WOLFSBURG, Germany - With typical German understatement, Volkswagen's official press announcement of its redesigned 2009 Golf describes the new car as 'the best Golf of all times.' Let's just say you'll have to look twice to tell that the popular hatchback has received an extensive makeover.

Sure, there are new features such as adaptive chassis control and automatic distance control. And VW's new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is fitted to several models.

But the Golf's basic hatchback silhouette remains essentially the same as it has for several generations, although the face of the 2009 model bears a distinct family resemblance to that of the new Scirocco.

A VW spokesman said earlier that the company is proceeding with plans to launch the redesigned Golf in the U.S. in the fall of 2009, most likely as a 2010 model. VW's press material said the car will be launched in Europe in October, followed by rollouts in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America.

The starting price in Europe will be around $25,400, the company said. In the U.S., the 2009 Rabbit is priced from $16,540 for the basic three-door hatchback.

Engines for Europe include a range of four-cylinder TDI diesels, from 89 to 168 horsepower, including two new 2.0-liter units that deliver 109 hp and 138 hp, respectively. VW says the 109-hp variant returns fuel economy of up to 52 mpg.

At the European launch, the new Golf also will offer a choice of four direct-injection gasoline engines, from 79 to 158 hp, several equipped with VW's 'twincharger' system. The most frugal gasoline power plant, the 1.4-liter TSI, delivers up to 38 mpg.

VW is fitting its engines with a six-speed or seven-speed DSG, depending on torque. A six-speed manual is standard on most of the smaller engines.

In the U.S., the current '09 Rabbit comes with a 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder normally aspirated gasoline engine with a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. EPA highway mileage is 29 mpg.