These are the first images of the forthcoming Golf, set to be officially unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. It is the sixth generation of the car, spanning 34 years and more than 25 million vehicles.

The new Golf appears to be a very subtle evolution of the current Mark V's design, retaining the characteristic Golf elements while adding bits from the German automaker's parts bin. The company's press release, however, emphasizes it is 'an all-new shape' created by the design team led by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for Volkswagen.

The resemblance with other Volkswagen-branded products is apparent in the grille and headlamps - from the new Scirocco - and the taillamps, which are akin to those on the Touareg SUV. The interior is another cautious, evolutionary progression. Soft touch plastics are integrated with aluminum and chrome highlights for enhanced quality perception.

Power will come from a range of new 2.0-liter TDI diesel and TSI petrol engines, with power outputs between 80PS and 170PS. A choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearbox is available and Volkswagen's Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) will also be on offer, a first for the Golf range.

Related Article:
Volkswagen Scirocco - Geneva 2008
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