Click here for all the official information and pictures for the 2009 Volkswagen Golf Mark VI

Volkswagen is rushing the next-generation of its Golf hatch to spearhead declining sales of the current Mark V model in the US, making the new model cheaper to build with better quality and more performance. The current Golf was criticized because of its complex build process. Each car takes 37 hours to complete, twice that of the competition. The Golf Mark VI, which is slated for introduction next year, will address this issue by reducing the number of variants (currently there are 97 different versions of the Golf), and by simplifying the purchasing of materials. However, it’s feared that a recent decision made by VW’s new head, Martin Winterkorn, to redesign some crucial models may push back the introduction date.

To cut back on development costs, the Golf Mark VI will share the current car’s roof and glasshouse. Styling will follow the direction set by the new Passat and Eos, while new headlights and LED fog-lamps, plus a restyled bumper similar to the one on the R32 pictured above will also be featured.

Mechanically, the car will get a revised version of VW’s multi-link rear suspension, and there will be fewer engines available than the 13 variants that are on offer today. All the engines, including a possible six-cylinder diesel mill, will get direct-injection technology for extra power and efficiency. According to CAR Magazine, there’ll be an even higher-performance R36 version slotted above the R32, with both cars getting a new seven-speed DSG and 4Motion AWD. The recently introduced Jetta sedan and Golf Plus, as well as the upcoming Golf Estate, will be sold alongside the new Golf when it hits showrooms next year.