The 2013 All New Volkswagen Golf

The all-new Volkswagen Golf is due to go on sale in October 2012 with the first deliveries expected in the UK during January 2013.

Built on the MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) platform or Modular Transverse Matrix the new Golf is up to 100 kg lighter than the car it replaces, helping to make it up to 23 per cent more efficient than before. Plus the new Golf is safer, thanks not just to a stronger body structure (which is also 23 kg lighter) but also to a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems.

Powering the Golf is a new range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which will incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

At the launch, there will be two petrol engines are a 1.2-litre TSI 85 PS unit returning 57.6 mpg and 113 g/km, and a 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS unit with Active Cylinder Technology, which can deactivate two of the cylinders which is capable of up to 58.9 mpg and 112 g/km

And there are two launch diesel engines are a 1.6-litre unit with 105 PS, which according to VW returns 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km and a 2.0-litre 150 PS unit 68.9 mpg and 106 g/km.

The new Golf will be available with driver profile selection, which allows the driver to choose from four modes – Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual; with a DSG gearbox a fifth option – Comfort – is also offered.  Each of these modes alters the throttle mapping and engine management (among other parameters) to the chosen style, so in Eco mode, for example, the engine management, air conditioning and ancillary systems are controlled to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

The foot print of the new Golf is bigger than its predecessor -  at 4,255 mm long (56 mm longer), with a 59 mm longer wheelbase of 2,637 mm.  The front wheels are 43 mm further forward, helping to generate more interior space, while the Golf is also 13 mm wider, at 1,799 mm, and 28 mm lower, at 1,452 mm.  Importantly this helps to create a 10 per cent improvement in the drag co-efficient, which is now 0.27 Cd – lower fuel and CO2 figures.

Electronic aids include Adaptive Cruise Control (standard in the UK from SE models upwards), which uses radar sensors to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front; Front Assist, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and operates at speeds of up to 93 mph; and City Emergency Braking, which operates at up to approx. 19 mph, and can reduce or prevent the chance of accidents occurring.

A Driver Alert System, as introduced on the Passat, monitors the driver’s inputs, to detect any signs of tiredness; while a camera-operated Lane Assist system can help keep the car in a specific lane, providing countersteering assistance where necessary.  A Dynamic Light Assist system optionally masks the vehicle’s high beam lighting, making for brilliant illumination without dazzling on-coming traffic.

All Golf models now have touchscreen systems as standard, starting in the UK with a 5.8-inch colour display system, and rising to the range-topping satellite navigation system with eight-inch colour display.  It operates with finger gestures that will be familiar to smartphone users.  Features include DAB digital radio, auxiliary inputs (including USB), Bluetooth telephone preparation and access to vehicle trip information.

And for the first time in a Volkswagen, the compartment under the centre armrest optionally includes a universal phone holder with inductive aerial, which not only increases the signal strength of a phone placed in it, but also reduces the drain on the phone’s battery.

We will bring you full UK specifications and the new Golf prices hopefully later this month.