The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most iconic and popular hatchbacks in the world, with a rich history spanning over four decades. The seventh generation of the Golf, commonly referred to as the Mk7, was a significant milestone in the model’s evolution. In this article, we will delve into the world of the Mk7, exploring its design, features, performance, and impact on the automotive industry.
Design and Development
The Mk7 Golf was first unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and it marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the Mk6. The new design was more angular and aggressive, with a focus on aerodynamics and efficiency. The Mk7 was built on the MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) platform, which was a new modular architecture developed by Volkswagen. This platform allowed for greater flexibility and scalability, enabling the company to produce a wide range of models with varying wheelbases and track widths.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Mk7 Golf was a major talking point, with many critics praising its sleek and sophisticated lines. The car featured a new front grille, which was more angular and aggressive than before, with a distinctive chrome strip running across the top. The headlights were also redesigned, with a more angular shape and a distinctive LED daytime running light signature. The rear of the car featured a new bumper and taillight design, with a more angular and aerodynamic shape.
Interior Design
The interior of the Mk7 Golf was also significantly updated, with a focus on comfort, quality, and technology. The dashboard was redesigned, with a more angular and driver-focused layout. The car featured a new infotainment system, with a high-resolution touchscreen display and a range of connectivity options. The interior also featured a range of premium materials, including leather and aluminum trim.
Features and Technology
The Mk7 Golf was packed with a range of innovative features and technologies, many of which were firsts in the segment. Some of the key features included:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: a system that allowed the car to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, using a combination of radar and camera sensors.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: a system that could detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically.
- Driver Profile Selection: a system that allowed drivers to select from a range of pre-set driving modes, including Eco, Sport, and Comfort.
- Infotainment System: a high-resolution touchscreen display with a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and SD card slots.
Safety Features
The Mk7 Golf was also equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including:
- Seven Airbags: including front, side, and curtain airbags.
- Electronic Stability Control: a system that helped to stabilize the car in emergency maneuvers.
- Traction Control: a system that helped to prevent wheelspin and loss of traction.
Performance and Handling
The Mk7 Golf was available with a range of engines, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options. The car was praised for its agile and responsive handling, with a range of suspension options available, including a sport-tuned suspension package.
Engine Options
The Mk7 Golf was available with a range of engines, including:
- 1.2L Petrol: a turbocharged engine producing 85 horsepower.
- 1.4L Petrol: a turbocharged engine producing 122 horsepower.
- 2.0L Diesel: a turbocharged engine producing 150 horsepower.
- 1.4L Hybrid: a petrol-electric hybrid engine producing 204 horsepower.
Transmission Options
The Mk7 Golf was available with a range of transmission options, including:
- 5-Speed Manual: a manual transmission with five forward gears.
- 6-Speed Manual: a manual transmission with six forward gears.
- 7-Speed DSG: a dual-clutch automatic transmission with seven forward gears.
Impact and Legacy
The Mk7 Golf was a major success for Volkswagen, with over 1 million units sold worldwide during its production run. The car was praised for its comfort, quality, and technology, and it helped to establish the Golf as one of the best-selling hatchbacks in the world.
Awards and Recognition
The Mk7 Golf received widespread critical acclaim, with many awards and accolades, including:
- 2013 European Car of the Year
- 2013 World Car of the Year
- 2013 What Car? Car of the Year
Special Editions
During its production run, the Mk7 Golf was available in a range of special editions, including:
- Golf GTI: a high-performance version of the Golf, with a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 220 horsepower.
- Golf R: a high-performance version of the Golf, with a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower.
- Golf BlueMotion: a fuel-efficient version of the Golf, with a 1.6L diesel engine producing 110 horsepower.
Conclusion
The Mk7 Golf was a significant milestone in the evolution of the Volkswagen Golf, with its sleek design, advanced features, and impressive performance. The car was a major success for Volkswagen, and it helped to establish the Golf as one of the best-selling hatchbacks in the world. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking for a reliable and comfortable ride, the Mk7 Golf is definitely worth considering.
| Model | Engine | Power | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golf 1.2L | 1.2L Petrol | 85 horsepower | 5-Speed Manual |
| Golf 1.4L | 1.4L Petrol | 122 horsepower | 6-Speed Manual |
| Golf 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Diesel | 150 horsepower | 6-Speed Manual |
| Golf 1.4L Hybrid | 1.4L Hybrid | 204 horsepower | 7-Speed DSG |
Note: The table above provides a summary of the engine options and transmission choices available for the Mk7 Golf.
What are the key design changes in the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf?
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf features a more angular and aggressive design compared to its predecessor. The front end is characterized by a new grille, slimmer headlights, and a more pronounced front bumper. The side profile remains largely unchanged, but the rear end has been revised with new taillights and a more sculpted bumper. The overall design is more aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class.
Inside, the Mk7 Golf boasts a more premium and modern interior. The dashboard has been redesigned with a more driver-focused layout, featuring a new steering wheel, instrument cluster, and infotainment system. The materials used are of higher quality, with a greater emphasis on comfort and refinement. The cabin is also more spacious, with increased legroom and cargo space, making it an ideal choice for families and road trips.
What are the engine options available in the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf?
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf offers a range of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants. The petrol engines include a 1.2-liter TSI, a 1.4-liter TSI, and a 2.0-liter TSI, producing between 85 and 220 horsepower. The diesel engines include a 1.6-liter TDI and a 2.0-liter TDI, producing between 90 and 184 horsepower. The hybrid variant, known as the Golf GTE, combines a 1.4-liter TSI engine with an electric motor, producing 201 horsepower.
All engines are paired with a range of transmission options, including a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Mk7 Golf also features a range of drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, which adjust the engine, transmission, and suspension settings to suit different driving conditions. This allows drivers to tailor their driving experience to suit their preferences and driving style.
What safety features are available in the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf?
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf features a range of advanced safety features, including a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard safety features include seven airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock braking. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Golf also features a range of driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.
The Mk7 Golf also features a range of innovative safety technologies, including a driver fatigue detection system and a proactive occupant protection system. The driver fatigue detection system monitors the driver’s behavior and alerts them if they appear to be tired or distracted. The proactive occupant protection system prepares the vehicle for a potential crash by tightening the seatbelts and closing the windows.
What infotainment systems are available in the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf?
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf features a range of infotainment systems, including a 5-inch touchscreen display, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, and an 8-inch touchscreen display. The systems feature a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and SD card slots. The Golf also features a range of smartphone integration options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Mk7 Golf also features a range of premium audio systems, including a 400-watt Dynaudio sound system. The system features eight speakers and a subwoofer, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. The Golf also features a range of navigation systems, including a built-in satellite navigation system and a range of online navigation services.
What are the trim levels available in the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf?
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf is available in a range of trim levels, including the S, SE, GT, and R-Line. The S trim is the entry-level model, featuring a range of standard equipment, including air conditioning, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and a range of safety features. The SE trim adds a range of additional features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, cruise control, and a range of comfort features.
The GT trim is the sporty variant, featuring a range of performance-oriented features, including a 2.0-liter TSI engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a range of exterior styling upgrades. The R-Line trim is the top-of-the-line model, featuring a range of premium features, including a 2.0-liter TSI engine, a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a range of luxury interior upgrades.
What are the fuel economy and emissions figures for the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf?
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf features a range of fuel economy and emissions figures, depending on the engine and transmission chosen. The petrol engines return between 37 and 47 mpg in the city and between 47 and 57 mpg on the highway. The diesel engines return between 47 and 57 mpg in the city and between 57 and 67 mpg on the highway.
The Golf also features a range of emissions figures, with the petrol engines producing between 112 and 142 g/km of CO2. The diesel engines produce between 85 and 125 g/km of CO2. The hybrid variant, the Golf GTE, produces just 35 g/km of CO2, making it an ideal choice for company car drivers and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
What are the dimensions and cargo capacity of the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf?
The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf features a range of dimensions, including a length of 426 cm, a width of 179 cm, and a height of 149 cm. The wheelbase is 259 cm, providing a spacious interior and a smooth ride. The Golf also features a range of cargo capacity options, including a 380-liter cargo area and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
The Mk7 Golf also features a range of towing capacities, depending on the engine and transmission chosen. The petrol engines have a towing capacity of up to 1,200 kg, while the diesel engines have a towing capacity of up to 1,500 kg. The Golf also features a range of roof load capacities, including a maximum roof load of 75 kg.