Published September 5, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
Yesterday Volkswagen unveiled the seventh generation of its perennial bestseller, the Golf.
Conceptually, the new Golf is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix. This means that everything was redesigned: from the body and powertrain to the interior – as well as all information and entertainment systems and its many new assistance systems.
Volkswagen developed two entirely new generations of engines for the Golf. All engine versions are equipped with a standard stop/start system and battery regeneration, which contribute towards improved fuel economy.
The common rail engine with 77 kW / 105 PS, for example, which can hardly be made out as a diesel, only consumes 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 km, or 61.89 mpg on the easygoing European cycle.
Once again, the Golf BlueMotion sets the new benchmarks for the model series with CO2 emissions of just 85 g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 73.5 mpg (3.2 liters of diesel per 100 km).
“Six generations of the Golf – 1974 to 2012. That represents 38 years of continuous success for the world bestseller with sales totaling 29.13 million cars. It has also made a tremendous economic impact, safeguarding jobs, and has served as an influential measure of technical progress over the epochs,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management for Volkswagen AG. The corporate chief continues: “We want to continue this success story in the seventh generation Golf. Although the new Golf is safer, more comfortable and spacious than the previous model, it is up to 100 kg lighter and – in the case of the new 140 PS petrol engine that features cylinder deactivation and a combined fuel consumption of just 4.8 l / 100 km – it is up to 23 per cent more fuel efficient.”
Of note is the fact that even though this generation will boast more equipment, engineers managed to reduce the weight of the car by 220 pounds (100 kg).
Another interesting mention is the fact the 1.4 TSI engine will have active cylinder management (ACT), allowing two of the four cylinders to be deactivated when the load, or lack thereof, allows.
The Golf is now being offered with a driver profile selection system, a tool with which, according to Volkswagen, forward-thinking drivers can achieve a particularly efficient style of driving. There are a total of four – and, in combination with DCC (adaptive chassis control), five – driving modes available: Eco, Sport, Normal, Individual and, in combination with DCC, Comfort.
In the Eco driving profile engine management, air conditioning and other ancillary systems are controlled such that optimum fuel consumption is achieved. In addition on vehicles with DSG when driving in Eco mode there is a ‘coasting’ function available. If a driver takes their foot off the accelerator – for example, when drawing up to traffic lights or on downhill stretches – the DSG disengages and the engine idles. As long as the driver drives appropriately, the Golf’s kinetic energy can thus be put to optimum use.
More details will follow in the next few days. North America can expect to see this seventh generation of Golf appear as a 2014 model year vehicle.
