New for 2017

The Golf adds a high-value Wolfsburg Edition trim to the lineup, slotting above the S model. The Wolfsburg Edition adds the following equipment to the S trim: panoramic sunroof; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; KESSY® keyless access with push-button start; heatable front seats; automatic headlights; rain-sensing windshield wipers; 16-inch “Dover” aluminum-alloy wheels; Wolfsburg Edition floormats; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.

Exterior

The seventh-generation Golf is wrapped in sheet metal that is modern, yet unmistakable as a Volkswagen Golf. The shape and design elements remain as defined as ever, with a distinctive C-pillar and roofline framing classic Golf side windows, but the striking front end and steeply sloped hood leave no doubt this model is different from previous generations.

The look is further accentuated  by the sharper headlight clusters and with a detail line that runs through them, as well as by the narrower grille, which leads to a strong character line that travels along the side and all the way back to the taillight clusters, only breaking for the wheelarches. Just above, another body line can be traced from the rear side window all the way back up to the headlights. These subtle body lines help create a poised yet elegant appearance.

Dimensionally, the latest Golf is bigger than its predecessor in all aspects other than height. Overall length increased by 2.1 inches, while width gained 0.5 inches. Overall height decreased, however, by 1.1 inches. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front-wheel centerline and the pedalbox, the front wheels sit 1.7 inches further forward, giving a premium “cab backward” aesthetic. Along with shaping and horizontal design emphasis, these updated proportions help the Golf achieve a lower visual center of gravity and a more dynamic stance. Moreover, the new design helped to improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics with a reduction in the coefficient of drag from 0.32 to 0.29.

The Golf TSI® S is equipped with 15-inch “Lyon” aluminum-alloy wheels, wrapped in 195/65 all-season tires, and is upgraded to 16-inch wheels in the Wolfsburg trim: 18-inch “Durban” aluminum-alloy wheels are available as an option for both S and Wolfsburg Edition trims.  A panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard equipment on the new Wolfsburg Edition., along with automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic halogen headlights.