Volkswagen Golf VII, all the details and photographs

Since the first Golf rolled off the production line of the German brand’s plant in March 1974, a total of six generations have passed through our dealerships. Now it is the turn of the seventh generation, which will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, while sales will begin in October.

Over these 38 years, Volkswagen has managed to sell a total of 29.13 million Golfs, making it one of the most successful models ever. This Golf VII was therefore conceived with the aim of remaining one of the benchmarks in the market and, for this reason, it incorporates the new modular transverse platform (MQB), which allows it to save around 100 kg in bodyweight and achieve a consumption figure 23% lower than the previous generation.

Compared with the current model, this seventh generation grows by 56 mm and its wheelbase by 59 mm, reaching 2,637 mm. The front wheels have also been moved forward by 43 mm, and with a body that is now 28 mm lower, which allows a reduction in height and, consequently, an aerodynamic improvement that reduces the drag coefficient by almost 10%. Its width stands at 1,799 mm (an increase of 13 mm).

The exterior design follows a clear evolution without major changes , as it continues the brand’s established line of continuity. The front is dominated by slightly more aggressive headlights and a grille where the emphasis on lines is clearly visible, present throughout the bodywork. At the rear, it gains a little more elegance with a slightly sloping roofline that gives it a different appearance compared with the Golf VI.

In the cabin interior we find a new 5, 5.8 or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the equipment, which for the first time includes proximity sensors to make interaction easier. Overall it keeps a classic design, with some details that add presence, such as certain chrome elements. As for the boot, it also gains capacity, around 30 litres, bringing it to 380.

As for the engines, it will be available in four versions, two petrol and two diesel. The petrol units are TSI with four cylinders and outputs of 85 and 140 PS, while the diesels are turbocharged direct-injection units with outputs of 105 PS and 150 PS. The most novel is the 140 PS petrol engine, as it incorporates the Active Cylinder Management system ‘ACT‘, which allows cylinders to be deactivated and thus improves consumption and emissions figures, down to 4.8 l/100 km and 112 g/km respectively.

In the case of the 85 PS 1.2 TSI, its consumption stands at 4.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 113 g/km, which means 0.6 litres less than the previous model. For their part, the diesel engines are homologated at 3.8 l/100 km for the basic 105 PS TDI version and 4.1 l/100 km for the 150 PS. All these versions will come as standard with the Stop&Start system and a regenerative energy system. In addition, various driving modes will be available: ECO, Sport, Normal and Individual, and with the ‘DCC’ (Electronic Adaptive Suspension) system also the Comfort programme.

Finally, the Volkswagen Golf VII will feature new safety systems which, after an impact, can lock the brakes, or the already well-known PreCrash system, which tightens the seatbelts and closes the windows. Therefore, we are undoubtedly facing a new generation that will favour a large number of sales for Volkswagen, and about which we look forward to bringing you more information and images when the 2012 Paris Motor Show begins.

Source: Volkswagen

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €