FAW-Volkswagen rolls out the all-new Golf

A FAW-Volkswagen's all-new Golf is pictured at the 2013 Auto Guangzhou on Nov 21, 2013. [Hao Yan / chinadaily.com.cn]

When FAW-Volkswagen's new Golf was launched in Guangzhou on Dec 10, it opened "a legendary new chapter of its exploration in the Chinese market", said the company.

At the launch ceremony, Deputy General Manager of FAW-Volkswagen Hu Yong announced the prices of new Golf are between 121,900 and 182,900 yuan.

"As the best interpreter of the Volkswagen brand, the Golf has represented the direction and trend of Volkswagen cars, and also influenced the design trend of global hatchbacks," said the company.

It said during the past 39 years, the Golf has experienced the evolution of seven generations, and been loved and trusted by over 30 million car owners in the world.

From the launch of the fourth generation to the Chinese market to the hot sales of the sixth generation, the world-class hatchback has won the favor of a great number of Chinese consumers.

As its designer said, the Golf not only leads every generation of VW cars in appearance, but also represents its latest ideas in car building.

Compared with its previous generations, the new Golf has a sportier and stronger appearance with concise and powerful lines.

The longer body and shorter front suspension demonstrate the luxury of the new Golf, while the sharp waistline lowers the visual focus on the model. The concise C-column design still keeps the classical elements of the Golf series.

In interior design, the car has the latest in ergonomics. It uses the interior layout and materials of many B-class cars and above, providing a comfortable space for drivers.

It has an extended wheelbase, offering a more spacious interior for passengers.

The new Golf also shows its luxury in selecting interior materials. The use of Vienna leather and Alcantara-faced seats that are seen on a B-class car bring a more comfortable and pleasing driving experience to users.

Innovative technology

As the first car in China based on the Volkswagen's iconic Modular Transversal Toolkit platform, the new Golf has the high-tech equipment of a higher class.

The entire series comes standard with electronic parking brake, auto hold and XDS system, as well as the ACC and other drive assists that make the driving safe, easy and free.

Its latest modular platform for a transverse engine uses the development results of many new platforms by Volkswagen Group for reference.

Many high-tech configurations are integrated into the new Golf models thanks to application of the platform. The advantage of integration reduces the body weight and fuel consumption.

Low rolling resistance tires that are standard for the entire series have an optimized design of tread pattern, lines, material formula and pressure adjustment based on the complex road conditions of China, reducing fuel consumption and ensuring smoother driving.

The car carries the most advanced EA211 engines by VW. The lower engine mass and compact design not only save more space for the car, but also lead to excellent power and fuel economy.

The models have a 5-speed MQ manual, 6-speed TipTronic automatic transmission or 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

The entire powertrain features the advantages of lower mass and bigger torque output at low speed by EA211 engines, delivering ample power and excellent fuel economy at the same time.

The car is equipped with adjustable front central armrests, automatic air conditioning and seat heating. In addition, the four electric windows have one key lift and anti-pinch to avoid personal injury while giving convenience.

Safety is the foremost concern in the design and manufacturing of the new Golf.

In terms of active safety, the new Golf is the first compact car series that comes standard with a multicollision brake, which effectively prevents the damage brought by secondary collisions. With fatigue monitoring, tire pressure monitoring and other active safety systems, the model creates a safe and comfortable travel experience.

In terms of passive safety, the advanced sine wave laser welding technology creates a super-high strength body for users.

The pretensioner seat belts, six airbags, Top Tether children's seat and other equipment make the car safer and more reliable.