Prior to its Paris Motor Show debut, the inevitable finally happened – images and details of Volkswagen's Golf 7 have set the Internet alight. These images show a new Golf that, perhaps predictably so, features evolved styling, rather than a dramatic makeover. Similarly, the interior is also a gentle evolution of the current car's cabin – retaining an upmarket, if conservative air by featuring a clean, uncluttered facia angled towards the driver.
ENGINE LINE-UP:
The Golf 7 will initially be offered with a choice of four engines; a pair of TSI petrols and a pair of TDI diesels, all of which feature such efficiency boosting technologies as start/stop and brake energy recuperation:
– The 1,2-litre TSI petrol unit develops 63 kW, has a combined fuel consumption figure of 4,9 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 113 g/km.
– The 1,4-litre TSI petrol unit develops 103 kW, has a combined fuel consumption figure of 4,9 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 112 g/km. This engine also features cylinder deactivation technology to keep the fuel consumption and emissions figures close to those of the 1,2-litre unit.
– The 1,6-litre TDI can be had in two states of tune (77 kW/100 kW) returning emissions figures of 99 g/km and 106 g/km while consuming 3,8 and 4,1 L/100 km, respectively.
The total engine line-up will reportedly stretch to 12 variants; including a 1,6-litre BlueMotion TDI, which will average just 3,2 L/100 km and emit 85 g/km of CO2, as well as hot GTI and R-badged models. Both the Golf R and GTI will utilise an Audi-sourced EA888 turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine. The Paris-bound GTI concept (loosely speaking a production preview) will reportedly feature a 165 kW version of that engine, while the Golf R will feature a heavily tuned version developing 205 kW.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS:
The new Golf’s dimensions are: 4 255 mm long (56 mm longer than the previous model), 1 799 mm wide (13 mm wider than Golf 6) and 1 452 mm tall (28 mm lower). It is underpinned by Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform, which sees the wheelbase grow by 14 mm to 2 636 mm; this frees up an additional 15 mm of rear legroom and 30 dm3 of cargo space. By utilising advanced steel-forming technologies, Volkswagen has managed to make the Golf 7 some 100 kg lighter than the current car.
SPECIFICATION LINES AND TECH:
The Golf 7’s specification lines will encompass the entry-level Trendline, which features metallic trim accents, 15-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, central locking and air conditioning. Comfortline adds such features as 16-inch alloys, touchscreen infotainment system, parking sensors and a fatigue detection system. The range-topping Highline brings in 17-inch alloys, xenon headlamps, ambient cabin lighting and Alcantara/cloth upholstery.
All of the Golf 7 models come equipped with a screened infotainment system measuring 5-, 5,8- or 8-inches, depending on the specification line. On entry-level cars, this system incorporates a black and white screen displaying time/date/climate control options. Higher-end models feature a colour display with a proximity sensor that changes the display to input when a user’s finger approaches the screen. In addition to MP3/Bluetooth/iPod/AUX/SD Card connectivity, the higher-end systems can also be configured with optional sat-nav and phone modules.
Like some of its Audi stable mates, the Golf 7 also features a driver profile system with up to five presets (Eco, Sport, Normal, Individual and Comfort – the latter being reserved for cars equipped with the optional adaptive chassis control system). This module can tailor such parameters as engine/throttle/transmission mapping in Sport and Individual settings, while Eco will control such ancillaries as the air conditioning and power steering system to improve efficiency.
SAFETY:
The Golf 7 bristles with innovative safety technology, which includes PreCrash (readies the car for a potential collision by tensioning seatbelts and closing the windows), adaptive cruise control, Front Assist (a sensor-controlled braking system that monitors the road ahead and assists with braking the vehicle prior to a potential accident scenario), lane-keeping assistant, XDS e-differential to improve traction and a fatigue detection system that detects signs of driver drowsiness and emits visual and aural warnings. Other features include adaptive high-beam assist and a parking assist module with a 360-degree display around the vehicle.
Click here to view the first official video of the Volkswagen Golf 7
