Volkswagen Golf 7 comes out swinging

It's the word that other importers have been awaiting with dread; how would Volkswagen spec and price its new Golf hatch?

At a starting price of $21,490 plus on-road costs, the entry-level Golf 90 TSI is $500 cheaper than the 77 TSI model in the superseded Golf 6 range – and that puts it fair and square in the same small car ballpark as models from Japan and South Korea.

Given the strength of the Aussie dollar and the comparative weakness of the Euro, plus previous tactics from Wolfsburg – packing more kit into the Golf 6 at a lower price when that model was launched – it was never in doubt the new, larger, lighter, more advanced Golf was going to send product planners at other car companies back to the drawing board.

Volkswagen Australia has introduced the new model in a range comprising three grades powered by three engines. The turbocharged petrol engines both displace 1.4 litres and are built from the same architecture, but the 103kW engine, which also produces 250Nm, features variable timing for the exhaust camshaft.

As the lesser of the two petrol engines, the 90kW unit (generating 200Nm) powers the base model. Fuel consumption is 5.7L/100km with the manual box, or 5.4 with the seven-speed DSG.

The 103kW engine uses 5.2L/100km and the 2.0-litre diesel, which produces 110km/320Nm, is rated at 4.9L/100km in combined-cycle fuel consumption testing. Figures for the petrol engines are based on using the recommended 95 RON ULP.

Forgoing the 'Trendline' label applied in other markets, the Golf 90TSI is the base model and the only powertrain variant to come with a manual transmission – a six-speed unit. The same engine, optioned with a seven-speed DSG (dual-clutch) transmission is priced at $23,990.

Trimmed to mid-range Comfortline level, the Golf 90TSI is priced at $24,990 for the manual and, once again, the DSG option adds $2500, for a price of $27,490.

Two Highline models are available; one powered by the 103kW petrol engine is priced at $31,990 with standard DSG, the other is the only diesel variant, the Golf 110 TDI Highline at $34,490, fitted with a standard six-speed DSG.

All variants come with seven airbags, including a knee bag for the driver. Other safety features across the range include flashing brake lights in emergencies, driver fatigue detection, Brake Assist, an electric parking brake with Auto-Hold function and Multi-Collision Brake, a new safety feature at this end of the market, although the low-speed crash-prevention system in the smaller up! is not available.

The Golf 90TSI rides on 16-inch steel wheels shod with 195/65 tyres. Comfortline models come with 205/55 tyres on 16-inch alloys and the Highline flagship features 225/45 tyres and 17-inch alloys.

While the base-grade Golf is air-conditioned inside, Comfortline and Highline variants are fitted as standard with dual-zone climate-control. The Highline model is trimmed in a cloth/alcantara combination and comes with sports seats, while both the 90TSI's seats and the 'Comfort' seats of the Comfortline model are trimmed in cloth alone.

All models are fitted as standard with trip computer, cruise control, speed-limiter, electric windows/mirrors, remote control audio switchgear on the steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, MP3/WMA-compatible eight-speaker CD audio with USB socket.

Follow-me-home lighting, auto-on/off headlights, 12-volt power socket, electrochromatic mirror, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, Optical Parking System and automatic kerb function (which tilts the passenger-side exterior mirror when reversing) are all fitted as standard to the Comfortline and Highline models.

In the technical context, the new Golf is 50mm longer than the model it replaces, and that contributes to more rear-seat legroom. The bodyshell, which is partly constructed from high-strength steel members that are stamped at a temperature of 900 degrees, is 23kg lighter than Golf 6's. Luggage capacity has risen from the class average figure of 350 litres to a significantly improved figure of 380 litres.

Engines are new from the ground up and feature all-alloy construction for the petrol units and balance shafts for the diesel. Volkswagen has tweaked the electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering system, shaving off 3.6kg by adopting a synchronous electric motor to assist. The front wheels are suspended by MacPherson struts and there's a multi-link independent system at the rear.

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