Volkswagen is wasting no time in using the promotional possibilities provided by runaway WRC star Sebastien Ogier. Here he teams up with a cleaner to bring us some rather awkward chemistry behind the wheel of the new Golf R.
[Thanks to Brandon for the tip]
Volkswagen has come good with official info for its new Mk7 Golf R hero model. As expected the headline stats from the EA888 2.0 litre turbo engine are 221kW/380Nm. And you can read more after the break. We’ve also got a 15 page press release for you which goes into further detail. For example, it says this about the new Haldex V all-wheel drive system:
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system of the Golf R, further perfected by enhancements such as the Haldex 5 coupling, is activated even before any wheel starts to slip. This eliminates nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, forward propulsion comes primarily from the front axle, and the rear axle is decoupled. This basic drive layout saves fuel. However, the rear axle of the Golf R can be variably engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary. This is done via a Haldex coupling, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
If you’re into this car we certainly recommend downloading the PDF to read at your leisure. We’ll bring you more as Volkswagen releases new information.
UPDATE: Volkswagen Australia says it expects to have the Golf R on sale locally in the first half of next year. Our question enquiring about the availability of a three door version was ignored.
UPDATE #2: We thank Volkswagen Australia for this answer, even if we don’t like it: “We are not planning on offering a 3 door.”
It looks almost certain that we’ll see the all-new Volkswagen Golf R revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show after new details have been leaked.
Firstly, the two images show what you’d expect from R GmbH when finishing off the hottest Golf on the Mk7 platform. Like the car itself the bodywork is an evolution of what we saw in the Mk6 Golf R. Notable changes are to the alloys which look to be at least 19″ in diameter. The wing mirrors have gone from gloss black to a satin chrome finish. And at the back of the car centrally mounted twin exhaust tips have been replaced by a more conventional quad set up.
Power comes straight from the 8V Audi S3, so we’re talking 221kW/380Nm. Coupled with a 4motion all-wheel drive system and DSG transmission Volkswagen claims the R can sprint to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, while manual drivers will need an extra 0.4 seconds to complete the same task. Top speed has been restricted to 250km/h.
Fuel consumption can be quite frugal if you desire, with the Euro combined cycle yielding results of 6.9l/100km.
The new R rides on suspension that’s 5mm lower than the Mk7 GTI and it appears as though Adaptive Chassis Control will remain an option. Although it is expected to have a Race setting added to its bag of tricks.
Officially, all we can find from Volkswagen is that the new R will have its market launch in the fourth quarter of this year, which is why we expect to see a full reveal from Volkswagen very soon.
[Source: Auto Wereld | Thanks to Stu for the tip]
Volkswagen Australia has just shared this image of a Mk7 Golf GTI to its Facebook page with the words, “Look at what’s just arrived!”
So we assume you’ll be able to set your eyes on the all-new GTI yourself in the next few weeks. We’re expecting pricing to be around the $40K mark and very much hope we see the “Performance” version offered for sale in Australia.
UPDATE: Thanks to Jim for sending in the pic below, showing a Mk7 Golf GTI on Sydney’s roads.
This image has emerged from various French websites and it claims to be a teaser image of the new Mk7 Golf R. That’s pretty much all we can tell you for now, other than the suggestion the new R could be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It’s a pretty safe bet to expect the Golf R will be an Audi S3 in Wolfsburg clothing. That means the R will benefit from the Haldex V all-wheel drive system and a new 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo producing 221kW/380Nm.
It’s also pretty safe to assume that Australian-bound Rs will fall in line with locally delivered S3s and be detuned to 206kW due to our “hot climate”.
We don’t expect to see the all-new Golf R in Australia until we’re well into 2014.
[Source: Le Blog Auto via WCF]
Chris Harris turns his hand to the Mk7 Golf GTI. He’s at the wheel of a base-spec 162kW model with a proper gearbox. Part of the GTI’s appeal is its understated nature. And yet, when a respected reviewer, such as Harris, takes an understated approach to his work what are we left with?
Just that, a question mark. Yes, Chris does say lots of nice things about the latest GTI, but where’s the passion and the gut feel that we normally get from his videos?
So, are we too comfortable with the Harris style, or has the GTI recipe become so familiar that it’s almost taken for granted? Like Chris, we’re going to leave you with a question mark.
[Thanks to Richard for the tip]
Following an official preview at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen has now revealed preliminary information and a gallery of new images for its latest Golf Variant. We’ll probably know it as the Golf Wagon in Australia (release date to be confirmed).
Based on the Golf VII hatchback, VW has utilised its flexible MQB platform to help increase cargo space by up to 125 litres and reduce weight by as much as 105kg. Included as standard equipment is the XDS+ electronic differential lock and dynamic chassis control (DCC), with a 10mm lower ride height, will be available as an option. Hmm, Golf R Estate anyone?
In overseas markets up to seven different engine specs will offered and fuel consumption ratings are as low as 3.9l/100km (77kW TDI) or 5.0l/100km (77kW TSI BlueMotion). Local engine options are yet to be specified, but we expect referring to the local hatchback offerings will be a good place to start (90TSI, 103TSI and 110TDI).
You can read and see more from Volkswagen after the break.
Following the international press launch of the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI comes a raft of new information and details about the company’s much loved hot hatch.
To recap, the new Mk7 Golf GTI is lighter, faster, more efficient and better equipped than any previous GTI. It comes in two specifications, the regular 162kW/350Nm model and the 169kW/350Nm Performance Pack.
The Performance Pack brings with it a few extra goodies to go with its modest power increase, most notably larger brakes and an XDS+ electronic differential lock. And it’s that electronically controlled mechanical diff that’s grabbing many of the headlines.
You’ll find all the detail you want about the new Golf GTI after the break, but in Volkswagen’s own words here’s some more detail on the XDS+ diff to get you started:
A newly engineered electronic front differential lock is being used exclusively in the Golf GTI Performance. To date, Volkswagen is the only carmaker to utilise an electronically controlled differential lock in a front-wheel drive production model. Compared to purely mechanical locks, the front differential lock integrated in the Golf GTI Performance offers advantages such as a variable degree of locking and comprehensive interfaces to the ESC, EDS and XDS+ functions. This makes it possible to completely avoid negative effects on steering response and steering precision that otherwise occur with mechanical locks.
Volkswagen Australia has just launched the new Golf VII to the local market. The new and improved seventh generation Golf is also the current World Car of the Year.
At launch the Golf VII will be available in four spec levels, starting with the 90TSI priced from $21,490 with a 6-speed manual. The Golf 90TSI Comfortline carries a list price of $24,990; add $2500 to both if you’d like a 7-speed DSG transmission.
The current top of the range is the Highline model, available with DSG only, the 103TSI (7-speed) costs $31,990 and the 110TDI (6-speed) starts from $34,490.
Power comes from a new EA211 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine, available with 90kW or 103kW, or a 110kW 2.0 litre EA288 diesel engine.
The new Golf is a bit lighter and a bit more fuel efficient than the old Mk6 model. And you can expect the Mk7 Golf to be just a little bit better all round compared with the previous-generation. The Golf is not really one to make a habit of taking giant leaps forward. When you consider the Mk6 Golf was a very good car in its own right, that’s no criticism either.
A host of new technology and specification has found its way on the Golf for the first time, including a panoramic glass sunroof option, fatigue detection, Adaptive Cruise C0ntrol, City Emergency Braking, Stop/Start and more.
Also now included across the entire Golf range for the first time is the XDL electronic differential lock, which was previously only available on the Golf GTI.
There’s more detail after the break and if you’re keen to see the new Golf in local showrooms make sure you arm yourself with the full detail available in the Australian press kit. At 70 pages it should keep you busy for some time.
Today has been a great day at Geneva. The Porsche 911 GT3 was revealed, and that way over the top Lamborghini Veneno, too. As we speak the covers have just come off the Alfa Romeo 4C and Ferrari’s Enzo replacement is moments away from its debut. But, never mind any of that! There’s a new Volkswagen Golf Variant! It’s sure to steal away the limelight from those tinpot models already mentioned.
The Golf VII “Variant” is so versatile it can be called a Variant in Europe, an Estate in the United Kingdom and a Wagon in Australia. Plus, it can fit up to four boxes in the boot. It’s true, there’s even a picture to prove it.
Thankfully, though, the new Golf Variant Estate Wagon is actually pretty nice to look at. For a Golf Variant Estate Wagon. At least, it’s a whole lot better looking than the old abomination it replaces.
Actually, what does sound quite interesting, and sadly there’s no pics from VW HQ just yet, is the Golf Variant R-Line. It features a flash body kit, a 110kW/320Nm 2.0 TDI engine and the latest Haldex V all-wheel drive system. Now that is something that sounds like it could be the perfect family planner Variant Estate Wagon.
Euro estates; we love ’em. Volkswagen Golfs; yep, we love them too. So when Volkswagen Australia finally cottoned on and gave us the Mk6 Golf Wagon back in 2010 you’d think we’d have been over the moon. The thing is, the previous-gen Golf estate was butt-ugly. Clearly Volkswagen’s usually competent, if unadventurous, design team had the day off when the old wagon was seemingly rushed through.
We’re pleased to see Volkswagen hasn’t given up, though. Beneath all that disguise in the image above is the new Golf VII estate. It’s due to go on sale in Europe in about a year from now (expect 2014 for Australia, if it makes it).
The fact the car is so heavily disguised is a good thing, we think. It must look good under there. Else, if they didn’t want us to look at the prototype, they would have just covered the car in Mk6 styled graphics. And that’s saying something when that crazy puzzle disguise is easier on the eye than the old model.
Like it says on the tin, it’ll be usual Golf fare for the most part, just with a bit more cargo space thanks to the estate body shape. Interestingly, the same 505 litres of rear cargo space is expected to remain in the translation from the Golf V/VI to the all-new Golf VII platform.
[Source: Car]
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.”