apparently, the Mk. Vi Golf is to become the shortest lived golf, as already the first Mk. VII mules are out testingthe new platform:
Said to be a "real all new model" (not a facelift like the Mk. VI), it will have new engines (smaller capacity 1.2 TSI's replacing the current entry level engines; smaller capacity Diesels as well, 1.6 TDI is already getting launched in the Mk. VI). Althogh the mule shows the Golf will most likely have wider tracks (thus be most lkel as well wider), wheelbase seems only slightly stretched, and I guess legth will also grow only slightly.
Can't believe we are already seeing photos of a Mk VIIGolf so soon after the release of the so-called VI... I would like it to go wider, would make the car look more muscular and if they keep the exterior minimalistic yet contemporary it will look great. Given how this will be styled by De Silva i assume it will have strong resemblances to the new Polo yet with wider wheel arches and a more aggressive front like the A5 and even Scirocco
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Dunno Reppu, i am confused over Volkswagen's promo of the VI. I mean they do say its the new Golf - even dealers say so. Yet every brand also uses "new" when an updated/face-lift version is released as well which makes it mighty confusing for buyers, especially if the face lift is substantial enough to include new front and rear ends as well as updated interiors like on the Golf VI (or in the past with the MK1 Mondeo etc). Most billboards and magazine ads for the "new" Golf where inviting people to check it out and see that is is the new model (sort of implying that it could be otherwise seen as a mere update - which it is).
But for all intends and purposes the current version is called the VI since Volkswagen clearly gave such a brief to all car journalists and their dealerships and have never treated it as a mid-life face lift.
I sure hope that the VII will be the one to finally break the familiar Golf look and move the car into new design territory. It would make sense given how fresher Volkswagen design approaches such as the UP! family and L1 (both intended for a 2013 production release) are giving clues that the marque is finally moving on - plus the fact that De Silva true work with Volkswagen will begin with all these new models since current ones such as the Golf IV, Scirocco and Tiguan where merely "tweaked" by his team before they hit production. If not mistaken the only true De Silva Volkswagen design is the new Polo right?
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At least in Austria VW officially calls it "the GOlf VI", in the Web too.
I kind of doubt that the Golf Mk. VII will give VW a new design direction. A Golf has to look like a Golf. Fullstop. That is major part of it' s success. COntinuity. All competitors change their style totally every or every 2nd generation. Golf remains true to itself. Some people (swizzle? )might hate VW for that, but sales figures surely speak a different language.
I expect a kind of Hofmeister kink (De SIlva mentioned it in an interview that the kink was one of his favourite parts of the original GOlf, plus the new Polo has a hit in this direction), a more angular front end, butthat's about it. Wider, with a sportier stance, but not a revolution,
Apart from that, I fail to see what's so revoltionary about the E-Up or the 1liter car. Aerodynamics give super economic cars kind of similar shapes anyway, and the UP looks like a cross between the old Lupo and a Touran with the rear door segment cut out. STill, evolutionary to me.
The Golf VI was a "why bother?" design for me in that it was "all new" sheet metal that looked like the Golf V stretched over the same old Golf V mechanicals. I kind of hope they wouldn't bring it to NA because VWs laziness in the redesign will be met with a stunning lack of sales especially when compared to the Focus that will have style and substance in spades. For NA at least the 2012 Golf needs a hybrid powertrain option, high mileage numbers, some real style, and cost control. I suspect, however, that the 2012 will look like the current one with whatever VW face is current in 2012. I keep hoping for a Golf that leaps the competition like the Golf I did versus Pintos, Vegas, B210s, etc.
I kind of doubt that the Golf Mk. VII will give VW a new design direction. A Golf has to look like a Golf. Fullstop. That is major part of it' s success. COntinuity.
Apart from that, I fail to see what's so revoltionary about the E-Up or the 1liter car. Aerodynamics give super economic cars kind of similar shapes anyway, and the UP looks like a cross between the old Lupo and a Touran with the rear door segment cut out. STill, evolutionary to me.
Concerning your first point, although i do agree and i consider your view to be valid, i also think that the Golf language can progress beyond what we have today and also manage to look very much like a Golf. For example by using the kink you mention plus widening its track and giving it bolder wheel-arches and give the front and rear a new, uber-high tech look (utilizing streaks of LED's perhaps? A glass rear hatch a-la UP!?) would do a lot to push the Golf into new territory without losing one bit of what makes it so recognizable and loved - it is the main proportions and stance that make a Golf look like a Golf and if those things do not change significantly and with the obvious use of the VW family face i can't see how this will break its success/recognition.
Now coming to the UP!. Same remarks from me here as above. The car might remind people of the Lupo or whatever other VW but the differences are in the details. I have friends who dislike the Lupo with a passion or just disregard it as yet another dull VW yet they love the E UP!. If you see strong similarities with the Lupo it means that Lupo fans will also appreciate the E UP!. Yet many non-Lupo fans will also love it for its simplicity yet high-tech look inside and out. (again, iPod on wheels).
The L1 is most definitely NOT just another VW design-wise! How can it be? It looks like a rocket-powered bob-sled and i don't recall any past VW's looking like this. This will most definitely take the brand into entirely new directions, even as a niche model line-up, and if they can also make it drive as fun as it looks you can sign me up, yet i would never buy a Prius.
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Its not really a big leap in change because it just feels like they added a reshaped Sirrocco nose...infact I think the Polo looks better...seems like they toned down the otherwise muscular Golf...
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2012 VW Golf VII
)might hate VW for that, but sales figures surely speak a different language.
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