The latest version of VW’s popular compact hatchback is bigger, more spacious, lighter, and more fuel-efficient
• Sporty GTI®, thrifty TDI® Clean Diesel, and turbocharged Golf will be offered
• First U.S.-market Volkswagen to use the new MQB modular architecture
• All models are lighter than the cars they replace
• Seventh-generation Golf A7 will go on sale in the U.S. as a 2015 Model
• 2015 Golf models are currently estimated to improve fuel efficiency by
as much as 15 percent over current Golf sixth-generation models
Herndon, VA -
The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf manages to do the seemingly
impossible. While it’s bigger and more spacious than the car that it
will replace, it’s also lighter and more fuel-efficient. Based on the
new MQB (modular transverse matrix) architecture, the 2015 Golf ends the
cycle whereby new versions of a car end up heavier than the models they
replace.
Thanks to the extensive use of high- and ultra-high strength steels, the
new Golf bodyshell is 51 pounds lighter than the current
sixth-generation Golf, and offering an enhanced crash structure.
Throughout the car, incredible attention to detail has seen optimization
of components—such as the seats, air conditioning unit, and even the
electrical architecture—to save weight.
The 2015 Golf is 2.2 inches longer and 0.5 inches wider than the current
car. It is also 1.1 inches lower, which benefits both aerodynamic
performance and the car’s proportions: the CdA number has been reduced
by almost 10 percent compared with the Golf A6. The interior package has
been optimized to give 0.6 inches more rear-seat legroom and 1.2 inches
of additional shoulder room in the back.
Like the current car, the 2015 Golf will come in three guises. The Golf
will be powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injection
four-cylinder TSI® engine, built at a brand-new plant in Silao, Mexico,
that is part of Volkswagen’s ongoing $5 billion investment in the North
American market. The Golf TDI Clean Diesel model will be powered by a
new 2.0-liter common-rail, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine.
And the sporty GTI will also receive a new Silao-built EA888 engine.
The seventh-generation Golf will go on sale as a 2015 model. It will be built at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico factory.
Design
The design team, led by Walter de Silva (Group Design) and Klaus
Bischoff (VW Brand Design), created a timeless and sophisticated new
Golf, using the principles of Volkswagen’s Design DNA. This design
language creates cars that are modern and progressive yet have a
familiar feel. In the case of the new Golf, the car incorporates the
classic C-pillars and other elements that hark back to previous
generation Golf models, such as the side windows, the roofline, and
wheel arches that are redolent of the Golf A4.
According to Klaus Bischoff, the form language is: “logical,
product-focused, pure and precise. The Golf’s proportions have
completely changed with the seventh generation, making the car look more
confident than ever.”
Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship
between the front wheel centerline and the pedalbox, the car’s
proportions have changed. The front wheels, for example, are now 1.7
inches further forward than on the current Golf design. This has created
what Bischoff calls “a cab backward impression”. That’s what we call
the proportions of premium-class vehicles, where the hood is long and
the passenger compartment is a long way towards the back.”
Compared with the Golf A6, the new car’s front end looks completely
different, thanks to the way that the hood slopes down into the front
fenders instead of the fender peaks being higher than the hood. The
front end of the Golf has a very strong horizontal graphic, with a
relatively narrow radiator grille.
The new Golf has a strong character line that flows all the way around
the car beneath the door handles, being interrupted only by the wheel
arches. The line in the side of the car is picked up by the chrome bars
in the radiator grille and in the white lateral bars of the taillight
clusters. The line is designed to lower the car’s visual center of
gravity and give it a more solid stance on the road. There’s a second
line along the shoulder that runs under the mirrors from the headlamps
back to the rear side window, which emphasizes the car’s premium
proportions.
At the back, the clean surface around the VW badge, the wide rear
window, and the geometric taillights are typical Golf features, even
though the lines are completely different. The tailgate, for instance,
allows for a lower load height than before, at just 26.2 inches, while
the overall effect emphasizes the additional width of the new car.
The sporty nature of the Golf is enhanced with the GTI model. Its
mission is reflected by its red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome
tailpipes, and a lowered sport suspension. The exterior of the compact
hatchback also scores with GTI-specific wheels and low-profile tires,
special side skirts, a rear diffuser, and smoked LED taillights with LED
license-plate illumination.
Interior
The new Golf interior package is larger, despite the car having a lower
roofline. The interior is now 0.6 inches longer, which is reflected in
0.6 inches more rear-seat legroom. In the front, the shoulder- and elbow
room are increased by 1.2 and 0.9 inches, with commensurate
improvements in the back by 1.2 and 0.8 inches. The cargo capacity is
eight percent greater, too, and the floor of the trunk area can be
removed to further increase stowage space.
The new interior also benefits the driver ergonomics. The seat position
has been shifted back by 0.8 inches and the steering wheel adjustment
range has been modified. Simple things that make a big difference have
been optimized by use of the MQB architecture: the space between the
brake and gas pedals has been increased by 0.6 inches and the shifter
position has been raised by a similar amount, so it now rests better in
the driver’s hand.
Every element of the interior has been redeveloped and redesigned. The
wide center console is now oriented towards the driver, a feature that’s
more typical of premium vehicles rather than compacts. In the middle of
the console, beneath the hazard warning light switch, is the
infotainment screen. For the first time, Volkswagen is using
touchscreens with a proximity sensor, allowing drivers to change
functions with a swipe of the hand, just like a smartphone. Even the
base radio has a 5.8-inch touchscreen. The new navigation systems are
DVD-based with a 3D display.
Located beneath the infotainment module are simple, well laid-out
controls for the climate control system. Beneath it, the lower section
of the center console has a stowage compartment that integrates the
Media Device Interface/iPod® cable. The new Golf has improved stowage
all around the cabin, with a sliding tray underneath the driver’s seat
(manual seats only), six cupholders (counting the pair integrated into
the rear armrest), and a large glovebox that houses the CD changer and
SD-card slot.
The whole interior is finished in high-quality materials. Soft-touch
plastics abound, along with chrome, aluminum, and piano black surfaces
that have a premium feel and look. The cruise control is now operated
though steering wheel buttons rather than the column stalk. New white
lighting for the buttons and switches underscores the interior’s upscale
look and feel.
The GTI, as with previous model years, has a number of interior
differences to the Golf. The interior is highlighted by sport seats with
distinctive GTI plaid pattern, a black headliner, and red ambient
lighting. The car also offers classic GTI features such as a sport
steering wheel, GTI shifter knob grip and instrument cluster, special
trim inserts, and stainless-steel pedals and foot rest.
Engines and Transmissions
Volkswagen pioneered the use of small displacement, highly efficient
turbocharged engines in the U.S., starting with the 1.8T engine in the
1998 Passat. Since then, Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder has set
the benchmark for small displacement turbocharged engines.
The Golf will feature a new EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injected
four-cylinder engine made in Silao, Mexico. This 1.8-liter engine will
produce 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and will offer
highly competitive fuel economy. The engine makes the same power as the
2.5-liter five-cylinder engine used in the Golf A6, but produces an
additional seven pound-feet of torque, delivered lower in the engine
speed range. It will be mated to manual and automatic transmissions.
The EA888 Gen 3 engine family is designed to be lighter and more
fuel-efficient than the Gen 2 units, such as the 2.0-liter unit fitted
in the current GTI. Engine weight has been reduced by eight pounds, to
290 pounds overall. Among the improvements on this engine are: a
thinwall crankcase casting; exhaust headers that are integrated into the
cylinder head; smaller diameter main bearings; roller bearings for the
twin balancer shafts; and a crankshaft that has four counterweights
instead of eight.
The TDI Clean Diesel model will use the new EA288 turbocharged,
common-rail, direct-injection four-cylinder engine that makes 150
horsepower—an increase of 10 hp over the current engine—and 236
pound-feet of torque. This powerplant shares only the bore spacing with
the previous diesel engine that shared the same designation. A number of
changes have been made to help reduce emissions, such as: use of a
complex exhaust gas recirculation system (with a cooled low-pressure
AGR); integration of the intercooler with the intake manifold, which
also improves throttle response; and packaging the exhaust
after-treatment components close to the engine.
The engine also has a number of modifications to help minimize friction
and optimize fuel economy: there are low-friction bearings for the
camshaft and balancer shafts, piston rings that have less pre-tension,
and the oil pump is a two-stage device with volumetric flow regulation.
As with the current Golf, the new TDI model will have a standard
six-speed manual transmission with the option of a DSG® dual-clutch
automatic transmission.
The GTI will also use an uprated version of the EA888 2.0-liter
turbocharged TSI engine. Final horsepower and torque figures have yet to
be released, but it is expected to make about 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of
torque. Like the current GTI, the engine will drive the front wheels via
either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission. It is expected
that the European Performance Pack will be offered during the GTI’s
lifecycle.
Chassis
All versions of the new Golf have the XDS® electronic differential lock,
a feature that was developed for the current GTI. This system
electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the
event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the front wheel with the
most traction, thus helping to improve handling and traction.
Another new feature is progressive steering, which incorporates a new
steering rack and a more powerful electric motor. Where “normal”
steering racks have teeth that are spaced consistently, the progressive
system has a different tooth pitch in the center than it has on the
outside. The lower steering ratio in the center means that the car
responds more quickly when entering a turn, while the higher ratio at
the ends of the rack reduces the amount of effort needed near full
steering lock, such as when you’re parking.
Safety and Security
As well as offering no fewer than six standard airbags, the new Golf
features as standard a new safety system called Automatic Post-Collision
Braking System. The new system automatically brakes the vehicle when it
is involved in a collision in order to help reduce residual kinetic
energy. The system is triggered when the airbag sensors detect a primary
collision and it is limited to a maximum retardation rate of 0.6g by
the electronic stability control (ESC) unit. The driver can effectively
override the system at any time; for example, it is disabled if it
recognizes that the driver is accelerating. The system is also
deactivated if the driver initiates braking at a higher rate than 0.6g.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon,
Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in
Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include
research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts
distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial
service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in
Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's
largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA
sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta,
Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg, and Routan vehicles
through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of
America online at
www.vw.com or
media.vw.com to learn more.
Notes:
This press release and images of the 2015 Golf and GTI are available at media.vw.com.
“DSG”, “GTI”, “TDI”, “TSI”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, “XDS”, all model names
and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG.
“iPod” is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
Where stated, fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for
the USA; EPA estimates were not available at time of release.
Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all
crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in
the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age
There are three turbocharged petrol
engines – the lively 120bhp 1.4 TSI, a muscular 158bhp 1.8 TSI and an
even punchier 207bhp 2.0 TSI. The entry-level diesel is the 1.6 TDI,
which has only 104bhp, but is impressively flexible and willing. Beyond
that, there are two strong 2.0 TDI units, with either 138- or 168bhp,
and the range gives buyers the choice of six-speed manual and six- or
seven-speed DSG
The Passat is at its best on the
motorway, where it’ll happily sit for hour after hour. It’s undemanding
to drive everywhere else, with light steering and supple suspension. You
still feel too many bumps, though, and the steering offers little
feedback, so don’t expect to enjoy driving your Passat. Body control
could be tighter, too, although it’s not worth spending the extra on the
optional Adaptive Chassis Control system.
