Initially developed...
Initially developed in Norway, the device has subsequently been trialled in France, where tests showed that around 95 per cent of the toxic vapour was eliminated. British environment minister Ben Bradshaw explained: "Petrol fumes from service stations contribute to air pollution and lead to smog in warm weather. Fitting new equipment which can capture these fumes will help to cut risks to public health and the environment."
The eagerly anticipated...
The eagerly anticipated VW was originally due to arrive in showrooms here next year, but the project was delayed until 2009 when new boss Martin Winterkorn took control of the company and demanded a thorough review of all future model plans.
However, our spies have spotted production-ready prototypes being put through their paces, so development work is now in the final stages – and these exclusive images give the best indication yet of what we"ve got to look forward to.
The biggest changes have been made at the front, because the sixth-generation Golf will share the look of the forthcoming Scirocco. It will benefit from a toned-down version of the coupé’s distinctive nose, and feature smart clear-lens headlamps and a heavily contoured bumper.
The new approach extends to the sides of the body, where the hatch gets a sharp crease to highlight its rising waistline. Further back, chunky C-pillars give a typically solid Golf appearance, and at the back, there’s a near-vertical tailgate.
This combines with a minimal rear overhang to provide the car with a sporty profile – although at the same time, its squared-off body ensures that headroom is enhanced for passengers travelling in the back.
The versatile Golf will also be available in three-door and practical estate bodystyles, although the load-lugger isn’t scheduled to arrive on forecourts here until 2010 at the earliest. However, the image on the opposite page shows what to expect from the estate, which is set to major on style rather than outright carrying capacity.
Under the surface, the MkVI Golf uses the existing car’s underpinnings. But according to insiders at the company, engineers have come up with
a less complicated rear suspension set-up. The outgoing MkV’s multi-link system is both time-consuming and expensive to produce, and the new geometry is designed to provide significant cost savings without affecting the model’s superb ride and handling.
Engine details have yet to be confirmed, but VW’s clever 1.4-litre TSI petrol powerplant will lead the way under the bonnet. This unit will come in a choice of 120bhp and 148bhp turbocharged guises, while a 168bhp version is equipped with a turbocharger and a supercharger. The hot hatch GTI model will feature an even more powerful 2.0-litre TSI motor.
The only normally aspirated engine in the line-up will be the 3.2-litre V6 fitted to the top-of-the-range R32. And diesel fans are also in for a treat because the common-rail 2.0-litre TDI oil-burner from VW’s forthcoming Tiguan SUV will feature.
The new Golf is expected to make its official debut at next September’s Paris Motor Show, before hitting UK dealers early in 2009. Prices have yet to be announced, but entry-level cars are set to start at around ?13,000.