The 7th Generation Golf Arrives in Japan | Volkswagen
Volkswagen Golf
Full Model Change with a Kept Concept
The 7th Generation Volkswagen Golf Finally Arrives in Japan
The benchmark car of Volkswagen, and of cars worldwide, the "Golf". Its 7th generation has finally arrived in Japan.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
Maestro Giugiaro Also Visits Japan
"Der Erste" limited edition model had begun accepting pre-orders, the 7th generation "Golf", which had yet to be publicly unveiled in Japan, has finally revealed itself to us. This new Golf marks a full model change from the ground up, the first since its 5th generation update.
The press conference was held on May 20th at the National Yoyogi Stadium, First Gymnasium, with Giorgetto Giugiaro, the designer considered the father of the Golf who created the styling and packaging of the first generation "Golf", and Walter de' Silva, who currently oversees design for all Volkswagen Group brands, in attendance for a grand unveiling.
Interviews with these two masters will be published on OPENERS at a later date, so please look forward to them.
Sharper Design
In Japan, the "Golf" will initially be available in two models: the "Golf TSI Trendline" (2.49 million yen) and "Golf TSI Comfortline" (2.69 million yen) equipped with a 1.2-liter TSI engine, and the "Golf TSI Highline" (2.99 million yen) with a 1.4-liter TSI engine. Both will feature a 7-speed DSG transmission.
The designPrevious Generation "Golf"inherits from the previous "Golf", but with the front wheels positioned further forward and a short-overhang style. Furthermore, the design's identity, the "く"-shaped C-pillar that sweeps from above the rear wheel to the roof, now lacks a character line. Combined with the adoption of more straight lines for the headlights, these elements assert its status as a new generation model.
Safer Than Ever
The most significant highlight of the new "Golf" in terms of performance is the enhancement of its safety features.
The new "Golf" features "up!" City Emergency Brake, which operates below 30 km/h, as well as "Front Assist Plus" using millimetre-wave radar, to avoid or mitigate collisions at all speeds. In the event of an actual collision, such as a rear-end impact, the "Multi Collision Brake" automatically applies the brakes, preventing secondary or tertiary collisions caused by the initial impact. Incidentally, if the car determines a high probability of an accident, "Proactive Occupant Protection" will pre-tension the seatbelts and close the windows to maximize the effectiveness of the nine airbags, protecting the occupants.
These safety features are standard on all models.
Image of Multi Collision Brake
Cylinder Deactivation System ACT
The higher-spec "Comfortline" and "Highline" models come standard with "Adaptive Cruise Control" that works at all speeds. The "Highline" also includes "Lane Assist", which reads lane markings and prevents the vehicle from deviating from its lane (optional on models where it is not standard).
Despite these enhanced features, the weight has been reduced: the "Trendline" and "Comfortline" weigh 1,240 kg, and the "Highline" weighs 1,320 kg, making them approximately 50 kg and 20 kg lighter than the previous models, respectively.
This weight reduction is largely due to the new platform called "MQB". MQB is a platform that promotes modularity, enabling flexible powertrain and model variations, and also brings the benefit of weight reduction.
Furthermore, the 1.4-liter engine is the same one used in the "Polo BlueGT" and features "ACT (Active Cylinder Management)", which deactivates two cylinders depending on driving conditions. As a result, the JC08 mode fuel economy is 21 km/ℓ for the "Trendline" and "Comfortline", and 19.9 km/ℓ for the "Highline". All three models achieve high environmental performance comparable to domestic hybrid vehicles and are eligible for a 100% eco-car tax reduction.
The official launch date is June 25th.
The more powerful and sporty "GTI" is rumored to be introduced to Japan not long from now, and there are plans to introduce the diesel model within two years, so we look forward to further updates.
The "Golf", the king of the C-segment, has finally landed in Japan. OPENERS plans to conduct test drives of the Japanese specifications, so please continue to follow our coverage.
Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline
Volkswagen Golf TSI Comfortline
Body Dimensions | Length 4,265 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,460 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Tread Front/Rear |
(Trendline) 1,550/1,520 mm
(Comfortline) 1,545/1,515 mm
Trunk Capacity | 380-1,270 Liters
Weight | 1,240 kg
Engine | 1,197 cc Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo
Max Output | 77 kW (105 ps) / 4,500-5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 175 Nm / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-Speed DSG
Compression Ratio | 10.5:1
Drivetrain | FF
Tires |
(Trendline) 195/65R15
(Comfortline) 205/55R16
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 21.0 km/ℓ
Price |
(Trendline) 2.49 million yen
(Comfortline) 2.69 million yen
Volkswagen Golf TSI Highline
Body Dimensions | Length 4,265 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,460 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,535/1,510 mm
Trunk Capacity | 380-1,270 Liters
Weight | 1,320 kg
Engine | 1,395 cc Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection Turbo
Max Output | 103 kW (140 ps) / 4,500-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 250 Nm / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-Speed DSG
Compression Ratio | 10.0:1
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 225/45R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 19.9 km/ℓ
Price | 2.99 million yen