This is the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf – and it is the Car Articles Car of the Year 2012.
The seventh-generation Golf was unveiled on 4 September 2012, 38 years and 29 million units after the original model redefined the small family car. Based on the new MQB platform, the new Golf is bigger, lighter and safer than ever, bringing technically advanced features previously reserved for higher classes to a new audience.
Everything that has made the Golf previously a legendary car is culminated in this latest incarnation. It seems inconceivable that the sixth gen could have been improved on, but there we are. Interior highlights include a centre console angled more towards the driver, giving them easier, more ergonomic and direct access to auxiliary controls, including the new generation of touchscreen infotainment systems that is available on the Golf.
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.
Safety is of course paramount and the Golf comes up trump here, featuring: Adaptive Cruise Control, City Emergency Braking, Multi Collision Brake System, Pre crash System, Driver Alert system and much more. The seventh generation car is one of the safest on the road.
Powering the Golf is a new range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems. At launch, the petrol engines are a 1.2-litre TSI 85 PS unit returning 4.9 l/100 km (around 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, and achieves up to 4.8 l/100 km (58.9 mpg and 112 g/km). The launch diesel engines are a 1.6-litre unit with 105 PS, which returns 3.8 l/100 km (74.3 mpg and 99 g/km), and a 2.0-litre 150 PS unit which returns 4.1 l/100 km (68.9 mpg and 106 g/km).
The Golf range starts from £16,285 on the road. All of this adds up to a car that is capable of just about any task you’ll ask of it – whether moving some luggage, transporting the family or having a bit of ‘B’ road fun. Naturally I’m waiting for the GTI however you can’t argue with the 1.4 litre TSI 140 PS unit – a cracking engine with Active Cylinder Technology and a great miles per gallon figure. I guarantee that this will be an extremely common sight on UK roads – but for all the right reasons. Well done seventh generation Volkswagen Golf – you are the Car Articles Car of the Year 2012.
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