New Volkswagen Golf 7: The Most Popular VW Car | Review

The seventh generation of the best-selling compact from the German company stands out not only for its updated look but also for being safer, more comfortable, more spacious, and lighter.

Finally, the wait is over, and under the slogan "Best Golf in history", Volkswagen unveiled the Golf 7 at the National Gallery in Berlin, the company's most popular car, which, since its introduction in 1974, has sold over 29 million units.


2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 - Front

A new feature of the VW Golf 7 is that its engineering is based on the Modular Transverse Matrix, better known as the MQB platform (the same used by the Audi A3). This results in a weight reduction of 220 lbs. compared to the previous generation and an increase in energy efficiency of 23%. Additionally, the materials are stiffer, and the body is 56 millimeters longer and wider, improving its aerodynamics.

Regarding exterior design, this brand-new model offers a structure that combines elements of a "historical DNA" with modern features that elevate its category. It retains the transverse insignia of the grille, reduced in size, slightly upward-arched headlights, rear windows extending to the C-pillars, and a long roofline. New additions include lower fenders, side lines under the windows that convey a sense of motion, a wider trunk lid at the bottom, and a rear diffuser integrated into the exhaust pipe.


2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 - Driver seat, dashboard and panels.

Inside the cabin, the new dimensions provide more space for passengers, and the cargo trunk volume has increased by 30 liters. The driver's seat has been shifted rearward by about an inch, improving the driving position. The distances between pedals have been optimized, and the gearshift lever has been raised. Additionally, the rear seatbacks can be folded in a 60:40 ratio.

As for standard options, the new Golf 7 will be offered with three equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline. All models feature a touchscreen (available in 5", 5.8", or 8"), power mirrors, power-adjustable steering with height and depth settings, central locking with remote control, seven airbags, and stability control. The high-end version includes 17-inch light-alloy wheels, fog lights with cornering function, sports seats, chrome trim on the power windows, LED reading lights, automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats, and xenon headlights with a cleaning system.


2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 - Presentation

For safety, it includes an electronic handbrake, automatic braking if a collision is detected, adaptive cruise control, lane departure monitoring, fatigue detection, automatic parking assist, and a pre-crash monitoring system that tightens seatbelts and applies brakes if necessary.

For propulsion, Volkswagen developed two new engine generations. The TSI gasoline engines offer 85 hp and 140 hp, while the TDI diesel engines provide 105 hp and 150 hp. Notably, the BlueMotion variant achieves an average fuel consumption of just 3.2 liters, making the seventh generation the most efficient yet.

All versions come equipped with a Start/Stop system as standard, along with brake energy recovery, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. For the first time, the automaker equipped the Golf with a choice of five driving style programs: Eco, Sport, Normal, Individual, and Comfort (with the DCC system).

According to Volkswagen's plans, marketing will begin this month, following the Paris Auto Show, with the first units delivered in January 2013. In Germany, the starting price will be $22,252.

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I'm sorry for my German friends, but I was an owner of a VW Passat and I also had a Mercedes c320 and both were a expensive experience, so, I still don't trust in anything coming from Germany.Looking for some affordable car for my son!

This Golf could be small, but it runs faster than many full-size sedan with bigger engine, it's a shame it is so expensive here in the US.