Digital Equipment Renewed, Safety Features Enhanced

Approximately four years have passed since the debut of the Golf 7. The minor change model, announced late last year in Europe, has finally arrived in Japan.

The most significant points of this update are likely the renewal of digital equipment and the enhancement of safety features.

In terms of digital equipment, a new 12.3-inch large-display digital meter, the "Active Info Display," has been adopted. Graphics can be selected from several options according to the driver's preference, and by linking with the genuine infotainment system "Discover Pro," it is now possible to display maps more prominently.

Meanwhile, the size of the genuine infotainment screen has also increased. The "Discover Pro," now 9.2 inches from its previous 8 inches, incorporates gesture control, which Volkswagen claims is a first in the compact class. By simply moving your hand left and right in front of the screen, you can switch home menus or select radio stations.

In safety features, the "Traffic Assistant" system, which provides follow-up driving in traffic jams, is now standard on all models except for the entry-grade "TSI Trendline," the "GTI," and the "R" manual transmission models. This allows for automatic steering, acceleration, and braking while the driver holds the steering wheel. Furthermore, the pre-crash brake system, now standard on all vehicles, includes pedestrian detection.

While the design has not drastically changed from its previous form, the bumpers front and rear have been redesigned, including new headlights that extend deeper into the fenders, creating a sportier and sharper look. Additionally, all models now feature LED taillights, and for the first time in a Volkswagen, dynamic turn indicators that sweep sequentially have been introduced.

There are no changes to the powertrain for models sold in Japan. However, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo model has been introduced with this minor change in Europe and other regions, and there is a possibility it may come to Japan in the future.

Prices range from 2,499,000 yen to 5,599,000 yen for the hatchback "Golf." The station wagon "Golf Variant" is priced from 2,939,000 yen to 5,699,000 yen. The crossover model combining SUV and station wagon elements, the "Golf Alltrack," is priced at 3,599,000 yen.

Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline
Volkswagen Golf TSI Comfortline
Body Size | Length 4,265 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,480 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,197cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | 77 kW (105 ps) / 4,500-5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 175 Nm (17.8 kgm) / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed DSG
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 19.1 km/ℓ
Price | (TSI Trendline) ¥2,499,000 (TSI Comfortline) ¥2,799,000

Volkswagen Golf TSI Highline
Body Size | Length 4,265 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,480 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,197cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | 103 kW (140 ps) / 4,500-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed DSG
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 18.1 km/ℓ
Price | ¥3,259,000

Volkswagen Golf GTI
Body Size | Length 4,275 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | 169 kW (230 ps) / 4,700-6,200 rpm
Max Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,500-4,600 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT (DSG)
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | (MT) 15.1 km/ℓ (DSG) 14.6 km/ℓ
Price | (MT) ¥3,899,000 (DSG) ¥3,999,000

Volkswagen Golf R
Body Size | Length 4,275 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | (MT) 228 kW (310 ps) / 5,800-6,500 rpm
(DSG) 228 kW (310 ps) / 5,500-6,500 rpm
Max Torque | (MT) 380 Nm (38.7 kgm) / 1,850-5,700 rpm
(DSG) 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 2,000-5,400 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed MT / 7-speed AT (DSG)
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | (MT) 12.6 km/ℓ (DSG) 13.0 km/ℓ
Price | (MT) ¥5,499,000 (DSG) ¥5,599,000

Volkswagen Golf Variant TSI Comfortline
Body Size | Length 4,575 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,485 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,197cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | 77 kW (105 ps) / 4,500-5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 175 Nm (17.8 kgm) / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed DSG
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 18.6 km/ℓ
Price | ¥2,939,000

Volkswagen Golf Variant TSI Highline
Volkswagen Golf Variant R-Line
Body Size | (TSI Highline) Length 4,575 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,485 mm
(TSI R-Line) Length 4,580 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,475 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,394cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | 103 kW (140 ps) / 4,500-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed DSG
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 17.3 km/ℓ
Price | (TSI Highline) ¥3,399,000 (TSI R-Line) ¥3,599,000

Volkswagen Golf R Variant
Body Size | Length 4,595 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | 228 kW (310 ps) / 5,500-6,500 rpm
Max Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 2,000-5,400 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed DSG
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 13.0 km/ℓ
Price | ¥5,699,000

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Body Size | Length 4,585 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,510 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Engine | 1,798cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Max Output | 132 kW (180 ps) / 4,500-6,200 rpm
Max Torque | 280 Nm (28.6 kgm) / 1,350-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (DSG)
Min Turning Radius | 5.2m
Seating Capacity | 5 people
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 13.5 km/ℓ
Price | ¥3,599,000