(Wed 03 Dec 08)

The second-generation Volkswagen Golf Plus has been unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show.

Like its predecessor, it's a slightly enlarged version of the Golf hatchback - in this case the Mk6 Golf which will go on sale in the UK in January - and fits in the Volkswagen range between the Golf itself and the Touran compact MPV.

A familiar range of engines (not absolutely confirmed yet but including the 122bhp 1.4 TSI petrol unit and diesels ranging from 89bhp to 138bhp) will be supplied along with five- and six-speed manual gearboxes and six and seven-speed versions of the DSG semi-automatic transmission.

Two options on the new Golf Plus are a rear parking camera, already available in the Golf, Tiguan and Passat CC, and the ParkAssist system which searches for parking spaces and can steer into them while the driver concentrates on using the pedals. Further details, including pricing, will be announced nearer the car's launch date next spring.

Other Volkswagens on display at Bologna include the Scirocco Studie R (pictured), a Golf BiFuel whose 1.6-litre engine can run on petrol or LPG, a restyled Passat CC called the Individual and a Passat EcoFuel, which runs on petrol or natural gas.

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