The new Golf looks a lot like the old one from the outside, but has been completely redesigned mechanically. The new car is slightly longer but is about 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, lighter.
That means better mileage, helped by engine features such as cylinder deactivation and a stop-start system. The diesel version gets up to 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers (62 mpg).
The company said Wednesday that the new Golf will go on sale Nov. 10 in Germany. The basic model starts at $21,353 - same as the old one. Prices go up from there.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)