Filed under: Trends, Economy, Green, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen, Rumormill
2012 Volkswagen Golf expected to shed pounds
Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI
These days, when discussions turn towards the cars we'll be driving a few years from now, efficiency and emissions are two unavoidable topics. Such is the case with the next-next generation of the VW Golf, following the sixth iteration that will hit European dealerships later this year. So, what will the seventh version have in store for us? Smaller engines and a smaller structure. For the last few decades, every succeeding redesign was just a bit bigger and more powerful that its predecessor. Expect that trend to end with the Mk VII Golf. You can bet that diesels will account for a larger percentage of sales too, possibly even in the States.
Just when are we likely to see Golf v7.0? Rumors point to 2012, but VeeDub is keeping quiet. What they do admit to, however, is working on it as you read this.
Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI
[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Drill baby, Drill. 6:55PM (9/29/2008)
Look i know it takes a while to develop cars. But that's what separates winners from losers. By the time this car comes out MOST cars will shed weight or will get much higher MPGs.
VW needs to bring this car to the market in 2010 to take on Cruze and try to grab some market before the new Civic gets here.
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Ming Hsu 6:56PM (9/29/2008)
They can't bring it out by 2010...Release the 6th gen for 2009 and 2010 bring out 7th gen? that'd be bad marketing.
But I know what you mean :) I don't get why the Turbo/Supercharged 1.4 isn't in the US though.
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Alone On Board 6:59PM (9/29/2008)
Why don't you buy diesels or other fuel efficient cars? In my country 1.4L 170hp (35mpg) Golfs are quite popular because gas prices are $12,5 USD per gallon.
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Rob 6:59PM (9/29/2008)
Just so people are aware with the whole weight trend, the following are US numbers.
Mk1: 1750 - 2145lbs
Mk2: 2137 - 2445lbs
Mk3: 2548 - 2800lbs
Mk4: 2723 - 3091lbs
Mk5: 2975 - 3213lbs
This includes GTI variations, including VR6 equipped models. This however excludes the R32 trim levels, which currently weighs 3547lbs in the US market.
So from the original Mk1 Golf to the current R32, it now weighs twice as much despite being only 302mm longer, and 127mm wider at most. Basically, the Mk1 Golf is about the size of a modern Polo (the Mk4 Polo still being 20mm wider).
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HeyHuub 2:14AM (9/30/2008)
VW isn't the only one guilty of this.....
Imperial 10:31AM (9/30/2008)
Mandatory airbags, stiffer chasis, etc etc
they dont profit on weight...
Noz 3:06AM (9/30/2008)
It's official...the new Golf is one of the most dull looking turds on the road.
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pmiddle5 3:32AM (9/30/2008)
Wait. You mean they can make them lighter if they wanted? Man, I just thought thats how it HAD to be. Lord I feel dumb. Thank you VW for teaching me cars dont have to be heavy.
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kilgore 9:28AM (9/30/2008)
Why don't they just bring the Polo stateside.
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OOMPH! 4:50PM (9/30/2008)
....6th generation of perfection
Das Auto
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tekman94 7:18PM (9/30/2008)
Damn, I still want an Golf.
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