While the exterior changes are minimal, the Golf's platform is based on the MQB platform that will underpin all upcoming models from the Volkswagen stable. Before I go on, this is clearly an important news as the Golf will be the first of its kind to showcase the capabilities of the new platform system. The platform increases the size of the car by a bit - 56mm longer, 13 mm wider, 28 mm lower - giving more boot space and room for your gramma at the back. You may say that cars of today are bigger and bulkier but the new Golf isn't. While it grows bigger, the new platform manages to shave 100 kg off. That's two anorexic teen boys we're talking here.
There are a wide variety of engines to choose from. For a start, there are two diesel machines, a 2.0l with 145 bhp doing 24.3 km/l and a 1.6l producing 103 bhp. 26.3 km/l is done in the 1.6. For the petrol versions, you don't get the 1.4 Twincharger. Instead, you get a turbocharged 1.4l which puts out 138 bhp replacing the twincharger engine. It also gives good fuel consumption with 20.9 km per litre of petrol. There will be a 1.2l version as well with 84 bhp which is shit in terms of overtaking Reliant Robins and returns only 20.4 km in a litre of petrol. I expected more miles from you, tiny engine. DSG will be the transmission powering all the cars and I bet there would be manual options too. The DSG helps save petrol as well as it cuts off together with the engine like a start stop function when the car is stationary.
The new Golf also gets loads of tech. Instead of conventional hand brakes, the electronic parking brake system replaces it which is a good thing since this isn't a race car. Chic. Wait, ricers should be sad. Anyway, there is a 5.8 inch touch screen in the dash that works like a small tablet. Should be more advanced than the current RCD 510, I reckon. Driver aids like adaptive cruise control, fatigue detection, lane assist, traffic sign detection (What?) and multi-collision brake system will be fitted in the new Golf too. Traffic sign detection may be a bit of a gimmick but the multi collision brake system is one that would save your life in a sticky situation. The rest of the aids should be a good thing but imagine driving you wife's Honda right after and you'd be on the other side of the road because the Golf does everything for you, literally. Okay, not give you sexy time but it clearly watches your back. Hmmm, food for thought?
While the car is a big step ahead, I'd like to see what the GTi would offer. Can't wait!
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