New VW Golf to be showcased in Paris

With over 29 million units sold in its 38-year lifespan, the Volkswagen Golf has proved its mettle. And the new VW Golf now in its seventh generation is all set to carry the baton forward for the breed. Bookings for the new VW Golf will be open from October 2013 while deliveries will begin from January 2013.

Engine options will include a 1.2-litre turbo petrol with 85PS of power, a 1.4-litre turbo petrol with 150PS of power featuring Active Cylinder Technology. There will also be a 1.6-litre diesel engine with 105PS of power and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 150PS of power.

The seventh generation VW Golf will get a new driver selection profile with four modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual. The DSG gearbox gets a mode setting called comfort. Each of the gearbox mode changes the steering response, throttle mapping and air-con settings to deliver optimum performance, economy or comfort as needed.

Built on Volkswagen’s MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) or Modular Transverse Matrix platform the new and stronger body structure is 23kg lighter and the car weighs 100kg less than its predecessor. The new car is longer, wider and lower than the sixth generation Golf and has an improved drag coefficient. The front wheels are placed further forward to reduce front overhang and increase interior space.

Inside, the centre console has been tilted towards the driver for better ergonomics, something that will be even more appreciated in the hot GTI version that will be revealed later. The Mk VII Golf gets a new 5.8-inch touch screen infotainment system while there is also a range topping 8-inch touch screen satellite navigation infotainment system. The systems will feature Bluetooth phone connectivity and vehicle trip information as well as stereo controls.

The new Golf gets an electronic handbrake with auto-hold feature. Under the centre armrest is a universal phone holder that reduces battery drain as well as strengthens the signal with an inductive aerial.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control that works up to speeds of 150km/h, front assist which automatically brakes the car at speeds up to 30km/h when there are obstacles on its path, a host of airbags, driver alert system to detect signs of tiredness, camera-operated lane assist system, multi-collision brake system, PreCrash system the prepares the vehicle in the event of a crash by closing windows and the sunroof and dynamic light assist that optionally masks the high beam for oncoming traffic while providing good illumination.

More details of the new Volkswagen Golf will be revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

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