Volkswagen officially presents the 2013 Golf

September 5, 2012, By Alexander Eckhart

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf has been officially unveiled at the New National Gallery in Berlin, Germany. The overall design of the car hasn’t changed that much from the past-generation even though the new model is 56mm longer, 13mm wider and 28mm lower than its predecessor.

The interior of the ride has been redesigned and it kind of reminds me of Audi. Among other features, all 2013 Golfs will be equipped with an infotainment touchscreen system that measures between 5 to 8 inches. Entry-level models have a black and white display that only provides basic information while higher-end variants have a proximity sensor that automatically switches the screen from display mode to input mode when someone’s hand is detected close-by. Optional, customers can order MP3/Bluetooth/iPod/AUX/SD Card connectivity, an optional navigation system and an available UMTS telephone module.

The car rides on the new MQB platform that shaves off around 100kg, in comparison to its predecessor, and offers an extra 15mm of rear legroom and 30 liters more cargo capacity. The new Golf features a multi-collision braking system that brakes the vehicle when an accident occurs, a PreCrash system which automatically pre-tensions the seatbelts and closes the windows when an accident is imminent and the Adaptive Cruise Control which remains an optional.

Under the bonnet, the customer can choose between a wide range of new and revised engines, all of which will come equipped with the start/stop technology and the brake energy regeneration system. Petrolheads can choose between the 1.2-liter TSI engine with 85 HP – 63 kW that consumes 4.9 L/100km and the 1.4-liter TSI with cylinder-deactivation technology that outputs 140 HP – 103 kW and consumes 4.9 L/100 km. Diesel versions on the other hand have a 105 HP – 77 kW TDI engine that consumes 3.8 L/100km and a 150 HP – 110 kW TDI that consumes 4.1 L/100km. Officials say that there will also be a BlueMotion version which averages 3.2 L/100km.

The 2013 Golf will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this September and the price tag on this famous little car starts at €16,975.