First photos VW Golf 6

The foundations for the next generation of Volkswagens has just been laid in Europe.

The car called Golf 6 is public today in pictures which show a compact hatch which is just as you would expect - as well as the building block for a new range of updated models which already share their mechanical package with the current Golf.

There is no sign of a Porsche input in the car, even though the sports car maker now owns its big brother, but the new look of the Golf will be reflected in everything from the next Jetta and Golf to cars with Skoda and Seat badges.

Volkswagen is making big claims for Golf 6, saying it is the “safest, most technically advanced and most dynamic iteration yet”.

It is also promising new benchmarks in quality, style, safety and emissions for a car which has been its best seller since the 1970s.

“This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before,” says Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the Volkswagen.

The sixth-generation Golf is expected in Australia towards the end of next year following a full-scale preview at the Paris Motor Show in October and European sales before the end of 2008.

Early details point to smoother, evolutionary styling for both the three and five-door Golf hatches. The cabin is more refined and the quality of materials is improved.

“It is more accentuated than its predecessor with precisely defined lines and edges and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses,” says VW design chief, Walter de Silva.

Safety is handled by seven airbags, Golf Six will come with new or updated petrol and diesel engines, and the list of standard and optional equipment includes everything from Adaptive Chassis Control to an Automatic Distance Control which promises automatic braking if it detects an obstacle in front of the car.