Perfect aesthetics and function
Eye-catcher of a new time. The Golf's design has always been considered the benchmark of its category – for seven generations it has been continuously enhanced, refined and in parts reinvented time and again. In this process, it has evolved its very own design DNA. It made the Golf an icon of compact vehicles, unmistakable and unforgeable. Volkswagen’s design department has enhanced this DNA with the new Golf and shaped it to an eye-catcher of a new time.
Indicator of the present. Klaus Bischoff, Executive Director of Volkswagen Design: “The new Golf is an indicator of the present – this is what’s possible nowadays within the volume segment. Its design represents the evolution of millions of people’s ‘feeling at home’.” Since the début of the first Golf 45 years ago, this Volkswagen has always been a vehicle that merged high levels of everyday suitability with clear-cut, accurate design. The new Golf continues this approach. A prime example of aesthetically perfect design and function: the silhouette. The dominant design element in this context is the C-pillar, a distinctive element of the Golf. It makes the body dynamic towards the front, concentrates it towards the rear and transfers the iconic shape of the original Golf into the present. Klaus Bischoff: “The new Golf consequently morphs into a sculpture of space, aerodynamics and aesthetics.” The ideal ratio of greenhouse (roof section plus glass panels) and body (lower section from the window line) also lends the new Golf a strong presence while the deep-drawn roof line adds an authentic, sporty character.
Dimensions and aerodynamics. Even though the new Golf does not seem as high, appearing more stretched and dynamic, its compact dimensions have been maintained: 4,284 mm long, 1,789 mm wide and 1,456 mm high. The wheelbase totals 2,636 mm. A quick look at aerodynamic values confirms that every part of the body has been reshaped and refined in the wind tunnel: The end face has been lowered to 2.21 m2 and the drag coefficient (Cd value) cut to 0.275 from 0.3. These more advanced aerodynamics have been achieved through a range of adjustments, including a generally more aerodynamic design, Cd-optimised exterior mirrors, aerodynamic corners and spoiler in the rear roof section, extensive underbody panelling, and aerodynamically optimised features in the wheel housing liners (displacement elements at front, spoiler at rear).
Five-seat all-rounder. Even on long journeys, the new Golf offers plenty of room for five people, along with a 380-litre luggage compartment capacity in this seat configuration. When the asymmetrically foldable rear seat backrest is folded down, the loading capacity increases to a maximum of 1,237 litres. Compared with the predecessor model, the shoulder room (1,420 mm at the front, 1,370 mm at the rear) and headroom (1,018 mm at the front, 968 mm at the rear) are practically unchanged.