The new Variant has the largest loadspace of any Golf to date; it can be accessed through a wide, contoured boot incorporating a low load lip.

The new Golf Variant will go on sale in summer 2007 with prices set to be announced closer to launch date.

From the official Press Release:

Design

Above: the new VW Golf Variant (left) and the outcoming model (right)

As well as a bold new look to the rear of the car the Golf Estate benefits from fresh styling at the front together with several desirable practical and dynamic touches.

A new nose featuring a distinctive chrome grille section framed by a set of deep front air dams lend the new Golf Estate an imposing look.

The major changes occur from the B-pillar backwards. The tailgate section is designed to maximise bootspace without compromising style and intersects a set of bold new rear lights.

Finishing off the look are a set of roof rails and a subtle aerodynamic spoiler mounted on the trailing edge of the rear window.

Features

To aid practicality the rear seats fold flat into the floor to reveal a versatile 1,550-litres of bootspace complete with multiple load hooks.  A 12V socket plus stowage beneath the boot floor are useful additions along with heating elements built into the rear windows.

The range of available engines includes a 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS, a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS and two gasoline units: a 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS and a 1.6-litre FSI 102 PS. The TSI engine is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes.

Since the model’s launch in 1993., over 1.2-million Golf Estates have been sold throughout Europe.

(Source: Volkswagen)