VW's cheeky ad campaign entices couples to emulate the original Rabbit, writes motoring editor Alastair Sloane
Volkswagen reckons 15 million couples have had sex in hatchback Golf models since the first was launched 35 years ago.
It says too that 12 million children have fallen asleep on the seats of the car over the years. It doesn't say how many of the 12 million kids were conceived by the 15 million couples.
Its research doesn't go as far as the couples did. Nor does it contemplate how much more mischievous the sex statistics would have been had VW continued with the North American name for the first-generation Golf - Rabbit.
It changed Rabbit to Golf for the second-generation model. Generation three, four and five have been Golfs. Had they been Rabbits, VW would now be saying that 15 million couples have had sex over 35 years in a car called Rabbit.
The cheeky sex stuff is part of VW's advertising campaign for the sixth-generation example, which went on sale here the other day.
VW isn't saying that Golf VI can be expected to be used as an emergency love shack for three million couples worldwide. But do the sums: so far it's five Golfs, 15 million couples.
When Golf VII turns up in 2012, VW can claim the previous six generations have served the intimate needs of 18 million couples over 38 years and counting.
The new five-door hatchback is the latest interpretation of a model that has sold 26 million units worldwide. It's also pretty much the first Golf that does not mark a complete break from its predecessor.
Golf VI is a crucially important car for VW. The previous Golf V was notoriously costly and time-consuming to build.
VW had to square up the Golf balance sheet, so it did things like simplifying the way the doors are pressed and the windows sealed to cut manufacturing costs.
An added advantage of the new sealing process is reduced cabin noise, says the company. A brief test drive on a mix of roads south of Auckland revealed that Golf VI's cabin is indeed quiet.
Inside, there are improved levels of quality - switches have been upgraded, shutlines tightened up and high-grade materials used.
The carmaker has taken an evolutionary approach to the new model, mixing classic Golf elements like the wide stance and chunky C-pillar with design lines from the Scirocco, especially around the front.
At the rear, the new model features tail-lights inspired by the Touareg sports utility vehicle. The look is simpler with no side rubbing strips, a sharp crease along the waistline, flush-fitting glass and a shorter front overhang. The nose itself is similar to Golf V.
"The Golf is a true icon of the motoring world," says VW design boss Walter deSilva. "It needs to be simple, timeless and instantly recognisable.
"It is more accentuated than its predecessor, with precisely defined lines and edges and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses."
Golf VI is almost identical in size to the outgoing model. The wheelbase and height is the same but the car is slightly wider.
Underneath, it sits on the same platform as its predecessor, complete with a multi-link rear suspension set-up.
The dashboard design will be familiar to current Golf owners, but the centre console is now angled more towards the driver and the instrument binnacle features white backlit dials.
Under the bonnet, Golf gets a wide range of cleaner and thriftier Euro5-rated petrol and diesel engines mated to VW's double-clutch DSG gearboxes, either six- or seven-speed units.
Standard equipment includes an updated and more efficient electronic stability control system, seven airbags including a driver's knee airbag, anti-whiplash head restraints, and daytime running lights.
Golf VI comes with a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating, achieved under a new and stricter test regime.
Four models will be available here, two powered by 1.4-litre petrol units, and two by 1.6-litre diesel engines.
The entry-level Golf VI starts at $40,590, rides on 15-inch wheels and uses a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine developing 90kW. VW adds its twincharge technology to the same engine in the $46,590 variant, which sits on 16-inch alloys and develops 118kW.
The two commonrail diesels develop 77kW and 103kW and come with a diesel particulate filter. VW claims town-and-around fuel economy for the 77kW car of 4.5 litres/100km and 4.9 litres/100km for the 103kW version.
Exhaust CO2 emissions are rated at 119g/km and 129g/km respectively. The 77kW car is priced at $42,590 and the 103kW model at $48,750.
VW also unveiled its Scirocco coupe, another name with a 30-odd year history. The Golf-based two-door gets the choice of two petrol units - a twincharge 1.4-litre producing 118kW at 5800rpm and 240Nm of torque between 1500-4500rpm, and the 147kW/280Nm 2-litre turbocharged engine from the Golf GTi.
The Scirocco is bags of fun, one of the most involving and rewarding drives around, regardless of engine. It shares the same wheelbase as the current Golf GTi but is 40mm longer, 51mm wider and 97mm lower.
Its track is wider by 35mm at the front and 59mm at the rear, which helps its road manners considerably. It did few things badly over some demanding surfaces. The 1.4-litre Scirocco is priced from $49,990, the 2-litre variant from $55,990.
