Photo: VW
The seventh generation of the VW Golf has just made its debut in Berlin, with the model growing both in size and in terms of the level of features offered.
The new MQB modular platform allows the Golf VII to be 100 kg (220.5 lbs) lighter than the Golf VI, despite the fact that the vehicle is 56 mm (2.2 inches) longer and 13 mm (0.5 inches) wider. The wheelbase has been increased by 59 mm (2.3 inches), while all the changes brought to the body have improved the drag coefficient by 10 percent, to 0.27 Cd.
The launch engine range includes a 1.2-liter TSI delivering 85 hp and returning an efficiency of 4.9 liters per 100 km (48 US mpg), with emissions of 113 g/km, followed by a 1.4-liter TSI which uses cylinder deactivation and delivers 140 hp, returning 4.8l/100 km (49 US mpg) and emitting 112g CO2/ km.
As for the oil-burning side of the deal, this starts with a 105 hp TDI unit with an efficiency of 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 mpg) and emissions of 99g CO2/km and goes on with a 150 hp TDI powerplant that averages 4.1l/100 km (57.4 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 85 g/km. VW will also offer a BlueMotion version, which returns 3.2l/100 km (73.5 US mpg) and emits 85g CO2/km.
The aforementioned increased in size is translated into a larger interior. The designers have also move the rear seats towards the back and allowed the one on the right to fold fully forward (this is an option), in order to create a very generous load space when this is necessary.
Another area where the Golf has been seriously improved is that of the features offered. All the models in the range now come with standard touch-screen infotainment systems, placed on a center console that’s now angled towards the driver for superior ergonomics. The parking brake is now electronic and offers an auto-hold feature, while the compartment under the center armrest can offer a universal phone holder with inductive aerial, a feature that increases the signal strength and reduces battery use.
The list of safety goodies starts with a multi-collision brake system, standard on all models, which automatically applies the brake after a crash in order to minimize the risk of a second one. The PreCrash system,which debuted on the Touareg, is also standard, with this pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof in the event of an accident.
Moving to the list of optional safety features, we find Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, which can bring the car to a halt and works up to speeds of 150 km/h (93 mph), City Emergency Braking, which works up to speeds of 30 km/h (19 mph), the Driver Alert system we tested on the Passat, which monitors driver fatigue, a camera-operated Lane Assist system, Dynamic Light Assist system.
It’s now time to look at the car from the driver’s perspective and tell you that the steering now comes with a variable ratio, while the car can be ordered with a profile selection feature that allows the one behind the wheel to choose between 4 modes: Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual, while models fitted with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox also come with a fifth option, Comfort. These control the throttle map, ECU map, as well as the auxiliary systems, such as the air conditioning.
The 2013 VW Golf is scheduled to make its public debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. The order books will be opened in October, with the German market pricing starting at EUR16,975.
Our say: the Golf is now 36 years old and just like a man that reaches this age, the compact is stepping up its game on many levels.
The launch engine range includes a 1.2-liter TSI delivering 85 hp and returning an efficiency of 4.9 liters per 100 km (48 US mpg), with emissions of 113 g/km, followed by a 1.4-liter TSI which uses cylinder deactivation and delivers 140 hp, returning 4.8l/100 km (49 US mpg) and emitting 112g CO2/ km.
As for the oil-burning side of the deal, this starts with a 105 hp TDI unit with an efficiency of 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 mpg) and emissions of 99g CO2/km and goes on with a 150 hp TDI powerplant that averages 4.1l/100 km (57.4 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 85 g/km. VW will also offer a BlueMotion version, which returns 3.2l/100 km (73.5 US mpg) and emits 85g CO2/km.
The aforementioned increased in size is translated into a larger interior. The designers have also move the rear seats towards the back and allowed the one on the right to fold fully forward (this is an option), in order to create a very generous load space when this is necessary.
Another area where the Golf has been seriously improved is that of the features offered. All the models in the range now come with standard touch-screen infotainment systems, placed on a center console that’s now angled towards the driver for superior ergonomics. The parking brake is now electronic and offers an auto-hold feature, while the compartment under the center armrest can offer a universal phone holder with inductive aerial, a feature that increases the signal strength and reduces battery use.
The list of safety goodies starts with a multi-collision brake system, standard on all models, which automatically applies the brake after a crash in order to minimize the risk of a second one. The PreCrash system,which debuted on the Touareg, is also standard, with this pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof in the event of an accident.
Moving to the list of optional safety features, we find Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, which can bring the car to a halt and works up to speeds of 150 km/h (93 mph), City Emergency Braking, which works up to speeds of 30 km/h (19 mph), the Driver Alert system we tested on the Passat, which monitors driver fatigue, a camera-operated Lane Assist system, Dynamic Light Assist system.
It’s now time to look at the car from the driver’s perspective and tell you that the steering now comes with a variable ratio, while the car can be ordered with a profile selection feature that allows the one behind the wheel to choose between 4 modes: Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual, while models fitted with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox also come with a fifth option, Comfort. These control the throttle map, ECU map, as well as the auxiliary systems, such as the air conditioning.
The 2013 VW Golf is scheduled to make its public debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. The order books will be opened in October, with the German market pricing starting at EUR16,975.
Our say: the Golf is now 36 years old and just like a man that reaches this age, the compact is stepping up its game on many levels.
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