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Spyshots: Volkswagen Golf VI
By Yoann Besnard on 4 August 2007 | 
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Here are the first spyshots of the Golf VI due to be launched in May 2008. The next generation is set to lift a weight off Volkswagen's shoulders by cutting production costs and improving reliability.
Do not expect a revolutionary design. The Golf VI will be a re-engineered version of the current model and will probably extend the current engine range. Power will go from 80bhp for the entry-level to 280bhp for the R36 flagship. The real changes will be geared towards the assembly line. According to insiders, the Golf V has a higher production cost than any of its rivals. Though this was not a weakness in the past thanks to the high price tag, justified by advanced technology compared to competitors, the market has not reacted favourably to the Golf V. Therefore, the German carmaker was obliged to review its price policy and settle for a thinner profit margin than originally planned.
When Wolfgang Bernhard joined the VW Group, one of his missions was to revamp the production system in order to cut costs on the Golf VI and, according to different sources the improvements will allow costs to be reduced by £1,300. This does not mean the car will look like a poorer Golf to customers. The next generation will still keep the multi-link rear axle and interior quality will be improved. But will it be enough to make the difference at at time when competitors are making big progress? The new Peugeot 308 interior, for example, is rather impressive.
As I mentioned earlier, do not expect a revolution regarding the design, but the arrival of the new VW brand boss Martin Winterkorn has led to a redesign of the front face. Expect to see a grill that takes inspiration from the Iroc concept car unveiled at the last Paris Motor Show.
