Five generations, 34 years and over 26 million vehicles after the original first went on sale, the sixth generation of the Golf has been unveiled.

Volkswagen describes it as the safest, most technically advanced and most dynamic Golf yet, with the aim of setting benchmarks in quality, style, safety and the reduction of emissions.

While not a million miles away from the brand's gradually evolving Golf outline, the latest version (due here in January 2009) has a more sharply defined look that draws on the new design direction established by the Scirocco.

Volkswagen head of design Walter de Silva said: "It is more accentuated than its predecessor, with precisely defined lines and edges and finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses."

Inside, white backlit dials sit in recessed, individual cowells behind a three-spoke steering wheel with the option of controls for entertainment and communications functions.

Soft touch plastics are integrated with aluminium and chrome highlights.

Among the engine options a new 2.0-litre TDI 110bhp common rail diesel emits 119g/km of CO2 while returning 62.7mpg.

Other diesel variants will be available with 90bhp, 140bhp and 170bhp outputs linked to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes.

Many of the petrol engines use TSI technology with outputs of 80bhp, 102bhp, 122bhp and 160bhp.

For the first time, Volkswagen's Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) will be offered on the Golf, which allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator settings.

Automatic Distance Control is also offered, which monitors the area around the vehicle through a series of sensors and will, if necessary, reduce the vehicle's speed and in extreme cases bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Prices and specifications for the new Golf will be announced closer to the vehicle's European launch towards the end of the year.