So this is it. The new, seven-generation VW Golf has been unveiled in Berlin last night, and it comes with a fresh new exterior and a totally revamped interior. It is physically bigger than the old Golf, but it’s considerably lighter, and it packs a couple of advanced technology features to stay ahead of the curve. The Golf is still the hatchback daddy.
The Mk7 Golf is based on VW’s new MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) platform. It doesn’t mean anything to the end users, but for Volkswagen it means a big reduction in production costs. Will that effect the Golf’s pricing? We’re not so sure. The Golf has always been an expensive hatchback and that is not likely to change.
The 2013 version is up to 100 kg lighter than the outgoing model despite being 56 mm longer and having a larger interior. The car also has a more rigid body structure, so it’s safer, and comes with an array of features never used before in this segment.
The Golf gets a multi-collision brake system that puts the brakes on automatically, a PreCrash system that puts you in the perfect position before the crash happens, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist system, Dynamic Light system, and a Driver Alert System. Only a few years ago if you wanted this stuff you had to get a Mercedes S-Class.
The new driver-oriented cabin has a more premium look and feel to it, and is designed more ergonomically. The car has an e-brake instead of the traditional handbrake, and that frees up space between the front seats. Small details like this that mak a big difference are found everywhere in this car.
The range of petrol engines available at launch for the new Golf include petrol a 1.2-litre TSI 85 PS unit returning 4.9 l/100 km (around 57.6 mpg and 113 g/km), and a 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS unit with Active Cylinder Technology, which can deactivate two of the cylinders, and achieves up to 4.8 l/100 km (58.9 mpg and 112 g/km). As for the diesels, you get a 1.6-litre unit with 105 PS, which returns 3.8 l/100 km (74.3 mpg and 99 g/km), and a 2.0-litre 150 PS unit which returns 4.1 l/100 km (68.9 mpg and 106 g/km).
