps but there's no mention of a new GTI. There's bound to be one and it'll have a lot more than 160ps, that's for sure.

More specs and prices will be released nearer the end of the year