VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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has done an amazing job of keeping details about its 7th generation GolfVolkswagen GolfGermany, 1974 > present7 series
738 versions
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secret, but the car will be revealed at a press conference on September 4. The first details are starting to leak out about VW's best selling vehicle worldwide. 

As we knew, the next Golf will ride on VW AG's MQB platform for transverse-engine front-wheel drive cars that is already available on the newest A3Audi A3 Gen.3 [Typ 8V]Germany, 2012 > present275 versions
591 photos
. Volkswagen has not revealed that the new car will be 100kg lighter (220lbs), 23% better fuel economy and 13.9% less CO2 emissions. The base car will weigh 1050kg (2315lbs)

VW looked at the entire car to cut weight. Most of the weight loss comes from lighter, stronger steel used in the chassis and aluminum suspension components, but VW even cut weight from the seats and wiring. 

Dimensionally, the new Golf will be 56mm longer, 13mm wider and 28mm lower as well. Its 59mm longer wheelbase, 8mm wider front track and 6mm wider rear track should make the car more stable. This will also mean a roomier interior and a 30-liter larger cargo area. 

VW AG's MQB platform will cut manufacturing costs by 20% and manufacturing time by 30%.

The VW Golf Generations

The compact Golf was launched by Volkswagen in 1974 and has been ever since the most successful model of the German brand, even overcoming the mythic Beetle. It has been the top selling VW model, with over 21 million build and sold, having saved the company by the time Beetle’s sales were falling dramatically.

Golf Mk1, 1974-84

The first generation of the Golf was launched in 1974, starting a new sort of vehicles for Volkswagen: the front wheel drive with front-mounted water-cooled engine cars. Petrol engines ranged between the 1.1L and the 1.8L, with power outputs from 49 to 110hp. As for the diesel engine, there were 1.5L and 1.6L options, with power outputs between 48 and 69hp.
 

Golf Mk2, 1983-92

The second generation of the Golf would be launched in August 1983, as a slightly bigger and somewhat rounded version. Both interior and exterior dimensions, as well as the weight and the wheelbase length, were a little bit higher. The most basic engine for this generation of the Golf was the 1.3L, while the most powerful one was a 2.0L, both petrol engines. The diesel engine range included only the 1.6L choice, which could either be naturally aspired or turbocharged.

Golf Mk3, 1991-99

In 1991, the third-generation Golf was released. The Mk3 Golf would win 1992’s Car of the Year election. Petrol engines ranged between the 1.4L and the 2.9L, with output respectively from 54 to 188 hp.
There was only the 1.9L diesel engine available, but its variants ranged amongst the D, SDI and TDI; diesel engines produced from 63 to 109 hp.

Golf Mk4, 1997-2003

For the Golf’s fourth generation, Volkswagen provided some extra innovation in high-performance engines, especially for the 2002’s R32 version with its 3.2L VR6 engine. The Mk4’s range also included a 1.8L turbocharged gas engine, as well as the 12-valve 2.8L VR6.

Golf Mk5, 2003-2009

By the year 2005, Volkswagen’s top selling model  reached the 24 million built and sold. It has been officially declared the world’s third most sold car. Engines for the Golf Mk5 now include direct-injection FSIs and TDIs. Petrol engines range from a 1.4L – turbocharged and supercharged – to the GTI’s 2.0L and the R32’s 3.2L. The diesel engines were a 1.9L TDI and a 2.0L TDI or SDI.

Golf Mk6, 2008-2012

By the launch of the sixth generation in 2008, a total of about 26 million units of the model had been sold since its introduction. The engine range at launch included 59 kW / 80 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS power units. The petrol engines, starting at 90 kW, were all charged TSI engines while the diesels were new common rail TDI engines.
 

Golf Mk7, 2012

The new Golf debuted in 2012. The seventh generation Golf is 56mm longer overall and has a 59mm wider track, but it is 100kg lighter than the outgoing model and gets 23% fuel economy. The wheelbase is 43mm longer. The cleanest BlueMotion model uses 3.2l/100km of fuel and emits 85g/km of CO2. The new car has received an environmental certificate from TÜV Nord. Compared to the previous model it uses resources 12% more efficiently.

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Some of the savings are being invested back into the car. Volkswagen is reportedly giving the Golf a class-leading interior in terms of quality and a new infotainment system. The electronic differential from the GTI will be standard on the new Golf, and it will also have VW's automatic braking.

There are two engines confirmed for the car so far: the EA211 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct injected petrol engine with 138hp and 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine. The 1.4 engine produces 112g/km of CO2 with VW's seven-speed DSG. The diesel produces 105hp and emits 99g/km of CO2. More engines will be revealed later. 

"The Golf has a preeminent role at Volkswagen because of its high production volumes, the number of employees behind it, and because the car is the face of VW," said Ulrich Hackenberg, VW's head of brand development.

Sales could begin as soon as November. 

The next GTI is rumored to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show on September 27.

Source: Automotive News and Autocar