This is the first official picture of the all-new Bora, and thanks to a sharper design and improved dynamics, it's set to be more than simply a Golf with a boot.

On the outside, the car gets subtle styling changes to distance it from the Golf.

A revised front grille and bumper, a crease down the sides and the raised back end all help give a more classy appearance. The MkV Golf was much criticised for being too conservative compared with its predecessor, but the Bora is a bigger step forward over the current model.

Active front headrests will feature, and with three-point seatbelts all round the saloon should follow the Golf in securing a top-level five-star Euro NCAP driver protection rating. The Bora makes its debut at January's Detroit Motor Show. UK showrooms will get the car in early 2006.