The Volkswagen Golf remains to be on target for a 2012 launch with these latest photos.

While the heavily disguised machine doesn't appear to give much away in terms of design and detail, we can reveal that under the skin dramatic changes have been made.

This mule, testing near VW's Wolfsburg HQ, is seen with the car’s platform. The wheelbase of the car has been lengthened, and a new platform architecture, dubbed "MQB" is introduced. This arrangement is far more versatile than the previous chassis, used by the Mk VI Golf.

That means drivers can expect the launch of this car to spawn a huge family of Golf based cars over the coming years, including new versions of the Touran, Golf Plus and Scirocco.

The new model will have a larger rear cargo area than rivals, and is promising more legroom also.

A wide range of TSI supercharged and turbocharged editions will be available, including a flagship 300bhp 2.0-liter unit, and an efficient 1.2-liter 65bhp engine capable of returning 60mpg.

On top of this, Volkwagen also plans a 100mpg plug-in hybrid, as well as an all-electric version, called the e_Bluemotion.

Diesel engines will include 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI offerings. As standard, entry-level cars will drive the front wheels through a six speed manual gearbox, while flagship machines are tipped to offer the firm's seven-speed DSG semi automatic gearbox. Four wheel drive will be available on the most powerful cars.

And that's not all, the new Golf promises class leading technology too. If you look closey at the shots, you will see a third lense in the centre of the front bumper. This new "eye" will offer drivers automatic speed limit warnings, plus link to the car's new "lane keep" driver assistance systems.

Inside, an advanced trip computuer is also expected to offer web access, as well as the very latest satellite navigation and phone connectivity systems.

According to our reports, the new Golf is primed to appear at the Geneva Motor show in March 2012, before going on sale in October that year.

Prices will be announced closer to the car's launch.



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