It leaves little to be desired under the hood as well, with a completely new set of engines to choose from. Driving the front wheels (and later the rear wheels as well) is a full range of gasoline and diesel-powered engines. Say good riddance to the aged 2.0 liter 8-valve four-cylinder lump and a simply bye-bye to the highly advanced 5-valve 1.8T in favor of a completely new engine architecture. All gasoline powerplants now feature Volkswagen's FSI direct-injection technology, while all diesels are common-rail turbodiesels - a technological step forward over many of its competitors.

All gasoline Golf powerplants now feature Volkswagen's FSI direct-injection technology. (Photo: Volkswagen)

As VW has yet to announce exactly what gas and diesel engines will be available in North America, a review of its global engine program is probably best. Basic engines include a 1.6 liter four-cylinder FSI engine that's good for 115 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of 195 km/h and a 100 km/h time of 10.8 seconds. It's probably safe to say this one won't be part of the 2005 Golf package.

Next up in line is a 150-hp 2.0 liter FSI engine that generates 148 lb-ft of torque, hitting 100 km/h in a reasonable 8.9 seconds, topping out at 206 km/h - most likely the base Golf engine in North American bound cars.

Volkswagen will offer its GTI customers a 200+ hp 6-cylinder FSI engine option. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Though not officially confirmed, it is speculated that the four-cylinder Golf GTI will be fitted with a turbocharged variant of the 2.0 liter FSI engine good for 200 hp. Of course, VW will offer GTI customers a 6-cylinder option, with no word yet regarding specific output. Depending on engine and trim level, either a five speed manual gearbox or optional 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic will be available.