In 2006, Volkswagen ditched the Golf name and brought back the old 'Rabbit' moniker from decades earlier. But the introduction of the sixth-generation model also marked the return of "Golf," which is used consistently around the globe from 2010 onward.

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Much of the exterior styling on the new Golf is sourced from the Scirocco and Passat CC. The Mark VI features a new front grill and headlamps as well as a restyled set of taillights and an updated interior. Volkswagen will offer its 2.5-liter five cylinder engine that the Golf/Rabbit shares with the Jetta and Beetle as well as the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel that is currently in the U.S. Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen. The updated five cylinder powerplant is good for 157 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque while the diesel makes only 137 hp but an amazing 236 lb-ft of torque.

VW is expecting the diesel powered Golf to account for 30 percent of all sales of the hatchback in the U.S. Volkswagen is posturing the diesel as a sportier model and it will come equipped with a sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels as standard fare. The diesel Golf should be good for 48 mpg or more on the freeway.

The interior design of the new Golf features the steering wheel audio controls and climate control found in the Scirocco and Passat CC. The Mark VI also offers a new touch screen based navigation unit that VW will soon make available in other models. Expect the Mark VI to continue the VW tradition of quality materials and craftsmanship inside and out. Like the Rabbit and Golf before it, the Mark VI will be offered in two- and four-door models with a choice between automatic or five-speed manual gearboxes.