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  1. Five possible Paris Show stars
  2. Peugeot RC Hybrid concept, Peugeot's hybrid style
  3. Ferrari California, Dreaming in Paris
  4. BMW 7 Series, Techno-wonder
  5. VW Golf, Sensible, yet desirable
  6. Ford Ka, Mini-Fiesta

VW Golf, Sensible, yet desirable

VW is in an enviable position in the family car market with its Golf model. About to enter into its sixth generation the name is synonymous with high quality motoring for the masses and VW claims that the new model, making its world debut in Paris, is the safest, most technologically advanced and economical car to bear the badge to date.

What VW doesn't shout so loudly about is that it will make more money on each version of the sixth generation sold than it has done for quite a while. We can only hope that quality doesn't suffer in the name of making cash. It's likely that efficiencies have been achieved in the production process by clever component sharing, including many interior and underpinnings parts common to the Golf and Scirocco.

The range of engines will include a new 2.0-litre TDI unit, which achieves a staggering 62.7mpg on the combined cycle. Other diesel and petrol options will be available, as will the choice of VW's excellent DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

Shane O' Donoghue

Tuesday September 2