Wheels24's international spies have caught VW's 6th generation Golf in the Alps where it was undergoing testing.
Even though sales of the new 2007-model Golf just recently begun over in the United States, European sales of the car have been lagging, and manufacturing time is nearly twice as long as other cars in its class.
We hear that orders from management are to simplify and shorten the assembly process, and produce the next generation on the current but updated platform - with, of course, considerable cost-cutting savings.
And, in the process, giving it a more exciting and slightly more aggressive look.
It will also feature fewer trim levels and a smaller engine line-up.
Apparently the newcomer could be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year.
However, sources close to VW believe the new Golf will reach European dealerships in late 2008 - but American's will have to wait a bit longer to purchase what will commonly be known nearly everywhere as the Golf VI.
It will probably only arrive in South Africa early in 2009.