Ground clearance (clearance) of a class "C" car (Golf class). Ground clearance of Volkswagen Golf, ground clearance of Volkswagen Golf of different generations New interior - photo, filling and finishing

The 7th generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback (sales began in 2013) is built on a modern modular MQB platform. The car body is a lightweight and at the same time rigid structure, consisting of 80% high-strength steel. The power frame rests on the front independent suspension with MacPherson struts and the rear suspension, which, depending on the modification, has two versions - a semi-independent beam or an independent multi-link. The model is available in 3 and 5-door versions.

The line of Volkswagen Golf 7 engines in Russia includes naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol units. The list includes:

1.6 MPI 110 l. With.;
1.4 TSI 125 l. With.;
1.4 TSI 150 l. With.

There is a whole scattering of gearboxes - these are 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions, a 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DSG robot. Mechanics with 5 gears and automatic transmission rely on an atmospheric 1.6 MPI with distributed injection. Turbocharged 1.4 TSI 125 hp It is combined with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7DSG. The top-end 150-horsepower engine is equipped only with a “robot”.

The latest tandem has the best dynamic characteristics, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. Those for whom this is not enough can pay attention to the sports versions of the model: and.

In terms of efficiency, TSI turbo fours look more preferable. Thus, the average fuel consumption of Volkswagen Golf 7 with 1.4-liter engines is 5.0 liters. A hatchback with a naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI burns 1.0-1.5 liters more, depending on the gearbox used.

Full technical specifications of Volkswagen Golf 7 – summary table:

Parameter	Volkswagen Golf 1.6 MPI 110 hp		Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 125 hp		Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 hp
Engine
Engine code	C.W.V.A.		CPVB/CZCA		CHPB/CZDA/CZEA
engine's type	petrol
Injection type	distributed		direct
Supercharging	No		Yes
Number of cylinders	4
Cylinder arrangement	in-line
Number of valves per cylinder	4
Volume, cubic cm.	1598		1395
Cylinder diameter/piston stroke, mm	76.5 x 86.9		74.5 x 80.0
Power, hp (at rpm)	110 (5800)		125 (5000-6000)		150 (5000-6000)
Torque, N*m (at rpm)	155 (3800-4000)		200 (1400-4000)		250 (1500-3500)
Transmission
Drive unit	front
Transmission	5 manual transmission	6 automatic transmission	6 manual transmission	7DSG	7DSG
Suspension
Front suspension type	independent, McPherson
Rear suspension type	semi-dependent		independent, multi-link
Brake system
Front brakes	ventilated disc
Rear brakes	disk
Steering
Amplifier type	electric
Tires and wheels
Tire size	195/65 R15 / 205/55 R16
Disk size	6.5Jx15 / 6.5Jx16
Fuel
Fuel type	AI-95
Environmental class	Euro 5
Tank volume, l	55
Fuel consumption
Urban cycle, l/100 km	8.1	8.9	6.7	6.1	6.2
Extra-urban cycle, l/100 km	5.0	5.2	4.3	4.3	4.4
Combined cycle, l/100 km	6.1	6.6	5.2	5.0	5.0
dimensions
Number of seats	5
Number of doors	3/5
Length, mm	4255
Width, mm	1799
Height, mm	1452
Wheelbase, mm	2637
Front wheel track, mm	1549
Rear wheel track, mm	1520
Trunk volume (min./max.), l	350/1305
Ground clearance (clearance), mm	142
Weight
Curb, kg	1197	1230	1225	1249	1288
Full, kg	1720	1750	1730	1750	1800
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h	190	186	204	204	216
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s	10.5	11.9	9.1	9.1	8.2

The Germans have always been distinguished by clarity, precision and conciseness. The sixth Volkswagen Golf (Volkswagen Golf 6) was no exception. The correct one is the first thing that comes to mind when looking at it. And indeed, there is not a single unnecessary detail, everything is clear, debugged, there is nothing to complain about. Everything is somewhere between the “ok” and “excellent” positions. At the same time, it cannot be said that the sixth Volkswagen Golf (Volkswagen Golf 6) is some kind of mediocre car. Not at all! Laconic, confident, strict, and at the same time extremely comfortable... When you sit in it, you immediately understand - this is German quality! As Volkswagen itself positions the Volkswagen Golf 6 - “Simply the best.” At first you want to argue with this, but after looking closely, you involuntarily agree. Of course, the price is steep, but the game is worth the trouble. Everyone is talking in unison about the inflated price, because for the same 700,000 wooden ones you can easily get both a Golf and, say, a “Russified” Ford Focus 2 ( Ford Focus II ) in a fairly rich configuration. At the same time, the “German” will be equipped with only the most necessary things, and for the remaining options, most of which are not at all superfluous, you will have to shell out additional money from your wallet. However, what you want is a well-promoted and popular brand, and of course you have to pay for the name. In addition, the Germans have a special approach to sales: they sell cars, and all the rest, if you noticed, are options to which the car is simply attached.

The Volkswagen Golf 6 is still somehow attractive, because if you need a comfortable and reliable car without any “frills,” then the Volkswagen Golf 6 in its C-class will certainly give everyone a head start. It’s for nothing that he is considered the founder of the class (“Golf Class”). By the way, when we approached the Volkswagen Golf 6, we thought about how different it is from its predecessor, but at the same time the relationship is immediately obvious. What can you say - an old proven classic, in addition, stuffed with the latest developments - a win-win option. But the Germans decided not to stop there and radically “sharpened” the design of the Volkswagen Golf 6, placing the main emphasis on “urban sportiness.” But stop beating around the bush. We tested a silver five-door Volkswagen Golf 6 with a 1.6-liter engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission. DSG . Let's look at it in detail, so...

Exterior Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6)

So what do we have? As mentioned above, the Volkswagen Golf 6 is significantly different from its ancestors. Clear design, perfect execution of every line - these are the distinctive features of the Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6). Despite the apparent severity, the front of the car is sporty and smart. A striking, eye-catching radiator grille (coated with black piano lacquer, giving a dazzling, noble shine) and slightly pointed headlights complete the image of a confident urban gentleman. The front mirrors, bumpers and door handles are painted to match the body - everything is expensive, without saving.

In profile, the Volkswagen Golf 6 is no less elegant and dynamic. To visually lengthen, stretch and once again add a sporty note to the design of the Volkswagen Golf 6, a fairly deep belt line (tornado line) extends on the sides of the car from the front and almost to the rear headlights. Thanks to it, the rear of the car seems lower and squat than it actually is. It seems as if the Volkswagen Golf 6 has self-confidently raised its shiny nose - the position allows it! The elegant side windows merge into a single unit, but in fact, consist of three sections. The sculpted wheel arches blend perfectly with the sweeping curves of the roof.

The taillights of the Volkswagen Golf 6 are made in red and burgundy tones. For the original idea, we must say thanks to the designer of the latest Volkswagen Golf, Walter de Silva, who has always felt a certain craving for flashy lighting technology. By the time he became chief designer, the appearance of the Volkswagen Golf 6 had already been designed and it was no longer possible to radically change anything. On the silver surface, such rich accents inexorably attract the eye, and the completely “Golf-like” rear pillar curved at an angle adds color. By the way, this pillar has already become the “face” of the Volkswagen Golf, although it is located at the rear. It is one of the most recognizable, striking and enduring design features of the Volkswagen Golf.

Let's say a few words about ground clearance. Even though our roads seem to be being built/improved, we still have to jump over giant curbs and treacherous potholes. According to GOST, the height of the curbs should be 100±10 mm, and the ground clearance of the Volkswagen Golf 6 should be 120 mm. Everything seems to fit, but not for our road builders, who apparently confuse centimeters with inches. Therefore, you need to drive the Volkswagen Golf 6 more carefully.

Interior of Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6)

Inside, the Volkswagen Golf 6 is comfortable and practical. One of our drivers was almost 190 cm tall, but he not only got behind the wheel without difficulty, but was also able to sit “behind him” (behind the seat customized for himself). The front seats have pronounced lateral support, which does not dig into the side or buttocks, as was the case in the Chevrolet Cruze. There is plenty of room in the back for two passengers. They won’t be particularly happy with the third one, but they won’t fight with him for extra space. In the cabin, everything is at hand, everything is within reach: from the driver’s seat you can freely reach not only the climate control, but also the glove box. The abundance of chrome parts unobtrusively sets accents, diversifying the interior and adding a high-tech touch to the laconic and strict interior design of the Volkswagen Golf 6.

The dashboard of the Volkswagen Golf 6 is again neat and practical. The devices are arranged well, and data from them is easy to read. There is also a small screen that displays which door is open, and which of the Volkswagen Golf 6 passengers forgot to buckle up.

Calm, without any pretentiousness, the dashboard harmoniously accommodates all the functional buttons, and a discreet niche in the center console allows you to throw small items of frequent use, such as a telephone or cigarettes, there during the trip. You feel like you’re in a luxury, high-quality car, and you can’t help but forget what class you’re sitting in, because even the harsh plastic under the console is made in such a way that it looks rich and sleek. All this looks unusual against the backdrop of the pretentiousness of the new competing Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6).

The steering wheel on the Volkswagen Golf 6 was taken not from anywhere, but from its older brother, the Volkswagen Passat CC. Some may be flattered by this, but others may be wary of whether it is too big for the Volkswagen Golf 6. Why? Good comfortable steering wheel.

Data from the climate control of the Volkswagen Golf 6 is displayed on a monitor shared with the stereo system. The air conditioner step is one degree (for information, in the fifth Volkswagen Golf (Volkswagen Golf 5) the temperature could be varied more precisely - by half a degree). For clarity, the selected temperature value lights up above the regulator, so there is no need to guess.

We talked about the coolness in the Volkswagen Golf 6, now a few words about heating. Heated seats. On the instrument console you will not find the usual heating buttons. The cunning Germans saved space and placed the heating buttons directly on the climate control dials. Heating has four levels of operating intensity. At maximum intensity, I think it will penetrate even through a guard's sheepskin coat.

Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6) is equipped with four electric windows, the control buttons for which are located on the left hand of the driver on the door - a classic. There is also a button for locking all power windows, which has already become the norm. Such a convenient detail will help the driver concentrate on the road, and not worry about a naughty child inadvertently injuring himself. By the way, let’s not move our hand far away; on the same panel there is a joystick for adjusting the mirrors of the Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6). Everything is nearby, you don’t need to look for anything.

Let's talk a little about the little things: pockets, glove compartments and niches of the Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6). Although how can one call such a large and roomy armrest as a trifle, like that of the Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6). Wide, retractable, convenient, it hides a practical compartment where a lot can fit: a card, a netbook, and CDs with music. Actually, it’s up to you to decide what to put there, our job is to notice - if you’re in a hurry when getting out of the car, don’t forget to check if you forgot what you need in the armrest, since many people open the glove compartment in front of the front passenger by inertia, but the armrest hides it so harmoniously and discreetly there are objects in it, so it’s not surprising to scour the entire car in search of the “loss”, and then accidentally find it there. Tested from my own experience.

The spacious glove box of the Volkswagen Golf 6 has 2 compartments, one of which is a niche on top, which can easily fit a heavy A5 folder. The glove compartment is illuminated, cooled, and also hides the front passenger airbag switch inside. It has a trapezoidal shape, slightly narrowed closer to the door. Without focusing further on the details, we can say that the Volkswagen Golf 6 has a sufficient number of niches and recesses, and the pockets on the sides of the front seats can accommodate a two-liter bottle of water.

I was a little surprised by the presence of a handle above the driver's door of the Volkswagen Golf 6; if passengers are supposed to hold on to the handles during dashing drifts, then the driver should hold on to the steering wheel at this time. It would have been much more logical to place a glasses case there, but the Germans preferred to allocate a niche for glasses in front of the front lamp.

Going lower, let's pay attention to the Volkswagen Golf 6 gearbox. Our configuration had a seven-speed DSG. This is a real breakthrough, because it is much more efficient, sporty and comfortable than its 4- and 5-speed relatives. On Russian roads, the Volkswagen Golf 6 also drives with a five-speed manual, but that’s not what we’re talking about. The combination of a direct shift transmission with a TSI engine has made it possible to achieve significant savings in fuel consumption - by almost one third (28%, to be precise), now gasoline consumption per 100 km/h is only 6 liters. It also significantly reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere, if this is important to someone.

Behind the gear lever of the Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6) you can see the on and off buttons for ASR - a traction control system that brakes the slipping wheel, while simultaneously reducing engine speed.

The trunk of the Volkswagen Golf 6 has remained almost unchanged. The capacity remains the same - 350 liters. It is possible to fold the backrests of the rear seats sectionally. Also, the back of the rear seat of the Volkswagen Golf 6 is adapted for transporting long objects - it has a special opening behind the armrest. And to ensure that your purchases are evenly distributed throughout the trunk and do not dangle or roll around on the road, there are 4 convenient hooks on the sides for fastening. A nice touch is the 12-volt outlet: you can connect a refrigerator, flashlight or compressor to it.

One cannot fail to mention sound insulation. Volkswagen Golf 6 is generally called the quietest car in its class - and it’s hard to argue with that.

Visibility Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6)

The side rear view mirrors of the Volkswagen Golf 6 have changed little compared to the mirrors of its predecessor. Yes, small turn signal repeaters have appeared, but at the same time the size of the mirrors has remained the same, but I would like, of course, to be larger. At the same time, visibility in the Volkswagen Golf 6 is satisfactory, and the driver can easily adjust the mirrors even while moving.

The rear-view mirror of the Volkswagen Golf 6 also cannot boast of large sizes, but thanks to automatic dimming, the driver will not be blinded by the high beam reflected in the mirror. The photo sensor system sensitively controls the degree of illumination and instantly dims the interior mirror if necessary.

One of the pleasant surprises is the headlights of the Volkswagen Golf 6, which are equipped with an automatic cornering lighting system, which allows you, when driving on a winding road, not to worry about turning on the fog lights for better illumination of the roadsides. The smart computer of the Volkswagen Golf 6 will do everything for you; you just need to turn the steering wheel a sufficient number of degrees and the headlights begin to “mow” in the same direction. There is a cheaper solution to this problem - an additional lamp in the corner of the headlight, which lights up when you turn the steering wheel (like the Citroen C5 ( Citroen C 5) or Nissan Tiana ( Nissan Teana )), but, as mentioned, they did not save on the Volkswagen Golf 6.

Technologies Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6)

Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6) is packed with technology to the brim. Here and ESP new generation, and ABS and MSR , and traction control, and many other miracles. The list could take a long time. The Germans stand for safety! The number of airbags may vary depending on the configuration. The front passenger airbag can be switched off, which is necessary when transporting a small child in the front seat in a child seat with its back to the traffic.

Also, let's not ignore this small but very useful device. Hidden in the rotating Volkswagen Golf 6 emblem is a small rear view camera, which automatically extends and makes it easier to park the car in reverse.

Motor Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6)

And, ending our test drive, let's talk a little about one of the hearts of the Volkswagen Golf 6 - the engine. Oddly enough, the weakest engine with only 80 hp is the most popular. volume 1.4 liters. Although, what’s strange here, because according to his passport, 100 km/h requires only 6.4 liters of gasoline. Our Volkswagen Golf 6 was stronger - with a 106-horsepower 1.6-liter engine. Don't let the small number of horses compared to competitors scare you. Real power is hidden not in “horses”, but in newton meters. “Horses” are only good for speed and only show themselves at high speeds. At the same time, prepare money for the increased transport tax and for the excess gasoline burned.

Thanks to the intelligent, innovative TSI technology, the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission ensures comfortable gear changes without interrupting the power flow. This means that the Volkswagen Golf 6 is smooth during acceleration and faster than competitors with automatic transmission. In addition, the 7-speed DSG transmission significantly reduces fuel consumption.

It’s good that “pure Germans” are still alive, cars that are rightfully considered the best in the world (I wouldn’t want them to suffer the fate of “pure Englishmen”). Strong, confident, urban - this is the Volkswagen Golf 6. To be different is a crime for him. We wouldn't understand. Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6) deserves a high title for its calm disposition, reliability and unconditional comfort.

Official photo gallery of Volkswagen Golf 6 (Volkswagen Golf 6)

Photographer: Ekhenov Roman

Specifications

For the 7th generation Volkswagen Golf, four engines will be offered initially, two petrol and two diesel:

Gasoline engines FSI 1.2 l. power 85 hp and 1.4 l. at 140 hp,
diesel TDI 1.6 l. power 105 hp and 2.0 l. at 150 hp.

By default, a 6-speed manual transmission is installed; an automatic transmission is available as an option - a 7-speed “robot” DSG.

Options and price

The new Volkswagen Golf 7 has already been produced in Germany at the Wolfsburg plant since the beginning of August 2012. The start of sales in Europe will take place immediately after the world premiere at the Paris Motor Show - early October 2012. Prices for Germany have already been announced, but so far only for three-door versions - they will be the first to go on sale.
How much does the Volkswagen Golf 2013 cost in Germany: the price of the Golf Trendline is from 16,975 euros, the cost of the Golf Comfortline is from 18,925 euros and the Golf Highline is from 24,175 euros. The new 7th generation Golf will reach Russia and the CIS countries no earlier than 2013.

New body - design and dimensions

There were no revolutionary changes in the appearance of the key new Volkswagen product; the seventh Volkswagen Golf of 2012-2013 has evolved and began to look fresh and modern. The designers rewarded the car with stylish headlights with complex xenon-LED filling, courageous wheel arches, neat bumpers, ribs on the doors and sidewalls, an additional window in the frame of the front doors, rear-view mirrors on legs, and tail lights with LEDs.
The car body looks expensive, strict and restrained.

Dimensional dimensions, presented just below, will help the reader complete the visual perception of the changed and prettier Volkswagen Golf 7. Compared to the previous 6th generation, the new hatchback:

- increased in length by 56 mm (up to 4255 mm), became wider by 13 mm (up to 1799 mm), the wheelbase increased in size by 59 mm (up to 2637 mm), height became smaller by 28 mm (up to 1452 mm),

Golf7 ground clearance above the road surface ( clearance), depending on size

- installed wheels R15-R18, is 140-150 mm,
- in the basic version the tire size is 195/65R15,
- disk size

The increased dimensions did not affect the increase in the weight of the car; on the contrary, the use of high-strength steel in the manufacture of the body in a larger volume and the reduction in the weight of components and assemblies made it possible to reduce the weight of the new car by an average of 100 kg compared to its predecessor.

New interior - photos, filling and finishing

The interior of the Volkswagen Golf VII welcomes the driver and passengers with increased dimensions; the increase for the first row is 20 mm in length and 30 mm in width; in the second row, legroom has increased by 15 mm, and at shoulder level of passengers by 22 mm. The steering wheel is adjustable in two planes, the instrument panel has two large and informative dials with a 5-inch multifunction display screen of the on-board computer located in the center.

The center console, facing the driver, is crowned with a color touchscreen monitor, depending on the configuration, 5.3 or 8 inches diagonal. Stylish architecture, sophisticated ergonomics, comfortable seats, high-quality materials, rich basic equipment - here it is, the new VII generation Golf.
In the second row, two people will be comfortable; the third passenger will have to put up with a high tunnel on the floor and the bulge of the sofa cushion. Trunk when traveling, it can hold 380 liters; the dimensions of the cargo area formed when the rear seats are folded are 1272 mm long and 1023 mm wide. The maximum possible length of the cargo area is 2412 mm, which is achieved by folding the front passenger seat.

The standard equipment (Trendline package) for the Volkswagen Golf 7 includes air conditioning, seven airbags, a black-and-white 5-inch on-board computer screen on the dashboard, electric heated mirrors, power windows for all doors, electromechanical power steering, driver's seat microlift, Brake energy recovery system, XDS (cross-axle differential lock), engine start-stop system, electronic parking brake, iron wheels.
For more saturated versions of Comfortline and Highline, climate control, self-parking, advanced music with an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, all-round cameras, leather trim, active cruise control, adaptive shock absorbers, PreCrash security complex with automatic braking function will be available. , adjuster of engine, suspension and power steering modes with five modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Normal, Individual, sports seats and... the list of options is long. The cost of the new VW Golf 7 in Russia starts from 599,000 rubles (three doors, 85 hp, poor equipment Trendline without even a radio), VW Golf 7 Highline (three doors, 140 hp, DSG) costs from 923,000 rubles. For a five-door body you need to pay at least 32,000 rubles.

The famous German hatchback has recently been updated. The seventh generation received a completely updated “clothes” and acquired more sporty technical characteristics. In particular, the vehicle's ground clearance has been changed.

VW Golf range

The popular youth series contains all the features of the classic Passat. The cool appearance captivates at first sight. Become is able to emphasize the high status of the owner, predisposed to active pastime.

The line is traditionally represented by several modifications:

Golf;

Golf GTI;

Golf Plus;

Golf R.

The Germans established their relationship between sporty dynamics and everyday comfort by creating the GTI modification. It is aimed at young people - this is once again reminded by the defiant red line, which emphasizes the aggressiveness of the front part of the body. Magnitude ground clearance of a modified Volkswagen Golf also transferred to the rank of sports.

Modified by the German tuning division, the Golf received an additional inscription R. It indicates exclusively a sporty inclination. This is reflected in the equipment list. The R version is available with all-wheel drive and boosted to 300 hp. two-liter unit.

Road quality: ground clearance dictates the Volkswagen Golf's conditions

One of the important indicators of technical characteristics is ground clearance. The quality of domestic roads forces consumers to increasingly pay attention to this indicator. Therefore, ordinary drivers have to sacrifice a lower center of gravity for the sake of cross-country ability.

The German concern has already developed a special program according to which products with an increased distance between the road and the body are supplied to the CIS countries. A special package provides for the installation of additional elements into the suspension structure. The manufacturer assures that the set of additional measures does not in any way affect the vehicle’s handling.

Modified for the stock Volkswagen Golf hatchback body and ground clearance, it is 165 mm. In the European version this value is limited to 142 mm. According to the owners, on a high-quality track the difference is still felt. So, after 150 km/h, body stability suffers from the oncoming flow, while stability in this regard is observed on the European analogue. With the Plus modification, absolutely the same situation is observed.

The opportunity to enjoy improved dynamics is provided to owners of the upgraded version of the GTI. The ground clearance of 130 mm, although it is a barrier in overcoming high bumps, is just right for the city. The main thing is that the engineers managed to use the 35 mm compensation link to its advantage. The base car is inferior in all respects to the controllability of the charged version.

The track-specific R version has the same ground clearance as the GTI model. By using 4Motion all-wheel drive and a more aggressive suspension, it was possible to create a car that is connected to the road as a single unit. The super-stiff suspension helps you maintain full control of the car when cornering. However, on domestic roads it provides great discomfort when moving.

The station wagon version of the car is not supplied to the Russian market. In the Variant version, the ground clearance is 140 mm.

If the ground clearance does not meet the requirements

The surface of the roadway does not always meet the requirements of even domestic GOSTs. Residents of the outback often encounter such obstacles on public roads that even a special package from VW does not help.

You can safely correct the situation with your own hands. It is possible to increase the ground clearance of a Volkswagen Golf using the following methods:

installation of new springs with an increased number of turns;

installation of spacers in the mounting unit for shock absorbers of the front and rear wheels;

replacement of standard supports with modified ones.

Owners most often resort to the second method. It is the simplest and requires the least cost. The spacer for the front shock absorbers is machined according to the drawing. When working on the front suspension, you should dismantle the strut and install a homemade element between the support bearing and the spring plate.

The “Bad Roads” package already contains this element. If desired, it can be dismantled and replaced with a homemade one. At the end of the operation, it is necessary to re-install the wheel angles.

The most popular series from VW is quite well adapted to domestic roads. The GTI and R modifications have a sporty character and, as a result, a reduced ground clearance. The Golf has 165 mm of ground clearance as standard. If desired, the distance between the body and the road can be easily increased using the above methods.

The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf was presented on October 24, 2019 at the Wolfsburg Motor Show – the place of invention. Fans clearly did not expect such an update, because a lot of electricity appeared, including motors, and the level of equipment does not fit in with a relatively inexpensive car.

It is this car that takes a serious step towards digital technologies and an electric future, the prospects of which have been constantly debated. Now it is useless to argue, since one of the most popular cars is moving in this direction.

Electric exterior style

Cars equipped with electric motors have always tried to stand out in appearance. Here the manufacturer went for the same price, but it’s not a fact that it was successful. The LED head optics, at the top equipped with iQ-Light matrix headlights with 22 LEDs, caused a lot of controversy. Its thin shape with convex shapes at the bottom looks cold.

The bumper of the new Golf 2019-2020 looks interesting, especially its lower black wide part with three horizontal lines. The edges of the top two are painted in body color. This part will be slightly different in the electric versions. While fashionable aggression is supported by the side lines of the hood.

From the side you can see the architecture. There is more detailing; in addition to the classic strip separating the door handles, the eye is drawn by the exit line from the bottom of the window frame. The swollen arches, the lower deep recess - everything has been preserved.

The slope of the rear roof is clearly visible from the rear. It ends with a spoiler integrated into the rounded trunk lid. L-shaped LED taillights add a sense of sophistication that is supported by the name under the German manufacturer's logo. A detailed inspection of the bumper attracts a new solution for recessing under the license plate, creating a thin threshold for the trunk of the Golf mk8. At the bottom there is a plastic cover into which an exhaust system with nozzles for a 4-barrel system is integrated.

Changed dimensions of the hatchback:

length – 4284 mm;
width – 1789 mm;
height – 1456 mm;
wheelbase – 2636 mm.

From an engineering point of view, the design has become better, because the drag coefficient has decreased to 0.275 Cx.

Down with mechanical buttons – salon

Yes, it will be difficult to get used to, because the usual mechanical buttons remain only on the 3-spoke steering wheel, which is correct - you won’t turn on something by accident. And of course the alarm is mechanical. Everything else, even the headlight control, is touch sensitive.

The main change in the interior is concentrated on the dashboard, which itself has a stylish shape. There are two displays: a 10.25-inch instrument panel display and a central multimedia display. The size of the second one in the database (Discover Media) is 8.25 inches; the optional Discover Pro is 2 inches wider.

Images of the instrument panel screen of the eighth Volkswagen Golf are customizable, they can be displayed there in different styles simulating analog sensors, and you can transfer the navigation map. An optional projection is installed. Everything is configured through the second screen, including the climate control installed in the base (optional 3-zone). The decision to abandon the usual buttons and move the climate to the screen is risky, let's see how convenient it will be, because before the car was a triumph of ergonomics. Perhaps voice control from Amazon will improve the situation.

Comfort in the cabin is created by a contour suspension, which has from 10 to 32 colors (depending on the configuration). The presence of a large sliding panoramic roof is surprising. Music lovers will appreciate the optional Harman/Kardon system.

We changed the architecture of the Volkswagen Golf 2019-2020 seats, they became more comfortable, and received 2 electrical adjustment memory positions. There is not much free space, which is due to the size of the car. All settings, even a music playlist, can be saved and transferred via Personalization 2.0 to your other Volkswagen car.

The style of the central tunnel has been changed, but its main innovation is considered to be a joystick for controlling the modes of the gear button in the Porsche style. The trunk has a pleasant 380-liter volume, there is a power socket, and folding the 60/40 sofa gives 1,237 liters.

Car2X, iQ.Drive and safety

Car2X is a system for exchanging data with cars and traffic lights connected to the same system. Within a radius of up to 800 meters, the car exchanges data about the traffic situation. If there is a traffic jam on the highway, then in the Travel Assist adaptive cruise control mode, the Golf VIII hatchback will independently slow down and follow the flow.

Mercedes-Benz uses something similar.

iQ.Drive is a future autopilot system consisting of many sensors:

lane control;
blind spot analysis;
control of road signs and other sensors.

The car drives along the lanes on its own, analyzes the situation via Car2X, but prohibits removing your hands from the steering wheel for more than 15 seconds.

The safety of the car has not yet been assessed. Obviously, all systems + 8 airbags will provide it with 5 stars.

Lots of electricity - characteristics

Naturally, the manufacturer has not completely switched to electricity, for now it is only a hybrid. Electricity is the Volkswagen ID series. The base is equipped with simple TSI engines E211 Evo:

liter version with 90 or 110 horsepower version;
1.5-liter unit with 130 or 150 horsepower.

It is optionally equipped with eTSI mild hybrid technology with a 48-volt starter-generator that helps start the engine and take off. This ensured a reduction in fuel consumption by 10% in the WLTP cycle, and in theory will increase the reliability of the engine.

The list of diesel engines of the new Volkswagen Golf 2019-2020 consists of a 2-liter version with a capacity of 115 or 150 horsepower. The full plug-in hybrid gets a 13 kW battery and an electric motor. The main engine of the hybrid versions is a 1.4-liter TSI, which produces 204 horsepower in the regular version, while the GTE model will receive 245 horses.

The engines are paired with a 6-speed BVM6 manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG robot. eTSI motors are only equipped with a robot. The cars are front-wheel drive, the top-end diesel can be taken with all-wheel drive. In the future there will be sports versions of the R and GTI.

We built a new product on the modernized MQB platform. The front suspension will always be located on independent MacPherson struts, and the rear axle suspension depends on the configuration. Basic models will receive a torsion beam, and a 4-lever independent design will be installed at the top. Optionally, the hatchback will be equipped with DCC adaptive shock absorbers with three stiffness modes.

According to available information, the Russian market will be severely limited to motors. Volkswagen Golf received two engines of the previous generation - 1.4 TSI and 1.6 MPI. Perhaps the manufacturer is confident that hybrid sales will fail here.

Price

Sales of the car will begin at the end of 2019. The base price is expected to start at 22,000 euros (1.5 million rubles). The name of the configurations will change, and the equipment for such a price tag is surprising:

LED optics;
16-inch wheels;
lane control;
automatic braking system;
two displays in the cabin;
fabric upholstery;
mechanical seat adjustments;
heated front seats;
Cruise control;
parking sensors;
driver fatigue sensors;
2-zone climate control.

Conclusion: This is truly a global update that amazes with its equipment. I had to wait for the start of sales, the only disappointment is the changed technical content for Russia. And it’s really sad to realize that technical progress is not only the Volkswagen Golf mk8 that takes a long time to take root, after which it is not imported by innovators. In Europe, the new product will definitely become a sales leader.