The latest version of Volkswagen's 'big seller' has been revealed in Germany. The 7th generation VW Golf maintains it's classic Golf look, with the front end slightly reworked. Volkswagen claim that it is now lighter, longer, lower and wider and that the focus is primarily on the technology behind the car than the physical look of the vehicle itself.
Of course the biggest and probably most attractive claim that VW make is that, as a result of it's changes, it has now manufactured a far more economical car, with it's lighter steel frame allowing for a 23% reduction in fuel consumption.
Inside the Golf, drivers will have more room, with the inner compartment being longer than it's predecessor, giving 2cm extra front seat room and 1.5cm extra 'knee-room' for any back-seat passengers. The boot has also got bigger (when the seats are up!) going from 350 litres to 380 litres in capactiy, with accessibility also increased with a wider tailgate.
The interior design won't change too much for the 6th generation, with the most noticeable change being the centre console now angled towards the driver, similar to what we see in BMW models. New shiny gadgets for the tech lovers out there include top-grade 'infotainment' systems with in-built satellite-navigation, a 64GB hard drive and an internet hotspot, while the safety conscious driver will be glad to hear that it will now also boast new safety innovations including a fatigue detection-system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a traffic sign detection.
The entry level Golf will be the 84bhp, 1.2 TSI petrol engine that will average about 57.7mpg. There will also be a more powerful 138bhp 1.4TSI petrol, which has cylinder-deactivation technology, which shuts down two of its four cylinders under light engine loads to save on fuel allowing it to average about 59mpg. On the diesel side of things, entry level is a 103bhp, 1.6TDI, that will average about 74mpg, moving up to the new 148bhp, 2.0TDI (replacing the current 138bhp version), which aims to average around 69mpg.
Each of the models will have 4 driving modes - Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual, while any model using the DSG semi-auto gearbox will have a Comfort mode.
Prices are yet to be confirmed by the Germans, but rumour has it that the entry level models will be cheaper than their mark 6 counterparts, but only time will tell.
