Countdown to the new Golf: Golf Mk7 – lightweight construction and broad powertrain options

24 October 2019: One day to go until the global debut of the eighth-generation Golf
The Golf Mk7 presented in September 2012 was 100 kg lighter than its predecessor
The Golf Mk7 was captivating, available with electric, hybrid, and racing drive systems

Of more than 35 million Golf cars that have been built to date, around six million were Golf Mk7 models – the most recent generation. The story of this seventh Golf officially starts at its world premiere in Berlin, on 4 September 2012. Just one day later, pre-sales of the new Golf started in the first countries. As was also the case with its predecessors the Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, Mk4, Mk5, and Mk6 – which together achieved total sales of 29.3 million units – it became a world best-seller.

The development approach sought to economise on every gram of CO₂. With this in mind, it was planned that while the overall weight of the new Golf should be reduced, crash safety had to be kept at the same high level or, even better, increased. Which is just what happened: Volkswagen lowered the weight of the Golf Mk7 by up to 100 kg, and in this process reversed the weight spiral. Meanwhile, safety remained at a peak level.

Depending on the engine, it was possible to cut consumption by up to 23% compared with the vehicle’s predecessor. Moreover, the assistance systems on offer were a triumph, as ever: the multi-collision brake and Front Assist area monitoring system including City Emergency Brake were examples of some of the new technology on board. The design was clearer and more precise than ever. Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen Chief Designer then and now, remarked of the design: “The style is logical, solid, product-oriented, pure, and precise. It reflects the brand’s design DNA as a pure doctrine in form.”

Volkswagen then presented the derivatives of the product line in quick succession, releasing four versions in 2013 alone: the Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf R and Golf Variant. Electrification of the product line followed in 2014, with the Golf GTE and e-Golf. One of the sporty highlights in 2019 was the debut of the Golf GTI TCR with 213 kW / 290 PS, based on the 257 kW / 350 PS Golf GTI in the TCR race series. The diversity, technology and look of the Golf Mk7 really struck a chord: today, it is one of the three best-selling generations of this product line.

Golf Mk7 annual figures

2012

World premiere in May in Berlin
Delivery of the first specimen of the Golf Mk7 in November

2013

Debut of the Golf 4MOTION models
Debut of the Golf GTI
Debut of the Golf GTD
Debut of the Golf Variant
Debut of the Golf R (world premiere in September in Frankfurt at the IAA)

2014

Debut of the e-Golf
Debut of the Golf GTE (world premiere in March in Geneva)
Volkswagen celebrates 40 years of the Golf in March in Wolfsburg
Debut of the Golf SV
Debut of the Golf R Variant

2015

Debut of the Golf GTI Clubsport
Debut of the Golf GTD Variant (world premiere in March in Geneva)
Debut of the Golf R Touch concept car & Connect Golf concept car in January at CES in Las Vegas

2016