Updated Volkswagen Golf challenges Mercedes, BMW
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Volkswagen has unveiled an updated version of its Golf that offers new features, including stiffer handling and a semi-automatic driving mode, for the first time in the compact class.
VW hopes this update will help the Golf become the best-selling car in Europe and fight competition from premium competitors such as the BMW 1 series and Mercedes-Benz A-class.
The seventh generation Golf was launched in 2012 and VW has sold over 3,2 million vehicles worldwide. VW expects it to slightly increase its market share in the compact car segment in stagnating Europe.
New engine and electronic systems VW Golf 7
Along with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Golf will also get a new 1,5-liter petrol engine called the “1.5 TSI Evo ", the capacity of which will be 128 horsepower, which, together with the BlueMotion system, increases fuel economy by 1 liter per 100 km. The basis of the savings includes: shutdown of the cylinders at idle speed, as well as the modified geometry of the turbocharger. The engine will also be more efficient due to the higher compression ratio, which is achieved by closing the valve at the beginning of the intake stroke (EIVC). In addition, the engine may shut off completely when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.
Volkswagen claims this is the first internal combustion engine, which can offer these innovations, previously only signs of these systems could be observed in hybrid vehicles. In order to save the work of, for example, the hydraulic booster and other systems at the moment of engine shutdown on the move, the car is equipped with an additional 12-volt battery. This power supply device can reduce fuel consumption by 4,6 liters per 100 km, as well as reduce CO2 emissions by up to 104 grams per kilometer.
Updated body elements Volkswagen Golf
The Golf will get new headlights that wrap around the body of the car even more. In addition, now the taillights will become LED, even as standard, and the direction indicators will not just flash, but dynamically gradually light up in the direction of the turn.
VW has also added a semi-automatic steering function, a first in the compact car segment. The system can drive, brake and accelerate up to 60 km per hour as long as the driver's hands are on the steering wheel.
What can surprise the interior and dashboard of the new Golf?
The first thing that catches the driver's eye is its active information display, which will resemble Audi. Together with the Pro Discover infotainment package, the driver will be able to choose from different versions of digital speedometers and tachometers, navigation and vehicle data.
Pro Discover is the most expensive electronic system in the golf class segment, which comes with support for gesture control through a set of infrared sensors and a 12-inch touch screen display. Now passengers will be able to scroll through tracks and change radio stations with a simple wave of the hand. It is worth noting that even the current Audi models do not have such capabilities.
Volkswagen also borrowed the Phone Box from Audi, combining a niche for small items and the ability to inductively charge a smartphone by simply placing it in the niche without being connected.
VW announced pre-sales of the refreshed Golf in early December with prices equal to the base prices of the current new cars, despite higher specs. The update includes two- and four-door Golfs, the Golf wagon, as well as the Golf GTI and Golf GTE variants.
Top 10 compact cars in Europe
- VW Golf
- Opel Astra
- Skoda Octavia
- Ford Focus
- Peugeot 308
- Audi A3
- Mercedes A class
- Renault Megane
- Toyota Auris
- BMW 1 Series
