2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36
One thing is certain: the new Golf will not be alone for long with its restart. Renault or Mazda will soon be sending their combatants onto the battlefield.
Nowhere else is the competition between manufacturers as great as in the compact class segment. This can also be seen in the number of new products that will soon reach dealers. Shortly after the new VW Golf, which will be available from dealers in October at prices starting at 16,500 euros, Renault is launching the third generation of the Mégane. The compact French, which will initially be available as a five-door and in spring as a three-door with a coupé silhouette, will be extended to 4.30 meters with the generation change and will come with four petrol and six diesel engines with up to 132 kW / 180 PS in the medium term.
Competition from France and Italy
In addition, the refreshed Citroën C4 and the Peugeot 308 convertible coupé are expected in the autumn. The Czech brand Skoda is also planning a facelift for the Skoda Octavia. New golf competitors are also on the march from Italy. The next edition of the Alfa 147 will not be available until autumn 2009 at the IAA. But Lancia already has a new Delta at prices from 19,990 euros. With a length of 4.52 meters, it should score points in both the compact and mid-range classes. There is a choice of six engines from 88 kW / 120 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS.
Mazda3 comes at the turn of the year
There is also competition from overseas: in addition to the compact Chevrolet Cruze notchback sedan, a new Mazda3 will also be launched at the turn of the year. The Japanese show it as a notchback in November at the auto show in Los Angeles and with a steep end in December in Bologna, where VW will unveil the new Golf Plus as the first Golf derivative.
Opel still gives the Astra time
However, the toughest duel in the compact class will not come until next autumn. Long-time arch-rival Opel has announced a new Astra to be presented at the 2009 IAA. It will be given a design in the style of the Insignia and will be equipped with a new chassis, new engines and assistance systems. (dpa / gms)
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