Volkswagen Golf Mk7

five-door hatchback

three-door hatchback

Interior

Compared with the previous generation, the Golf Mk7 has a roomier cabin with greater shoulder room for the front and rear passengers, more rear legroom, and more boot space. It is 20 mm wider than the Mk6, with a 59 mm longer wheelbase.

The Golf line is available in all the relevant drive systems: the Golf TSI, including GTI, is petrol-powered; Golf TDI, including GTD, is diesel-powered; the Golf TGI is powered by compressed natural gas (CNG); the e-Golf is powered by electricity; and Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid. The use of a modular transverse matrix assembly kit enables the manufacturing of Golf models with gasoline, diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid drives from bumper to bumper at Volkswagen factories.[19] Retail deliveries of the e-Golf in Germany began in the second quarter of 2014.[20] U.S. sales started in selected markets during the fourth quarter of 2014.[21] The Golf GTE was launched also in the fourth quarter of 2014.[19]

All internal combustion engines are three- or four-cylinder units:[22]

Volkswagen Golf R-Line five-door hatchback (Australia, pre-facelift)

Volkswagen Golf R-Line five-door hatchback (United Kingdom, facelift)

• Car and Driver's 10Best list in 2019[24]
• 2015 North American Car of the Year[25]
• 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year[26]
• 2013 European Car of the Year[3]
• 2013 World Car of the Year[27]
• 2013 Car of the Year Japan[28]
• 2013–14 Japan's Import Car of the Year
• 2014 What Car?—Best Estate Car (Great Britain)
• 2013 Wheels Car of the Year (Australia)[29]
• 2013 Cars Guide Car of the Year (Australia)[30]

Volkswagen Golf SV (pre-facelift)

2018 facelift

Based on the Volkswagen Sportsvan concept shown at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and sold as the Sportsvan in many markets,[31] it uses the VW Group MQB platform shared by many of Volkswagen's range and is assembled at the manufacturer's Wolfsburg plant alongside the standard Golf sedan/saloon (but not with the "Variant" estate version of the Golf, which is produced in a separate plant). The Golf SV is the third variant of the seventh-generation Golf, alongside the hatchback and the estate, with a look that follows the design of its siblings. At 4,338 mm long, the new SV is 134 mm longer than the Golf Plus that it replaces, 83 mm longer than the Golf hatchback, and 224 mm shorter than the Golf Estate.

Compared with the boot of its predecessor, capacity is increased by 76 litres to 500 litres with the back seats at their rear-most position (versus the Golf's 380 litres and the Estate's 605 litres). Moving the rear seats forwards increases the luggage capacity to 590 litres, while folding the rear seats liberates up to 1,520 litres of room. The front passenger seat can also optionally fold fully forward, creating a load space which is up to 2,484 mm long.

Like the Golf, the Golf SV comes with many standard and optional safety systems. These include a standard automatic post-collision braking system, which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to reduce kinetic energy significantly and thus minimise the chance of a second impact, and a PreCrash system (Proactive Occupant Protection) which, on detecting the possibility of an accident, pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof, leaving just a small gap, to ensure the best possible protection from the airbags.

A first for the Golf SV is a blind spot monitor, dubbed Side Scan, with an assistant for exiting parking spaces. This monitors the area behind and to the sides of the vehicle, ensuring easier and safer egress when reversing from a parking bay. It will be packaged as an option together with Lane Assist.

Powering the SV is a range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems. There are two turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engines with 85 and 110 PS; two 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 125 and 150 PS; and three turbodiesels: a 2.0-litre 150 PS, a 1.6-litre 90 PS and a 1.6-litre 110 PS. When fitted in the Golf SV BlueMotion, this last engine is expected to return fuel economy of 76.3 mpg and emit 95 g/km of CO2. All engines apart from the 1.2-litre TSI 85 PS can be ordered with a DSG gearbox.

Volkswagen Golf Variant (Germany; pre-facelift)

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI 4Motion (pre-facelift)

Like the Golf hatchback, the Golf Estate—marketed as the SportWagen in the United States and Canada—is available in S, SE and GT (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline in Canada) (GT is SEL in the USA) trim levels.

The Golf Estate's loadspace volume has been expanded from the 505 litres of its predecessor to 605 litres (loaded up to the back seat backrest), versus the 380 litres of the Golf hatchback. Loaded up to the front seat backrests and under the roof, the new Golf Estate offers a cargo volume of 1,620 litres (versus the 1,495 litres of the Golf Estate Mk VI). The rear seat backrests can be folded remotely via a release in the boot.

Four petrol engines and three diesel engines are available, ranging from 85 to 140 PS in the petrol and 90 to 150 PS for the diesel engines.

For the first time, the Golf Estate will also be available as a "full" BlueMotion model (with other modifications including revised aerodynamics). This model uses a 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 110 PS, has a six-speed manual gearbox, and is expected to achieve a combined fuel consumption of just 85.6 mpg (equivalent to 87 g/km of CO2).

Like the Golf hatchback, the Golf Estate is based on the MQB platform (both have the same wheelbase). There is also a Golf Estate R, using the same EA888 2.0 engine found in the MkVII Golf R hatchback. The Golf Variant is also built as a rugged version called "Alltrack" with slightly-raised suspension, body cladding, and all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen e-Golf

Volkswagen e-Golf

The production version of the 2014 Volkswagen e-Golf was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.[32] According to VW the e-Golf has a practical all-electric range of 130 to 190 km (81 to 118 mi), with an official NEDC cycle of 190 km (118 mi), and the winter range is expected to be 80 to 120 km (50 to 75 mi).[33] The 2015 e-Golf has a range of 83 mi (134 km), and combined city/highway efficiency of 116 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe).[34] Production of vehicles destined for retail customers began in March 2014.[35]

On 14 February 2014, Volkswagen launched sales of the e-Golf in Germany, with pricing starting at €34,900 (~US$47,800).[33] On 11 March 2014, Volkswagen opened ordering for the e-Golf in the UK, priced at GB£30,845.[36] UK deliveries began at the end of June.[21] The U.S. version of the 2015 e-Golf did not have a liquid-cooled battery pack because strict testing showed high ambient temperatures did not affect battery performance.[37]

In Norway, the e-Golf became available for pre-order on 25 February 2014 for delivery in June 2014. More than 1,300 cars were ordered that same day.[38] By 3 March 2014, nearly 2,000 cars had been pre-ordered.[39] Prices range from 251,800 kr (~US$42,000) for the basic model to 302,000 kr (~US$50,000) with all available options,[40] comparable to the cheapest petrol and diesel models.[41] The VW e-Golf was the top selling plug-in electric car in July 2014 with 391 units sold and representing 34.4% of the Golf nameplate sales (1,136), which was Norway's top selling new car that month.[42][43] The e-Golf was again the top selling electric car in August 2014 with 467 units sold, representing 43.4% of the Golf nameplate sales that month (1,075). In two months and a half a total of 925 Volkswagen e-Golf cars have been sold in Norway, surpassing initial Model S sales which delivered 805 units during its first two months in the Norwegian market.[44][45] A total of 1,358 units have been sold in Europe through August 2014.[46]

U.S sales are slated to start in selected markets in November 2014 at a price for the SEL Premium model starting at US$35,445 before any applicable government incentives, plus US$820 destination and delivery.[47] Volkswagen of America sold 119 units of the e-Golf during November 2014, the first full month of sales for the vehicle.[48]

In Spain, 2015, the price of a brand-new e-Golf was at 35,500 euro.[49]

The 2017 version has an improved battery pack of 35.8 kWh giving a range of 300 kilometres (190 mi) on the NEDC scale and an EPA rating of 125 miles (201 km). [50]

E-Golf was the last hatchback version of the Golf Mk7 produced in Europe, with production continuing until late December 2020, unlike all other powertrains discontinued in 2019, due to high demand.[8]

Golf GTE at a charging point in Amsterdam

Volkswagen Golf GTE

The Golf GTE plug-in hybrid is driven by two power sources: a 1.4-litre 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 75 kW electric motor. Together, they combine to produce power of 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) of torque, with a theoretical range of 933 km (580 mi). Using the electric motor alone, the GTE is capable of speeds of 130 km/h (81 mph). With the TSI engine as well, the Golf GTE can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). The Golf GTE shares the basic powertrain hardware with the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron but the software controls are different.[51] The Golf GTE also shares the same plug-in hybrid powertrain with the Volkswagen Passat GTE, but the Passat has a larger 9.9 kWh Li-ion battery pack.[52]

In EV mode, the Golf GTE has an all-electric range of 50 km (31 mi). The all-electric mode can be activated at the push of a button. Under the New European Driving Cycle, combined fuel economy is 1.50 L/100 km (157 mpg_‑US) equivalent.[53] The electric power can also be saved—for example when driving to a zero-emissions zone. The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in around three and a half hours from a domestic mains outlet, or two and a half hours from a domestic wallbox. The battery weighs 120 kg (265 lb), giving the GTE a total kerb weight of 1,520 kg (3,351 lb).

Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport at the IAA 2015

The Golf GTE uses a six-speed DSG gearbox with a triple-clutch system specially developed for hybrid vehicles. The electric motor is integrated into the gearbox housing, while further hybrid components include power electronics and a charger. An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air conditioning compressor make for energy-efficient braking and air conditioning.

Inside as on the outside, the Golf GTE features blue highlights where the GTI has red. This includes stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seats, and a blue stripe in the tartan pattern on the sports seats. A 5.8-inch touchscreen display is standard, the eight-inch Discover Pro satellite navigation system with DAB radio and Bluetooth is a £1765 option, and includes bespoke functions for electric vehicles, including the ability to identify potential destinations on electric range, and electric charging points. The GTE will also feature an e-manager which allows the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating. These functions can also be operated remotely using the Volkswagen Car-Net app on a smartphone: a three-year subscription will be included in the UK.

The first GTE units were registered in Germany in August 2014,[54] and it was the second-best selling plug-in hybrid in Europe in 2015 with 17,282 sales.

Volkswagen Golf GTD

Volkswagen Golf GTD

Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate

The MK7 GTD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged common rail diesel engine with 184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp). Maximum torque—the characteristic that arguably best defines the easily accessible performance of the GTD—has risen from 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) to 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) from 1,750 rpm. The Golf R, in comparison, has 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) from 1,800 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) takes 7.5 seconds, while the top speed is 227 km/h (141 mph). The GTD has a combined fuel consumption of 4.18 L/100 km; 56.2 mpg_‑US (67.5 mpg_‑imp), making for CO2 emissions of only 109 g/km. With the optional six-speed DSG, fuel consumption is 4.50 L/100 km; 52.3 mpg_‑US (62.8 mpg_‑imp) and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. For comparison, when the first generation Golf BlueMotion went on sale at the end of 2007, it had the same fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

As with the GTI, a very high level of safety equipment is found as standard on the MkVII GTD.

three-door hatchback

five-door hatchback

The MK7 GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) with 162 kW (220 PS). In the GTI Performance version, the engine's maximum power is boosted to 169 kW (230 PS). Both GTI models develop 350 N⋅m. The standard GTI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. The GTI Performance has a top speed of 250 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Despite its performance, it is in insurance group 29E, five groups lower than its predecessor.

Both versions of the GTI are equipped with a start-stop system and fulfil 2014 Euro 6 emissions standards. With a six-speed manual gearbox, they attain the same low fuel consumption value of 47.1 mpg_‑imp (6.00 l/100 km) (CO2 emissions of 139 g/km). This means that the latest Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 44.1 mpg_‑imp (6.41 l/100 km) (equivalent to 148 g/km CO2 for the standard GTI and 149 g/km CO2 for the GTI Performance).

Buyers who purchase the £980 Performance pack not only gain 7 kW, but also gain upgraded brakes and a limited-slip differential. The front differential is a new development, dubbed VAQ. This provides more neutral and agile driving behaviour and allows higher speeds to be carried through curves. The system consists of a multi-plate coupler between the differential cage and right driveshaft, which controls locking torque electro-hydraulically. Visually, vehicles with the Performance Pack are distinguished by 'GTI' lettering on the front brake caliper, larger vented brake discs front and rear (the same as fitted to the 'R' version), and red GTI badges on the front and rear although some cars still retained their silver badging despite being fitted with the Performance Pack.

As well as high performance, a high level of safety equipment comes as standard in the Golf GTI. On top of high passive safety levels—thanks in part to a passenger cell made from high- and ultra-high strength steels—active safety features include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, which automatically applies the vehicle brakes after an accident to reduce the chances of a second impact; the pre-crash system, which tensions seatbelts and closes windows and the sunroof if an accident is likely to improve the effectiveness of the airbags; front assist, which warns the driver in the event of coming too close to the vehicle in front, can prime the brakes, and operates at speeds of up to 160 km/h; city emergency braking, which can automatically brake the vehicle at speeds below 30 km/h; automatic distance control, a radar-operated cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front; and seven airbags as standard, including one for the driver's knees.

In countries such as Mexico, the GTI version is only available with the five-door body style, with no plans to introduce the three-door body.

Volkswagen introduced a "Rabbit Edition" GTI for the 2019 model year. The Rabbit Edition featured a LED lighting package, "Vmax" spoiler, 18-inch "Pretoria" alloy wheels painted in gloss black, and red tags embroidered with the VW Rabbit logo on the seat.[55]

Volkswagen's Mexican division introduced an "Oettinger" version for the GTI for the 2021 model year. The Oettinger version features an aerodynamic kit for the front fascia with lip and splitters, side skirts, a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and a new spoiler with flaps, which stand out next to the version-specific 18-inch wheel set and black side mirrors. It is available in three colour options; Pure White, Tornado Red and Cornflower Blue. It will go on sale on 7 December 2020 and 700 units will only be built.[56]

Golf R hatchback (pre-facelift)

Golf R wagon (pre-facelift)

Golf R hatchback (post-facelift)

Golf R wagon (post-facelift)

Like the GTI, the Golf R is also built as a three- or five-door hatchback. It is powered by a newly developed version of the 1,984 cc (2.0 L; 121.1 cu in) turbocharged EA888 petrol FSI Inline-four engine used in the latest Golf GTI (and Audi S3), but in this application producing 300 PS (296 bhp; 221 kW) (206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) for "hot climate" markets such as Australia, South Africa, Japan, USA) from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm of torque.[71] Compared to the GTI's powerplant, the Golf R's engine has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and larger intercooler and turbocharger. DSG equipped models also come with an auxiliary oil cooler on the passenger side on right hand drive models.

0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 5.1 seconds (versus 5.7 seconds for previous Golf R), or 4.9 seconds with optional DSG gearbox. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). Despite this increased performance, a combined fuel consumption of 39.8 miles per imperial gallon (7.10 L/100 km; 33.1 mpg_‑US), and CO2 emissions of 165 g/km (159 g/km DSG) make the Golf R up to 18 percent more efficient than its predecessor.

The R uses an updated, fifth-generation Haldex 4MOTION four-wheel drive system. Under low loads or when coasting, the rear axle is decoupled, helping to reduce fuel consumption. Drive to the rear axle can be engaged in fractions of a second via the Haldex coupling, which is actuated by an electro-hydraulic pump. Up to 50 percent of power can be transferred to the rear axle. A brake actuated, XDS+ system mimics a limited-slip differential by applying the brakes to the wheel with the least traction, this is on both the front and rear axles.

The ride height is 20 mm lower than the standard Golf. Golf R models equipped with the optional 'DCC' (Dynamic Chassis Control), offer three suspension modes: 'Comfort', 'Normal', and 'Race'. Each mode adjusts the stiffness of the suspension damping, thereby offering drivers a way to change the way the vehicle responds by the push of a button. Comfort mode places the dampers in the softest setting, increasing the absorption of road imperfections allowing for a smoother and more comfortable ride. Race mode stiffens the dampers to their most aggressive setting, reducing body movements and increasing adhesion to the road for more precise high speed driving. Race mode also increases throttle response, firms up the steering for a heftier feel, and alters the shift pattern of the DSG gearbox (where fitted) as well as increases the speed of the Adaptive headlamps (AFS) response time.

On top of ESC Sport mode, as found on the GTI and GTD, which delays intervention of the electronic stability control system, the R offers the option fully to disengage the ESC, for track driving.

For the Canadian market, the optional Discover Pro 8" infotainment system is available as part of the single option "Technology Package", while only the 6.5" Discover is available to US consumers. In North America The Golf R comes standard with halogen tail lights and HID Bi-Xenon Headlight with LED front and side view mirror turn signals, while ROW markets received the options for a sunroof, a three door version, and LED tail lights. All these features are not available to the North American version. The Golf R and e-Golf are the only Golf models available in North America still produced in Germany. Other Golf models for the North American market are produced by Volkswagen de México in Puebla, Mexico.

A limited edition Golf R400 was rumored in August 2015 by Heinz-Jakob Neusser, then-head of brand development, but in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal (and Neusser's suspension) it was cancelled in favor of focusing on the Golf R.

For the South African market the Golf R received another upgrade in power in March 2019. The upgrade resulted in 228 kW and 400nm of torque (up from 213 kW and 380 nm in the facelift seen late in 2016). Additionally the Golf R also provides the option of fitting an Akrapovic performance exhaust at the factory. [72]

The MK7 Golf R was dropped from US markets in August 2019 to make way for the Volkswagen Golf MK8 in 2020.

five-door hatchback (facelift)

Variant (facelift)

Interior (facelift)

In November 2016, Volkswagen revealed a facelifted version of the Golf MK7. This model is referred to as the "New Golf" by Volkswagen while it is often informally referred to as the Golf 7.5. A new engine was introduced along with the facelift; a 1.5 litre TSI which produces 95.6 kW (128.2 hp; 130.0 PS) or 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS). Initially, the existing 1.4 litre TSI was available alongside this new 1.5 litre engine. The updated Golf GTI was increased from 162 kW (217 hp; 220 PS) to 169 kW (227 hp; 230 PS) in the standard car and from 169 kW (227 hp; 230 PS) to 180.2 kW (241.7 hp; 245.0 PS) with the performance pack. The Golf R similarly had its output increased from 221 kW (296 hp; 300 PS) to 228 kW (306 hp; 310 PS). In addition, the facelift increased infotainment screen size across the range as well as adding the option for a fully digital dashboard. The rear lights now utilise LED technology as standard (including a "sweeping" indicator effect on performance models) while this technology is optional on most models for the headlights.[73]