September 8, 2003. Copyright, 2003, Graphic News. All rights reserved

New Golf Set For Debut At Frankfurt Auto Show
By Neil Winton

LONDON, September 8, Graphic News:  VolkswagenÕs all new Golf hatchback will take centre stage at the Frankfurt Car Show this week.

The Frankfurt Car Show is held every two years, and the traditional hype and razzamatazz should give hard-pressed car manufacturers the chance to drum up a bit of passion for their new products.

Car sales in Europe in general and Germany in particular are languishing, as economies stagnate. Manufacturers are being forced to slash prices or offer free features like sunroofs and air-conditioning to keep production lines moving. Increasing competition from Japanese and South Korean models is also making life difficult. 

Germany, EuropeÕs biggest car market, is thought to be on the brink of recovery, thanks in part to tax cuts. Excitement generated by new models like the Golf could kick-start the dormant market into action.

The new Golf is the modelÕs fifth generation. It has been the biggest seller in Germany and Europe over the last 10 years, although it lost its leadership recently to the Peugeot 206 and the Renault Megane. Since its first appearance over 30 years ago, more than 20 million Golfs have been sold. The new one looks much like its predecessor although it is slightly bigger and roomier. It has new multi-link rear-suspension. More expensive versions will have the option of the new VW DSG automatic gearbox. This revolutionary six-speed gearbox allows the driver to change gear manually without activating a clutch, or just to sit back and let the gearbox change automatically.

VW has yet to announce prices.

The new Golf will face stiff opposition. A direct competitor, the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra, is also making its debut at the Frankfurt show. Also vying for the publicÕs attention will be the new BMW X3, a small sport utility vehicle, competing with the Land Rover Freelander and Nissan X-trail. Citroen will introduce its little C2, said to be a modernised version of the iconic Deux Chevaux. Dreamers will be able to drool over the new Aston Martin DB9 and the Maserati Quattroporte.

The Frankfurt auto show is open to the public from September 13 through September 21.
/ENDS