PAR FIVE GOLF; Driving the fifth generation of the best-selling German car ever.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)

Byline: MATT DAVIS

We've heard of delayed launches in foreign markets, but North America not getting this fifth-generation Golf for 18 months after its launch in Europe feels like cryogenics. Either that, or it's simply facing the reality that North America is any hatchback's last priority-Volkswagen has delayed U.S. introduction of previous-generation Golfs to wait for the Jetta model to accompany the car.

This time, at least, enthusiasts get their car first. The GTI with a 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter FSI engine arrives in America in spring 2005. (An FSI engine injects fuel directly into the cylinders, rather than fuel injection into the intake manifold. FSI raises horsepower and torque, and reduces fuel consumption.)

Quickly following the Golf GTI will be the GL and GLS trims of the Golf and Jetta. They will be available with the same turbo 2.0-liter FSI in the GTI, along with the 1.9 TDI goosed to 104 hp instead of the current 90 hp, and a new 150-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas motor. No decisions have been made regarding U.S. arrival of the next R32 with the 250-hp 3.2-liter V6. In the meantime Europe gets eight engines, with a few more added after a year or so.

Outside North America, the three trim levels are Trend, Sport and Comfort. GL in the States will be a slightly decontented Comfort edition with a long options list, and GLS will be the Sport trim. Lowest MSRP will be around $17,000 and stretch to around $21,000. Options like a new nav system can help raise the sticker to nearly $26,000.

Driving a 1.9 TDI four-door in Comfort trim with five-speed manual was a nicer experience than in today's Golf IV if only from a packaging standpoint. The new Golf is bigger in every dimension and the interior fit-and-finish is at a whole new level for ...