This week, Volkswagen dropped its all-new 2013 Golf on the world. While we've been covering the spy pics that were coming from abroad for quite some time now, and the limited information leading up to the unveil, I have to admit that this vehicle took me a bit by surprise.
Obviously, it's a Golf. The greenhouse follows the same, traditional look; however, it's the little details that really make this generation product stand head and shoulders above previous products.
Note how the lighting now has become more edgy and squared off, with new tubular elements -- a bit of an Audi-like quality, if I do say so myself.
Then there's the technical achievements that should help bring the MKVII Golf a bit closer to the original. Though it has become longer and wider, it is now 220 pounds lighter in European specification. Of course, we'll see how that really shakes out when the U.S.-spec model is introduced with a larger motor and different safety systems.
Anyone in the market for a Golf is likely considering how strong its MPG figures are and while there hasn't been a titter of information about the U.S.-spec motors, we do know the European 1.4-liter TSI motor good for 140 horsepower achieves 40 MPG (49 Imperial MPG). The "base" TDI, which puts out 105 horsepower, achieves 51 MPG (62 Imperial MPG). Clearly, these are strong figures.
But we want to know, from what you SEE and READ, does this Volkswagen Golf have what it takes to be a SMASH or a BLUNDER?
Volkswagen's press release follows:
VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS SEVENTH-GENERATION GOLF IN BERLIN
First official images of VW's best-selling car-and the first model off the new MQB architecture.
Herndon, VA - Volkswagen today unveiled the new Golf, its best-selling car, at a press conference in Berlin, Germany. This seventh-generation version of one of the world's most popular cars is striking in that it offers more features, even better safety, and more performance than the outgoing vehicle, while breaking the cycle of being heavier than its predecessor.
Overcoming the weight spiral
Indeed, the latest Golf is up to 220 pounds lighter than the outgoing car, thanks to careful focus on weight savings in all aspects of the car's construction, from the electrical architecture through to the engines and the body-in-white. The air conditioning unit is, for example, six pounds lighter than the old car's; the seats have shed 15 pounds; and the body-in-white is 51 pounds lighter. One major reason for the bodyshell's weight loss is the extensive use of high- and ultra-high strength steels. The share of the high-strength steels overall has gone from 66 percent in the previous Golf to 80 percent in the new one. Of this, the share of ultra-high-strength steel has gone from six to 28 percent.
Better fuel efficiency
One benefit of lowering the Golf's weight is better fuel economy: the European-market 1.4 TSI® that uses a 140-horsepower, turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine fitted with cylinder de-activation gets a European Cycle combined fuel consumption figure of 49 mpg, while the base 105-horsepower TDI® Clean Diesel engine delivers 62 mpg on the EC combined cycle.
Longer, lower, wider
The new Golf is 2.2 inches longer than the old car, with an overall length of 167.5 inches. Similarly, the wheelbase has grown by 2.3 inches to 103.8 inches. Since the front wheels are now located 1.7 inches further forward, the proportions are sportier, the crash structure is improved, and the interior package further optimized. The new car is 0.8 inches lower and 0.5 inches wider than the old car.
Improved interior
The new Golf is more spacious, with a passenger compartment that is 0.6 inches longer than before, giving 0.6 inches more rear kneeroom. Shoulder room is improved by 1.2 inches in both the back and front of the car. Cargo capacity has also been enhanced, while the load area is more accessible.
A key feature of the interior is a new infotainment system, which incorporates a five-inch touchscreen, even on entry-level European models. At the top end, the Golf features a navigation system which has a large, eight-inch touchscreen.
2013 Volkswagen Golf Photo Gallery
