Volkswagen's Mk 7 Golf may only be making its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, but a production-ready test mule has been spied doing the rounds in Germany.
The camouflaged example may not give too much away in terms of intricate styling details, but the overall shape gives the impression of more compact overall dimensions, shorter overhangs and a more upright tail window and c-pillar. Many online sources suggest that a number of the Golf R’s frontal styling cues (twin-bar grille, LED daytime running lights in the front valance) will find their way onto more run-of-the-mill future Golf models.
The Mk 7 Golf will be underpinned by the VW Group’s MQB platform – a flexible foundation that, with minor modifications, will form the basis of numerous models; from the compact Polo to the Golf (2 630 mm wheelbase) and Passat.
Much like the upcoming GTI, the standard Golf will utilise aluminium in its underpinnings – although not quite to the extent of the performance model.
The petrol powerplant line-up could feature three variants, each in two states of tune; a 1,2-litre TSI (64 kW/165 N.m and 78 kW/175 N.m), a 1,4-litre TSI (90 kW/200 N.m and 120 kW/250 N.m) and a 2,0-litre TSI unit (134 kW/320 N.m and 150 kW/ 400 N.m).
The diesel line-up could follow suit in terms of tuning and comprise a 1,6-litre TDI (67 kW/230 N.m and 78 kW/250 N.m) a 2,0-litre TDI (104 kW/320 N.m and 126 kW/350 N.m with an optional 150 kW/450 N.m version a possibility). An uprated version of the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, reportedly capable of handling torque outputs of up to 500 N.m, will be offered on some models. There is even talk of an all-electric model later on in the Mk 7's model life cycle.
In all, the Mk 7 Golf will represent more of an evolution of the current car's values (quality packaging, wide enine line-up and an extensive range of model variants) rather than a technological leap forward. The Mk 8 will be a different proposition altogther and will place its emphasis on efficiency. Expect the Mk 8 to introduce further weight-saving measures with the utilisation of lightweight aluminum and composite construction materials, high-tech sat-nav systems with topograhical mapping to make the most of the hybrid drivetain's inputs and a host of aerodynamic tweaks to keep the car as slippery and fuel-efficient as possible.
The Mk 7 Golf will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show towards the end of September and will likely find its way to South Africa by early 2013.
