Volkswagen Ireland has released price and specification details for the all-new Golf, which arrives in Ireland in December, with prices starting from €19,995.
From launch, the Golf will be available in three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline with the GTD, GTI and BlueMotion models joining the line-up in 2013. Three petrol and two diesel engines will be available to order.
The headline-grabbing, sub-€20,000 car is in three-door Trendline specification fitted with an 85hp 1.2-litre petrol engine. While great value, it will be vastly outsold by the diesel offerings that begin at €22,695 for a 105hp 1.6-litre TDI. This is not only frugal, but also future (tax) proof thanks to its 99g/km CO2 rating.
The other engines in the launch line-up will be a 105hp version of the 1.2-litre TSI petrol unit, 140hp 1.4-litre TSI with Active Cylinder Technology (as seen in the Audi A1 Sportback tested earlier this year) and a 2.0-litre TDI engine that offers 150hp. A 90hp diesel will follow on early in 2013. All versions of the new Golf - both diesel and petrol - come with a stop-start system as standard, along with battery regeneration.
Specification will build on that offered by the current car with all Golfs being equipped with seven airbags, ABS with ESP, the XDS electronic differential lock system and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats as standard. Trendline models will also include a five-inch colour touchscreen, a glovebox mounted CD player with SD card slot and 'Climatic' air conditioning.
Mid-spec Comfortline adds cruise control, Bluetooth, USB and aux-in phone connectivity and 15-inch alloys. The wheels are upped to 16-inch in diameter for the Highline, which also includes front fog lights, unique styling, a three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel, sports front seats and Piano Black inserts.
Highlights from the extensive options list include bi-xenon headlights, 12-way electrically adjustable leather seats and dual-zone climate control. Order books will open later this month with first deliveries due in mid-December.