VW New VW Golf VII at the Paris Motor Show
11.09.2012
There it is, the new generation of the VW Golf. New, but somehow still the same. Even if everything was rearranged under the sheet metal with the modular transverse matrix, the VW Golf VII has only been cautiously further developed. A few more distinctive light edges here, a few beads there. The mighty C-pillar has remained. Yes, it got bigger again. In length it has increased by 56 millimeters to 4.255 meters. The wheelbase grew by 59 millimeters and the vehicle width by 13 millimeters. The height has been reduced by 28 millimeters. A ll technical data can be found on the second page of this article.
VW Golf VII weighs 100 kilos less
Nevertheless, the Wolfburg bestseller has developed. And backwards - at least in terms of weight. The VW Golf VII has slimmed down 100 kilos compared to its predecessor, although the new one is said to be more spacious and packed full of assistance systems. Specifically, the electrical system saved 3.0 kilos, the optional equipment 12.0 kilos, the assemblies 22.0 kilos, the chassis 26.0 kilos and the bodywork. Last but not least, this weight saving should reduce consumption by an average of 13.9 percent - some versions should even bring it to a 23 percent saving.
4.8 liters per 100 kilometers or 112 grams of CO2 per kilometer, this is what the 1.4 TSI in the new VW Golf VII with 140 PS and cylinder deactivation should consume and emit. The new basic petrol engine will be a 1.2-liter TSI with 85 hp. The top engine is the two-liter with a maximum of 300 hp. In contrast, the diesels are new. The Golf benefits from the new modular diesel kit consisting of four and three cylinders.
The diesels are made fit for the strict Euro 6 limit values, with exhaust gas aftertreatment close to the engine, with an injection system that can build up pressures of up to 2,500 bar in the future. On the diesel side, at the lower end, there is a 105 hp 1.6 TDI with a consumption of 3.8 liters and 99 grams of CO2 emissions. Top diesel is a two-liter with 150 hp. By the way: the models with the 1.2-liter TSI and the 1.6-liter TDI have torsion-beam rear axles. The more powerful engines are delivered with a more complex multi-link axle.
Golf VII with manyComfort and assistance systems
A whole range of comfort and safety systems are used in the new VW Golf VII, some at an additional cost. In addition to the systems detailed below, the XDS differential lock known from the Golf GTI is on board as standard. Furthermore, the traffic sign recognition, the parking assistant and the driving profile selection with five programs ('Eco', 'Sport', 'Normal', 'Individual' and 'Comfort'). In addition, the new VW Golf VII has ergonomic seats, misfuelling protection for the diesel models and A climate comfort screen ready.
These are the new safety assistance systems in the VW Golf VII:
Multi-collision brake:
After an accident, it should die Reduce kinetic energy and, if possible, prevent a second impact or reduce the severity of the impact. Based on various sensor data, the system automatically brakes the vehicle via the ESP control unit with a maximum of 0.6 g. According to VW information, the driver should drive the vehicle at all times despite the automatic braking.
Proactive occupant protection (Pre Crash):
The system detects a possible accident situation and pre-tensioned the seat belts for the driver and front passenger In the event of critical driving behavior with ESP intervention, the side windows and the sunroof are closed so that the airbags can be supported accordingly.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
The ACC system holds a chosen speed and a safety distance. It automatically accelerates or brakes in flowing traffic. With a manual transmission, ACC works in the speed range from 30 to 150 km /h. In conjunction with DSG, ACC brakes the VW Golf VII to a standstill so that it works fully automatically in stop-and-go situations.
City emergency braking function:
The system is an extension of the ACC. It scans the area in front of the vehicle by laser. If there is a risk of a collision with a moving or stationary object without the driver showing any reaction, there is an automatic response in three stages up to emergency braking. The system also supports the driver if he does not brake adequately.
Drowsiness detection:
At the start of the journey, the system evaluates the driver's steering behavior. If, for example, the steering angle changes during the course of the journey, the driver receives a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an acoustic warning for five seconds. After four hours, the system suggests a break to the driver.
Lane Assist:
The center guidance is a new feature of the camera-based lane departure warning system. The system can continuously 'keep the driver in lane'. If he changes lane without blinking, or if he drives over a marking, the steering wheel vibrates and the system counter-steers.
These are the new comfort systems in the VW GolfVII:
Progressive steering:
With the new modular transverse matrix ( All information about the MQB ) this newly developed steering is used. It comes with a variable toothing of the rack and pinion and a more powerful electric motor. This means that the transition between indirect steering when driving straight ahead and direct steering when cornering should be less noticeable and the steering should be more 'agile' when driving dynamically, says VW.
Electronic parking brake:
Instead of the handbrake lever, the driver activates the handbrake by pressing a button on the dashboard. There is also an auto hold switch in the center console to simplify hill starts and prevent rolling from a standstill.
Dynamic Light Assist:
The traffic ahead and oncoming traffic is recorded by a camera on the windshield. The high beam is then automatically activated from 65 km /h. The high beam of the xenon headlights with cornering lights remains active and is only dimmed in areas in which other road users could be disturbed. This is achieved using a diaphragm geometry that masks the light source.
Light Assist:
With the standard headlights in the new VW Golf VII, this is the automatic high beam, which is controlled via the camera in the interior mirror monitors the traffic and switches the high beam on and off from 65 km /h.
Comfort seats:
In the two higher equipment versions Comfortline and Highline there is a 2- Path lumbar support for driving around the front passenger seat. The 12-way front seats with electrical adjustment are available for an additional surcharge.
The VW Golf VII cockpit is geared towards the driver
The Wolfsburg-based company has come up with a lot for the interior. The cockpit looks flat and is dominated by two large round instruments for the speedometer and tachometer. The entire dashboard is aligned with the driver, the cockpit canopy runs flat towards the center of the dashboard.
Chrome-rimmed air outlet nozzles are positioned underneath. In the further course, depending on the equipment, five to eight-inch infotainment touchscreens with the associated rotary controls and menu buttons spread out. These screens are equipped with a proximity sensor (see below for a detailed description). The driver can also work through the menus by swiping. The air conditioning control is positioned under the infotainment unit.
Mobile phone connection works inductively
This is followed by the center console with the large armrest, which is divided into five Steps in height and 10 centimeters inthe length is adjustable and slidable. A large storage compartment is located under the armrest. As an option, the elements of the hands-free system are positioned here, and a second USB port is also hidden here. The central armrest also holds the cell phone in a universal holder. According to VW, the antenna of the cell phone is inductively connected to the external antenna of the new VW Golf VII, which is intended to improve reception.
In addition to the gear or selector lever and the switches for the electronic parking brake and the auto hold function housed. In the storage compartment directly under the air conditioning system there are AUX IN, USB and Apple interfaces.
The touchscreen radio and radio navigation systems in the new VW Golf VII:
Standard display (5 inches):
- Black and white display
- On-board computer functions with average consumption,
- Time and date
- Service menu for oil level, etc.
- Instrument lighting setting
- Language setting
- Climate menu,
- Eco display
- Depending on the equipment, steering wheel heating, Park Pilot display and driving professional selection
Radio 'Composition Touch' (5 inch )
- Standard from Comfortline
- Front speakers
- FM /AM radio
- Interface for SD cards
- Control buttons next to the screen for 'Radio', ' Media ',' Car ',' Setup ',' Sound 'and' Mute '
Radio' Composition Color '(5 inches)
- like radio' Composition Touch '
- Color display
- CD drive
Radio “Composition Med ia '(5.8 inches)
- like radio' Composition Color '
- Proximity sensor
- Swipe and zoom technology
- New control buttons for' Phone 'and voice control' Voice '
- Telephone preparation
- USB and AUX IN in the storage compartment
Navigation function “Discover Media” (5.8 inches):
- Radio “Composition Media 'with navigation module
- European map
- Second SD card slot
- Free map update for three years
Navigation function' Discover Pro '(8 inches):
- like the 'Discover Media' navigation function
- DVD and CD drive
- UMTS telephone module
- Extended voice control
- 3D map navigation
- 64 GB SSD hard disk
- WLAN hotspot
And what else does the new compact carry under the sheet metal? After the Audi A3, which will be only a few months ahead, the Golf is the second model on the new modular transverse matrix ( All information about the MQB ). In the end, there will be around 60 models from the VW Group that will use the modular system. 65 to 70 percent identical parts over a few million pieces - that is a record in the industry.
Head of Development Ulrich Hackenberg: “This includes the entire drive train, air conditioning, seats,also the door openers and the window regulators. The structure of the doors is the same. This also includes the assembly sequence for the body. ”That reduces costs, and that lets the competition, especially from Japan, take a closer look.
The MQB“ is far more flexible than the former platform strategy, ”says Hackenberg confident. 'We can vary the car in width, length and height, as well as the wheelbase, the track width and the wheel sizes.' And so the most diverse vehicle segments can be derived from a modular structure, 'from a convertible to a sedan to an SUV' ( Hackenberg).
The new modular system is also fit for all future drive scenarios: It has space for gas tanks and can store batteries for both electric and hybrid drives. 'We will be the car manufacturer who takes the hybrid out of its niche', promises Martin Winterkorn.
'We bring the electric car for all “
The group boss is not immodest when it comes to the electric drive either:“ We are bringing the electric car for everyone. In future, the heart of Volkswagen will also be electric. ”
The purely electric range of the new VW Golf VII should be 50 kilometers. Overall, the twin-drive Golf can cover up to 600 kilometers on one tank of fuel. 'Electric mobility will become the second strong pillar at Volkswagen,' promises Winterkorn. In 2018 the group wants to sell 300,000 electric cars per year. Despite all the euphoria, the corporate leader is also very realistic: “In the end, the economic arguments will beat the ecological arguments.” The decisive factor for customers is the price. In any case, the VW Golf VII is prepared for all eventualities. Entry into the beautiful new VW Golf world costs 16,975 euros for the 85 hp petrol engine. The cheapest diesel is the 1.6-liter TDI with 105 PS from 20,725 euros, in the DSG variant at least 22,500 euros are due. The Golf 1.4-liter TSI with 140 PS is available from 24,175, the 150 PS 2.0-liter TDI costs from 26,925 euros ( all prices and equipment for the new VW Golf VII can be found here ).
You can read how the VW Golf GTI has developed over the generations in the large GTI comparison at sport auto . There is also the GTI Edition 35 and the Golf GTI in the super test.
