The Mark VI Volkswagen Golf is now available with the Wolfburg company's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which has been added to the lineup as an option on the 2.0L TDI model. While usually the 4MOTION system is found in performance oriented models such as the Golf R32 and Golf GTI, adding the AWD system to the turbodiesel hatch makes the car more suitable for those customers who require more grip in adverse conditions, such as ice, rain or snow, as well as economical motoring.

Unfortunately, the 4MOTION model won't be offered with other engine combinations in the Golf range for now (except for the aforementioned performance variants), as the demand doesn't justify the expenditure that VW would have to make in this regard.

The 4MOTION system will once again be using VW's Haldex transmission unit, which is able to split the engine power between the front and rear axles depending on where it is needed to keep the car stable. The 4MOTION system used in the new Golf will likely be the same one used in the Golf Mark V model, which was already a second-generation 4MOTION system – the first was presented in 1998 as the successor to the syncro system and has sold 100,000 units in the Golf class. The new generation operates with greater speed and sensitivity and is quieter as well. At the same time, it doesn’t need as much servicing (60,000 km instead of 30,000 km for the oil change and the filter only every four years).

The Mark VI 2.0L TDI Golf will be available with 140hp (105kW) and a six-speed manual gearbox, and will be able to reach a top speed of 128mph (206km/h) and sprint to 60mph (100km/h) in under 9.5 seconds when equipped with the AWD system. VW is yet to reveal any details about North American availability.