The new VW Golf is 5.6cm longer than the current model,1.3cm wider, 2.8cm lower and has a 5.9cm longer wheelbase.Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength, ‘hot-formed’steel in its construction, and arange of other weight-saving measures, it’s up to 100kg lighter than the current car.
Characteristic thick rear pillar is retained; wider tailgate to make loading the boot easier
In combination with a new range of engines, improved aerodynamics and other efficiency improvements, CO2 emissions have been reduced by an average of 13.9% across the range.
The entry-level engine will bean 84bhp 1.2 TSI petrol that averages 57.7mpg and emits 113g/km of CO2. There’ll also be a 138bhp 1.4 TSI petrol with cylinder-deactivation (ACT) technology, which shuts down two of its four cylinders under light engine loads to save fuel. It averages 58.9mpg and 112g/km of CO2.

New 2013 Volkswagen Golf's styling has evolved subtly; similarities to current and previous models >
The diesel line-up kicks off with a 103bhp 1.6 TDI that averages 74.3mpg and 99g/km of CO2. The Bluemotion version (which hasthe same engine but extra efficiency-boosting measures)emits just 85g/km of CO2 and averages 88mpg. A new 148bhp 2.0 TDI engine replaces the current 138bhp version; it averages 68.9mpg and 106/gkm of CO2.
Eventually, a higher-powered 1.2 TSI, a non-ACT 1.4 TSI petrol and a higher-powered diesel engine are expected to join the range. The MQB platform has been developed to accept five- and six-cylinder engines and four-wheel-drive, so these would be possible - but not necessarily likely - for the Golf. VW sources suggest a replacement for the high-performance Golf R modelis unlikely.
Two rear suspension set-upswill be available. Versions withpower outputs below 121bhp get a lighter, simpler system; the rest get a more sophisticated multi-link system, like the current car's. A new ‘Progressive Steering’ system that changes the steering ratio to boost low-speed manoeuvrability and reduce the effort needed to turn at speed is standard across the range.
Volkswagen says the Golf’s refinement has been improved. From SE trim upwards, the car will have as standard a system that offersfour driving modes (Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual) and adjusts the engine management and air-conditioning systems accordingly. Models with a DSGsemi-auto gearbox also have a Comfort mode.
Longer and lower than currentGolf; front wheels have movedforward within the body.

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