New VW Golf launched

Continental Cars Ltd yesterday launched the fifth generation Volkswagen Golf at Marsovin's Wine Cellars, in Marsa.

The car was launched onto the first markets in October 2003 and is now available throughout Europe.

Continental Cars Ltd managing director Maurice Mizzi said the Golf, first introduced in 1974, was "like a bottle of excellent red wine - it improves with age".

The degree of improvement which has been made on the Golf V vis-à-vis the previous model was unprecedented, he said.

Exterior length has grown by 5cm to 420.4cm and the width by 2.4 cm to 175.9cm.

The height has also increased by 4.1cm to 148.5cm.

The interior dimensions have also increased, as has the luggage compartment volume by two litres from 350 to 352 litres, Mr Mizzi said.

Safety has top priority and the new Golf has a high-strength bodywork, optimised in countless crash simulations, for protection of the occupants.

Its injury hazards have been minimised by fitting 10 airbags as standard with the front passenger airbag having an option to be deactivated.

The new Golf is available in eight different engines. The top, sporty engines will be launched at a later date.