Yesterday the Internet was abuzz with what were reportedly ‘leaked’ images of the new Volkswagen Golf 7. We had a look and decided they weren’t very authentic looking, not to mention their lack of a source. In response, however, Volkswagen have satisfied the world’s insatiable hunger for images of their new Golf 7, by releasing an official gallery of images.

The new Golf 7 hatch was unveiled in Berlin, Germany, yesterday, before it’s much anticipated public debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

As expected, the Golf 7 has an evolutionary design that remains true to the characteristic Golf styling, such as the chunky C-pillars, but has also replaced it’s softer curves with tauter lines. A few new touches include a small corner window in front of each side mirror, as well as newly designed headlamps and tail lights with LED technology for higher spec models.

The interior of the new Golf will be familiar to owners of the 6th generation, which has been improved on with higher quality materials and a centre console that is angled toward the driver. Other highlights include a flat-bottom steering wheel, gloss black trim, metallic accents and an upgraded infotainment system.

The engines have yet to be confirmed, but expect improved fuel economy, lower emissions and improved performance, thanks to improved drivetrain technology and weight savings from the new MQB platform. We’ll bring you more details at they become available.

The Volkswagen Golf 7 is just a few weeks away from making its public debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September. It seems Volkswagen are keen to tell the world about the benefits that their new MQB platform is bringing to the new car, even if they aren’t releasing any photos of the new Golf 7 just yet.

As we’ve previously reported, the new MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform will underpin the Golf 7, as well as a number of future Audi models, the first of which is the new Audi A3 that was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Volkswagen have said the Golf 7 will be larger, but also lighter than the current sixth generation. The Golf 7 measures 4 255 mm in length (56 mm longer), 1 799 mm in width (28 mm wider) and 1 452 mm in height (27 mm lower). It also rides on a 59 mm longer wheelbase, with a 8 mm wider front track and 6 mm wider at the rear. In addition to increasing interior space, these figures bode well for a lower centre of gravity and improved road holding too.

We’re still some way from hearing a confirmed engine line-up, never mind performance figures, but VW have provided the more practical numbers associated with the interior. In total, the cabin length of 1 750 mm is 14 mm longer than the current model, the rear legroom has increased by 15 mm, front and rear shoulder room has been upped by 31 mm and 30 mm respectively, while the boot capacity has been increased to 380-litres (30-litres more).

As we’ve seen with the recently announced 2013 Range Rover, weight savings seem to be the next priority on manufacturer’s to-do lists, now that the small capacity, turbocharged, trend has established itself in battle against CO2 emissions and reduced fuel economy. In the case of the new Golf 7, Volkswagen say they have managed to save up to 100 kg on selected models by shaving significant weight from a number of components.

Some of the major savings include the use of aluminium components in the body and chassis to save 26 and 38 kg respectively. A further 12 kg savings has been made through lighter equipment features, while the electrical system is a further 3 kg lighter than before. Overall, VW claim the entry-level Golf 7 will weigh just 1 050 kg, which is remarkable when you consider the current Polo 1.4 Trendline weighs 1 049 kg. The resulting saving in fuel consumption across the range has been reduced by 13.9 percent, with some models being as much as 23 percent more fuel efficient.

As mentioned, no engine choices have been confirmed at this stage, but likely candidates include a new 1.4-litre, direct-inject, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine with cylinder deactivation; as has been made popular in larger capacity engines like that of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG‘s 6.2-litre V8. A larger, new, 2.0-litre turbo’d petrol and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel are also expected, although there’s no news on whether they’ll feature fuel-saving cylinder deactivation too. Expect the company’s 7-speed DSG transmission to be available across the range, save for the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated model.

Finally, the Golf 7′s standard specification or the list of available options is also unconfirmed, but expect improvements in many areas, such as the automated parking system, Dynamic Chassis Control and in-car entertainment; including a larger and improved touch screen interface for example.

Thankfully September isn’t far off, when we’ll see an end to the speculation with full details and a gallery of images to showcase Volkswagen volume leader. At this stage, the new Golf 7 is expected to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013.

The Golf is stretching its appeal! Sources have revealed VW is considering a coupé variant, badged the Golf CC, to join the new Mk VII line-up. The illustrations show how the premium model will look. Similar to the larger Passat CC, the Golf would provide a downsized alternative to a rash of four-door coupés, which include Audi’s A5 Sportback, forthcoming A7 and Mercedes’ CLS.

Despite its saloon-like styling, the Golf CC will have a hatchback and folding rear seats to maximise practicality. The interior will feature more premium materials, too, distancing it from the cheaper hatchback version. Whereas the Mk VII hatch has been slated for a 2012 debut, the Golf CC won’t make it to showrooms until two years later.

Adapted from AutoExpress

The Volkswagen Golf 6 has been in showrooms for less than a year, but already we have the best images yet of how its successor is shaping up. Information on this radical new hatchback, slated for a 2012 debut, has come from the most unlikely source – VW itself!

A promotional video for VW’s recently revealed L1 concept, accidently revealed a groupe of designers hard at work on a clay styling model of the next-generation Golf 7 in the background. You can see a freeze-frame from that video below.

It might be a bit blurry, but the photo proves that work is well underway on the new Golf 7, suggesting a particularly short lifecycle for the current Golf 6.

As with the transition from Golf 5 to Golf 6, styling changes will be subtle and evolutionary – in keeping with the firm’s existing design language. Changes include a sharper snout and more steeply raked windscreen, as well as narrower headlights and more pronounced wheel arches.

VW is staying tight-lipped about the leaked image, but the scene has been promptly erased from the official video.

Adapted from AutoExpress