Golf MK7 / MKVII Speculation / Pre-Release Information Thread

[hentaiboy]

Golf MK7 to Appear 2012

Source: Auto Express

Look what Auto Express's spies have caught driving off in Germany! These are the pictures that prove the Volkswagen Golf remains on target for a 2012 launch.

While the heavily disguised machine doesn't appear to give much away in terms of design and detail, we can reveal that under the skin dramatic changes have been made - hence the car's long absence from our news pages.

This mule, testing near VW's Wolfsburg HQ, is the first seen by Auto Express since mid-2010. According to our sources, the car’s platform has been completely redesigned.

What's more, the wheelbase of the car has been lengthened, and a new platform architecture, dubbed "MQB" introduced. This arrangement is far more versatile than the previous chassis, used by the Mk VI Golf.

That means drivers can expect the launch of this car to spawn a huge family of Golf based cars over the coming years, including new versions of the Tiguan, Golf Plus and Scirocco.

The new model will have a larger boot than rivals likethe Ford Focus and Renault Megane, and is promising more legroom in the rear.

Since we last saw the newcomer, there are new engines and high tech options too.

A wide range of TSI supercharged and turbocharged editions will be available, including a flagship 300bhp 2.0-litre unit, and an efficient 1.2-litre 65bhp engine capable of returning 60mpg.

On top of this, Volkwagen also plans a 100mpg plug-in hybrid, as well as an all-electric version, called the e_Bluemotion.

Diesel engines will include 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI offerings. As standard, entry-level cars will drive the front wheels through a six speed manual gearbox, while flagship machines are tipped to offer the firm's seven-speed DSG semi automatic gearbox. Four wheel drive will be available on the most powerful cars.

And that's not all, the new Golf promises class leading technology too. If you look closey at our shots, you will see a third lense in the centre of the front bumper. This new "eye" will offer drivers automatic speed limit warnings, plus link to the car's new "lane keep" driver assistance systems.

Inside, an advanced trip computuer is also expected to offer Web access, as well as the very latest satellite navigation and phone connectivity systems.

According to our reports, the new Golf is primed to appear at the Geneva Motor show in March2012, before going on sale in October that year.

[MkVIGTI]

Speed limit recognition... Wonder if this will make it to Oz spec Golfs

[elephino]

I'm not so sure that it's a year out from launch as I would have expected proper cars with disguises at that stage rather than old bodyshell mules.

[Corey_R]

I highly doubt it. BMW have it on their 7 Series (from the previous version). Firstly, it took them about an extra 2 years to get here. But then after 6 months they had to disable the feature on the cars which had it.

From my memory of the article, there are two main issues
1) Australia's "electronic maps" are pretty bad in their accuracy and details and frequency of updates. Whilst the "retail portable GPS units" get frequent updates, the car manufacturers seem to be treated as 2nd tier citizens and get old data (as every VW owner with an RNS-510 knows). So the GPS speed limits were not accurate enough (RNS510 users don't even get the speed limits yet! boo).
2) Australia's "speed limit signs" are not consistent with international standards, especially things such as school zones.

BMW tried for two years to get it accurate, and thought they were safe to launch, and then had to retract the feature. So I can't see it being on a Golf in Australia, even if it's on a Golf in Europe.

[WhiteJames]

Artist's impression of the new Mark 7 Golf. A case of evolution, rather than revolution and only 12 months away from release in Europe:

New Golf gets sportier look - Autocar.co.uk

Cheers.
WJ

[MiiLos]

the article looks good!

[XTC838]

Anyone holding back their purchase to wait for this new generation?

[Corey_R]

The most recent article mentions that it'll be on sale in Europe in October 2012.
If we're lucky enough to have it in Australia within 5 months like the MK6, that means March 2013.
If the GTI comes out 6 months later like the MK6, then September 2013.
If the R comes out another 9 months later like the MK6, then that means June 2014.

Add an additional 6 months to all of these dates if you'd actually like to "order a specific colour and options".
As has been mentioned several times in this thread, I can't imagine anyone who actually needs a car now, waiting a minimum of 20 months to 41 months to get a MK7 instead of a MK6 (depending on model, and configuration). Hell... most new car buyers only keep their car for ~36 months as it is...

[Biodif]

The most recent article mentions that it'll be on sale in Europe in October 2012.
If we're lucky enough to have it in Australia within 5 months like the MK6, that means March 2013.
If the GTI comes out 6 months later like the MK6, then September 2013.
If the R comes out another 9 months later like the MK6, then that means June 2014.

Add an additional 6 months to all of these dates if you'd actually like to "order a specific colour and options".
As has been mentioned several times in this thread, I can't imagine anyone who actually needs a car now, waiting a minimum of 20 months to 41 months to get a MK7 instead of a MK6 (depending on model, and configuration). Hell... most new car buyers only keep their car for ~36 months as it is...

Well said Corey. I'm finding the 6 - 7 month wait for my 'R' unbearable, I think my head would explode waiting for the Mk 7 version.

[chopper]

If the R comes out another 9 months later like the MK6, then that means June 2014.

Funnily enough... I worked out a very similar date the other day!

June 2014 will be exactly 3 years since I picked up my GTI... and it will be time for a new one!

Who knows... I like my GTI so much, I might even get an "R" this time!