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Volkswagen Golf

Golf carrier on the way

Built in response to overwhelming demand from customers and dealers worldwide, the new Golf Estate is due to go on sale here in the spring

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But despite its apparent popularity, sources at VW admit that the practical machine nearly never happened. At the original launch of the Golf MkV, the maker's bosses announced that, regardless of demand, the MkIV estate would not be replaced. Instead, said VW execu­tives, they would concentrate on the crossover Golf Plus, new Touran and Tiguan models.

	The boot is likely to measure around 1,590 litres, or about the same as the class-leading Vauxhall Astra estate

However, after huge numbers of inquiries from Golf drivers, the company was forced to rethink the decision. Following an accelerated develop­ment programme, the resulting estate goes into production at the VW plant in Puebla, Mexico, early next year.

Based on the Jetta saloon rather than the five-door Golf hatch, the new car is 4,550mm long with a 2,580mm wheelbase, so it's much bigger than its predecessor. That's good news for those keen on luggage space, as the boot is likely to measure around 1,590 litres, or about the same as the class-leading Vauxhall Astra estate.

While there will be no V6 option, flagship variants are to have a 200bhp FSI turbo engine. Volume-selling UK models are all expected to use diesel power, including VW's 105bhp 1.9-litre and 170bhp 2.0 TDI units. Estate prices are set to start at around £14,000.