IRVINE, CA - For 2005, Volkswagen introduces an all-new Golf and GTI, bigger and more refined than any previous Golf in almost every respect. Already tooling around the streets of Europe, the sporty GTI will land first in the U.S. late in 2004 while the Golf will go on sale in the spring of 2005. As with the current Golf, it will be available in three- or five-door hatchback configurations.

Heading up the list of changes to the 2005 Volkswagen Golf is exterior design. Overall length increases by 2.3 inches, it's wider by one inch and it's taller by 1.5 inches. These stretched dimensions should make even more spacious a car that's already renowned for its generous headroom and cargo space. In terms of styling, the 2005 VW Golf isn't dramatically different from the previous generation, following the familiar two-box template laid down decades ago. The rear is as boxy as ever, but the hood is more steeply sloped to create a wedge-like profile. Creases on either side of the bonnet follow the lines of the clear-lens headlamps to add character and flair.

Underneath the sheetmetal, an all-new suspension with a strut-type front and multilink rear layout combined with electromechanical steering is touted to provide the 2005 Volkswagen Golf with much more responsive and athletic handling than its predecessor. Drivers will rejoice in the 80 percent increase in torsional rigidity, making the new Golf and GTI stiff, responsive and less susceptible to cabin creaks and groans.