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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 (2012): full story
By
Georg Kacher
Spy shots
02 October 2009 09:25
What about some fancy technology?
Both coupe and convertible will preview many of the goodies VW is preparing for the Golf Mk7 family. The list of innovations is topped by such new driver assistance systems as traffic sign recognition, lane guidance & lane departure warning, an automatic parking aid, fatigue sensor and head-up display. In combination with the optional LED headlights the next Golf will boast adaptive main beam assist, an innovative system which mixes different grades of luminous reach and intensity. The completely redesigned cockpit can be equipped with a variety of primary and secondary displays, a keyless access & protection system and an advanced sat-nav offering tactical route optimisation (TRO).
How does this work? By scanning the programmed route, the electronic map reader prepares the driver for sharp corners, speed limits, climbs and descents, providing shift recommendations and suggesting acceleration/deceleration manoeuvres in the process. TRO is expected to yield astonishing mpg results, especially on Bluemotion Golfs.
What about under the bonnet of the Golf and all its variants?
Like all seventh-generation Golfs, the cabrio and coupe will benefit from a variety of new, more efficient drivetrains. At the bottom end of the scale, VW is preparing two frugal three-cylinder engines, a 1.2-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol unit and a 1.2-litre diesel. At the top end there’ll be a torquey GTD and the 276bhp R
Four-wheel will be an option on the more powerful diesels, again standard on the R, while there will also be eco-friendly Bluemotion versions. In addition to the Golf Bluemotion, VW is planning two different hybrid versions. The lesser variant matches a 1.6-litre diesel to a 27bhp electric motor, the more radical TwinDrive concept features a 122bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine in combination with a 82bhp e-power unit. While the diesel hybrid aims primarily at European markets, the petrol version targets the US.
As far as transmissions are concerned, the six- or seven-speed dual-clutch layout remains the gearbox of choice with three different torque-related calibrations labelled DQ200/250/500.
Together with existing derivatives like the Golf Plus, Estate, Scirocco, Tiguan and Touran, the new Golf cabrio and coupe are bound to consolidate the Golf’s position as the world’s best-selling compact car.
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