Since the current, 7th generation Golf was launched in 2012, VW has sold more than 3.2 million Golfs worldwide and with the mid-cycle facelift, VW expects it can slightly expand its market share in Europe’s stagnating compact segment.
Along with new seven-speed double clutch gearboxes, the Golf will also debut a new 1.5-liter gasoline engine called “1.5 TSI Evo,” whose 128 horsepower BlueMotion version improves fuel economy by 1 liter per 100 km thanks to various optimizations. This includes cylinder deactivation and a power-boosting variable geometry turbo charger. The engine is also particularly efficient thanks to higher compression ratios achieved via early intake valve closure (EIVC). Additionally, it can be completely shut off during operation when the driver takes the foot off the accelerator.
This form of coasting known as “sailing” had previously only featured in some hybrids, and VW claims it is the first conventional combustion engine to offer such an innovation. In order to maintain power to major operations such as power steering, VW built in an extra 12-volt battery to provide electricity. This cuts fuel consumption to an estimated 4.6 liters per 100 km and its CO2 emissions to 104 grams per km.
The Golf has some minor design cues most prominently seen in new shape of the headlights, which wrap further around the corners of the car. It also now comes with LED taillights as standard and in the top-line version it incorporates dynamic lane-change indicators.
VW said advance sales of the face-lifted Golf will start at the beginning of December with prices starting at the same base price as the current car, despite the higher specifications. The update covers the two- and four-door Golfs, the Golf wagon, and the Golf GTI and Golf GTE variants.
Top 10 compact cars in Europe though Sept. with % change included
- VW Golf 381,948 -7
- Opel Astra 188,544 +27
- Skoda Octavia 170,976 +4
- Ford Focus 167,101 -9
- Peugeot 308 154,306 +2
- Audi A3 146,828 -4
- Mercedes A class 108,118 +19
- Renault Megane 100,640 +3
- Toyota Auris 100,072 +6
- BMW 1 series 97,280 +21
