VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
9654 photos
31 videos
has finally debuted the new GolfVolkswagen GolfGermany, 1974 > present7 series
738 versions
1461 photos
4 videos
in Berlin, and it appears that the wait was worth it. The new, 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. 

According to Automotive News, Volkswagen has extremely high hopes for the new Golf. The group hopes to beat ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
4570 photos
10 videos
and General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
240 photos
in worldwide sales in the near future, and high volume models like the Golf might put it over the top. Last year, GM sold 9.05 million cars worldwide, and Toyota sold 7.95 million cars. In comparison, VW sold 8.27 million cars worldwide. So far this year VW has bucked the trend of weakening car sales in Europe. The one thing that it should watch it the future is HyundaiHyundaiRepublic of Korea, 1967 > present79 models
1921 photos
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and KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
1724 photos
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, which has also been selling better in Europe. However, they still sell a fraction of what VW does in the region.

This Volkswagen’s great potential is demonstrated by the fact that with this car we have been able to reverse the upward spiral in weight: although the new Golf is safer, more comfortable and more spacious than its predecessor, it has been made up to 100 kg lighter and – in the case of the new 140 PS petrol engine model with cylinder cut-off and fuel consumption figures of 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers – 23 per cent more fuel-efficient," said VW AG Chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn. 

Even the base models are quite efficient. The base petrol engine uses 4.9l/100km and 115g/km of CO2, and the base diesel engine uses 3.8l/100km and 99g/km of CO2. All models will come with stop/start and braking regeneration regardless of engine. Across the entire range of engines, the Mk.7 Golf produces 13.9% less CO2 than the previous generation. 

Every engine has been modified from the Mk.6, and there are a few new ones as well. There will be two petrol engines at launch with either 85ps or 140ps. The 140ps comes with cylinder deactivation. There will also be two diesel engines at launch with either 105ps or 150ps. The 105ps version is also available with BlueMotion that cuts fuel use to 3.2l/100km and emissions to 85g/km of CO2. 

In terms of style, the new Golf looks a lot like the new Audi A3Audi A3 Gen.3 [Typ 8V]Germany, 2012 > present275 versions
591 photos
. The front wheels have been moved forward by 43mm, and the car has shorter front overhangs. The car has a thick C-pillar, which VW describes as one of the hallmarks of all Golf design. 

The interior is wider and longer thanks to the larger dimensions. That allows for more volume in the interior for occupants and luggage. 

The new car comes with new safety technology as well. All cars will get VW's XDS electronic differential standard with all engines. This system was first used in the previous generation GTI. VW's multi-collision brakes first found on the Up is also standard on Golfs. It also has pre-tensioning front seat belts. 

The weight loss comes from 6kg from a lighter wiring loom and components, 40kg from the new engines, 26kg from the running gear and 37kg from the superstructure. That adds up to a maximum savings of 109kg. However, VW says that due to available options the practical realistic weight loss is 100kg. The new body contributes 23kg to the weight loss. 

The new car has received an environmental certificate from TÜV Nord. Compared to the previous model it uses resources 12% more efficiently.

Options include adaptive cruise control, fatigue detection, lane assist, progressive power steering, self-dimming headlights and parking assist.

There are also three display sizes: 5in, 5.8in and 8in. All models get the 5in display, but it is a simple black and white display for trip information like fuel economy. Navigation is available on either of the color 5.8in or 8in units. The 8in screen will also work as a DVD player and WLAN hotspot. 

Prices will start at €16,975. As of July 31, 2012, Volkswagen has sold 29.13 million Golfs over all of the generations. The car will be offered in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trims. The new car goes on sale before the end of the year. 

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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