Details on 2014 VW Golf

After moer than three decades and 29 million Golfs on the road, Volkswagen this week offered a peek at the seventh-generation, 2014 Volkswagen Golf.

The new Golf promises more space and more advanced technologies in a lighter package than its predecessor, with a 23% increase in efficiency. It also features a stronger body structure and a bunch of passive and active safety sytems.

The 2014 model is longer and wider than the outgoing model, and features further-ahead front wheel placement that helps create more interior space. Front and rear legroom is improved, as is elbow room and cargo room. Drag coefficient is improved by 10%.

The centre console is now angled more toward the driver for better ergonomics and direct access to a new generation of touchscreen infotainment display. Standard on all new golfs is a multi-collision brake system that automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to minimize the chances of a second impact, which German research has shown plays a part in one-quarter of all accidents involving personal injury. A precrash system that debuted on the Touareg is also standard; it pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof to just a small gap for best-possible airbag protection.

Other available safety systems include adaptive cruise, Front Assist, City Emergency Braking, Dynamic Light Assist, and a driver alert system.

For the first time, the upcoming model features driver profile selection, allowing drivers to choose from Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual models; a fifth option, Comfort, is available on DSG models. The selections alter throttle mapping and engine management to the chosen style.