The 2009 Volkswagen Golf you see here will not become the U.S. market's Volkswagen Rabbit until around 2012. Still, with the Golf/Rabbit the most important vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup, its success in Europe and elsewhere is crucial to the automaker's fortunes.

 The 2009 Golf takes cues from the not-for-U.S.-consumption Scirocco with headlights more fourth-generation Golf than the one sold in U.S. Volkswagen dealerships.

While the 2009 Golf uses the current car's architecture, front overhang has been trimmed by 0.78 inches while rear overhang is stretched by 0.39 inches. A black panel at the bottom of the rear bumper -- like that on the 2009 Mazda3 5-door -- improves the view from the rear.

We expect that, by 2012, our Volkswagen Rabbit will sport different wheels but we wouldn't mind having the option of the Audi A8 turbine-like wheels featured on the 2009 Golf pictured below on the left.

So is the MK6 Volkswagen Golf a design improvement over the 2008 Golf? Use the photos below to help you decide.