Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf (Germany, 2012-present)

VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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debuted the new GolfVolkswagen GolfGermany, 1974 > present7 series
738 versions
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in Berlin in 2012. 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.

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.

Volkswagen will debut the production seventh-generation GTI at the Geneva Motor Show, and just like the concept that was shown last year, it will be offered in two trims with either 217hp (220ps) or 226hp (230ps); the more powerful version will be called the GTI Performance and come with an electronic front differential lock. The newest GTI will also offer an 18% improvement in fuel economy over the previous generation.

Both cars come with upgraded versions of the 2.0 TSI with 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque and equipped with stop/start. The standard car takes 6.5 seconds to get to 100km/h and has a top speed of 246km/h (153mph). The GTI Performance will take 6.4 seconds to get to 100km/h and will have a top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

Emissions have been improved to 139g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption of 6.0l/100km (39mpg US) for both engines with the six-speed manual. The six-speed DSG consumes 6.4l and 6.5l/100km (37mpg US and 36mpg US) respectively and 148g/km of CO2 and 150g/km of CO2 respectively.

Both versions get red brake calipers, chrome exhaust tips, a sport suspension, 17in wheels, side sills, a rear diffuser, smoked LED taillights and LED license plate illumination. The interior for both cars comes with tartan seats, a black headliner, red ambient lighting, sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and GTI gearshift.

At launch the only color options will be red, black or white.

Volkswagen introduced the new Golf Estate at the Geneva Mtor Show in 2013.

VW revealed two versions of the Golf Estate in Geneva – the production version and the concept R-Line version. The seventh-generation Golf Estate is 105kg (231.5lbs) lighter than its predecessor and is available in 84hp, 148hp and 109hp BlueMotion tunes at launch. It is available as standard, BlueMotion and 4Motion all-wheel drive versions. The new Golf Estate has had its cargo capacity increased by 100 liters (3.5 cubic feet) over the previous car to 605 liters. With the rear seats down, it now holds 1,620 liters (57 cubic feet), up from 1,495 liters (52.8 cubic feet) in the last generation.

Styling for the new car is almost exactly like the standard Golf hatchback. VW added 307mm (12in) of extra length behind the B-pillar.

R-Line Concept

VW also showed a concept for an R-Line model of the new Golf Estate. It gets 18in wheels, a full body kit, 148hp 2.0 TDI diesel and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The body additions include gloss side sills and body-color front splitter with larger air intakes. At the rear it gets chrome exhaust outlets, a black diffuser and roof spoiler. Inside, it has sport seats covered in nappa leather, carbon applique on the doors and seat rests and grey headliner.