So far Volkswagen has only presented us with official pics of the five door Golf VII. But if you go to the German Volkswagen website and muck around with their online configurator you can see what a three door Golf VII looks like.
Whether Australia will ever see the three door layout for the new Golf is unknown, but, sadly, we think it’ll be unlikely. We can live in hope!
BMW Australia has announced pricing for its M Sport Package, which is now available on the current model 3 Series.
The M Sport Package is a suite of enhancements, mostly cosmetic, from the M Sport catalogue. It’s available to option on all 3 Series models offered in Australia, except the entry level 318d. Pricing ranges from $5,460–6,844 depending on the model chosen.
Items included in the M Sport Package are:
BMW Australia expects around 25% of all new 3 Series models will be fitted with the M Sport Package.
Further to the list of items above the package can be complemented by optional Estoril Blue metallic paint and M Sport brakes.
This weekend’s Italian Grand Prix is the last European race before a block of seven fly away races to close out the 2012 F1 season. The Sauber F1 Team has given us a time lapse video showing their two main trucks being packed ready to hit the road. We reckon it’s worth sharing.
We’ve sourced a few more photos of the new Golf VII from the main Volkswagen media portal and added them here to the pics we brought you this morning, there’s 37 photos in all. We expect there’ll be more to come when the lights are turned on at the Paris Motor Show (29 September – 14 October). If so, we’ll be one of the first to bring them to you.
We’ve got a couple of new videos showcasing the Volkswagen Golf VII. Keep an eye on this post as we’ll be sure to add new videos as they come to hand.
[Thanks to Ben for the tip]
UPDATE: Video showing 8″ multimedia touchscreen has been added.
New versus old: In this series of seven images we compare the new Mk7 Golf against the previous Mk6 model. As is often the case with new releases, it’s not until you see them alongside the older model that the new changes begin to make sense. Certainly, we think that is the case here. The VII takes on a more dynamic and modern look against the VI.
All the pics have the Mk7 on the left and the Mk6 on the right. Make sure you click on the photos to load the 2000px super images which will allow you to better compare each model.
We’d love to hear what you think: does the Mk7 look better than the Mk6?
Here’s your first official look at the new seventh generation Volkswagen Golf. It’s roomier and more technologically advanced than the 29 million Golfs to have gone before it. It’s also up to 100kg lighter than the previous model, enough to help it become 23% more efficient.
It’s no surprise to see Volkswagen has taken an evolutionary path for its most important model. We can’t say we’re completely won over by the new look. But the more you absorb the pictures you see here the more you appreciate some of the smaller details. Having said that, it’s very a much a safe step forward. Although, the image above, with larger wheels, shows the Mk7 in a good light and we hold high hopes for the look of the forthcoming GTI and R models.
The Mk7 Golf is built on the MQB platform which uses a raft of standard measures to help Volkswagen save some cash, while being versatile enough to underpin several models and classes of cars across the Volkswagen Group brand portfolio.
We’ve already gone over the basic dimensions of the Golf VII with you. But to recap, the new model is 56mm longer, 13mm wider and 28mm lower than the Golf VI. The front wheels have been moved 43mm forward, while the overall wheelbase has been extended by 59mm. Overall the new Golf is 4255mm long, 1799mm wide and 1452mm high. Its drag coefficient of 0.27 is 10% better than the previous generation.
Inside the car those new exterior dimensions allow for more rear seat legroom, more shoulder and elbow room for all passengers as well as increased cargo space in the boot.
The centre console is now slightly angled towards the driver and all models of Golf, from entry level to top of the range, feature a full colour touchscreen display. Sizes start 5.8″ and go up to a maximum of 8″. Finger gestures, as seen with smartphones, are used to control the system.
Volkswagen has followed the recent trend of removing traditional handbrake levers in place of an electronic switch. They say this gives front seat passengers a bit more room. They’ve also managed to house a universal mobile phone holder in the central storage compartment with the added benefit of an inductive aerial for improved reception.
As you’d expect VW has packed the Golf VII with a host of new safety features. As well as the now default system like ABS, EBD and ESP new braking features such as multi-collision braking, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking are available. These can complemented by things like the PreCrash system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System, a camera-operated Lane Assist system, Dynamic Light Assist and Park Assist.
Preset driving modes are also available on the new Golf. Standard settings include Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual. Those opting for a DSG transmission can boast a fifth setting, called Comfort.
Steering for the Mk7 is now handled by a variable ratio system, which brings greater manoeuvrability at low speeds, while being more composed and direct at higher speeds.
At launch Volkswagen has announced a modest engine range of two diesel and two petrol units. The TDI engines start with a 1.6 litre offering 77kW and a 2.0 litre with 110kW. Respectively, their combined fuel usage figures are 3.8l/100km and 4.1l/100km. The petrol powered range begins with a 1.2 litre TSI offering 63kW of power and fuel consumption of 4.9l/100km. A 1.4 litre TSI provides 103kW and with the addition of Active Cylinder Technology, which can deactivate two of the cylinders, sips fuel at the rate of 4.8l/100km.
More detail on the Golf VII will be published when the cars hit the stands at the Paris Motor Show, at which point we also hope to see a GTI concept. For now there’s an additional 19 pictures and press guff for you after the break, including a 44 page PDF for you to download.
UPDATE: Three new PDFs have been added ready for download. We recommend sinking your teeth into the first two.
UPDATE #2: This just in from Volkswagen Australia: “We are planning to launch the Golf VII in the 2nd qtr 2013.”
The fallout from the dramatic first corner crash at the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix continues calls for increased driver protection.
Commenting on the incident, in which Fernando Alonso’s head was missed by inches, McLaren’s technical director, Paddy Lowe, said, “You see it time and time again and think ‘that was lucky’. One day it won’t be lucky. At the same time it is an open cockpit formula so we have to protect that, but it should be technically possible one way or another.”
According to Lowe such measures could be in place within 18 months. “I think 2014 is intended, as we started the project a year ago,” he added. “Personally I think something is inevitable because it is the one big [safety] exposure that we have got.”
Back in May we showed you an amateur rendering of what a closed-cockpit F1 car could look like. It didn’t look too bad, but Lowe seems to think a completely covered cockpit won’t be the direction taken.
As the launch of the second-generation MINI John Cooper Works GP draws near the long awaited technical specifications for the car have been leaked online.
Those expecting a big power increase from the 155kW offered in the regular JCW model will be disappointed to see only an extra 5kW has been liberated from the 1.6 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. There is no increase in maximum torque, with the above grab noting the GP2 will have 260Nm (280Nm with overboost function).
There have been slight improvements in official 0–100 times and top speed. The GP2 can reach 100km/h in 6.3 seconds (6.5s for the JCW) and has a top speed of 242km/h (238km/h in the JCW). Weight for both models is the same at 1235kg.
Where the GP2 will differ from the standard JCW is in suspension tune. Adjustable coilovers will be standard equipment, along with six-pot brakes and Recaro sports seats. In addition to the model specific aero features, a specially tuned DSC mode will be included with the GP2.
Semi-slick Kumho Ecsta V700 tyres are the default fitment on the four-spoke 17″ alloys, although buyers can choose regular street tyres as a no cost option.
Internally, the GP package goes by the 7KH option code. A list of inclusions and available options can be seen after the break, by clicking on the image shown to view a larger version. If you click on the image above you’ll see the tech specs of the GP compared alongside the JCW.
[Source: MotoringFile]
The blame for the spectacular crash at the start of the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix has been laid squarely at the feet of Lotus driver Romain Grosjean. Following a stewards’ inquiry Grosjean has been handed a one-race ban and a €50,000 fine.
Television replays showed the accident was set-off after Grosjean moved across on Lewis Hamilton, forcing the McLaren driver onto the grass where he lost control. Hamilton then crashed into the back of Grosjean’s car, sending the Lotus flying through the air across the nose of Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari.
A statement issued by the FIA reads in part: “The stewards regard this incident as an extremely serious breach of the regulations which had the potential to cause injury to others.
“It eliminated leading championship contenders from the race.
“The stewards regard this incident as an extremely serious breach of the regulations which had the potential to cause injury to others,” said a statement released by the FIA. “It eliminated leading championship contenders from the race.”
That means we’re likely to see Lotus reserve driver Jerome D’Ambrosio at the wheel of Grosjean’s car for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.
Ferrari team principal, Stefano Domenicali, has issued a forthright statement on the team’s website saying: “It would be better if, starting with the junior formulae, rules relating to on-track behaviour were enforced in an inflexible manner, so as to have drivers as well prepared as possible when they reach this, the highest level of motor sport.”
[Source: Formula1.com & Autosport | Pic: Ferrari]
After a slight hiccup National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB has completed the purchase of Saab’s assets. A statement from NEVS reads:
National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS) today announced that the company has finalized its acquisition of the main assets of Saab Automobile AB, Saab Automobile Powertrain AB and Saab Automobile Tools AB, effective August 31, 2012. The prerequisites for implementing the NEVS business plan are now in place. The acquisition includes IP rights for the Saab 9-3, IP rights for the Phoenix platform, tools, the manufacturing plant and test and laboratory facilities. The acquisition also comprises all outstanding shares in the property company which owned the Saab facilities in Trollhättan, Sweden. The transaction was conducted as a cash purchase. The purchase amount will not be disclosed.
Interestingly, the rights to the Saab name are included, but NEVS will launch a new logotype for its vehicles. To be accompanied by a complete new visual identity, we presume.
As previously reported it’s expected the first new Saab under NEVS ownership will be an electric powered saloon based on the Saab 9-3, to be launched approximately 18 months from now.
You can read the statement from NEVS in full after the break.
Peugeot reignited the interest of its hot hatch fans when it took a 208 GTi Concept to the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Now, they’ve come good by confirming that the 208 GTi has been approved for final production.
Of course, the GTi badge carries great tradition for Peuegot and we’re all hoping the latest iteration can honour the marque’s heritage in this segment. Marie Beaumont, 208 GTi Dynamics Manager, is saying all the right things: “The 208 was an excellent base for developing a sports hatchback. We have worked with particular attention on the steering response, the chassis dynamics and the rigidity of the suspension. The 208 GTi successfully combines performance, safety and driving pleasure.”
The 208 GTi won’t set any world records for power, using a 147kW/275Nm 1.6-litre THP 200 engine. But weighing in at around 1160kg and running on 17″ alloys it should be nimble enough to throw into corners with accuracy and finesse. Having a proper manual gearbox also adds to the driver involvement promised by Peugeot.
The first 208 GTi models should be running off the production line just before the middle of next year. There’s no word yet from Peugeot Australia on 208 GTi availability, but we’ll update you as soon as we hear anything.