The development approach sought to economise on every gram of CO2. With this in mind, it was planned that while the overall weight of the new Golf should be reduced, crash safety had to be kept at the same high level or, even better, increased. Which is just what happened: Volkswagen lowered the weight of the Golf Mk7 by up to 100 kg, and in this process reversed the weight spiral. Meanwhile, safety remained at a peak level.

Depending on the engine, it was possible to cut consumption by up to 23% compared with the vehicle’s predecessor. Moreover, the assistance systems on offer were a triumph, as ever: the multi-collision brake and Front Assist area monitoring system including City Emergency Brake were examples of some of the new technology on board. The design was clearer and more precise than ever. Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen Chief Designer then and now, remarked of the design: “The style is logical, solid, product-oriented, pure, and precise. It reflects the brand’s design DNA as a pure doctrine in form”.

Volkswagen then presented the derivatives of the product line in quick succession, releasing four versions in 2013 alone: the Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf R and Golf Variant. Electrification of the product line followed in 2014, with the Golf GTE and e-Golf. One of the sporty highlights in 2019 was the debut of the Golf GTI TCR with 213 kW / 290 PS, based on the 257 kW / 350 PS Golf GTI in the TCR race series. The diversity, technology and look of the Golf Mk7 really struck a chord: today, it is one of the three best-selling generations of this product line.