The strongly awaited seventh-generation of the emblematic Volkswagen Golf now marks its market launch. The Golf model is lighter, safer, more advanced, more spacious, more efficient and better equipped than any other previous generation.

The iconic car is going to be available in three trim levels from the launch, namely: S, SE and GT, which later in 2013 will be joined by GTI and BlueMotion models. All are in either three- or five-door form. Four petrol engines and two diesel engines will be available.

To be more precise, the petrol engine range starts with a four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI unit producing 85 hp (63 kW), rising via a 1.2-litre TSI 105 hp (77 kW) and a 1.4-litre TSI 122 hp (90 kW) motor to the 1.4-litre TSI 140 hp (103 kW) with Active Cylinder Technology, which is capable of 60.1 mpg (combined cycle) and 110 g/km (with DSG gearbox).

On the other hand the diesel engines available at launch are the 1.6-litre TDI 105 hp (77 kW) and the brand-new 2.0-litre TDI 150 hp (110 kW) unit. Both of them include the latest common rail diesel technology for maximum efficiency.

No matter the engine or the trim level, the new Volkswagen model will come equipped with Stop/Start system as standard, along with battery regeneration. The engines will be equipped with either five- and six-speed manuals, or six- and seven-speed DSG units.

The engineers have thought carefully for the safety and security of the occupants and thus making the car with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, five three-point seatbelts, ABS with ESP, XDS electronic differential lock and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats.

Some great technology features are also at hand as a standard: Composition Media system includes a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, DAB digital radio, a CD player, MDI interface (for connecting iPod or MP3 player), Bluetooth telephone preparation and audio streaming, eight speakers, ‘Climatic' semi-automatic air conditioning.

Next, the SE trim is equipped with (adding to the previous mentioned) ADC Automatic Distance Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, a Driver Alert System, PreCrash preventative occupant protection, Driver Profile Selection, rain-sensitive wipers, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and dusk sensor (automatic driving lights).

And the sport GT model features with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, ‘Cherry Red' rear light clusters, heat-insulating dark-tinted rear glass, electrically foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, and front and rear parking sensors with visual display.

The GT model also includes premium interior equipment: gloss black inserts, Alcantara and cloth sports seats, LED reading lights, ambient lighting and the Discover Navigation media system with 5.8-inch colour touchscreen.

As an option for all trim levels there are the following features: beam assist, lane assist, park assist, ACC adaptive chassis control, a rear-view camera, Discover Pro navigation system with eight-inch colour touchscreen, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.

The new Golf has a starting price of £16 285, and the its first deliveries will be in the beginning of the year.

Volkswagen Golf VII (2013)
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Source: Volkswagen